Great Construction

Does Freedom Exist in Religion?

     The view of religion held by most members of the general public is that religions tend to restrict freedom. There appear to be quite a few persons who stay clear of religion fearing restriction and oppression. This way of thinking, however, is a great mistake, and the basis for the erroneous viewpoint comes from among existing religions, from those narrow-minded, shojo-type faiths which are based on the premise that the soul can be polished and a way toward enlightenment is be had through the practice of ascetics, austerities and extreme abstinence, so it seems to us as if practitioners had fallen into a sort of religious hell. Why certain religions have come to be this way occurs because the gods or buddhas who are worshipped in these faiths lack power. What should occur is that through the light of that which is revered, worshippers should attain satori without suffering to an extreme degree and thus obtain a state of peace and ease. What this difference means is that shojo faiths rely on self-power and daijo faiths, other power. The shojo path arose from the Brahmin sects of India.
     The above should help to show that there is no freedom in shojo faiths, and that in daijo faiths there is a freedom of flexibility. Having said this, though, this freedom is not simply unrestrained license. Unless wisdom is exercised, there is the danger that only selfishness will result. True freedom is when the freedom of others is respected, so there is a self-imposed limit, what might be called a freedom within a certain framework, and it is this freedom that is the true freedom. This is because if even the slightest obstacle is imposed on others, compunction is caused and unpleasantness results, and as such, magnanimous dispositions are impossible. In whatever instance or occasion, you yourself become cheerful and pleasant as you help others to become cheerful and pleasant. That such is true freedom ought to be realized. 

Kyûsei, Issue 48, February 4, 1950
translated by cynndd

　　　　　　　　＊　　　　　　　　　　　　　＊　　　　　　　　　　　　　＊


“Shûkyô ni Jiyû wa Aru ka” has previously appeared in translation. The title and source of the translation is cited below for reference.

“Freedom in Religion,” Fragments from the Teachings of Meishu-sama, 1965, page 69