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     Since ancient times has been heard in Japan the expression gedatsu, the Japanese word used to convey the concept of moksha, but the merits of this concept cannot be judged in simple terms. What the general public thinks of gedatsu is a state in which the individual has overcome confusion, and in which enlightenment has been attained, attachments have been removed, the self is able to be resigned to any problem or trouble, and so forth. Gedatsu, or moksha, is a concept that has come to us from Buddhism, but somehow it has an escapist, reclusive sound, and is probably peculiar to Far Eastern thought.
     From a practical standpoint, however, to attain too much enlightenment ordinarily dampens energy and vitality. Of course, aspects such as the competitive urge disappear, and even the nation or a people, as the example of India well illustrates, reaches a phase of decline. Thus it can be perceived that the energy to live develops, grows, and continues as human beings struggle through their confusion. Having said that, however, too much confusion is also dangerous. Likewise, with resignation, vital energy is likely to diminish. But, then again, without resignation, matters such as male-female relations can result in tragedy. Therefore, too much gedatsu or emancipation is unwelcome. In the end, all of society becomes ludicrous, its constituents isolated, and its members, living corpses.
     Considering all the aspects I have enumerated above, going to any extreme will not do. In short, one has to know moderation. It is the reality that this world is difficult as well as interesting, distressful as well as pleasing. The saying “pain and pleasure are one” expresses the condition of human beings as it is, but to state this and only this does not serve to resolve the issue, so allow me to present a conclusion here.
     Human beings should resign themselves to circumstances when it is the time to do so. They should strive to not resign themselves when it is better not to do so. As decisions are likely to be forced amidst confusion, when decisions appear impossible to make, that means the right time to decide has not come, and it is sufficient to wait for the proper time. Essentially, the best outcome should be sought in proportion to time, place, and occasion, and according to circumstances. But, to get the best results, intelligence is required. Intelligence is wisdom that gives forth to proper judgment and discernment, which obtains the more the clouds around the soul are removed. Therefore, fundamental is the removing the clouds on the soul, and what this means is love and sincerity. Love and sincerity are born of faith. The individual who is able to understand and put into practice this principle is one who should be said to have attained spiritual awakening.

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“Gedatsu” was originally published in Chijōtengoku, Issue 20, page 10, January 25, 1951, and later, while Meishu-sama still alive, reprinted two times: first, in the teachings anthology Goshinsho: Shūkyō-hen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), March 25, 1954, page 56, and next, in the only Sekai Meshiya Kyō teachings anthology published for the general public, Tengoku no Fukuinsho (Gospels of Heaven), August 25, 1954, page 22. “Gedatsu” has previously appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference.

“Deliverance,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 366.

“Deliverance,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume 3, 2005 page 28.

“A Healthy Balance Requires Faith,” Reaching for Faith, 2010, page 41.

“To Be Delivered,” Meishu and His Teachings, n.d., page 76.