Great Construction

Superstition and Non-Superstition


     As the title suggests, there is a very important point about superstition and non-superstition that I have wanted to make, so I will write about it here. What I would like to say is that for a long while now I have been applying the sharp scapel of critique to contemporary medical science and to agriculture. The gist of these critiques is that medical science creates disease, worsens diseased conditions, and in some cases may even threaten human life. And, that in modern agriculture, the power of the soil is weakened through the use of fertilizers which are the cause of such injurious effects as insect pests, insufficient strength in plants, and poor harvests. These two critiques I have labeled the two great superstitions, and I have diligently labored to promote knowledge of and to enlighten all about the dangers of these superstitions. These critiques have not only been ignored, scholars, researchers, and others, led by the present government and other organizations, have to ever-increasing degrees promoted and encouraged these two great superstitions. Furthermore, these superstitions affect not only Japan, but today as these great superstitions have become common cultural doctrine throughout the world, to encourage an understanding of the dangers of these superstitions is the most difficult of tasks.
     In these conditions, what I advocate, even when I speak within the bounds of contemporary common knowledge, is such a leap forward that it is very difficult for others to understand. In any case, the issues involved are so important on the national level that each year enormous sums are disbursed from the national treasury, many universities and technical schools are founded, and students are educated in these superstitions. At the same time, nations throughout the world throw themselves into the struggle so as to keep up and not be left behind on the level of culture by thoroughly planning for large-scale institutes and research facilities. Sounding the alarm that these two specializations are fundamentally superstition and that they have harmful effect, I have also proved these assertions with facts so those involved have no premise on which to oppose. Even so, at present, based on the current situation, circumstances probably do not permit my claims to be studied immediately.
     In terms easy to understand, in much the same way as the Christian padres found upon arrival in Japan in the sixteenth century, not perceived is the low level of culture today, and existing material science is taken to be unique and superior, above all else. Thus, although it may be a peculiar way to express it, I keenly feel that I must declare material science to be feudalistic and old-fashioned, and that it be blown away in the winds of a second cultural enlightenment. Since ancient days, whether in the East or in the West, it can certainly be said that when new discoveries, particularly in the rise of such like new religions, surpass the level of the times, it is a stereotype that these revolutions in culture will at least once undergo the baptism of misunderstanding by the intellectuals of the day. It would be fair to say that this is the trial of all pioneers. For this reason, I had expected obstacles, but I do believe it regretful that because of these impediments, salvation has been delayed. Thus, what I would like readers to consider is that if what I teach is heretical and superstitious, my activities would be traitorous to present civilization, and firm suppression and obliteration should occur. Not only are such actions impossible, rather there does exist the possibility that what I teach will boomerang and have the opposite effect from what is desired by those who ignore us. Just to observe how the number of the followers of what I teach increase day by day and month by month is the greatest unshakable proof.
     I imagine that those in authority concerned about such issues cannot easily believe what I teach because it is so extraordinary, but on the theoretical level, there is no room for doubt. Verification of the facts is not so difficult, so doubters fall into varieties of dilemmas, and they probably cannot avoid watchful waiting. If that is the case, I can only think that this very attitude is the ultimate of irresponsibility, an acquiescent type of makeshift thinking. In any case, in these days of intense international competition, there is no other task greater than this super cultural salvation for humanity, so my views should be offered to the world as the pride of Japan. As my teachings would be effective in the greatest way for breaking through the impasses that Japan now faces, our work should be taken up and studied as soon as possible. If, as a result, any kind of error is found in what I teach, I will submit to any form of suppression, but if found to be truth and of benefit to a certain extent to the international community, it is only right my views should be promoted quickly. At the same time, there is no doubt that the fallacies of our existing civilization must be identified, so all that has to be done is the correction of the fallacies of civilization. But the authorities and those concerned are the epitome of irresponsibility, and look upon our work as just another new religion, so whether or not they do not confront us face-to-face is because they are purposely lazy, still it boggles the imagination. Therefore, as I always teach, all should start with an open mind and viewpoint and quickly decide whether our work is right or wrong, superstition or non-superstition. This action is fundamental. The reason I make this statement is for no other reason than that recently an American journalist has come to visit me, seeking to hear what I have to teach, and it is a fact that the number of persons who want to study my work is gradually increasing. If this tendency continues as it has so far, it can be expected that my views will become a topic of some significance among the American intelligentsia. When that time comes, if the intelligentsia of Japan, the center of this topic, has afflicted itself in a daze of complacency, it will be a national disgrace, so I am warning all here and now.
     Such an outcome is not a guess. According to information I have received from a certain person, at present a rather influential American journalist has for several years lived in Japan in order to fulfill an important task, and recently to officials related to foreign affairs in Japan and to various other influential journalists has recommended my work to be worthy as a great contribution to the construction of world peace. I am utterly amazed that an attitude has been taken of showing no interest at all. So, as can thus be understood from the above, that my work is slowly gaining attention among the American people is a joy that knows no limit. 

Eikô, Issue 258, May 26, 1954
    translated by cynndd