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     Since antiquity leading a life of abstinence has been thought to be the only way to be a truly religious person, in other words, abstinence was the way to become aware of truth and polish the soul. I am the opposite. Here, I explain my position simply.
     To begin, everything in creation exists for the benefit of human beings. Look! The question of why that such as the spring flowers, autumn colors, the trumpeting of swans, the chirping and buzzing of insects, the picturesque scenery of landscapes, the elegance of moonlight, and hot springs exist should be considered. Surely God created these pleasures for the enjoyment of human beings. Also, the beauty of the singing human voice, dance, literature, and arts provide pleasure to both the individuals who create it and to those who enjoy it. And, not only entertainment. All that of ordinary human daily life, from delicious foods, architecture, gardens, and clothing are not only necessary, they also include elements that are to be enjoyed. Through our enjoyment of what we drink and eat we also obtain nutrition and our lives are maintained. If necessity were the only requirement for dwellings and clothing, our lives would be dreary indeed. Of course, creating children is a goal not only for necessity.
     Because that in nature and that created by human beings all have a function to be enjoyed which is bestowed upon human beings by God as described above, human beings make use of these pleasurable elements. Asceticism, which denies these pleasures and is satisfied only with that which is necessary for survival, is contrary to the profound blessings of God. Then again, when another aspect is viewed, those in the privileged levels of society until today have lacked in altruistic concepts and have concentrated on their own pleasures or the happiness of those in their own circles without any concern for others or society. The concept of sharing God’s blessings with the populace was hardly manifested which resulted from monopolizing God’s blessings. In this sense, I have made accessible to the public gorgeous gardens and art objects so that God’s providence can be shared with the general population. Furthermore, the lives of abstinence traditionally led by saints of extremely coarse essentials and the act of esteeming someone who has lived for fifty years in paper clothing are rebellion against God’s blessings. It is regrettable that there is a tendency for the peoples of the world who do not perceive this defiance to look highly upon those of religion who live ascetic lives. As I just explained, I am opposed to abstinence and so live life as any ordinary individual which I think is in line with God’s will. Consequently, paradise on earth is a world that has developed greatly to where the life of every human being has been improved and all can enjoy wholesome pursuits such as the arts, and so forth.
     One of our mottos is “truth, virtue, beauty” which of course means without any falsehood, right and correct action and deeds, and that which encompasses the beautiful, so although a life of abstinence may be virtuous, not only is there no truth nor beauty, rather I do believe that abstinence obstructs the progress of civilization. Indian society, as a result of inclining toward the spiritual life, deserves consideration as its culture has lagged behind, and today the nation’s fate has stagnated.

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“Kin’yoku” originally appeared as the fifteenth chapter of the volume Shinkō Zatsuwa (Essays on Faith) which was published a month before the official establishment of the Nihon Kannon Kyōdan (Japan Kannon Church). While Meishu-sama was still alive, “Kin’yoku” was reprinted in the essays anthology for ordinary believers and members of the general public Tengoku no Fukuin Sho (Gospels of Heaven), page 20, August 25, 1954. “Kin’yoku” has appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference.

“On Asceticism,” The Glory, Number 016, April 15, 1957, page 2.

“On Asceticism,” Teachings of Meishu and Kyoshu, no date (1959?), page 27.

“Self-Denial,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 371.

“The Proper Use of God’s Blessings,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Four, 2007, page 1.