Great Construction

On Asceticism

     Since olden times, an ascetic way of life has generally been regarded as a “must” in being a respectable religionist. An ascetic way of life, was believed to be the best way to awaken oneself to truth and improve oneself spiritually. However, I can not agree with this way of thinking.
     I believe that all creation exists for the sake of man. One should deliberate on the reason for flowers in spring, autumnal tints, the singing of birds, the chirping of insects, the scenic beauty of mountains and rivers, the elegant atmosphere of a moon-lit night, etc. I believe that all these have been created by God for man’s diversion and benefit. Further, man has himself been given the sense, above beasts, to enjoy the arts of song, dance, literary works, etc. for his delight.
     In addition, all forms, of building, gardens, even clothes, are now made not only for the purpose of man’s existence, but they all contain some elements for man’s diversion.
     Food becomes truly nutritious and the sustainer of life only when one enjoys it. Should foods, houses, and clothing exist only to enable man to live by, they need not be so fully of variety and beauty, and taste.
     Thus God has endowed man with the sense to enjoy all things, artificial as well as natural. Therefore, man should enjoy them. To refuse to do so and try to attempt to satisfy oneself only with the necessary things to live on, may be said to be an erroneous mental attitude, and contrary to God’s intention.
     That which has been most lacking in some privileged classes up to date may be altruism. Generally speaking, the rich have been rather inclined to try to seek pleasure only for themselves and for their families, being utterly indifferent to the pleasure of others and incidentally of society, to the exclusion of love of mankind. This form of living may be said to enjoy the exclusive possession of God’s favors. In answer to God’s love, the favored ones should share the pleasure of their possessions with those less favored.
     Now, the saints of olden times led an extremely ascetic life, with the plainest of foods and clothing. I think this too may be said to be a life contrary to God’s intention. It is a great pity that people as a whole are oblivious to the above truth, and tend to deem religionists as not pious enough unless they lead such an ascetic way of life.
     In the above sense, an earthly paradise means a world in which human life has been much improved as a whole, and the artistic pleasures have attained the highest level.
     A word on truth, virtue and beauty. Roughly speaking, truth means the absence of falsity. Virtue means the right practice of man. And beauty means the whole. An ascetic way of life may be said to be full of virtue, but it not only lacks truth and beauty but, should all of the people lead such a life, it must hinder the development of man’s culture.

Teachings of Meishu and Kyoshu, page 27, no date [1959?]

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