Great Construction

Spiritual Possession in Religions

     When New Religions are referred to nowadays, most people generally think of something involving spiritual possession, and such is not unreasonable. That is because religions that deviate from the normal such as Jikōson and the Dancing Religion are conspicuous, and organs of public opinion are very quick to take up the topic as an item of interest. Even though growth may not be so expansive, still these religions are dissected in detail. On the other hand, it is a fact that in spite of the phenomenon that serious religions who are within the bounds of common sense may show relatively greater growth, because they are rather unknown among the general population, the smaller-sized religions of spiritual possession overshadow the larger, more serious religions.
     It is for these reasons that religions such as our churches are rather unknown. That is, of course, because we do not overtly advertise or use aggressive sales tactics. But then, because the tax problem suddenly occurred, we were brought out into the spotlight, and newspapers, the radio, and journals all made much of the issue, so thus there is now not one person in Japan who does not know about us. But, as long as we maintain our belief that all is in accord with God’s will, we understand that when the time comes, the situation will change positively, so at present we continue our religious activities in accordance with God.
     However, unlike the founders of other sects and denominations that have so far come to our attention, Master Jikan eschews spiritual possession and strange behavior. This is well understood by us as he constantly instructs to let common sense and wisdom be God. In another way, the following can be said.
     What is titled God could also be called a perfect human being. Thus, with sufficient effort, the human being can become a divine being. Therefore, the way a religion should be is to provide for a life where the individual can slowly but surely strive to approach the attainment of a perfect character, become a perfect human being. To explain the perfect human being, if truth, that is, God’s will is the bones, human life is the meat, the flesh. In other words, any kind of injustice or temptation, along with a firm mental and emotional state should be kept within, and in a heavenly condition, be maintained deeds and speech that do not adhere to any particular ism; that respond flexibly in any time, place, or occasion, and are able to turn and adjust in all ways. One should respect regulations; dislike laziness; love others, associate with all pleasantly as is the weather of spring and fall; in all things, avoid extremes; work to give a good feeling to those around; make kindness and modesty your principles; pray for the well-being of those beside yourself; maintain a conviction to strive for fellow human beings; and leave matters in God’s hands.
     Perfection may not be attainable but it is the effort, one step at a time, to approach the ideal that is the most noble and honorable possession of a human being. Such a person should be called a most valuable human being, the possessor of true well-being. Of course, the formation of such an individual is also the essence of faith, and a collection of such individuals is nothing other than paradise on earth.
     The above are precepts continually enunciated by Master Jikan.

Hikari, extra edition, page 1, May 30, 1949

translated by cynndd

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“Kamigakari Shūkyō,” which appeared on the first page of the only extra edition of the newspaper ever published has, as far as is known, never been anthologized or published in translation.