Great Construction
Paradise Is a World of Beauty
Followers of World Messianity well know that the purpose of God is to create an ideal world wherein truth, virtue and beauty dominate. And the purpose of Dark Forces is, needless to say, to foster vice, falsehood and ugliness. “Falsehood” and “vice” are easily understood, but “ugliness” may need a little explaining.
One mistake has been currently passing through the world, that is, people have been apt to accept ugliness when it goes hand in hand with truth and virtue. Indeed, there have bee noble persons who have practised virtue for people and society, being content with coarse clothing, simple foods, humble dwellings, thus leading a life of utter simplicity. Should they be forced by circumstances to live thus, it can not be helped, but if not and they still like to lead such a plain life, it is not good.
Many religionists have led ascetic lives, as a form of self-discipline. Such way of life has been deemed respectable by themselves and also by people in general. This way of thinking is, however, erroneous. The important element, beauty, is neglected and so, such a life is dominated by truth, virtue and ‘ugliness’. In such a sense, man’s food, clothing and habitation should be as attractive and comfortable as possible as far as his means will permit. God approves such a way of living. Beauty which not only satisfies oneself but gives pleasure to others may be looked upon as a kind of virtue.
The higher the civilization of society, the more conscious it becomes of true beauty. For example, there is scarcely a trace of beauty in the lives of barbarians. So we can say that progress through culture means at the same time progress through appreciation of beauty. As to individuals, men, too, should try to attain enough beauty to give pleasure to others. It goes without saying that women should try to become as beautiful as possible. As for the home, beauty and orderliness should herein be stressed together with cleanliness. Not only the families living in such homes, but also guests will feel more comfortable. Especially the latter will involuntarily feel respect toward the master of the home.
The exterior of a house, if it is kept clean and in good repair, will give a sense of pleasure to passers-by. I believe that Switzerland gives great pleasure to foreigners as her cities and parks are so lovely and immaculately clean. The very reason that visitors to that country are so well impressed, should be an object lesson in itself.
We should cultivate a more aesthetic sense of values. As a result, not only individuals, but also the country as a whole will unexpectedly benefit by it. Besides, beautiful environments make for better social morals, and place man’s mind on a higher plane, and this in turn helps to reduce crime and evil in society. Such phenomena will contribute much toward the realization of the Earthly Paradise.
As for myself, I have liked everything remotely connected with beauty, and even whilst suffering from poverty. I used to make a small flower bed in my garden, paint pictures, try to visit museums and art exhibitions as often as possible, enjoy the natural beauty of Spring and Autumn. Now I have become worthy enough through God’s blessing to enjoy beauty at will, and this in turn contributes to the Divine Program. Those who are ignorant of this may criticize my life as being extravagant, but this can not be helped. Compared with the founders of religions since olden days who spread their teachings while leading humble and penitent lives, my mode of living may seem to be singular. Religionists used to spread their teachings while they themselves lived in miserable conditions, because those were the days of the Nocturnal Age in human history.
However, now we are in the transitional period when the Daylight Age is dawning upon the world, in which God’s final plan will be fulfilled. It should be realized by now that any idea which aims at an ideal and neglects beauty is wanting.
The Glory, Number 025, page 2, December 10, 1959