Great Construction

Evil in the World

     Presently, all nations experience anguish in one way or another whether by that such as the unease due to conflict and disease, problems in ideology, or economic difficulties, as is well known. Here, let me begin by discussing each of these in the context of Japan. Among these afflictions, I will start with the biggest, economic difficulties. I am not saying anything new when I state that economic impasses are problems for the government as well as for the general public, and the cause of economic impasse is something that most do not perceive. That cause is, of course, the influence from evil.
     First, let me address the operations of the government. These are severely harmed by the evil notions of officials. How would it be if all you officials tried to avoid evil as much as possible? If you considered the taxes paid in the blood and sweat of the people, you would not think of incurring profligate expenditures and would abstain from the wasteful use of working hours, so efficiency would improve greatly, with half the present number of government officials most likely to be sufficient. Furthermore, as matters and affairs would be handled with sincerity, all would go well, and the population would be more than content. As at the present time, people would not fear government officials and the trend for officials to look down upon the people would probably disappear, resulting naturally in officials who are approachable and respected.
     Moreover, such shady aspects as banquets at expensive restaurants would disappear, so corruption would not arise, and affairs could be entrusted to officials without anxiety. There would be no need for inspectors and supervisors, and court proceedings would not arise, so the benefit to the national econmy is probably beyond imagination. On the individual level as well, since there are no things such as extravagant drinking parties and other such meaningless unwholesomeness, health would naturally increase, life in general would become more abundant, and home life, more harmonious. In addition, because behind-the-scenes activities that are inevitably associated with government operations would disappear, everything becoming moderately priced, and profits would exceed expectations. If even what I have offhandedly listed above were to be realized, the national government budget would become one half of what it is now, there would a surplus, so tax reduction would follow, and the joy of the nation would be beyond knowing.
     The same goes for commercial enterprises. What would happen if all employees were able to shake off evil habits? As all work would be done with the sincerest of intentions, there would be no expenses for external items such as commissions, expenditures for parties, and so-called necessary expenses, so haggling and padding would become rare, transactions would proceed harmoniously without taking an inordinate amount of time, and business would be handled pleasantly. At the same time, as production would grow, costs would decrease, so sales would probably increase greatly and exports would become unequaled. But the most joyful result would be that the friction between capital and labor as we see it today would disappear. All would pleasantly undertake production with calmness, harmony, and cooperation, efficiency would improve marvelously, as a result of which revenue would greatly increase, and worries about daily life would probably dissipate. When society comes to be in such a state, accountants and account books will not be needed, and troublesome things like double and triple books will become unnecessary. There will be no need for daily unpleasant negotiations with five or six tax officials, and since business can be completed in two or three hours by one or two persons, the benefit to both sides will most likely be great.
     For these reasons, efficiency in all areas will improve, so working hours less than half of the present will suffice, but also, since profits will increase, recreational facilities can be plentifully established, and life will be incomparably more enjoyable than it is now. In addition, unpleasantness such as executives, managers, and employees merely pretending to obey instructions will disappear, and businesses will become agreeable and cheerful. The prosperity of enterprise is assured.
     Turning our gaze, politics is also a place where evil is skillfully carried out, as anyone knows. Probably quite rare and forlorn is the government or party official who is centered on the needs of the nation or the people. Indeed, it is not as if officials were not thinking of national or public welfare, but selfishness is deep-rooted, and the facts well demonstrate that in all things is to be found personal and partisan self-interest. When the opposition party puts forward an opinion, contrary stances are taken. Interest is centered only in opposing and the unsightliness is beyond the pale. Such has become the normal way of conducting matters and affairs. In addition, the heckling, the violent language, and the uproar used toward opposing parties on the floor of the national Diet is disgraceful. The shamelessness comes to physical blows and the violence appears only like quarreling among ruffians.
     A general election has been set for a month from now. I will touch on this a little. Until now, most of the Diet members have not been chosen by fair elections, but mainly with money and through favoritism, so quite the opposite from what I previously described, there are many cliquish elites. Thus, in a Japan that has become democratic, it would be hoped that decent individuals be elected. However, for this election have been calls for fairness, and the general public has become aware of the problem, so I do believe the coming election should be much better than before.
     Leaving politics at this extent, next I would like to examine society in general. As all are aware, the present situation is that there is no place that is not evil. Peeking into any household, the norm is to see conflict between and among husbands, wives, parents, children, or wrangling among colleagues. The reality is that there are indeed few households which are harmonious. In other areas, we often hear of discord among relatives and acquaintances and legal disputes, but the recent rise of bloodshed among consanguineous relations has passed the level of being pitiful and is rather terrifying. Other matters we see daily in the newspapers are of crimes such as thievery, pilfering, larceny, scams, embezzlement, shoplifting, pickpocketing, and blackmail. These are just the crimes that come to mind as I write, so when we speak of the evil in the world, it is probably a muddy swamp without a bottom. In other words, society today is without a doubt, as Shakyamuni taught, a corrupt world of suffering. What gives birth to this suffering is in all cases evil, so it is no exaggeration to state that our present age is a society full of the victims of evil. There is more likely not one in ten thousand persons who can live even one day without anxiety.
     Of all that human beings have to be anxious about, the greatest is sickness, disease. No matter how frightening a thief may be, theft can be prevented by keeping doors and windows tightly locked. As for poverty, that should be resolved if one can work in good health. In getting along in life, as long as one is careful and judicious, any sort of legal proceedings should not be a worry. At the stage the world is at now, only sickness and conflict are impossible to prevent. However, as this subject is investigated, since these two calamities are generated from evil, and in the end, as long as all calamity has its cause in evil, it is rather obvious that there is nothing other than religion that can remove evil. We have no way of knowing whether or not those who are intellectuals of the world comprehend this point. What is to be done?

Eikō, Issue 174, September 27, 1952
translated by cynndd

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“Aku no Yo no Naka,” which was originally published in Eikō, Issue 174, September 27, 1952, has appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference. After Meishu-sama died, “Aku no Yo no Naka” was included in the anthology for ministers, Sekai Meshiya Kyō Seiten, Geijutsu-hen, Shakai-hen (Sacred Writings of the Church of World Messianity, Volume on Art and Society), September 1, 1955, page 236. 

“The World of Evil,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 181