MUSASHI AND ZEN
Question: It is said that Miyamoto Musashi achieved a “unity of sword and zen,” and that he did not have to kill an opponent or protect himself, that he had freedom from all ideas with perfect serenity. Are there such effects? Meishu-Sama: Yes, there are, but they differ from “freedom from all ideas with perfect […]
Read moreTAKUAN SOHO
Takuan Sōhō was born into a family of farmers in the town of Izushi, in Tajima Province (present-day Hyōgo Prefecture). At the age of 8 in 1581, Takuan began his religious studies; two years later he entered a Buddhist monastery of the Pure Land Sect. By the age of 14 in 1587, he started studying […]
Read moreWAKA POETRY
This reminiscence is of one of the events that occurred while Meisu-sama was receiving his own revelations through divine possession. At that time, Oomoto published a journal titled God’s Nation (Kami no Kuni) and the opening pages of each issue carried waka poems composed by its spiritual leader, Onisaburo Deguchi. Directly following the period that […]
Read moreMY NAMES
Mr. Yumiji Hongo has written on the psychological aspects of the word “disciple” which I occasionally use regarding members. I found this essay rather interesting, so I would like to add a few words. At present, my activities are directed mainly by the Tathagata of Divine Light, which is on the same level as the […]
Read moreDISCIPLESHIP
Meishu-sama constantly speaks of his “disciples.” At meetings or on other occasions, we frequently hear this reference, but exactly who is Meishu-sama referring to at these times? One could be justified in saying that on these occasions, Meishu-sama is referring to those who have received the sacred focal point that was written directly by him […]
Read moreTHE COMMON COLD
The following four sections are devoted to a discussion of specific illnesses. My underlying theme is medical science and the harm it does by its purely physical approach to the human body and its emphasis on material therapy. Let us take the common cold first, something almost everyone experiences at some time or other. Still […]
Read moreWHAT IS DISEASE?
As we begin to talk about disease, the first question is, what is disease? Very simply, it is a process of eliminating impurities that should not be in the physical body. Without impurities, blood circulation would be vigorous and one would enjoy-full, robust- health and be able to live an active life thr9ughout the year. […]
Read moreANATOMY OF MEDICINE
Having outlined the great misconceptions of medical science, now I want to examine more carefully this field of endeavor in more practical detail. If we analyze medicine in terms of its own goal–healing–what do we see? My answer is critical, but not for-criticism’s sake. I simply want to point out exactly where it has failed. […]
Read moreTHE EIGHT GREAT DRAGON KINGS
Question: About the eight great kings,1 1) especially the affinity of the dragon deities that were confined to the seas around Japan; 2) their present activities; and 3) the meaning of your poem, “Yatariotome / Became one divine spirit / And descended / To this earth plane / As the deity Izunome.” (Yatariotome tada hitokashira […]
Read moreTHOUSAND-ARMED KANNON AND PRINCESS OTOHIME
Question: I would like to ask about the relationship between the Thousand-Armed Kannon and Princess Otohime and about their relationship to our physical world.
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