Great Construction

Opening Remarks (Chijôtengoku 2)

     As we greet the new year and send out to the world the much-awaited second issue, that the new year should truly be called a year of great growth, we keenly feel serious obligation to think of all those who have had their lives saved through the virtue of Kannon, those who have been liberated from poverty, and those who have received limitless benefit from having barren land transformed into abundant arable paddies and fields. Followers throughout the nation who yearn for spiritual virtue and seek to acquire good fortune, follow the one path that grows with and without form. Followers thus joined together amount to over tens of thousands, and with these followers, our company both indirectly and directly, is accomplishing the great task of the salvation of humanity, together with realizing the desire of the Japan Kannon Church to bring about the birth of paradise on earth. As this journal matures, content of interest and amusement will increase, and plans are being advanced to have many and varied articles that will contribute to a base for educational cultivation.
     Although this journal is still in early days, it is a fact that several thousands of letters of appreciation have been received from followers that will be of value to new readers so from this issue are included a number of these letters of appreciation along with accounts of actual examples relating to spiritual virtue.
     In his new year’s address to the Japanese people, General McArthur stated that the Japanese people are living amongst many of its neighboring nations in great peace and tranquility. Indeed, the Japanese archipelago is enveloped in a settled calm, and this atmosphere of peace is said to be due to the fact that excellent individuals of our nation are qualified for such joy of peace. Through Johrei, should not we try to respond even more so to the general’s kind and warm-hearted words by setting an example of a peaceful, healthy nation, and also as pioneers in the construction of an ideal world?

 Chijôtengoku, Issue 2, page 3, March 1, 1949
translated by cynndd