E24085

      When each aspect of society is meticulously studied, it is a fact that there are just too many failures. As a result of having failed, those who fail suffer while they resign themselves with excuses such as wrong methods or bad luck, and that would be it, but actually, resignation is not all there is to failure. One person’s failure may mean the loss of livelihood, but it could also lead to a whole family becoming homeless, or it can cause inconvenience to and trouble for relatives and friends, so failure constitutes one kind of social ill. What started out probably with no evil intent became evil as a result, so failure is an issue that does deserve attention.
     When looking at this matter, there is a need to deeply investigate the causes as to why people fail. The result of this study is that the causes can be found in a place unexpected by most. The path of those who fail is that at the start, when it is thought that a plan has been sufficiently formed; preparations thoroughly made; and action, initiated, not only does the project fail to proceed as anticipated, unexpected obstacles and hindrances arise, so those involved in the project do not know what to do and the future path is not clear. Let me explain about the cause for such failure.
     In short, the cause is ignoring the element of time. In all human matters and affairs nothing is as absolute as time. For example, all flowers, fruit, or any agricultural product all have their proper time. If it is not the time for something, no matter how favorable the conditions, good results cannot be expected. When the flower bulbs are planted in autumn, flowers will bloom in spring. Or else, when seeds are sown, stems will grow, and from summer and autumn, beautiful flowers will bloom. The time when citrus fruit matures is always the same. Before fruit ripens, even if picked, it cannot be eaten. It is the very time when it has ripened and then picked that it is most delicious. For whatever agricultural product, there is an appropriate time to do that such as sow seeds and transplant seedlings. Of course, the soil, terrain, and climate must also be suitable.
     Thus, nature teaches human beings the importance of time. The very state of nature as it is is truth itself, so in whatever deed or project in which human beings may be involved, they should take nature as their model. Learning from this model is the most important condition for success. In this sense, the divine spiritual healing and natural cultivation that I teach and the other projects that I am involved with all take as their bases being in accord with nature. There are hardly any mistakes and the expected results obtain. Therefore, when I plan anything, I do not rush, I sufficiently scrutinize all angles from varied aspects. Deliberation is conducted on top of deliberation, and when every point has been determined to be correct, of benefit to society and humanity, and the fact that it will be eternal is confirmed, preparations are made, and then the proper time is awaited. Most people, however, cannot stand to wait for that time, and start before the time has ripened, so differences arise between plans and the time, and the project does not proceed as expected. Those involved became impatient and hasty, and the gaps between plans and time increase until finally the project results in failure. The essential point is to be patient during the period when one has to wait for the appropriate time. There is an appropriate time for everything. Since antiquity, there have been Japanese proverbs such as “If you wait, there will be good weather for the voyage,” or “Go to sleep and wait for good fortune” or “Set your goal and carry it out” [all equivalents of “Everything comes to those who wait”], and they are all very apt.
     As regards my way of doing things described above, previously there was a time when I had people who were annoyingly slow in carrying out my instructions. Also, there have been those who have made suggestions and plans, and after I made a promise to adopt those ideas, queried, and grew impatient when I did not immediately start work on those ideas. My way of handling matters is to refrain from starting on a project until the appropriate time has arrived. Sayings such as “Seize the chance,” “Exploit the dangers,” and “Pursue the opportunity” have been around since antiquity, and these expressions well attest to the point. The chance, the opportunity can be known, understood when every aspect of the project has been explored and prepared. The opportunity that the plan must be put into action will arise and surge forth. It is this very time when the opportunity has matured that proceeding will be effortless and enjoyable. Furthermore, no further effort will be necessary. Proceedings will be natural and smooth, what is meant by the four-word phrase, “mature deliberation, decisive action.” To illustrate, when trying to move a heavy object down a slope, suppose there is an obstacle in the way. A lot of energy is required if the object is to be moved forcefully past the obstacle, but after waiting with patience, the obstacle will gradually weaken under weight of the object, and the object can be moved with the push of one finger.
     “If the cuckoo doesn’t sing, I will wait until it does” is a saying that is said to show the character of Ieyasu Tokugawa, and the fact that the dynasty he established lasted three hundred years is a testament to waiting for the appropriate time.
     I hope I have adequately illustrated how important is the matter of time, or timing. In the prophetic writings of the Oomoto religion are the lines, “Even God is no match for the times” which in a nutshell, is put perfectly.

「時期を待て」
Suggested titles: “The Science of Waiting” “The Cause of Failure”

“Jiki o Mate” was originally published on the second page of Hikari, Issue 14, June 25, 1949, and was reprinted, while Meishu-sama was still alive, in the essays anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyōhen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), page 89, March 25, 1954. “Jiki o Mate” has previously appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference.

“Wait for the Right Time,” The Glory, Number 037, page 1, April 10, 1962.

“Wait for the Right Time,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Two, page 30, 1968.

“Wait for the Right Time,” Foundation of Paradise, page 356, 1984.

“Wait for the Right Time,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Two, page 69, 1968/2004.

“Wait for the Right Time,” Meishu and His Teachings, page 73, no date (1965?).