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     The spiritual world is indeed a mysterious and intriguing reality, one that contemporary people will find most difficult to understand based on the level of the wisdom for living in daily life and common sense. In this regard I will describe how the thought of human beings is reflected to the spiritual world.
     The spiritual world is a world of thought. A place where nothing gives birth to something and something becomes nothing; there is no limit to fluctuation. As an example, let us suppose that something such as a painting or sculpture is created for worship as a representation of a divine manifestation. In accordance with the character of its creator, however, the rank of the divinity or Buddhist manifestation that will attach itself can fluctuate, giving rise to representations of higher or those of lower ranks. In other words, the character of the creator shapes the spiritual level of the piece. In the instance of an artist whose character is of a high level, a spirit of high rank, corresponding to the creator’s level, will descend. So even though the shape or form may be the same, in the case of a creator with a low level of character, a deputy spirit or a portion of spirit will attach itself.
     Japanese religious institutions maintain a painting or sculpture as a focal point for their worship, and when worshipers pray with sincerity, divine authority manifests, that is, the energy of spiritual light. On the other hand, when the thought of the worshipers is perfunctory and there is no reverence from the heart, divine or spiritual energy is diminished by that much. In addition, the greater the number of worshipers, the more the spiritual light of the divine being increases.
     From long ago it has often been said that “conviction comes even from the head of a sardine,” and this is a description of what happens when some mischievous or bad person of no suitable qualification whatsoever creates a focal point for worship and cleverly advertises it so that for one period it attracts many followers. The amalgamated thought of all the worshipers will construct the form of some divinity or Buddhist manifestation in the spiritual world. Thus, it manifests quite a bit of power and bestows benefits, and it is indeed intriguing that such is wholly an artifact of the thought, the conviction of human beings. Movements that come about in this way flourish for a while but they are not genuine. They are merely a temporary fiction that will eventually disappear. Everyone very well knows that examples of such are not infrequent. In Japan, such a phenomenon is called a “god of the times.”
     The preceding pertains to divine beings, and now I would like to comment on their counterparts, demons or evil beings.
     That which pervades society the most is the fact that there are just so many immoral people who for their own ambition and desire, cause trouble for others, make others suffer, and who themselves fall into misfortune. This is indeed a manifestation of an error we often refer to, the non-belief in that which cannot be seen. Such a stand is a product of materialistic thought, but when viewed spiritually it is indeed grim and strangely frightening.
     When people are made to suffer they will certainly resent, hold a grudge against, and seek revenge on the perpetrator. The thoughts of resentment travel through the spiritual cord to strike the perpetrator. Seen spiritually, the anger and resentment has a ghastly, awesome aspect that is sometimes physically visible. In which case, even the most evil person does not stand a chance. When the victims are limited not only to one or two individuals but number many thousands or hundreds of thousands of people, their thought all unites to form one great mass which is a mysterious, frightening ghost or apparition. It takes on various shapes that surround and seek to destroy the evil person who finds it unbearable. Even the most gallant hero cannot but perish under a most tragic fate. Throughout history all the great heroes have without exception followed a similar path.
     Other examples can be seen of course in the tragedies of evil politicians and in the ruin of nouveau riche, but also in the last days of those malignant wrenches who have deceived countless women and usurers who charge outrageous rates of interest.
     The opposite of demons and evil beings can be seen in examples of those who practice good deeds and acts of charity who then receive the thoughts of heartfelt appreciation from many persons. Those thoughts of appreciation become light that envelopes the practitioner who becomes ever more virtuous in which case, because evil and wicked spirits fear the light and cannot approach, the practitioner of good comes to obtain happiness and well-being. Depictions of divinities and buddhas that include a halo are the physical manifestation of such entities.
     The preceding has shown how important should be regarded thoughts, the thought of human beings.

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“Reikai no Fushigi,” published originally in Chijōtengoku, Issue 9, October 25, 1949, and later, while Meishu-sama still alive, reprinted in the essays anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyō-hen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), page 155, March 25, 1954, has appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference.

“Resentment,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Two, 1968, page 45. Paragraphs 4-14 of the English text correspond to paragraphs 6-9 of the Japanese text, with some examples expanded for clarification.

“Mysteriousness of the Spiritual World,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 303.

“Resentment,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Two, 1968/2004, page 25.

“The Marvels of the Spiritual World,” A Hundred Teachings of Meishusama, no date, page 171.