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     In all of human existence there is probably nothing more vexingly intractable than the issue of romantic love. Simply put, romantic love is both the flower and thorn of human life. There are those who place supremacy on the state of romantic love and then there are those for whom it is the root of immorality. Our view is that romantic love is supreme but there are probably immoral aspects as well. Let me give our perspectives on romantic love.
     Romantic love is the greatest blessing God has bestowed upon human beings. Indeed, romantic love is beautiful but cannot be beautiful enough. It is also dangerous, in that as it climaxes, some become willing to forfeit their life over romantic love. Because of this, it would be fair to say that novels and drama cannot sustain themselves unless they include romantic love. If romantic love did not exist in this world, human life would probably become as if a desolate field in the cold of winter.
     When we look at the facts, however, the examples of misfortune due to romantic love are much greater than those of happiness that derive from romantic love. Hideous conflict among human beings, unmanageable suffering, the destruction of life, and abominable incidents of suicide and murder, almost without exception, are caused by romantic love. Indeed romantic love could very well be said to be in almost all cases the most frightening.
     So, on the question of what is the right way to treat romantic love, I will write about the issue in terms of faith.
     On the basis of faith the issue of romantic love is not a difficult problem. It is exceedingly simple. Having said so, it may be thought peculiar, but simply put, romantic love is wisdom and courage and truthful love. To begin, let us suppose that a couple has formed a romantic relationship. When this relationship has been established, it must not be viewed subjectively, but as objectively as possible.
     To view the relationship objectively, the most important thing is to ascertain the results. That is, the future fortune or misfortune of each of the parties must be considered. For example, if marriage is the ultimate goal of the romantic love, marriage creates happiness and is good. If the purpose of the relationship is not marriage but merely a temporary impulse that propels pleasure for pleasure’s sake, it can only lead to unhappiness, at least for the woman, so it is evil.
     The two parties involved might say that they cannot think about whether romantic love is good or bad, or what the results might be. The two have probably determined that they just love each other. They have only an irreplaceable impulse to love. This impulse is what is called blind love, in another words, being overwhelmed by romantic love. In the case of men, they are overwhelmed by a delicate woman, or, beaten down by a strong woman. Such a coward is not qualified to be a man. This is a human being who finds it difficult to get along in this world. What we want to say is this: Each individual must not be overwhelmed by romantic love. When such guidance is followed, the individual will not make mistakes. And, for the woman, a man who is able to keep his impulses under control is worthy of respect, the love of the two should become deep, and they will both be satisfied. Thus, our view of romantic love is not a bad thing; it is the flower of human life. Rather, as described above, do not become controlled by romantic love; if romantic love is controlled, there will be no error.
     Briefly, this is my philosophy concerning romantic love.

“Ren’ai Tetsugaku,” first appeared on the front page of Hikari, Issue 46, January 21, 1950, and later, while Meishu-sama still alive, was reprinted in the essay anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyōhen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), page 72, March 25, 1954, and also in the essays anthology for followers and members of the general public Tengoku no Fukuinsho (Gospels of Heaven), page 101, August 25, 1954. “Ren’ai Tetsugaku” has appeared previously in translation. Citation is given below for reference.

“My Philosophy on Romantic Love,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Four, 2007, page 11.

“The Philosophy of Love,” A Hundred Teachings of Meishusama, no date, page 156.