Great Construction
Which One Is the Superstition?
Whenever the word “superstition” comes up, it always seems that the topic is religion, but superstition is not limited to religion. There is a superstitious element to everything. It is just that these superstitions are not perceived. Indeed, there are superstitions in material science, in politics, in philosophy, in education, and in the arts. All include superstitious elements. Rather, there are so many superstitions, the situation is unsettling if not disturbing. How much these superstitions have brought disaster on humanity, have invited unfortunate circumstances is probably beyond count.
Of all the various superstitions, the greatest one is probably that of materialism, the way of thinking that places value only on the physical, tangible world. Those who adhere to the professed position of materialism have as their guiding principle to disbelieve what they cannot see and are very proud of believing only what is visible to their eyes. This thought creates criminals, harms health, and leaves individuals in poverty. Furthermore, from this thought develops communism, and finally, as in the present, could even become the cause of World War III. In the present situation any region worthy of the name “nation-state” is threatened by this possibility, so it can be understood how frightening is the superstition of materialism.
Do my readers want to become like the people of the Soviet Union, atheistic professors of communism, or professors of democracy based on a Christian-like ethos as on the order of the people of the United States? To think of the issue simply in these terms should be sufficient to make the point.
All are well aware that I proclaim revolutionary discoveries whether in the fields of sickness and health or in agriculture. In addition, I have similar views as well in every area of culture, and I intend to gradually share them with the public, but it is very difficult. For instance, I would like to refer to politics, but I am not able because to do so is not regarded as proper for those involved in religion. So, although, unlike the past, freedom of speech is recognized; there is a limit. That limit are the present laws that have been formed on the basis of existing culture. Even if there happens to be a superstitious defect in present culture, it is not easily permitted to clarify that defect. What those concerned with these matters and issues always say is that such laws and customs are for the maintenance of public order, but in fact, it is our opinions that will most likely contribute to the maintenance of public order. If, for example, we should criticize medical science, there are iron doors like the Medical Practitioners’ Law and concepts such as “obstruction of medical treatment” which will not allow for the doors to be opened no matter how superior the opinion. So, even if there exists determination to destroy superstitions, the destruction is limited to certain facets only, so it is unavoidable that we restrain ourselves for the present.
However, I am not pessimistic. As God is wielding the power of salvation, the issue is timing. When the right time comes, those who looked upon us as superstitious will realize that they themselves are the superstitious ones and will come to World Messianity for instruction. I have absolute confidence that day is coming, so it only a matter of waiting for the right time.
Eikō, Issue 73, October 11, 1950
translated by cynndd
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“Dochira ga Meishin Da,” which originally appeared at the top of the first page of Eikō, Issue 73, October 11, 1950, was not included in any of the anthologies that were published immediately preceding and following Meishu-sama’s death and did not appear in print again until it was included in an exclusive internal-use anthology that was published in 1971. “Dochira ga Meishin Da” only became available to the general public with the publication of Volume 8 of Chojutsu-hen (Prose Works) of Okada Mokichi Zenshū on February 23, 1996, and, as far as is known, has not appeared in translation.