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     Erroneous conceit is what is most admonished in the Oomoto prophetic writings. And this is as it should be. With this admonishment in mind, as we observe those of faith, many aspects indeed come to mind. In this regard, the following situation is often seen. In the case of administering Johrei, administrators in the beginning may doubt whether they have sufficient energy to cure sickness, but timidly they try and surprisingly recipients are readily healed. At the same time, it is most likely everyone’s experience that those who are healed are very happy and express their appreciation saying that their healing is due to the administrator. And, as time passes, that the healing was performed by God comes to be forgotten, and administrators begin to wonder if they do not have some great attribute within themselves. Such thinking, however, is a tremendous example of conceit, and as it is a very critical period when this idea comes to mind, careful guard must be maintained. That is because the opposite happens. As I always caution, Johrei results are better the more the administrator is relaxed. Thus, when conceit enters, human energy follows. When this happens, the efficacy of Johrei diminishes. Concerning this phenomenon, I often hear the following. There are people who wonder why after a while the Johrei they administer does not seem to heal as well as in the beginning when they administered so timidly and nervously. But they acknowledge their mistake when what I have described above is explained to them.
     Next is another kind of conceit, and it is also quite significant. It involves a way of thinking about faith and it is a very easy matter about which to err. Included is that such as impulsively wanting to know about myths, legends, relationships between divine beings, as well as having an inordinate interest in spiritual phenomena. People lose themselves in these matters and become neglectful of the basics of faith. As a result of being trapped by this mistake, one becomes more susceptible to unknowingly departing from the basic path of faith. Such a situation occurs because the divine writings are not read enough nor are they put into practice.
     Above I have addressed two important points about conceit. The very person who can understand these fundamentals and put them into practice is one who is in line with true faith.

“Manshin Torichigai,” originally published on the front page of Eikō, Issue 111, July 4, 1951, was reprinted while Meishu-sama still alive in the essays anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyōhen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), page 84, March 25, 1954, and then later in the essays anthology for ordinary believers and members of the general public Tengoku no Fukuinsho (Gospels of Heaven), page 103, August 25, 1954. “Manshin Torichigai” has previously appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference.

“Pride and Error,” True Health, 1987, page 130.

“Pride and Error,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Five, 2008, page 22.

“When Gratitude Ebbs, Conceit Blossoms,” Reaching for Faith, 2010, page 67.