Great Construction

The True Daijo Religion

     The division of religions into daijo and shojo is generally known, but the explanations and interpretations given for daijo, shojo, and their divisions by religious leaders and academic scholars heretofore have been conspicuously sloppy and ambiguous. It would be fair to state that hardly any have touched on the essence of the issues, so here I will discuss the matter thoroughly. But before getting to that topic, what must first be understood is the state of all religions in the world. That is, since antiquity what religious and denominational founders have expounded has been the basis for the unique teaching style that each religion possesses, that is, its categorization, its grouping.
     Briefly, among the world’s religions of Buddhism and Christianity, but particularly for Shinto and Buddhism in Japan, each sect and denomination contains further divisions, each with its own color, so when this fact is pondered, a fundamental irrationality is felt. This irrationality stems from the raison d’etre of religion. Needless to say, the life, the center of religion is love and the sentiment of coordination for peace, so the goal should only be one. Therefore, is it not true that whether in means or methods, there should not be any categorization or grouping? If religions and sects are straying farther and farther apart, humanity’s thought will naturally accompany the drift, which will probably become the cause of a chaotic society. Furthermore, the energy, the power of those on the side of good will be dispersed, so good will not be able to resist the power of evil. As can be seen by the facts, instead of religion, the power of its adversary, evil, is always winning. The power of God is 10 and that of the evil forces is 9.9, so God will naturally win in the end, but the sufferings of the virtuous will not be of the ordinary variety. In this regard, I have had many experiences. The forces of evil are quite vigorous and have nearly seized control. They always keep an eye out on us, and if there is ever a crack, they rush in. The portrayals of the stories of Christ with Satan and of the Buddha with Devadatta show no change today.
     As can be understood from the preceding, religion should have more force than evil. Unless that happens, a world of happiness where virtue prevails is not possible. But when it does become possible that virtue prevails, all religions will become one and the world will be united as one. At this stage, a world of happiness without unease and anxiety will appear. Such will not be an easy task but it is not impossible. It is not impossible because the Creator’s purpose of a paradise on earth is approaching. The basis of this transformation will be the discarding of the shojo principle and the assumption of the daijo sentiment as a fundamental principle. In other words, all on the earth, whether that such as religion, science, politics, economics, the arts, and so forth will be included in a super-cultural movement. The leading role for this movement must be the appearance of a great human being who possesses super-human power and wisdom.  

Eikō, Issue 242, page A1, January 6, 1954
translated by cynndd

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“Shin no Daijō Shūkyō,” originally published on the first page of Eikō, Issue 242, January 6, 1954, appeared too late to be included in the essays anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyō-hen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), March 25, 1954, but can be found in the essays anthology for members of the public and ordinary followers Tengoku no Fukuinsho (Gospels of Heaven), page 47, August 25, 1954. “Shin no Daijō Shūkyō” has previously appeared in translation.

“A True Daijo Religion,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 144.

“The True Essence of Religion,” Teachings of Meishu-sama, Volume Four, 2007, page 44.