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The Sun and the Moon


I would like to write about the meaning of the sun and the moon from a spiritual point of view. It is so very mysterious and subtle the reader may interpret my statements as strained, distorted or far-fetched. But as this is the truth, I hope you will read with an open attitude and make a sincere attempt to grasp the real, deep meaning.

There are three sacred treasures of the imperial house of Japan, which have been handed down since ancient days. They are said to be a spherical gem, a sword and a mirror. The gem symbolizes the sun, the sword symbolizes the moon, and the mirror symbolizes the earth. The jewel is round like the sun; the sword is crescent shaped, like a new moon; the sacred mirror has eight projecting parts. These symbolize the eight directions of the earth: east, west, south, and north, southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest. The relationship between the mirror and the earth is obvious so no explanation is necessary, but there are very profound meanings concerning the sun and the moon.

An interpretation used in the Tenrikyo Church says that the word ISUKI means both "moon" and "pushing," and that these two words have identical vibrations. It also says that HI, "sun," has the same vibration as HIKI, "drawing" or "drawing back." So, according to Tenrikyo, the vibratory actions of the moon and sun are those of pushing forward and drawing back. I think this is quite an interesting interpretation.

During the Age of Night, people liked to push in every way. On a large scale, nations pushed against each other, which meant they went to war. It is obvious that in the battles of the olden days, people "clashed or thrust against each other" (TSUKI_AU) with swords. From this the word TSUKI-AU (to associate with) has been derived. The Japanese characters used for these two words are different, but the spiritual vibrations are the same. The expression, TSUKI_SUSUMU, meaning "pushing forward," also means "victory." All these indicate the action, or vibratory power, of the moon and symbolize the Age of Night.

In contrast to this, the noun HIKI and the verb HIKU both derive from HI(sun), meaning "to draw back." In Japanese, there are other words carrying the same vibration which are derived from HI, such as HIKI-YOSERU, meaning "to draw something near to you"; JIN O HIKU, meaning "to withdraw from a position"; KOSHI O HIKUKU SURU, meaning "to be polite, modest." Thus, in every way, HIKI is the opposite of "pushing," the vibration of the moon.

For this reason, the vibration of the Daylight Age is the action of drawing (HIKI), so it is good to give way. For man this means "to be modest and humble." In this vibration there can be no strife. According to the teachings of our faith, it is good to catch a cold (KAXE-HIKI@).

The primary objective of our Work is the establishment of a world free from disease, poverty, and conflict. I think it is understandable from the above explanation how conflict can be eradicated.

The main action of our church is that of the sun, or the spirit of fire, so we should all work with the spirit of HIKI, or drawing, strongly impressed on our minds. Many people will be attracted to our Work by our doing this.

Remember that the sun has the shape of a ball, or sphere, the characteristics of which are that it is round with no sharp angles, smooth, and easy to turn. Just like a ball, we should try to be round, smooth, harmonious, flexible and peaceable.

@ - This belief is one of accepting a natural purifying action instead of fighting against it.

October 25, 1949


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