Yearning for God: From the Teachings of Seishi Onisaburo Deguchi (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

Seishi Onisaburo Deguchi (vegetarian), formerly known as Kisaburo Ueda, was the co-founder of the Oomoto religious organization. He was born in Kyoto in 1871 and, as a young man, underwent spiritual training with the Shinto Master Nagasawa Katsutate and the hermit Matsuoka Fuyō. Through Divine intervention, he met with Reverend Kaiso Nao Deguchi, the foundress of the spiritual movement called Oomoto, meaning “Great Source” or “Great Origin.” He wholeheartedly agreed with the core concept of Oomoto that “we are all the children of God.”

Seishi Onisaburo Deguchi also encouraged a vegetarian lifestyle as a means for spiritual upliftment and maintaining our compassionate and loving nature. Stating as follows: “When approaching God, it is not good to eat meat. It interferes with spiritual sensation.” As well as, “Those who eat meat have no true mercy.” He was also a distinguished artist, seer, and prolific writer whose most notable works include Reikai Monogatari (Tales from the Spirit World), Michi no Shiori (Guide to the Way), Michi no Hikari (Light on the Way), and San Kagam (Three Mirrors).

Today, we are delighted to present selections from “The Omoto Historical Materials Collection,” Chapter 4. Michi no Shiori [Guide to the way], whereby Seishi Onisaburo Deguchi teaches that we are the children of God and should obey God’s teachings, pray, and repent to God.

Thought of Onisaburo Deguchi Chapter 4. Michi no Shiori

“[…] Every man is a child of God. When a child of God walks the path of duty, there is no reason for God not to help him or her. Those who are faithless always tread on thin ice in this world and will never be able to live a life of peace and security. Whatever you do, you must do it according to the teachings of God.

Do not worry about what you wear, what you eat, and where you live. What is to be done today must be done today. It must not be put off until tomorrow, for God never rests for even a moment. Do not worry about tomorrow from today onwards. People’s thoughts cannot make tomorrow a rainy or sunny day. You should pray to God what He says and pray that He may forgive what you err on the day. One should pray whatever suits for only God’s right Will and encourage to work with all his or her might.

When ill, repent of your sins and pray with all your heart that your affliction may be forgiven by the cordial Mercy of God. People should only pray for what is in accordance with God's righteous will and other wish relating personal desire is the source of sin. When my eyesight is dark, the thick pillar that lies before me escapes recognition, but rather it looks like a very tiny speck of dust to my eye. Mind those who ignore their own mistakes but criticize others’ mistakes.”

“[…] Those who wish to convey the true path of God will have to endure various kinds of hardship; it is usual for them to be stoned, hit with a stick, mocked, insulted and laughed at. Their souls are refined, and Divine virtues are bestowed each time. Encountering various difficulties on the path of God is like taking the test of God’s Kingdom and is the foundation for acquiring Divine virtue.”

“[…] The Spirit of God who is the teacher and parent descends from the highest position of God and seeks to save all over the world. Therefore, thou should inquire His profoundest Will and come together with Him, rejoice and celebrate, and praise His virtues. Anyone that wishes to obtain God’s virtue must be like a baby. Just as a baby yearns for milk, thou should yearn for God.”