War Is the Expression of Deluded Minds

Dear friends,

In the Middle East, the United States and Israel have launched attack on Iran, and Iran has retaliated by closing the Strait of Hormuz. This has triggered a severe global energy crisis, with oil prices skyrocketing; even within the United States. At present, negotiations in Pakistan toward a ceasefire are underway. However, Israel has also launched attacks on Lebanon, further worsening the situation.

Does anyone truly gain from these wars? While conflicts often arise from calculations of profit and loss, they may also stem from deeper causes. Regardless of their origins, we must recognize that this is simply not a time for war.

Mrs. Junko Taniguchi, President of the Seicho-No-Ie White Dove Association, writes as follows in Yume no Chiheisen (The Horizon of Dreams) as follows:

The world society is truly not in a position to wage war. If global warming continues at this rate, it will be more than just a war. Many scientists are warning that something much more serious is to come. (Truth of Life June 2025, p. 11)

Throughout history, wars have occurred in many times and places, yet their root causes are deeply intertwined with the desires of individuals and societies. In the Middle East, factors such as competition over resources, energy supplies, and political dominance undoubtedly play major roles. But from where do these human desires originate? They arise from a fundamental human delusion. As stated in the Holy Sutra Nectarean Shower of Holy Doctrines: “Delusion exists because we imagine that what is nonexistent exists.” (p. 34)

Many Japanese have believed that Japan entered past wars due to its status as a resource-scarce island nation, assuming it needed to secure resources. Yet in reality, Japan was already rich in resources. For people in the Middle East, for example, water is an immensely valuable resource, not only as energy, but as a source of life itself. In Japan, water has long been abundant. Oil and coal are not the only forms of energy; volcanic eruptions, typhoons, and earthquakes are also manifestations of energy, and it is entirely possible to harness these natural phenomena as alternative sources.

Volcanic eruptions occur when molten rock deep within the Earth becomes magma and rises to the surface. Japan is one of the most volcanically activity nations in the world. To view such eruptions only with fear is to focus solely on their destructive aspect. In reality, there is also a positive side: this same geothermal energy heats underground water, producing hot springs. As a result, Japan is home to many hot spring facilities that have become popular tourist destinations and contribute to local economies.

Geothermal power generation harnesses this energy to produce electricity. It is an environmentally friendly energy source that emits no carbon dioxide. Seicho-No-Ie emphasizes the deep connection between energy, natural resources, and world peace. Recognizing that global warming is accelerated by CO2 emissions from fossil fuels such as oil and coal, the organization has turned toward natural energy sources and actively promotes environmentally friendly power generation. Solar, wind, and geothermal energy are key examples of such efforts. The Seicho-No-Ie Oita-Beppu Geothermal Power Plant, located next to the Seicho-No-Ie Oita Prefecture Center, stands as a tangible embodiment of this movement.

In moving forward to build a “New Civilization,” Seicho-No-Ie has adopted “de-nuclearization, decarbonization, and natural energy” as central pillars of its mission. This initiative forms the foundation of the International Peace Faith Movement that the organization is currently advancing. Continuing from the earlier quotation, Ms. Junko Taniguchi writes:

When I look at the natural world on Earth, I see what a beautiful, orderly paradise it is. Human beings are destroying it according to their desires, bringing about a crisis. I can’t help but wonder what humanity is doing to be even waging war on top of that.

People all over the world are now realizing how valuable a normal everyday life without war is. I am sure that many people would like to lend a helping hand if there is anything they can do to achieve justice and create a peaceful world. This feeling is rooted in human nature. I sincerely hope and believe that by expanding the scope of this treasure in our hearts, the world will surely become a better place. (Truth of Life June 2025, p. 11)

The true nature of a human beings is the God-nature and the Buddha-nature. In essence, each person is a child of God, born into this world. This world is one of absolute perfection and harmony created by God. This is the “True-Image World,” which is projected onto the phenomenal world much like images onto a screen. However, only a portion of this perfect world is visible at any given time; its full expression gradually unfolds through time and space.

This process can be compared to a newborn infant. A baby does not immediately walk or speak upon being born. There is a natural order of development that requires time. If we judge only the infant’s current state, it may appear weak and incapable. Yet that is not the child’s true nature; it is only a temporary stage. And it is precisely this stage that allows parents to love and nurture their child, experiencing profound joy in the process.

In the same way, we should not seek absolute perfection within the fleeting appearances of the phenomenal world. To fully experience true perfection requires patience. However, by viewing reality from a higher perspective, we can begin to perceive glimpses of that perfect world even now.

To do so, we must transform our own mindset. History shows that praying for peace and happiness without changing ourselves is ineffective; such prayers go unanswered. In the past, major wars repeatedly broke out, culminating in the Second World War. Atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, causing immense loss of life. Yet despite these experiences, humanity continues to suffer from ongoing conflicts because the human mind itself has not changed. Those who desire to take from others will themselves be deprived; those who inflict harm will also be harmed. Fear then grows into trauma, leading individuals to seek power for self-protection and driving nations to expand their military forces without end.

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Discover Inspiration in the Truth of Life Magazine

Truth of Life magazine, published by Truth of Life Publications, offers inspiring and uplifting content designed to nourish the spirit. We strive to share this magazine with as many people as possible in order to provide spiritual enrichment. 

The theme of the May 2026 issue is “Awaken and Act Now.” We are all children of God; however, our divine nature does not automatically manifest in this phenomenal world simply by virtue of that identity. We must make conscious efforts to bring it forth. As children of God, we are called to live accordingly. Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi writes, “…despite possessing the potential qualifications to be God’s heirs, you fail to actually inherit His full virtues. Only when the ‘child of God’ begins to live in a manner befitting the Divine will, your life—born as a ‘child of God’—acquires true significance and value.” (p. 17) 

Let us take this message to heart. By reading this month’s magazine and reflecting on its teachings, we can begin to transform our habits and live more fully as children of God.

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