Why is it important to know the origin? When you want to get somewhere you have never been to, a map that gives you the direction will be a good thing to possess. To reach your destination, you need to know where on the map your destination is; but you most also know where you are on the map now, or your origin. Today a GPS will automatically locate both the origin and destination. Without the origin, reaching your destination will be impossible. Even with a map and knowing my origin, I sometimes find reaching a destination difficult.

In religion, we are also given a map. Some call this the sacred book like the Bible, Koran, or The Tip of the Writing Brush (Ofudesaki). The final destination of heaven is usually the same in all of these books. But there are different directions in each of these books in how to get to heaven. Some are fanatically adamant that their map is correct, even to the point of hurting others in protecting their books. Others go door to door with their sacred books, hoping to lead others to heaven. And there are some who for selfish purposes, show us the right road, but take the other road. Which sacred book or map is correct that will lead us to salvation?

In some of the sacred books is a chapter or text on the origin. This may be called the genesis. Like a map, we need to know the origin. In the Tip of the Writing Brush is written:

The origin may seem small, but the root (cause of the origin) is great.

In all things know the origin. 5-43

What is the cause of the beginning of mankind? In the Tip of the Writing Brush, it states that God created mankind to live a joyous life. We find that God is our creator, and God created us to live a happy life. When we know the origin, the path to our destination becomes easier. For those who seek direction, find the origin in your holy books.