In the Heaven’s Truth Church (Tenrikyo), we believe that there is no one who is essentially or inherently evil. It is only because a bit of dust has stuck on. These dusts are said to be arrogance, self-love, greed, miserliness, covetousness, anger, hate, and grudge bearing. These evils have pervaded our minds, and cause the sufferings in the world.

These evils are easily spread, like the infectious diseases that weaken the human body. The dusts of arrogance, self-love, and greed are easily transferred from mind to mind. Look at past history, where nations, and religions have committed atrocities against humanity. Good intention people were infested with the evil of arrogance; and they sincerely believed that their actions were in accord with God. Look at the recent financial crises, where greed and self-love caused turmoil in the world market. Look at the religious extremists who are so arrogant to believe that God is on their side.

Once the infectious diseases caused havoc on the human race causing death to millions; but with the discovery of microorganisms, scientist were able to control these once deadly infections. It is the same with these evils in our minds that are imperceptible to most of the population, like the once invisible microorganisms. We must first acknowledge the existence of these evils of arrogance, greed, and self love that causes suffering in the world. Once the cause of suffering is known, then we must pray to God, to help eliminates these evils from our minds.

Sweeping away evil, please save them Universal God