Ito Shōshin (伊藤証信, いとうしょうしん) (1876-1963) — A great philosopher of the fields, who lived a lifetime embodying the truth of Selfless Love (無我愛, Muga-ai)
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| “Mugaen” (無我苑, Garden of No-Self) |
As always, corrections to my draft translations are warmly welcomed and links to the original Japanese texts are found at the end of each essay. The photo at the top of this piece is taken from a website called “Mugaen: A Village for Experiencing Philosophy.”
Enjoy!
Ito Shōshin (伊藤証信, いとうしょうしん) was born in Meiji 9 (1876) as the eldest son of Goro Ito (伊藤五郎, いとうごろう), a farmer in Inabe District (員弁郡, いなべぐん), Mie Prefecture (三重県, みえけん), in what is now Kuwana City (桑名市, くわなし). Because his parents were devout followers of Jōdo Shinshū (浄土真宗, じょうどしんしゅう, True Pure Land Buddhism), at the age of 13, he became a novice monk and lived at Genryūji (源流寺, げんりゅうじ), the family’s affiliated temple.
At 16, he entered Mino Kyōkō (美濃教校, みのきょうこう), part of the Ōtani branch of Jōdo Shinshū (真宗大谷派, しんしゅうおおたには), and studied there until he was 19. Due to limited financial support, he lived on two meals a day, a habit he continued throughout his life. Later, he transferred to the fourth year of Shinshū Middle School (真宗中学, しんしゅうちゅうがく) in Kyoto.
He subsequently entered Shinshū University (真宗大学, しんしゅうだいがく) and became a scholarship student due to his excellent academic performance and upright conduct. When the university relocated to Tokyo under the supervision of Kiyozawa Manshi (清沢満之, きよざわまんし, a prominent religious philosopher and academic director), Shōshin visited the library daily to work on his thesis.
On the night of 27 August of Meiji 37 (1904), while staying at his family home in Kuwana, Shōshin experienced a mysterious spiritual inspiration as he lay under a mosquito net beside his father. He was moved to tears of spiritual enlightenment. From that night on, his life completely changed. He abandoned a “life of selfish love” (我愛の生活, があいのせいかつ) and devoted himself to a “life of selfless love” (無我愛の生活, むがあいのせいかつ).
Shōshin made his home in the dilapidated Dainichidō (大日堂, だいにちどう), a shared Buddhist hall in the village, and named it “Mugaen” (無我苑, Garden of No-Self). He began his “Preaching of Selfless Love” (無我愛伝道, むがあいでんどう). He published the journal “Love of No-Self” (無我の愛, むがのあい), which attracted many seekers from Shinshū University. However, the university banned students from visiting “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self).
At the age of 30, Shōshin dissolved “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self), renounced his priesthood at Honganji (本願寺僧籍, ほんがんじそうせき), and published his “Call to Renounce Religion” (脱宗号, だつしゅうごう), which generated significant responses from various circles. Letters of congratulations and criticism were sent from prominent figures, including Tokutomi Roka (徳富蘆花, とくとみろか), Kōtoku Shūsui (幸秋水, こうとくしゅうすい), and Sakai Toshihiko (堺利彦, さかいとしひこ).
After dissolving “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self), Shōshin spent some time as a labourer on a farm in Nishigahara (西ヶ原, にしがはら). In Meiji 39 (1906), he became a teacher at Tokuyama Girls’ School (徳山女学校, とくやまじょがっこう) in Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県, やまぐちけん).
When he was appointed to Tokuyama Girls’ School (徳山女学校, とくやまじょがっこう), Shōshin began a life of self-discipline and asceticism, reducing his meals from three to two and then fasting. He continued this lifestyle for four years, eventually realising, “My attempt to detach from the desire for food was merely a kind of endurance. I thought I could leap to an ideal state without walking the proper path of humanity and, before I knew it, I found myself mired in the struggle of endurance.”
Around that time, in Tokuyama Town (徳山町, とくやままち, now part of Shūnan City, 周南市, しゅうなんし), there lived a doctor’s daughter, Takeuchi Asako (竹内あさ子, たけうちあさこ). At the age of six, her hair had suddenly fallen out, leaving her completely bald, and it never grew back. Living a lonely life, one day she came across Shōshin’s journal, “Love of No-Self” (無我の愛, むがのあい). The words, “No matter the circumstances, every human life has absolute value because they were born into this world,” deeply moved her, and when she was later introduced to Shōshin she began talking and exchanging letters with him. During this time, romantic feelings arose in Asako, and they eventually married.
Afterward, Shōshin resigned from the girls’ school and moved to Tokyo with his wife.
In February of Shōwa 8 (1933), Shōshin resolved to build the main training hall of “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) in Nishibata. He sought donations from comrades nationwide, and by January of the following year (Shōwa 9), the two-story wooden building, which included living quarters and the main training hall, was completed. By 1935, everything was finished. Among the supporters were prominent figures such as Kurata Hyakuzō (倉田百三), Fujii Tatsukichi (藤井達吉), Mori San (森三), Tomimoto Kenkichi (富本憲吉), Yosano Akiko (与謝野晶子), and Toribaya Akegarasu (暁鳥敏).
Ito Shōshin was a philosopher who, from the Meiji (明治) to the Shōwa (昭和) eras, advocated “Selfless Love” (無我愛 Muga-ai) and pursued extensive research and contemplation, not just in Buddhism but also including Christianity and Western philosophy.
Ito Shōshin was born in Meiji 9 (1876) to a farming family in Sakai (坂井), Kume Village (久米村), Inabe District (員弁郡), Mie Prefecture (三重県) (currently Sakai, Kuwana City (桑名市)). His childhood name was Seikurō (清九郎). Influenced by his parents who were devout followers of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism (浄土真宗), at the age of 13 he entered the priesthood himself, took vows at Enjuji Temple (円授寺) of the Ōtani branch (真宗大谷派) of Jōdo Shinshū, and changed his name to Shōshin (証信).
He attended Mino Kyōkō (美濃教校) in Ōgaki (大垣), then moved to Shinshū Middle School (真宗中学校) in Kyoto to Shinshū University (真宗大学, now Ōtani University (大谷大学), where he studied under the religious philosopher Kiyozawa Manshi (清沢満之, きよざわまんし), who had entered Saihōji Temple (西方寺) in Hekinan City (碧南市) in Meiji 21 (1888). With the university’s relocation, he moved to Tokyo.
In Meiji 37 (1904), he returned to Kume Village to nurse his father, but at his father’s bedside, he was suddenly struck by inspiration and realized “Love of No-Self” (無我の愛).
In Meiji 38 (1905), inspired by this spiritual experience, Shōshin opened the first “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) at Dainichidō (大日堂) in Sugamo Village (巣鴨村), Tokyo, and began a self-cultivation movement while launching the journal “Love of No-Self.” In October of the same year, to advance the “Selfless Love” movement, he renounced the priesthood (僧籍) and left Shinshū University.
This decision caused a considerable stir, attracting praise from Tokutomi Roka (徳冨蘆花), Kōtoku Shūsui (幸徳秋水), Sakai Toshihiko (堺利彦), Tsunashima Ryōsen (綱島梁川) and others. In December of the same year, Kawakami Hajime (河上肇) resigned from his teaching position at Gakushūin (学習院) and joined “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self).
However, in March of the following year, Shōshin suddenly closed “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) citing “immaturity in training” as the reason. It is said he feared the rapid growth of “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) might lead it to become a religious sect (教団化).
After its closure, he was invited to take up a position at Tokuyama Girls’ School (徳山女学校) in Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県). There he met Takeuchi Asako (竹内あさ子) and married in Meiji 42 (1909). Asako not only supported Shōshin’s movement but also contributed to the movement to improve the status of women along with Hiratsuka Raichō (平塚らいてふ), Ichikawa Fusae (市川房枝), and Yosano Akiko (与謝野晶子).
In Meiji 43 (1910), Shōshin went to Tokyo with Asako, published the magazine “Our Life” (我生活), and the following year, he was imprisoned for five days over the essay “A Statement on the High Treason Incident” (大逆事件の掲示).
In Taishō 5 (1916), he was invited to become the chief editor of “Chūgai Nippo” (中外日報) and moved to Kyoto, but returned to Tokyo in August to publish the journal “Spiritual Movement” (精神運動). During this time, he moved from place to place, seeking a spiritual and philosophical movement distinct from both established religions (既成宗教) and new religions (新興宗教).
In Taishō 10 (1921), he reopened “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) in Nakano (中野), Tokyo. In November, he published the book “Truth of Selfless Love” (無我愛の真理), and in December, “Dialogue on Spiritual Life” (対話精神生活). After the Great Kantō Earthquake, he was invited by the Ryūtōdan (竜灯団) formed by rural youths of Nishimikawa (西三河) and decided to move to Nishibata (西端) (now Hekinan City 碧南市), naming his temporary residence “Ryūtōkutsu” (竜灯窟 Grotto of the Dragon Lantern).
There he sought to systematize rigorously the philosophy of “Selfless Love,” continuing extensive reading, research, and contemplation in Buddhism, Christianity, and Western philosophy. He translated and taught Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason” (純粋理性批判) to local youths, taught German, and provided philosophical teaching based on spiritualism (精神主義 seishinshugi — see end note). Among Shōshin’s works that received particularly high praise were his “Introduction to Philosophy” (哲学入門) and “Philosophy of Selfless Love” (無我愛の哲学).
In Shōwa 9 (1934), with donations (浄財) from across the country, a two-story wooden building was completed in Nishibata in a new “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self), becoming a training centre/dojo (研修道場) with living quarters and meeting spaces.
During the war, he went to Manchuria (満州) to propagate Muga-ai and, due to his words and deeds of war cooperation and praise of the emperor system (天皇制賛美), he was criticized in the post-war period. In his later years, he was actively aiming for the Creation of a World Federation (世界連邦建設).
In Shōwa 38 (1963), Shōshin died at the age of 87. After his death, Hiratsuka Raichō (平塚らいてふ) sent a calligraphy inscribed “Eternally commemorating the flexible-souled free religionist (柔軟な魂の自由宗教者) Ito Shōshin-sensei (伊藤証信先生) and his wife Asako” and mourned his death.
—o0o—
A Man of the Fields Who Dedicated His Life to the “Selfless Love” (無我愛, Muga-ai) Movement
Ito Shōshin (伊藤証信, いとうしょうしん)
(1876–1963 / Nishibata, 西端)
1. Struck by Inspiration at His Family Home, His Life Transformed into One of Selfless Love
At 16, he entered Mino Kyōkō (美濃教校, みのきょうこう), part of the Ōtani branch of Jōdo Shinshū (真宗大谷派, しんしゅうおおたには), and studied there until he was 19. Due to limited financial support, he lived on two meals a day, a habit he continued throughout his life. Later, he transferred to the fourth year of Shinshū Middle School (真宗中学, しんしゅうちゅうがく) in Kyoto.
He subsequently entered Shinshū University (真宗大学, しんしゅうだいがく) and became a scholarship student due to his excellent academic performance and upright conduct. When the university relocated to Tokyo under the supervision of Kiyozawa Manshi (清沢満之, きよざわまんし, a prominent religious philosopher and academic director), Shōshin visited the library daily to work on his thesis.
On the night of 27 August of Meiji 37 (1904), while staying at his family home in Kuwana, Shōshin experienced a mysterious spiritual inspiration as he lay under a mosquito net beside his father. He was moved to tears of spiritual enlightenment. From that night on, his life completely changed. He abandoned a “life of selfish love” (我愛の生活, があいのせいかつ) and devoted himself to a “life of selfless love” (無我愛の生活, むがあいのせいかつ).
Shōshin made his home in the dilapidated Dainichidō (大日堂, だいにちどう), a shared Buddhist hall in the village, and named it “Mugaen” (無我苑, Garden of No-Self). He began his “Preaching of Selfless Love” (無我愛伝道, むがあいでんどう). He published the journal “Love of No-Self” (無我の愛, むがのあい), which attracted many seekers from Shinshū University. However, the university banned students from visiting “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self).
At the age of 30, Shōshin dissolved “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self), renounced his priesthood at Honganji (本願寺僧籍, ほんがんじそうせき), and published his “Call to Renounce Religion” (脱宗号, だつしゅうごう), which generated significant responses from various circles. Letters of congratulations and criticism were sent from prominent figures, including Tokutomi Roka (徳富蘆花, とくとみろか), Kōtoku Shūsui (幸秋水, こうとくしゅうすい), and Sakai Toshihiko (堺利彦, さかいとしひこ).
After dissolving “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self), Shōshin spent some time as a labourer on a farm in Nishigahara (西ヶ原, にしがはら). In Meiji 39 (1906), he became a teacher at Tokuyama Girls’ School (徳山女学校, とくやまじょがっこう) in Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県, やまぐちけん).
2. Four Years at Tokuyama Girls’ School and Marriage to Takeuchi Asako (竹内あさ子, たけうちあさこ)
When he was appointed to Tokuyama Girls’ School (徳山女学校, とくやまじょがっこう), Shōshin began a life of self-discipline and asceticism, reducing his meals from three to two and then fasting. He continued this lifestyle for four years, eventually realising, “My attempt to detach from the desire for food was merely a kind of endurance. I thought I could leap to an ideal state without walking the proper path of humanity and, before I knew it, I found myself mired in the struggle of endurance.”
Around that time, in Tokuyama Town (徳山町, とくやままち, now part of Shūnan City, 周南市, しゅうなんし), there lived a doctor’s daughter, Takeuchi Asako (竹内あさ子, たけうちあさこ). At the age of six, her hair had suddenly fallen out, leaving her completely bald, and it never grew back. Living a lonely life, one day she came across Shōshin’s journal, “Love of No-Self” (無我の愛, むがのあい). The words, “No matter the circumstances, every human life has absolute value because they were born into this world,” deeply moved her, and when she was later introduced to Shōshin she began talking and exchanging letters with him. During this time, romantic feelings arose in Asako, and they eventually married.
Afterward, Shōshin resigned from the girls’ school and moved to Tokyo with his wife.
3. Establishing Conviction and Starting the Spiritual Movement (信念の確立 精神運動の開始)
In Sendagaya (千駄ヶ谷, せんだがや), Shōshin set up an organization called “Our Life Society” (我生活社, われせいかつしゃ). However, an essay he published was deemed offensive by certain authorities, and Shōshin was imprisoned for five days for violating the Publication Law (出版法違反, しゅっぱんほういはん).
In January of Taishō 5 (1916), Shōshin and his wife moved to Higashiyama in Kyoto (京都東山, きょうとひがしやま), where he became the chief editor of the religious newspaper Chūgai Nippo (中外日報, ちゅうがいにっぽう). Over four years, he contributed editorials and also managed the “Faith Questions and Answers” (宿仰間答, しゅくごうかんとう) column, leaving a deep impression on readers.
In August of Taishō 8 (1919), Chūgai Nippo abruptly ceased publication. In late November, Shōshin and his wife moved back to Tokyo and settled in Kanda-Jimbōchō (神田神保町, かんだじんぼうちょう). There, they established the headquarters of the Gyōsaku Shinkai (仰策進会, ぎょうさくしんかい, Association for Progress of Belief) and began publishing the journal “Spiritual Movement” (精神運動, せいしんうんどう). This marked the active beginning of the Selfless Love Movement (無我愛運動, むがあいうんどう, Muga-ai Movement).
The movement gained widespread praise. Among the women participating at that time were prominent women’s liberation activists, including Hiratsuka Raichō (平塚らいてう, ひらつからいてう), Ichikawa Fusae (市川房枝, いちかわふさえ), and Yosano Akiko (与謝野晶子, よさのあきこ). The number of visitors coming to learn directly from Shōshin grew, leading to his relocation to Nakano (中野, なかの) in the spring of Taishō 10 (1921). At Asako’s (あさ子) suggestion, he began publishing the journal “Love” (愛, あい). Contributors included renowned individuals such as Toribaya Akegarasu Haya (鳥敏 敏, あけがらすはや, an important disciple of Kiyozawa Manshi and member of the Zendō movement), Kawakami Hajime (河上肇, かわかみはじめ), Yosano Akiko, Hiratsuka Raichō, and Tsuda Seifū (津田青楓, つだせいふう, a major artist).
During this time, Shōshin immersed himself in reflection and research, reading all the works of Nishida Kitarō (西田幾多郎, にしだきたろう, a leading philosopher). In August of the same year, he visited Mushanokōji Saneatsu’s (武者小路実, むしゃのこうじさねあつ) “New Village” (新しき村, あたらしきむら) in Hyūga City, Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県日向市, みやざきけんひゅうがし). His interaction with Mushanokōji left a profound impression on him. Later, Mushanokōji also visited “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) in Nishibata (西端, にしばた). It is said that they shared many points in common, both in thought and conviction.
From 9 June for four days in Taishō 11 (1922), Shōshin held the National Conference for Advocates of Selfless Love (無我愛同期全国大会, むがあいどうきぜんこくたいかい) at the Nakano “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self). The event was unprecedented and an extraordinary success.
In April Taishō 14 (1925), when Shōshin was 49 years old, he and his wife moved to Nishibata (西端). They were invited by a group of young spiritual seekers called the Ryūtōdan (竜灯団, Dragon Lantern Group), who offered to provide for all their living needs, including clothing, food, and housing.
In January of Taishō 5 (1916), Shōshin and his wife moved to Higashiyama in Kyoto (京都東山, きょうとひがしやま), where he became the chief editor of the religious newspaper Chūgai Nippo (中外日報, ちゅうがいにっぽう). Over four years, he contributed editorials and also managed the “Faith Questions and Answers” (宿仰間答, しゅくごうかんとう) column, leaving a deep impression on readers.
In August of Taishō 8 (1919), Chūgai Nippo abruptly ceased publication. In late November, Shōshin and his wife moved back to Tokyo and settled in Kanda-Jimbōchō (神田神保町, かんだじんぼうちょう). There, they established the headquarters of the Gyōsaku Shinkai (仰策進会, ぎょうさくしんかい, Association for Progress of Belief) and began publishing the journal “Spiritual Movement” (精神運動, せいしんうんどう). This marked the active beginning of the Selfless Love Movement (無我愛運動, むがあいうんどう, Muga-ai Movement).
The movement gained widespread praise. Among the women participating at that time were prominent women’s liberation activists, including Hiratsuka Raichō (平塚らいてう, ひらつからいてう), Ichikawa Fusae (市川房枝, いちかわふさえ), and Yosano Akiko (与謝野晶子, よさのあきこ). The number of visitors coming to learn directly from Shōshin grew, leading to his relocation to Nakano (中野, なかの) in the spring of Taishō 10 (1921). At Asako’s (あさ子) suggestion, he began publishing the journal “Love” (愛, あい). Contributors included renowned individuals such as Toribaya Akegarasu Haya (鳥敏 敏, あけがらすはや, an important disciple of Kiyozawa Manshi and member of the Zendō movement), Kawakami Hajime (河上肇, かわかみはじめ), Yosano Akiko, Hiratsuka Raichō, and Tsuda Seifū (津田青楓, つだせいふう, a major artist).
During this time, Shōshin immersed himself in reflection and research, reading all the works of Nishida Kitarō (西田幾多郎, にしだきたろう, a leading philosopher). In August of the same year, he visited Mushanokōji Saneatsu’s (武者小路実, むしゃのこうじさねあつ) “New Village” (新しき村, あたらしきむら) in Hyūga City, Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県日向市, みやざきけんひゅうがし). His interaction with Mushanokōji left a profound impression on him. Later, Mushanokōji also visited “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) in Nishibata (西端, にしばた). It is said that they shared many points in common, both in thought and conviction.
From 9 June for four days in Taishō 11 (1922), Shōshin held the National Conference for Advocates of Selfless Love (無我愛同期全国大会, むがあいどうきぜんこくたいかい) at the Nakano “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self). The event was unprecedented and an extraordinary success.
4. Moving to Nishibata at the Invitation of the “Ryūtōdan” (竜灯団) and Expanding His Efforts Abroad
In April Taishō 14 (1925), when Shōshin was 49 years old, he and his wife moved to Nishibata (西端). They were invited by a group of young spiritual seekers called the Ryūtōdan (竜灯団, Dragon Lantern Group), who offered to provide for all their living needs, including clothing, food, and housing.
In February of Shōwa 8 (1933), Shōshin resolved to build the main training hall of “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) in Nishibata. He sought donations from comrades nationwide, and by January of the following year (Shōwa 9), the two-story wooden building, which included living quarters and the main training hall, was completed. By 1935, everything was finished. Among the supporters were prominent figures such as Kurata Hyakuzō (倉田百三), Fujii Tatsukichi (藤井達吉), Mori San (森三), Tomimoto Kenkichi (富本憲吉), Yosano Akiko (与謝野晶子), and Toribaya Akegarasu (暁鳥敏).
In Shōwa 11 (1936), Shōshin established the Universal Harmony of Religions League (万教協和連盟), aiming to unify diverse religions into one. He moved to Tokyo and spent approximately two years promoting his vision in various ways. Although he gained the support of many prominent figures, he was unable to achieve tangible results and returned to Nishibata.
From Shōwa 14 (1939), Shōshin traveled to Manchuria (満州) four times, giving lectures and speeches to spread the philosophy of Muga-ai (無我愛, Selfless Love).
After the end of the Pacific War (太平洋戦争), Shōshin participated in the World Federation Construction League (世界連邦建設同盟) and joined the Japan Free Religion Association (日本自由宗教連盟), and became an active member. In Shōwa 27 (1952), he and his wife attended the World Federation Asia Conference (世界連邦アジア会議) held in Hiroshima City (広島市).
In his later years, Shōshin focused his research on the concept of the “Theory of Consciousness as the Subject” (意識主体論). The term “Consciousness as the Subject” (意識主体) was coined by Shōshin himself, and he explained in his papers that this research began as part of a “scientific study of the immortality of the soul” (霊魂不滅の科学的研究). Shōshin’s approach to research was both solemn and meticulous, extending not only to traditional Buddhist texts but also to modern works in physics, chemistry, physiology, and psychology. He even visited physicists directly to further his studies.
Ito Shōshin (伊藤証信) did not smoke, drank only a little alcohol, and enjoyed playing go (囲碁). One of his disciples, Chiba Kōdō (千葉耕堂), described Shōshin’s appearance as follows:
“At first glance, Sensei did not have an imposing or noble air about him. He seemed like a completely ordinary old man. But when you looked into his eyes, you realised he was no ordinary person. His eyes glowed with a rich, grape-like lustre, and they carried a quiet authority that could command respect.”
On 14 January 1963 (Shōwa 38), around 11 a.m., after taking a relaxing bath, Shōshin collapsed and passed away on the spot, his breathing ceasing immediately.
He was 87 years old.
At Shōshin’s funeral (進生式, Advancing in Life Ceremony), his long-time friend and fellow researcher, Mori Shinzō (森信三) offered the following poem:
“Oh great philosopher of the fields, who lived a lifetime embodying the truth of Selfless Love (無我愛, Muga-ai).”
It can be said that this single phrase perfectly encapsulates Shōshin’s life.
If you want to know more:
“Overview of the History of the Selfless Love Movement” (無我愛運動史概観, Muga-ai Undōshi Gaikan), published in Shōwa 45 (1970), by Chiba Kōdō (千葉耕堂).
“The Philosophy of Selfless Love” (無我愛の哲学, Muga-ai no Tetsugaku), published in Shōwa 8 (1933), by Ito Shōshin (伊証信).
“Ito Shōshin” (伊藤証信, Itō Shōshin), published in Heisei 8 (1996) in the quarterly journal Midori (みどり, Midori), by Yamazaki Masahiro (山崎正広).
From Shōwa 14 (1939), Shōshin traveled to Manchuria (満州) four times, giving lectures and speeches to spread the philosophy of Muga-ai (無我愛, Selfless Love).
After the end of the Pacific War (太平洋戦争), Shōshin participated in the World Federation Construction League (世界連邦建設同盟) and joined the Japan Free Religion Association (日本自由宗教連盟), and became an active member. In Shōwa 27 (1952), he and his wife attended the World Federation Asia Conference (世界連邦アジア会議) held in Hiroshima City (広島市).
In his later years, Shōshin focused his research on the concept of the “Theory of Consciousness as the Subject” (意識主体論). The term “Consciousness as the Subject” (意識主体) was coined by Shōshin himself, and he explained in his papers that this research began as part of a “scientific study of the immortality of the soul” (霊魂不滅の科学的研究). Shōshin’s approach to research was both solemn and meticulous, extending not only to traditional Buddhist texts but also to modern works in physics, chemistry, physiology, and psychology. He even visited physicists directly to further his studies.
5. Shōshin’s Final Years: Passing Away at the Age of 87
Ito Shōshin (伊藤証信) did not smoke, drank only a little alcohol, and enjoyed playing go (囲碁). One of his disciples, Chiba Kōdō (千葉耕堂), described Shōshin’s appearance as follows:
“At first glance, Sensei did not have an imposing or noble air about him. He seemed like a completely ordinary old man. But when you looked into his eyes, you realised he was no ordinary person. His eyes glowed with a rich, grape-like lustre, and they carried a quiet authority that could command respect.”
On 14 January 1963 (Shōwa 38), around 11 a.m., after taking a relaxing bath, Shōshin collapsed and passed away on the spot, his breathing ceasing immediately.
He was 87 years old.
At Shōshin’s funeral (進生式, Advancing in Life Ceremony), his long-time friend and fellow researcher, Mori Shinzō (森信三) offered the following poem:
“Oh great philosopher of the fields, who lived a lifetime embodying the truth of Selfless Love (無我愛, Muga-ai).”
It can be said that this single phrase perfectly encapsulates Shōshin’s life.
If you want to know more:
“Overview of the History of the Selfless Love Movement” (無我愛運動史概観, Muga-ai Undōshi Gaikan), published in Shōwa 45 (1970), by Chiba Kōdō (千葉耕堂).
“The Philosophy of Selfless Love” (無我愛の哲学, Muga-ai no Tetsugaku), published in Shōwa 8 (1933), by Ito Shōshin (伊証信).
“Ito Shōshin” (伊藤証信, Itō Shōshin), published in Heisei 8 (1996) in the quarterly journal Midori (みどり, Midori), by Yamazaki Masahiro (山崎正広).
(The original Japanese text for the preceding translation can be found at this link)
—o0o—
A Philosopher Who Lived in His Hometown:
Ito Shōshin (1876-1963) (伊藤証信, いとうしょうしん)
Ito Shōshin was a philosopher who, from the Meiji (明治) to the Shōwa (昭和) eras, advocated “Selfless Love” (無我愛 Muga-ai) and pursued extensive research and contemplation, not just in Buddhism but also including Christianity and Western philosophy.
From Birth to Reaching “Love of No-Self” (無我の愛)
Ito Shōshin was born in Meiji 9 (1876) to a farming family in Sakai (坂井), Kume Village (久米村), Inabe District (員弁郡), Mie Prefecture (三重県) (currently Sakai, Kuwana City (桑名市)). His childhood name was Seikurō (清九郎). Influenced by his parents who were devout followers of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism (浄土真宗), at the age of 13 he entered the priesthood himself, took vows at Enjuji Temple (円授寺) of the Ōtani branch (真宗大谷派) of Jōdo Shinshū, and changed his name to Shōshin (証信).
He attended Mino Kyōkō (美濃教校) in Ōgaki (大垣), then moved to Shinshū Middle School (真宗中学校) in Kyoto to Shinshū University (真宗大学, now Ōtani University (大谷大学), where he studied under the religious philosopher Kiyozawa Manshi (清沢満之, きよざわまんし), who had entered Saihōji Temple (西方寺) in Hekinan City (碧南市) in Meiji 21 (1888). With the university’s relocation, he moved to Tokyo.
In Meiji 37 (1904), he returned to Kume Village to nurse his father, but at his father’s bedside, he was suddenly struck by inspiration and realized “Love of No-Self” (無我の愛).
The First “Mugaen” (無我苑 Garden of No-Self): Its Launch and Closure
In Meiji 38 (1905), inspired by this spiritual experience, Shōshin opened the first “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) at Dainichidō (大日堂) in Sugamo Village (巣鴨村), Tokyo, and began a self-cultivation movement while launching the journal “Love of No-Self.” In October of the same year, to advance the “Selfless Love” movement, he renounced the priesthood (僧籍) and left Shinshū University.
This decision caused a considerable stir, attracting praise from Tokutomi Roka (徳冨蘆花), Kōtoku Shūsui (幸徳秋水), Sakai Toshihiko (堺利彦), Tsunashima Ryōsen (綱島梁川) and others. In December of the same year, Kawakami Hajime (河上肇) resigned from his teaching position at Gakushūin (学習院) and joined “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self).
However, in March of the following year, Shōshin suddenly closed “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) citing “immaturity in training” as the reason. It is said he feared the rapid growth of “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) might lead it to become a religious sect (教団化).
Marriage and the Quest for a Movement
After its closure, he was invited to take up a position at Tokuyama Girls’ School (徳山女学校) in Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県). There he met Takeuchi Asako (竹内あさ子) and married in Meiji 42 (1909). Asako not only supported Shōshin’s movement but also contributed to the movement to improve the status of women along with Hiratsuka Raichō (平塚らいてふ), Ichikawa Fusae (市川房枝), and Yosano Akiko (与謝野晶子).
In Meiji 43 (1910), Shōshin went to Tokyo with Asako, published the magazine “Our Life” (我生活), and the following year, he was imprisoned for five days over the essay “A Statement on the High Treason Incident” (大逆事件の掲示).
In Taishō 5 (1916), he was invited to become the chief editor of “Chūgai Nippo” (中外日報) and moved to Kyoto, but returned to Tokyo in August to publish the journal “Spiritual Movement” (精神運動). During this time, he moved from place to place, seeking a spiritual and philosophical movement distinct from both established religions (既成宗教) and new religions (新興宗教).
Reopening of “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) and the move to Nishibata in Western Mikawa
In Taishō 10 (1921), he reopened “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self) in Nakano (中野), Tokyo. In November, he published the book “Truth of Selfless Love” (無我愛の真理), and in December, “Dialogue on Spiritual Life” (対話精神生活). After the Great Kantō Earthquake, he was invited by the Ryūtōdan (竜灯団) formed by rural youths of Nishimikawa (西三河) and decided to move to Nishibata (西端) (now Hekinan City 碧南市), naming his temporary residence “Ryūtōkutsu” (竜灯窟 Grotto of the Dragon Lantern).
There he sought to systematize rigorously the philosophy of “Selfless Love,” continuing extensive reading, research, and contemplation in Buddhism, Christianity, and Western philosophy. He translated and taught Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason” (純粋理性批判) to local youths, taught German, and provided philosophical teaching based on spiritualism (精神主義 seishinshugi — see end note). Among Shōshin’s works that received particularly high praise were his “Introduction to Philosophy” (哲学入門) and “Philosophy of Selfless Love” (無我愛の哲学).
In Shōwa 9 (1934), with donations (浄財) from across the country, a two-story wooden building was completed in Nishibata in a new “Mugaen” (Garden of No-Self), becoming a training centre/dojo (研修道場) with living quarters and meeting spaces.
During the war, he went to Manchuria (満州) to propagate Muga-ai and, due to his words and deeds of war cooperation and praise of the emperor system (天皇制賛美), he was criticized in the post-war period. In his later years, he was actively aiming for the Creation of a World Federation (世界連邦建設).
In Shōwa 38 (1963), Shōshin died at the age of 87. After his death, Hiratsuka Raichō (平塚らいてふ) sent a calligraphy inscribed “Eternally commemorating the flexible-souled free religionist (柔軟な魂の自由宗教者) Ito Shōshin-sensei (伊藤証信先生) and his wife Asako” and mourned his death.
(The original Japanese text for the preceding translation can be found at this link)
End Note:
In his book, Cultivating Spirituality, A Modern Shin Buddhist Anthology, Mark Blum described seishinshugi as “spirituality at the forefront,” defining it as “a set of principles that prioritized personal, subjective experience as the basis for religious understanding, as well as the praxis that ideally brought about realization.”
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