This is the first volume of the Truth of Life series, Book of general principles. Like the other volumes, this one contains valuable material, but most of it is not an easy read.

It expounds the basic principles of the Seicho-No-Ie movement founded by the author, Masaharu Taniguchi. These are that in the true image world disease and matter do not exist, are delusions, and if we wish to become healthy we too must deny that these things exist. Often merely constantly reading these Truth of Life books and the magazines published by the movement will be enough to create a perfect healing, though it is also recommended that we practise the Shinsokan meditation in which we visualize God. Not only complete health can be obtained but also regulation of all life conditions – abundance and harmony in personal relations.

The basic objective of the present volume as of the whole series is to “explain the Truth of the true image of life, so the readers may learn to lead healthy lives --- as a result of awakening to the Truth”.

One of the most readable chapters in the book is Chapter Three – “Solving problems of life and Case histories”. Convincing stories of healing by this method are recounted, and the work and healings of Mary Baker Eddy are also referred to. It turns out that the philosophy and practice of this American healer was similar or identical to that of Seicho-No-Ie, so I will be reading some of her works too, if I can get hold of them, as they may be easier to read but have the same effect.

There is also a chapter on fate, though I’m not sure that I entirely agree with the views of Mr. Taniguchi in this respect, since he states “A future that has been foretold has already taken place. There is no way of cancelling it.”

Chapter Five “Facts from Daily Life” is also quite readable and useful. We are given examples of how the power of (the doctor’s) words can heal even severe illnesses (when his drugs don’t - my comment). In fact the severity of the illness is of no account.

Taniguchi refers constantly to both the essential doctrines of Christianity and Buddhism and to famous persons around the world who understood how to use the basic principles he propounds, e.g. Henry Ford.

It is stressed that since the body is a reflection of the mind, the body shows the result not the cause. – “studying the patient’s physical condition -- only serves to reveal what exists in the patient’s mind”.

The author does not believe in dietary therapy – he believes that no food provided by God can be harmful to man. The problem is not in the food, or the body, but in the mind.

To sum up, if you are open to the principles of the Seicho-No-Ie movement, read this book, especially if you have health problems or wish to heal your conditions of life. According to Taniguchi, and I believe him, the more Truth of Life books you read, the greater the chances of obtaining healing. ( )