This opening chapter presents the author's encounter with Tomekichi Taike and establishes the purpose of the book. The author describes their meeting not as coincidence but as a destined encounter that enabled them to understand, at a deep inner level, why they were born and what they are meant to do. Through this realization, the author came to experience genuine happiness.
Taike is introduced as someone who has devoted his life to conveying a fundamental truth about human existence—yet one that is not easily accepted. Most people remain firmly attached to the belief that the visible, physical world is reality. However, the author asserts that the truth of Taike's teachings will eventually be revealed, particularly through large-scale natural and human-caused disasters that will force humanity to confront its errors.
The chapter also reflects on modern society's focus on material prosperity, pointing out that even a comfortable life cannot bring true fulfillment without inner peace. Many people, unable to find that peace, turn to questionable spiritual practices or belief systems.
In contrast, Taike's teaching is simple yet demanding: to look directly into one's own heart. This includes confronting deeply rooted patterns, such as dependence on external forces or even idolization.
The author emphasizes that there is no intention to control or persuade the reader—only a sincere wish that they encounter truth for themselves. Readers are encouraged first to understand intellectually, then to begin feeling inwardly, and to start by reading The Flow of Consciousness as a foundation.
本章は、著者と田池留吉氏との出会いの意義と、本書の目的を述べた導入である。
著者は、田池氏との出会いを単なる偶然ではなく必然と捉え、その出会いによって「なぜ生まれてきたのか」という問いの答えを心で知り、真の幸福を感じたと語る。
田池氏は人間の本質と誤りを説き続けてきたが、その内容は容易には信じられない。
しかし今後、天変地異などを通じてその真実性が示されるとする。
また、物質的豊かさでは満たされない心の問題に触れ、多くの人が宗教や霊的なものに依存してきた現状を指摘する。
その中で本学びは「自分の心を見ること」を唯一の核心とする。
読者に対しては、まず頭で理解し、次に心で感じることを勧めるとともに、先に『意識の流れ』を読むことを推奨している。