Daily Inspirations

The following collection of daily poems and related teachings has been compiled to serve as a companion to our Prayer Book. The teachings of Meishu-sama, either written or oral, accompany the three poems from each page of the Prayer Book. These poems were mostly composed by Meishu-sama, our founder. Some, however, were written by Nidai-sama (his wife, who became our second spiritual leader after his passing), and have been notated as such.

When Meishu-sama formed his new spiritual group in 1935, he continued composing many Waka poems. Themes included Nature’s beauty, current social issues, human nature, and even romantic love. However, most dealt with the new spiritual teachings: Meishu-sama’s plans for his spiritual movement, and his guidance to followers. These poems were published in his organization’s newspapers and magazines, and were chanted during every Center’s services, as well as at members’ homes. Meishu-sama composed poems very quickly, as many as 100 in one hour.