White Circles = Altruism

Human Nature and the Path of Altruism

All humans possess both a kind heart and the tendency toward jealousy—what we may call the “seven dark emotions.” Nurturing the kindness in others, encouraging it to grow without force, and interacting in a way that brings it forth naturally—this is the way of the white circle, the path of altruism.

The mindset of “I let you do this,” or “I’m doing you a favor,” is mistaken.

Turning Black Circles into White

For example, if a conversation over tea veers into gossip, change the topic to how to make a delicious tamagoyaki (rolled omelet). If your actions and thoughts reflect the white circle, the divine and Kannon-sama will lend you strength—and they will listen.

Rather than being pulled down by black circles, strive to become a person who lifts others into white circles.

Those who possess white-hearted intent are given roles: to transform all thoughts around them into white, to lift up those below them—not to be pulled down by them.

The Ultimate White Circle

The purest white circle is the joy and excitement that comes from envisioning the betterment of others—being so filled with the desire to guide others toward goodness that your heart overflows. This is the most beautiful form of altruistic thought.

Courage and Resolve Are Needed

To help others improve, one must speak up—even if it means being misunderstood or disliked. This takes courage. True altruism is the willingness to be disliked if it helps everyone grow. You don’t need to “be the good one.” Not speaking up because you want to stay liked only leads to the loss of companionship. Thinking of others’ growth requires both courage and resolve.

Our Two Faces: The Outer and the Inner

Every person has both a front and a back face.

The outer face should be fully nurtured.

The inner face must be improved.

As spirits, nothing can be hidden. You will become the very form of your inner emotions—whether they are of hatred or love. After death, on the 49th day, you will stand before Enma-sama (the judge of the afterlife). Live so that you are never ashamed of either face.

Kannon-sama’s Technique

Kannon-sama always humbles herself, going one or two steps below the person she’s guiding. When we greet her in a ritual, she responds gently: “I’m glad you have come.”

The higher a being is in position, the kinder it becomes to those beneath.

But when faced with dark (black circle) emotions, they speak firmly from above.

How to Recognize Someone One Step Higher

• They are kind to those below.

• They offer multiple constructive answers to those above.

• They do not harbor envy.

• They remain humble.

  
  

White and Black Circles in Daily Judgment

Imagine a couple is asked when they feel they are happiest together.

❌ “Because many other couples around us are struggling.”This is not a white circle answer—it relies on others’ misfortune to affirm one’s happiness.

⭕ “We wish to help those struggling couples find happiness.”This is altruism. This is white.

A married couple is bonded by karma and is often quite similar. The purpose of that bond is to resolve karmic ties—therefore, living harmoniously is essential.

True Standards of Judgment

Man-made rules can often be misguided.For instance:

“No food or drinks inside the shrine grounds.”“Pets are prohibited.”

All are children of the gods. The gods never say not to eat or bring animals. Such rules stem from human negligence—like leaving trash or not cleaning up after pets.

A Test of Motive

Let’s say Kannon-sama asked you to deliver a bento. Then, a customer you’re not fond of asks you the same thing. Will you deliver it?

If you deliver the lunch even to someone you dislike, that is a white-circle action.

Like the story of a small electronics shop owner who traveled 10 km just to change a burned-out lightbulb for an elderly woman and charged only 40 yen—his compassion became the foundation of a company that grew nationwide. He didn’t act for profit, but out of kindness.

Measure Actions by White or Black

Strive to make decisions not by convenience or societal norms, but by whether the action reflects truth and altruism—whether it’s a white or black circle.

The Balance Between Harmony and Safety

Don’t create conflict—but when something must be said in pursuit of the white circle, speak up. Even if you stay silent and avoid problems, the gods are watching.