Editing SG33SHS-T (section)

=== 10. The End of the Illusion of “Another World” ===

Now, regarding the concept of “another world,” is it truly an existing realm where spirits live after death, as generally believed? In response to this question, it is evident that modern science dismisses the existence of another world. Even from a geographical standpoint, once Copernican heliocentrism is accepted, the directions designated by terms such as “heaven,” “the Western Pure Land,” or “the realm of the dead” become utterly nonsensical. Even if the whole [human] world were to be destroyed, the earth would continue its rotation, rendering the notion of “another world” directionally meaningless. Ultimately, there is no scientific evidence to prove its existence.

How, then, should we consider the existence of realms like the “Pure Land,” “heaven,” or “Pure Land of Vulture Peak” in the afterlife? We should understand that they hold no meaning other than as the subjective belief of individuals. For example, Master Nichiren states, “Śākyamuni Buddha remains present even after entering nirvana; even after his extinction he remains alive in this sutra” (''On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land'').<ref>''Risshō ankokuron'' 立正安国論. This is the title of Nichiren’s most famous and influential work, written in 1260.</ref>

And according to Master Shinran:

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It is only through believing and relying on the words of good people that we come to trust [in the teachings of the ''nenbutsu'']. Truly, the practice of ''nenbutsu'' is the seed for being born in the Pure Land; it may lead to that, or it may lead to falling into hell due to one’s karmic fruits. We cannot know for certain. Even if one is deceived by Master Hōnen and recites the ''nenbutsu'' and falls into hell, there should be no regrets.<ref>''Tannisho'' 2. For a contemporary English translation of this passage by Taitetsu Unno, see: [https://www.themathesontrust.org/papers/fareasternreligions/Tannisho-Unno.pdf “The Tannisho,” The Matheson Trust: For the Study of Comparative Religion], accessed September 18, 2024.</ref>
</blockquote>

According to this perspective, the Pure Land is established through belief. Its significance lies in the act of believing, and without belief, it becomes a meaningless concept. Therefore, the Pure Land, the Pure Land of Vulture Peak, and heaven should be regarded as symbolic representations of an ideal world, devoid of any inherent meaning. They should be regarded as concepts that must be obliterated.