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In Perfect Liberty we learn that:

“We are the artist” in our own lives. We are the master craftsman, shaping our existence from the cradle to the grave. We wield the tools, dream the dreams, see the visions, draw the plans, take the time and do the work in everything we say and think every moment of the day, every day of our lives. As a sculptor takes his raw materials and begins to realize his ideal artistic piece, and a painter takes his brush and gives form to his creative ideas, it’s clear “we are the artist” in our lives.

Oshieoya (PL’s spiritual leader) reveals the true meaning of human life in the first PL Precept, “Life is art.” Like the artist, when we express our true selves in everything we do, our full human potential is realized and it is uniquely our own. There is a potential power of individual expression that we can all use through all our human abilities, such as understanding and appreciating things, planning and creating, judging and deciding, and in just doing or implementing things.

When all our expressions in daily life begin to reflect our unique individuality, our lives can be enriched, and we can then open up new areas in our lives. Modern-day people are inclined to emphasize only the outcome – the results – interpreting happiness only in terms of material satisfaction. The PL Precepts, “Life is art,” and “To live is to express one’s self,” are the most powerful principles of human life, clearly pointing out the true nature of humankind. Through this understanding we can achieve a higher level of fulfilment and live happier lives.

The purpose of the Perfect Liberty organization is to work for world peace by helping people lead more enjoyable fulfilled lives in harmony with others. To achieve this, PL shares with us the divine principles for human life, the PL 21 Precepts, which were revealed by God to the previous spiritual leader of PL in 1947. By following “The PL 21 Guidelines for Living a Happy Life,” we put into practice the divine principles that were revealed in the PL Precepts. These common sense positive guidelines provide us with a roadmap for our daily lives, and by following them with the help that PL provides, we can lead wonderful, fulfilled, contented lives while also helping others to be happy as well.

The PL 21 Precepts are the basis of the PL Teachings. Shortly after midnight on September 29, 1947, exactly one year after PL was established, the Second Founder Tokuchika Miki, who was visiting Misasa Church in Hiroshima Prefecture, was struck with divine intuition. He prayed to God (Mioyaookami) and the Kyoshin (Founders’ spirits), and by half past three, he had received the entire 21 Precepts.

Photo: Second Founder, Tokuchika Miki

The PL 21 Precepts reveal the true path of life for all humankind. Beginning with Precept #1, “LIFE IS ART” as the foundation, there are twenty more precepts that stem from it and are closely interrelated with one another. Therefore, when you look at the last Precept #21, “LIVE IN PERFECT LIBERTY” and then read #20, ““LIVE MAINTAINING EQUILIBRIUM BETWEEN MIND AND MATTER” or #19, “BEGIN ONCE YOU PERCEIVE,” all are tied to one another. However, if we deeply analyze the meaning of each of these precepts, they all point back to the first precept, LIFE IS ART.”

Each precept is written in simple and clear language, but the truth revealed in their words applies universally to all humankind. Through living by the PL 21 Precepts, we human beings are able to know the true meaning of life, and can find true happiness.

21 Precepts

1. LIFE IS ART.
2. TO LIVE IS TO EXPRESS ONE’S SELF.
3. GOD APPEARS THROUGH ONE’S SELF.
4. BEING ANNOYED LIMITS YOUR EXPRESSION.
5. ONE’S SELF IS LOST BY BEING EMOTIONAL.
6. EFFACE YOUR SELF-CONCEPTIONS.
7. EVERYTHING EXISTS IN RELATIVITY.
8. LIVE AS THE SUN.
9. HUMAN BEINGS ARE ALL EQUAL.
10. LOVE YOURSELF AND OTHERS.
11. ALWAYS BE WITH GOD.
12. EVERYTHING HAS A WAY ACCORDING TO ITS NAME.
13. THERE IS A WAY FOR MEN AND A WAY FOR WOMEN.
14. WORLD PEACE IS EVERYTHING.
15. ALL IS A MIRROR.
16. ALL THINGS PROGRESS AND DEVELOP.
17. GRASP WHAT IS MOST ESSENTIAL.
18. EACH MOMENT IS A TURNING POINT.
19. BEGIN ONCE YOU PERCEIVE.
20. LIVE MAINTAINING EQUILIBRIUM BETWEEN MIND AND MATTER.
21. LIVE IN PERFECT LIBERTY.

How to Live an Artistic Life

The PL 21 Principles are the practical guidelines in for our daily lives as PL members:, they assist us in practicing the PL 21 PRECEPTS. The PL 21 Principles are specific guidelines on how to live the PL way (an artistic life) and teach us how to reach a positive state of mind, so that we can express ourselves more harmoniously and joyfully.

While praying at the Omitama (The PL Prayer Symbol), and continuously practicing these principles, you will experience the joy of being a PL member and you will be able to discover your true potential as a human being. You can create your own path toward happiness and prosperity.

If you wish to know more about the PL Principles, please ask for a consultation from your local church minister.

PL 21 Principles

1. I will live paying careful attention, putting Makoto into all I say and do.
2. I will not have complaints about others, matters, nor the weather. Rather I will always be creative and will look for shortcomings in my own thinking and actions.
3. I will live with a mind of appreciation toward others and things.
4. I will live with the spirit of Misasage (Devotion), working for the happiness of others.
5. I will not get angry at anyone or anything.
6. I will not be stubborn, being captured by my own thoughts.
7. I will not have a mind to be hasty, worry, nor be pessimistic.
8. I will not have a mind to be greedy.
9. I will not have a mind to be dishonest.
10. I will live in true harmony with my spouse.
11. Realizing that children are God's children, I will raise my child to become a useful citizen for others and society. Realizing also that children are mirrors of their parents, I will not raise my child indulging in my own emotions and just wanting to satisfy my feelings of love.
12. I will get up pleasantly in the morning.
13. Concerning food, I will not have complaints, likes and dislikes, nor preferences; nor will I overeat, over-drink, nor eat irregularly.
14. I will not have a mind to be lazy. I will not have complaints while working, nor be overly concerned and complain about others.
15. I will not do anything overly.
16. I will not have a mind to be arrogant nor conceited.
17. I will not say nor do things that hurt others.
18. I will not have a mind to slight others.
19. I will not forget to do Hosho.
20. I will make every effort to do Shingei to show my appreciation.
21. I will never forget the Grace of God and Oshieoya-sama.