In the previous entries I described the eight dusts that are uses of the mind that are not in accord with God's intention and that hinder us from living the Joyous Life. There are two more uses of the mind that God strongly warns us against. In the Ofudesaki, which Oyasama wrote with Her own hand, we read:

Words of flattery are unwanted. If there is sincerity in the core of your mind. . .

Ofudesaki III:39

Words of flattery are unwanted. Tsukihi looks for the sincerity of the mind.

Ofudesaki XI:8

Until now, I have listened to all kinds of falsehood, but from now on I shall hear them no more.

From now on, if you speak falsely, you yourself will become false. Beware!

Tsukihi dislikes falsehood and flattery. If you persist, Tsukihi will withdraw.

Ofudesaki XII:111-113

When the eight dusts are mentioned in The Doctrine of Tenrikyo and the Besseki lecture, we are also taught, "In addition, God warns us that Tsukihi 'dislikes falsehood and flattery.'" One could say that God the Parent brings up falsehood and flattery because their significance is second only to the eight dusts.

There are those who consider the eight dusts to be the most representative of the many possible uses of the mind that go against the intention of God the Parent, with "falsehood" and "flattery" being further examples. However, the eight dusts are more basic and fundamental in nature rather than being mere "representative" uses of mind that go against God's intention. Any other specific examples one may point out can be said to be either a manifestation of one of the eight dusts or something that came about from any combination of them. Further, to tell a "falsehood" or use "flattery" is not necessarily a "use of mind" per se, but should be considered an "action" that comes about because we harbor one or more of the eight dusts. Such action further clouds and muddies the minds of others, helping to bring about a dark and ugly world. God the Parent taught us:

Deference becomes flattery. Flattery becomes falsehood. Falsehood and flattery become the foundation of great dusts.

Osashizu, May 9, 1898

This Divine Direction reveals that "flattery" can serve as a foundation for a muddy mind. We are also warned that God cannot remain and work in such a muddy mind. "Flattery" is the cause of all uproar. To indulge in it is like crushing ourselves with our own strength (Refer to Osashizu, April 20, 1898).

Furthermore, although we may not have intended to tell a lie or falsehood, there are times when a promise we made to someone or a resolution we made to God the Parent becomes a lie when we find ourselves in a difficult situation and our determination to carry out our promise or resolution weakens. No matter how much we may plead ignorance by insisting that we did not intend to do so, when our promise comes up short, it is like telling a lie or falsehood. Therefore, it is important to make the effort to stand by every resolution we make.