Setsubun Without Throwing Beans at Demons

At our nursery school's Setsubun, we do not have the children throw beans at demons. This is because it is meaningless. Demons exist within each and every one of our hearts.
People and demons are not two completely different things. The only difference is whether or not 'demonic' elements emerge, depending on the person and the situation.
The character for 'demon' (oni) is said to have originally meant 'a person wearing a demon mask,' but when I encounter news reports about terrorism and crime, I wonder if humans are actually 'demons wearing human masks.'

Now, Shakyamuni Buddha had a foolish disciple named Shurihandaka. However, Shurihandaka understood the Buddha's teaching:
'Dust will surely return even after you sweep it away. Does that mean you shouldn't sweep it? No, it is precisely because it returns that you must sweep it.' He dedicated himself to cleaning every day.
The demons in our hearts will likely not disappear so easily.
However, we can reduce their number or prevent them from running wild.
If left alone, dust will accumulate in electrical outlets, ignite, and cause a house to burn down.

Let us each continue to say 'Demons out!' so that we do not become a 'fire hazard' ourselves.

(From the February 2015 issue of the 'Nursery Newsletter')

* Reprinted from Wako Nursery School's 'Stories on Buddhist Childcare'
Setsubun Without Throwing Beans at Demons – Wako Nursery School (wakwau.jp).

At the time of writing, the author, Chiaki Shirai, was the Vice Principal of the Wako Nursery School social welfare corporation.