Listen closely as we approach Konko Church of Katae. Did you know Konko Church of Katae is a place where people connect with Tenchi Kane no Kami? It is a Shinto sect with origins in Shinbutsu-shūgō beliefs. Konkokyo believers worship the spirit and energy that flows through all things.
Konkokyo is part of the Kyoha Shinto Rengokai. This is the Association of Sectarian Shinto. The spirit and energy are known as Tenchi Kane No Kami. This means the Golden Kami of the Heavens and Earth.
While Konkokyo lacks one particular theology, Tenchi Kane no Kami is omnipresent. It penetrates the universe. It gives all things a consciousness. The physical universe is Kami’s body. This is within Konko texts.
The relationship between Kami and humanity is benevolent. Kami is often a divine ideal parent. It offers love, affection, support, and protection. It nurtures people through blessings. Konkokyo teaches that Kami loves all people no matter their race or religion. Tenchi Kane no Kami is neither male nor female.
The sole interest of Tenchi Kane no Kami is the happiness of humans. Konkokyo wants to alleviate human suffering. Firstly, people must realize all occurrences are gifts of Kami. They are part of the natural order. Secondly, people must realize the identity of the self and the universe as undying. Humans serve their role in the universe with inner peace. They bring joy through healthy and natural indulgence.
Tenchi Kane No Kami is also called Tenchi No Kami-Sama. Other names include Oyagami-Sama, Kami-Sama, and Kami. In English, Kami can be the Divine Parent of the Universe. It can also be Principle Parent or Parent Kami.
Bunjirō Kawate founded Konkokyo in 1859. He was born in 1814. His birth village was Urami in Bitchū Province. Today, it is Asakuchi, Okayama Prefecture.
In 1855, Bunjirō went to Kibitsu Jinja. This was for a divination and prayer ceremony. He had yakudoshi or unlucky age year. He believed he got a good omen. Yet he suffered a serious throat ailment. He could not speak or move. The deity of Ishizuchi revealed that Bunjirō offended the deity Konjin. Bunjirō wanted to apologize. He got his voice back. From that time, he recovered from his illness.
In Konkokyo, everything is in profound interrelation. Kami is present within this world. The universe is the body of Tenchi Kane no Kami. Suffering comes from high expectations. It also comes from unwillingness to compromise. Konkokyo’s beliefs center on the betterment of human life. People should show appreciation for all things. They should live upright. They should pray for others. By embodying these virtues, anyone can become an ikigami. An ikigami is a living kami. This person helps others unconditionally. They also have inner peace.
Konko Church of Katae is more than just a building. It is a place of connection and community. It is where people seek guidance. It is where they find peace in the teachings of Konkokyo. Remember the story of Konko Church of Katae. It is a place where faith and community intertwine.