How could a farming family in the 19th century give rise to a new religious movement? The story of \u91d1\u5149\u6559 \u6771\u7530\u5cf6\u5206\u6559\u4f1a begins with Konkokyo. It is a Shinto sect rooted in Shinbutsu-shugo beliefs.
Konkokyo believers worship the spirit. They see energy flowing through all things. They call it Tenchi Kane No Kami. This means the Golden Kami of the Heavens and Earth. In Japanese it also means the Universe.
While Konkokyo is hard to define with one theology Tenchi Kane no Kami is omnipresent. It is the energy that penetrates the universe. It gives all things consciousness. It is a non-omnipotent director of nature. Konko texts refer to the physical universe as Kami’s body.
Konkokyo theology sees the relationship between Kami and humanity as benevolent. It is also interdependent. Kami is a divine ideal parent. It offers love support and protection through blessings. Konkokyo teaches that Kami loves all people. This includes any race religion or gender. Tenchi Kane no Kami is neither male nor female.
The sole interest of Tenchi Kane no Kami is human happiness. Konkokyo aims to alleviate suffering. This is done by realizing life’s occurrences are gifts from Kami. They are part of the natural order. It also means realizing the identity of the self and universe. It recognizes them as part of Tenchi Kane No Kami. Humans serve their role in the universe. They bring joy through healthy indulgence.
Bunjiro Kawate founded Konkokyo in 1859. He was born in 1814. He lived in Urami in Bitchu Province now Asakuchi Okayama Prefecture. His family were farmers.
In 1855 Bunjiro went to Kibitsu Jinja shrine. He sought divination. He had a throat ailment. He could not speak or move. He turned to Shinto ritual. The deity Ishizuchi revealed that Bunjiro offended the deity Konjin. Bunjiro apologized. He regained his voice. He recovered completely.
Bunjiro practiced his faith. He prayed to Konjin. His faith grew. Over time he prayed to multiple kami at once. He understood this deity as Nittenshi Gattenshi and Kane no Kami. This deity revealed itself as Tenchi Kane no Kami.
On November 15 1859 Tenchi Kane no Kami asked Bunjiro to give up farming. He should help people. He should listen to them. He should pray for their troubles. Bunjiro became a priest.
Bunjiro taught that Tenchi Kane no Kami wishes to help and save people. This deity depends on people. People also depend on this deity. It is mutual fulfillment.
Visitors sought advice and spiritual guidance. Disciples formed to help Bunjiro spread the teachings. They called themselves deyashiro.
After the Meiji Restoration religious policies limited Konkokyo teachings. They developed important aspects that preserved Konkokyo’s history. Bunjiro documented his experiences in the memoir Konko Daijin Oboegaki. He also compiled the Oshirase-goto oboecho.
Konkokyo sees everything as interrelated. Kami is not distant. It is present in the world. The universe is the body of Tenchi Kane no Kami. Suffering comes from high expectations. It comes from unwillingness to compromise. It includes impatience and disregard.
Konkokyo centers on improving life by showing appreciation. It focuses on living upright. It means providing mutual help and prayer. By embodying these virtues anyone can become an ikigami. An ikigami is a living kami. It helps others unconditionally. It has inner peace. Spirits of those who have passed remain of the universe. They are mitama-no-kami. They connect with Tenchi Kane No Kami.
Bunjiro taught that one could receive help by having sincere faith. This is called Jitsui Teinei Shinjin. There is a mutually dependent relationship between Tenchi Kane No Kami and people.
Konkokyo has churches. People worship and pray there. Churches provide assistance through Toritsugi. This is mediation. They are safe centers for prayer.
Konkokyo believes all people are connected by the universe. There is no one that does not belong. It desires all people to work together to resolve the world’s problems. It respects all ethnic groups and religions.
All people are equal regardless of race religion gender occupation or wealth. Women are held in high esteem. Many serve as head ministers.
Konkokyo does not restrict food and drink. Believers can consume alcohol caffeine and meat. Celibacy is not required. There are no restrictions. Believers are not obligated to pay dues or make donations.
Konkokyo has about 450000 adherents. It has churches and missions in the U.S. Canada Brazil Germany Paraguay and South Korea. It is mainly in Japan.
Konkokyo is deeply rooted in Shinto. It was classified as a sect of Shinto after the Meiji Restoration. It maintains membership in the Association of Sectarian Shinto.
The philosophy practices and beliefs of Konkokyo align with Shrine Shinto. There are many Konko followers who also consider themselves Shinja. One unique aspect is Toritsugi mediation.