“A place for those with questions” is a saying often associated with Konkokyo. Today we are standing before the Konkokyo Fukakusa Church. This church is a place of worship in Kyoto. Specifically it is located in Fushimi.
Konkokyo is a Shinto sect. It has origins in Shinbutsu-shūgō beliefs. This is a blending of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. Konkokyo is part of the Association of Sectarian Shinto.
Konkokyo believers worship the spirit and energy. This spirit flows through all things. It is called Tenchi Kane No Kami. This means the Golden Kami of the Heavens and Earth. Heavens and Earth also means the Universe.
Tenchi Kane no Kami is omnipresent. It is the energy that penetrates the universe. This energy gives all things consciousness. The physical universe is called Kami’s body.
The relationship between Kami and humanity is benevolent. It is also interdependent. Kami is like a divine parent. Kami offers love support and protection. Konkokyo teaches that Kami loves all people. This love extends regardless of 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 is a gift of Kami. It also involves understanding the self and the universe. Humans should serve their role with inner peace.
Bunjirō Kawate founded Konkokyo in 1859. He was born in 1814. He was a farmer. In 1855 Bunjirō suffered a throat ailment. He turned to Shinto ritual. The deity Konjin revealed that Bunjirō offended him. Bunjirō apologized and regained his voice.
Bunjirō experienced more spiritual events. He prayed to multiple kami. He understood this as Nittenshi Gattenshi and Kane no Kami. The deity revealed itself as Tenchi Kane no Kami.
On November 15 1859 Tenchi Kane no Kami asked Bunjirō to become a priest. Bunjirō gave up farming. He devoted himself to helping others. He taught that Tenchi Kane no Kami wishes to help people. People can perform the work of this deity.
After the Meiji Restoration religious policies limited Konkokyo teachings. However this helped preserve Konkokyo’s history. Bunjirō documented his spiritual experiences. He compiled the Oshirase-goto oboechō. Bunjirō passed away in 1883.
Konkokyo believes everything is profoundly interrelated. The universe is the body of Tenchi Kane no Kami. Suffering comes from high expectations and unwillingness to compromise. Konkokyo centers on improving life. It promotes appreciating all things and mutual help.
Toritsugi is a unique practice in Konkokyo. It is mediation to communicate with Tenchi Kane no Kami. A minister relays the visitor’s words to Ikigami Konko Daijin and then to Tenchi Kane No Kami. The deity’s message is then relayed back.
Konkokyo has churches for worship and prayer. Churches offer assistance and guidance. They are safe and calming centers. Konkokyo desires all people to work together. It respects all ethnic groups and religions.
Women are held in high esteem. Konkokyo does not impose restrictions on food or drink. Celibacy is not required. Believers are not obligated to pay dues or make donations.
Konkokyo has about 450000 adherents. Churches and missions are in many countries. Konkokyo maintains membership in the Association of Sectarian Shinto. Its philosophy aligns with Shrine Shinto.
The main differences are Toritsugi. Also Konkokyo does not offer items like ofuda or omamori. It focuses on the Tenchi Kakitsuke on the altar.
Some Konkokyo followers revere other Kami. However Konkokyo focuses on Tenchi Kane no Kami. It respects all deities equally. It does not believe in taboos or unlucky days.
Some churches make modern changes to worship style. New Konkokyo prayers were written in 1985. However some churches keep traditional Shinto rituals. It varies from church to church.
The address of Konkokyo Fukakusa Church is Higashi-machi 43. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Kyoto Prefectural Governor. Its corporate number is 8130005000925.