Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Apocalyptic Sect

I: Sukyo Mahikari is an apocalyptic sect (only its members will be saved).

Most religions seem to think that they are the chosen ones, and that all others are going to hell or some variation of hell. While Mahikari teaches reincarnation it paradoxically teaches that members must prepare for the Baptism of Fire, when the world will end and only members of Mahikari who are enlightened enough will go on to live in God’s civilization. All other religions are false pseudo-truths. Here are some quotes from Primary Kenshu Textbook, reiterating that fact…

Sukuinushisama said, "Religions can no longer be of service to God. Therefore phenomena of perishing will occur in religions themselves. So, past religions will deteriorate. It can't be helped.”

“Fortunately, all of you (Mahikari members) are people who were drawn towards God just at this time of the Conversion of the Divine Will. In fact it was inevitable, but from your point of view you probably think it was a coincidence that you come to receive Mahikari Kenshu. You are permitted to participate in the Plan of God.” Pg. 153

This text indicates that all other religions are false and only people who have attended Mahikari Kenshu are “permitted to participate in the Plan of God”. As we all know according to Mahikari, God’s plan is to save as many people before the Baptism of Fire occurs and wipes out all of mankind, but kumite.

Here is another quote from the Primary Kenshu Textbook… “The Baptism by Fire will come, and there is no other way for mankind to be saved but to make a U-turn in sonen".

The only way that one can change their sonen is by offering light, which requires you to join Mahikari. Receiving okiyome from a kumite is not enough as it does not get rid of sins and impurities as quickly. It is better to offer okiyome and then receive okiyome, thus melting twice as many sins and impurities.

The text continues to say… “So God is urging Yōkōshi (Mahikari members) to build a Shrine for Su God to provide a calming down of such phenomena. We have to pray to God asking for time to be given to us so that Yōkōshi, at least as many as possible, can repent. And it is our responsibility to prepare a holy place for the descent of Su God. We have to fulfill this promise no matter what happens. It is a covenant between God and Sukuinushisama.

Sukuinushisama told us precisely, "Since this covenant was made, I cannot save you unless I build it throughout my life. Otherwise my power of salvation will be taken away by God". Therefore, for Yōkōshi it is absolutely essential to construct Suza no matter what.

If we don't achieve this, Yōkōshi cannot be saved. For this reason a great destiny has been bestowed on Yōkōshi by God. God is not bestowing all the salvation on us wastefully. I want you to realize that we have responsibilities as well.” Pg. 164-165

Let me translate that in laymen’s terms, “Give me all your money, build a huge shrine, worship me day in and day out or you’ll be wiped out.” But wait there’s more. Tertiary Kenshu states: “Our (Mahikari members) mission is to search for seed people as soon as possible to increase in numbers; for initiations. That is God’s arrangement. We must reach as many people as possible and unless we do this we will not be harmonized with God’s sonen and will not be in tune with God. If humans don’t make sufficient effort they will be left behind and will not be able to ride on God’s will.” Pg. 16

How terrible it must be for kumite to believe that God is such a tyrant. How terrible to believe that He cares for you that little that He will wipe out everyone who does not receive primary kenshu. What kind of God is that? Not the kind I would like to serve. If God is such a tyrant then I want no part of Him.

“The great mission was given to Sukuinushisama to seek people from the coming century-this system of giving initiation. We should seek for seed people. By receiving omitama, on the third day of this initiation, without discrimination of sex or age, God’s light will come through. This is the teachings of Mahikari and no other is necessary. Other teachings and philosophies of religions of the past could only bring intellectual understanding; it was impossible to lead people beyond the law to the unseen spiritual field.” Pg. 22

3 Comments:

At 10:16 AM, Blogger Margaret said...

Hi there. I've been a member for a long, long time and practice in a very anti-hysterical way. It was explained to me that "saved" translated from the original Japanese,can also be interpreted as 'helped' or 'aided'. The need for a Maine World Shrine for me is about establishing an Inspirational center for the Organization.

It is true that the organization is profoundly formed and effected by Japanese culture and that their evangelical approach to expanding the practice is unabashedly, well...over zealous. Part of this is cultural. Another part is about the iconic development of a man (yes, man!) who had mystical experiences, has been deified by the group and who was a product of post WWII Japan, when Japanese identity was in the throws of decimation. Putting it in that context, and seeing the beauty and the simplicity of the practice, as well as my own mystical and meaningful experiences with it, is how I approach my involvement. Many of the Divine Teachings are tsu-tsu-mi-ed (giggles) in Japanese culture. Often this doesn't translate well with Western, think for yourself, independent-minded Americans like me. I know the Japanese generally look down on this. I've learned not to care what anyone thinks. That's ego any way. It's not supposed to be about that. It's supposed to be about one's relationship with God not, one's membership with a "dojo" and the insidious wacky beliefs of brainwashed Kanbu, about Japanese spiritual superiority. With all due respect; Puh-Leez! So ask questions, question authority if it warrants questioning. Don't ever give up thinking for yourself (some are under the influence of the erroneously interpreted belief that your 'mind is your enemy'. I believe this teaching comes from the understanding that rational thought can take you only so far on a spiritual path. This is true. However, your practice should never fly in the face of common sense decision making. In Japanese culture, in general, group think, group acceptance, and obtaining permission from authorities, is more important than individual thinking. But, as with all assumed authority, spiritual and otherwise, there is always risk of abuse. So if you care to practice; practice with gratitude and humility and a sense of awe about your life. Don't ever forget to take care of yourself and love yourself, and your own ethnicity and roots, because it is out of this self-respect and love that one approaches the world. PS- Spiritual practice is much greater than anyone organization, including Mahikari. How else can we relate to the diversity in the world if our practice is only self-referential, right?
My best to everyone in search of meaning and beauty in their lives. it's a dynamic journey that is beyond the linear, goal oriented thinking of men in search of the advancement of their own group and agendas, no matter how lofty.

 
At 3:17 PM, Blogger The Gentle Art of Happiness said...

It is certainly true that some people have had very negative experiences of Sukyo Mahikari and the guidance given to them.

That can also be said of virtually any organisation, religion or group any where in the world.

We are human and as such subject to mistakes, misinterpretations and ego.

My experience of Sukyo Mahikari is that the goal is to unite the religions, rather than replace them. In my centre we have catholics, buddhists, sikhs, muslims and even an anglican priest - some still attend services and ceremonies at their religious organisation and some don't. There is no pressure either way.

As with anything, use your own best judgement, take the organisation, teachings, Light and people as YOU find them.

The best advice I was ever given was that Sukyo Mahikari is not the people or the organisational structure - it is the Light and the teachings - both of which have been incredibly beneficial for myself and my family.

 
At 4:08 PM, Blogger The Gentle Art of Happiness said...

Sorry I forgot to add - I have NEVER heard any teaching or guidance that says that only members of Sukyo Mahikari will be saved.

 

Post a Comment

<< Home