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What is a cult? It is a cult when:
- The organisation’s leader is supreme, who discloses the ‘Doom’s Day, time and date’ to the members.
- Members are not allowed to question or reject the leader’s guidance, directions, instructions, and rules. They must comply with all instructions in total obedience to the leader;
- Members are to worship the leader as god;
- The organisation and members hold their practices in closed-door meetings in strict secrecy not open to the public;
- Members cannot talk to or share with anyone outside the organisation about their practices;
- Members must not associate with or have any contact with the public;
- Members must not associate with or have any contact with family members;
- Members must surrender all their wealth, assets and properties to the organisation;
- Members are to stay together in a secluded compound in secrecy;
- Members are not allowed to leave or resign from the organisation;
- The organisation is against some local laws in the country where they have members.
.Are cult organisations allowed in red dot? Are there any cult organisations on this rock?
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5 Notorious 20th Century Cult Leaders
1. Shoko Asahara: Masterminded a deadly attack on Japan’s subway system
On March 20, 1995, members of Aum Shinrikyo (“Supreme Truth”), founded by Asahara in the 1980s, released the poisonous nerve gas sarin on five crowded subway trains during morning rush hour in Tokyo, killing 13 people and sickening thousands more. Aum Shinrikyo targeted the Kasumigaseki station, in the area where many of Japan’s government offices are located, as part of what they thought would be an apocalyptic battle with the government.
Born into a poor family in Japan in 1955, Asahara (real name Chizuo Matsumoto) lost part of his vision at a young age due to illness. He established Aum Shinrikyo as a religious organization that promoted Buddhist and Hindu concepts, along with elements of the Bible and prophecies of Nostradamus. Eventually, Asahara began claiming he could read minds and levitate. In 1990, he and some of his followers ran for parliament but lost. By the early 1990s, Aum Shinrikyo, which attracted members from some of Japan’s top universities, was stockpiling chemical weapons. When the 1995 subway attack took place, the group was estimated to have some 10,000 members in Japan and more than 30,000 around the world, many of them in Russia.
Within several months after the attacks, Asahara was found hiding out at his group’s compound near Mount Fuji and arrested. He was convicted and sentenced to death in 2004 and was executed on July 6, 2018. Aum Shinrikyo, renamed Aleph in 2000, still exists, although its membership is smaller than it was in the mid-1990s.
2. Jim Jones: Ordered hundreds of his followers to kill themselves as a “revolutionary act”
Jim Jones, a self-ordained Christian minister who was born in Indiana in 1931, founded what became the Peoples Temple church in his home state in the 1950s then relocated his congregation to California in the 1960s. He eventually set up headquarters in San Francisco, where he had a large, racially diverse following and ingratiated himself with a number of political leaders by offering Peoples Temple members as campaign volunteers.
In 1976, San Francisco’s mayor appointed the charismatic, power-hungry Jones, who traveled with bodyguards, to the city’s Housing Authority and he soon became its chairman. However, in 1977, following a slew of negative publicity about Temple members being physically and mentally abused by Jones, he relocated with some 1,000 of his followers to the Guyanese jungle, where he promised they would create a utopian community. Instead, the followers were subjected to harsh living conditions and punished if they questioned Jones’ authority.
On November 17, U.S. Representative Leo Ryan of California arrived at Jonestown to investigate claims that Temple members were being held there against their will. Ryan and his small delegation were received cordially, but the next day, as the congressman was waiting at a nearby airstrip with his group, which included some Temple members who wanted to defect, they were ambushed by gunmen sent by Jones. Ryan and four others in his party were killed. Later that day, Jones, who was in declining mental health and addicted to drugs, ordered his followers to commit a “revolutionary act” by drinking cyanide-laced juice; those who resisted were forced to do so. Jones died from a gunshot wound to his head. Before the 9/11 attacks, the Jonestown tragedy marked the single-largest loss of U.S. civilian lives in a non-natural disaster.
The Waco Siege: 6 Little-Known Facts
What really happened during the 1993 siege between the government and mysterious cult leader David Koresh may never be known. But intriguing clues remain.
What Happened to the Branch Davidians After Waco?
The Branch Davidians fell from public view after the disastrous raid of their compound, but they maintained a presence in Waco, Texas—and around the world.
What Drove Heaven’s Gate Followers to Mass Suicide?
In 1997, 39 members of a religious sect were found dead by suicide inside a San Diego mansion. Why did they do it?
3. Joseph Di Mambro and Luc Jouret: Founded a murderous doomsday cult
In October 1994, Di Mambro and Jouret, along with 51 of their followers in the Order of the Solar Temple, an apocalyptic cult founded in Europe in 1984, committed suicide or were murdered in Switzerland and Quebec, Canada. The deaths of Di Mambro and Jouret didn’t bring an end to the violence: In December 1995, 16 more members took their own lives or were killed in France, while an additional five committed suicide in March 1997 in Quebec.
Di Mambro, a shadowy figure born in France in 1924, founded the Order of the Solar Temple and made the charismatic Jouret, a homeopathic doctor born in 1947 in the Belgian Congo (present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo), the organization’s public face. The secretive group was believed to have members in Canada, Switzerland, France, Australia and other countries, and Jouret preached about impending environmental disasters and the coming end of the world, along with a belief system that combined elements of New Age philosophy, Christianity and astrology, among other things.
Following the October 1994 deaths of the 53 sect members, whose bodies were discovered at Solar Temple properties that had been set on fire in Cheiry and Les Granges sur Salvan, Switzerland, and Morin Heights, Quebec, investigators estimated at least 30 of the dead had been murdered—either shot or asphyxiated. It was suspected some had been killed because they were considered traitors for criticizing the group’s leaders. The following year, after 16 Solar Temple members were found dead in a forest in southeastern France, investigations again concluded not all had died willingly. The five Solar Temple members who committed suicide in 1997 left a note indicating they believed their lives would continue on a new planet.
4. Marshall Applewhite: Orchestrated a mass suicide in conjunction with a comet
On March 26, 1997, Applewhite and 38 other members of a cult called Heaven’s Gate were found dead in a mass suicide at a rented mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, California. The group members, who killed themselves by eating applesauce and pudding mixed with drugs, believed that a spaceship following the Hale-Bopp comet (which made its closest approach to Earth on March 22, 1997) would pick them up and take them to a higher plane of existence.
Applewhite, a Texas native born in 1931, worked as a music teacher before co-founding Heaven’s Gate in the 1970s with Bonnie Nettles, a one-time nurse who died of cancer in 1985. The group lived a nomadic, secretive existence and subscribed to a philosophy combining elements of science fiction and a belief in UFOs with biblical ideas. By the 1990s, some members made money for the group by operating a web design and computer services business. In the fall of 1996, Heaven’s Gate members moved into the Rancho Santa Fe mansion, where they lived a regimented existence.
On March 21, 1997, the group went to a local restaurant for what is thought to have been its last meal together; everyone ordered the same thing. The following day, the cult members, 21 women and 18 men ranging in age from mid-20s to early 70s, began killing themselves in shifts. They dressed in matching black outfits and black Nike running shoes and had a packed suitcase nearby. Investigators later discovered that several months before the mass suicide, Applewhite and six of his followers had themselves surgically castrated as a way, they believed, to reduce unwanted earthly distractions.
5. David Koresh: Engaged in a bloody battle with federal law enforcement agents
On April 19, 1993, Koresh and more than 70 followers, known as Branch Davidians, were found dead after a blaze at their Waco, Texas, compound following a 51-day standoff with federal law enforcement agents. Koresh, born Vernon Wayne Howell in 1959 in Texas, was a high school dropout and musician who, in 1981, moved to Waco and joined the Branch Davidians, a splinter group of the Seventh-day Adventists. Koresh, who claimed to be a messiah, eventually became the sect’s leader. In that role, he preached that the end of the world was near, stockpiled weapons, fathered multiple children with sect members and had sex with underage Davidian girls.
On February 28, 1993, after agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) went to the Branch Davidian compound to investigate accusations of illegal weapons, a gun battle broke out and left four agents and six Branch Davidians dead. The ensuing standoff lasted until April 19, when government forces launched a tear gas assault on the compound to make the sect members come out. Instead, a fire broke out, likely set by the Branch Davidians, whose compound burned to the ground. Afterward, the bodies of more than 70 sect members, including Koresh and at least 20 children, were discovered; nine people escaped the blaze.
Timothy McVeigh, a U.S. Army veteran and supporter of right-wing survivalist groups, went to Waco during the siege and was outraged by the government’s actions. On April 19, 1995, the second anniversary of the tear gas assault, McVeigh detonated a truck bomb outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, which housed the ATF and other government agencies. The explosion killed 168 people and injured hundreds of others.
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. Giving Divine Light, True Light and Baptism by Spirit for the spiritual salvation of fellow human beings.
Mahikari – the Q&A.
And, what is a Cult organisation?
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Section AAA. What is a Cult?
“…….some people are quick to use the words ‘brain-washing’, ‘sect’ and ‘cult’ even though they know little or nothing about the organisation concerned, or even what defines sect or cult.”
Source: His book: “Is the future in our hands?” by Dr Andris K. Tebecis, PhD in Page 60.
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Also, extracts of the following from Page 61 of the book:
Federal Police of Australia..
Parliamentary Commission in Belgium..
Department of Justice in Brussels..
Commissioner General of the Criminal Investigation Department [Department of Justice] in Brussels…
Information and Advice Centre on Harmful Sectarian Organisations, in Brussels..
Scotland Yard, UK…
Metropolitan Police, UK
All the above have contacts with or visited Sukyo Mahikari dojos to determine is the giving of True Light a cult practice?
- Australian Federal Police’s Federal Agents visited Sukyo Mahikari Regional HQ in Canberra, and said: “….they would come quickly to our aid if any problems occurred from people who did not know the facts and wanted to cause trouble.”
2. Commissioner General of the Criminal Investigation Department [Department of Justice] in Brussels wrote to Sukyo Mahikari, “….that he had not given any indication that the organisation was dangerous and that he is not responsible for the interpretations by the media.”
3. Information and Advice Centre on Harmful Sectarian Organisations, in Brussels wrote to Sukyo Mahikari, “…that in the documents of the Sukyo Mahikari Centre [in Brussels] there is no evidence of anything presented before a judge, of illegal practices, harming individuals, families or the society, or disturbing public order, by Sukyo Mahikari.”
4. Scotland Yard wrote to Sukyo Mahikari, “…..nothing untoward was found when officers visited the London Sukyo Mahikari Centre, and as far as they were aware, Sukyo Mahikari was ‘not being investigated by the Metropolitan Police for any suspected criminal offence.”
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Section BBB. – Mahikari – Q&A.
(Unauthorised and unofficial translation of the 50 questions/answers of Q&A by medical doctor TB Ooi, a Malaysian Practitioner of the Divine Light. He resides in NZ).
Contents [50 questions]:
Q1. What does it mean to “raise one’s hand to give Light” (Tekazashi)?
Q2. Why do diseases improve after receiving Light?
Q3. What changes are likely to happen after receiving Light?
Q4. Other religious groups also have similar practices of giving Light. What is the difference?
Q5. What training does one need in order to be able to give Light?
Q6. How do you know that the receiver’s movements or speech while receiving Light are due to the “attaching spirit(s)?”
Q7. Is there a difference between Mahikari no Waza and hypnosis? (Isn’t it due to the person’s subconscious mind?)
Q8. What happens when one is attached by spirit(s)?
Q9. As I do not wish to have anything to do with spirits, I do not want to receive Light.
Q10. Is solving spirit disturbance the only way to achieve happiness?
Q11. What is the difference between a guardian spirit and an attaching spirit?
Q12. What happens when a person dies?
Q13. What kind of place is the spiritual world?
Q14. What is reincarnation and transmigration?
Q15. Why do ancestor spirits attach to the descendants and cause sufferings?
Q16. Why is it necessary to care for ancestors?
Q17. Is it true that it is better not to take medicines?
Q18. If illnesses can be improved by receiving Light, will doctors and hospitals become unnecessary?
Q19. Is your organization a religious organization?
Q20. What kind of God does this organization worship?
Q21. What sets this organization apart from the others?
Q22. Is God the one and only?
Q23. What is the purpose of God in creating human beings?
Q24. How do we know God truly exists?
Q25. What are Goshintai and Omitama?
Q26. Does it cost money to become a member?
Q27. Treating miracles as commodities; isn’t this an inferior kind of faith?
Q28. After becoming a member, do I have to give up other religious faiths?
Q29. I wish to thoroughly understand the teachings first, be convinced, only then become a member.
Q30. What do you do in the center or dojo? Do I have to attend everyday?
Q31. Will I neglect family duties as a result of participating in the organization’s activities?
Q32. My company dislikes religious activities; will it affect my work?
Q33. After becoming a member, will I be constrained by forms and regulations?
Q34. Even if I don’t join any religious organization, as long as I have faith, isn’t that good enough?
Q35. Isn’t it true that one is able to survive even though one does not particularly try to form any relationship with God?
Q36. If the social system is not changed, I don’t think faith alone can make the world a better place.
Q37. Isn’t religion an escape from reality? (Isn’t this the activity for the elderly?)
Q38. Is it true that humankind will be annihilated following the great convulsions of earth?
Q39. Why does God allow convulsions to happen?
Q40. If God truly exists, why are there wars? Can’t we just have Heaven on Earth in an instant?
Q41. If God exists, why do kind-hearted people have to suffer from disease and poverty?
Q42. Is it true that we can only achieve our missions through hard work and faith? If we think it is all futile, shall we give up and resign ourselves to fate?
Q43. It is said that we are trained by misfortunes and hardships. I feel people who seek happiness and stability are weak and feeble-minded.
Q44. How do you view the subject of science?
Q45. It seems to me that the subjects of ‘souls and spirits’ are unscientific…
Q46. Why is it that Japanese scientists do not engage themselves in the research of spiritual phenomena?
Q47. What is your view on husbands and wives having different surnames or family names?
Q48. What is your view on bullying and other problems in education?
Q49. What is your view on organ transplants and brain death?
Q50. Is human cloning permitted?
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Q1. What does it mean to “raise one’s hand to give Light (Tekazashi)?”
“Raising one’s hand to give Light (Tekazashi)” means to radiate a high dimensional divine Light from the palm. It is an art or technique which can purify everything by erasing impurities and resolving all worries and problems. It is also called Mahikari no Waza or Okiyome (purification).
We know from the Bible and Buddhist scriptures that Jesus and Buddha practiced this sacred art to give salvation to people.
In the past, this kind of miraculous spiritual practice could only be performed by selected saints and sages. However, at present, anyone can acquire such a mysterious sacred practice as long as he or she desires it. This is called “raising one’s hand to give Light” or “Mahikari no Waza (the Art of True Light).”
The art of True Light or “Mahikari no Waza” is not just for physical healing or providing temporary relief. It is a mysterious divine art which can eliminate the very cause of many problems such as car accidents, career setbacks, family disharmony, juvenile delinquency, food contaminations, natural disasters, etc.
“Is there such a wonderful thing in this time and age? I can’t believe it.” There are some who may be doubtful. The fact is all of us who are raising our hands now felt this way initially.
If we follow the guidance and practise giving Light, we will find that stiff shoulders can ease up, human relationships improve and careers progress smoothly…. Incredible things happen one after another.
This belongs to the realm which cannot be explained with theory. First, please experience the Light. Please give it a try and see the result for yourselves.
Q2. Why do diseases improve after receiving Light?
Before answering this question, we need to understand what is meant by “disease.”
In Sukyo Mahikari, we are taught that “disease does not exist.” What then is this phenomenon called disease? How does it come about?
Everyone has “spiritual impurities (also known as sins and karma)” accumulated from previous lives or inherited from ancestors. In addition, if we live a life against the laws of Nature (God’s arrangements and divine principles), we will unknowingly accumulate impurities. In this way, quite unbeknownst to us, we would have caused our invisible spiritual realm to become contaminated.
After having accumulated spiritual impurities, in accordance with the principles of Nature (God’s arrangements), the function to cleanse the impurities would have been triggered. This is similar to washing and cleaning. This cleansing phenomenon is what is generally known as “illness”. Sometimes, it can also manifest as unfortunate phenomena such as poverty and disasters.
When cleansing (purification) occurs, it can cause fever, boils, diarrhea, etc., producing various types of discharge phenomena. At the end of the cleansing, the body feels fresher and healthier. But the spiritual impurities of human beings cannot be cleansed with just one or two cleaning processes; we may have to go through many cleanings in our lifetime.
So, why do the symptoms of this so-called “illness” improve after receiving Light?
This is because a great power is contained in the Light radiated from the hand. This unseen Light of God cleanses the spiritual impurities and purifies our soul. Thus, when you receive the Light of God, cleaning is promoted and impurities inside the body are discharged. Hence, the symptoms of “disease” speedily improve.
The cleaning effect is also produced in the spirit(s) attached to the person who is receiving Light. More than 80% of unfortunate phenomena including diseases are the results caused by attaching spirits. Thus, when we receive Light, these spirits will also be purified and may not further disturb us. Our “disease” and their symptoms are therefore resolved.
Other than the spiritual cause, “disease” may also be caused by accumulation of medications, food additives, agricultural and other chemicals consumed by us. These hardened toxins may also be melted or dissolved through receiving Light.
Q3. What changes are likely to happen after receiving Light?
All aspects of life will have positive changes.
First of all, those suffering from illnesses (refer Q2) will regain their original vitality and their conditions improve. Those with chronic gastrointestinal problems will suddenly recover after receiving just a few sessions of Light. External injuries such as burns and scalding can also be magically restored to their original state.
The lives of those suffering from financial difficulties may also improve inexplicably. For example, those facing human relationship problems with colleagues despite changing jobs, those working for companies facing liquidation, those having difficulties with their own business no matter what they do, somehow find their fortunes mysteriously change for the better.
Severed relationships between husbands and wives or parents and children, and families plagued with interminable problems will gradually transform into ones filled with warmth, mutual understanding and compromise.
Those concerned about problems in schools such as truancy on account of bullying, violence in school and crimes by young people, will see these phenomena magically disappear, and will not be troubled by them again.
In addition, for people who often encounter accidents and disasters, such incidents seem to vanish. We will become people with “better luck” who will not board the plane or train destined to crash and will not happen to be at places where disasters occur.
Other than people, Light can also be radiated toward food, water, animals, machinery, houses, land, etc; we can give Light to anything.
Through raising the hand to give Light, dying animals may be revived, damaged machinery and clocks may run again, agricultural produce may grow faster or better etc.; phenomena which cannot be explained by prevailing common sense will occur one after another. Even more incredibly, during a disaster, properties which have been blessed with God’s light seem less affected than the others.
As described above, we are continuously experiencing incredible miracles one after another.
80% of misfortunes and tragedies are caused by spirit disturbance. As raising the hand to radiate light can purify the spirit world, various types of unhappy phenomena may be resolved. Thus, compared to the past when we did not know the Art of True Light, we are able to lead a much happier life filled with hope.
Q4. Other religious groups also have similar practices of giving Light. What is the difference?
Based on the spiritual dimension, “raising the hand to give Light” (Mahikari no Waza) practised in Sukyo Mahikari defers entirely from others. Briefly speaking, there is a vast difference in “spiritual power”.
(1) Through Mahikari no Waza (the Art of True Light), anyone is able to understand and accept the true existence of soul spirit.
(2) Through the Art of True Light, we are able to unravel the spirit disturbance in our lives and can resolve them.
(3) God’s Light through Mahikari no Waza purifies and saves attaching spirits, allowing them to become good spirits who will not commit evil and will return to the astral world. At the same time, it purifies one’s soul and physical body, making one not easily attached by spirits and restoring one as pure and happy child of God.
(4) Resolving spirit disturbance will lead to true happiness, which is the attainment of Ken (health – freedom from disease), Wa (harmony – freedom from conflicts) and Fu (prosperity – freedom from financial anxieties), restore one’s original power, enable one to become divine in nature (coming closer to God step by step ) and participate in God’s Plan.
In conclusion, the ultimate aim of Mahikari no Waza is to enable humans to become people who can be of assistance to God’s divine plan. The disappearance of diseases and other unhappy phenomena is a reward given in the interim process on our way to the final destination.
If you are able to understand the true meaning stated above, you will also appreciate that “raising the hand to give Light (Mahikari no Waza)” in Sukyo Mahikari is of a totally different dimension from the others. As the proof of the pudding is in the eating, it is best that you experience it for yourself.
Q5. What training does one need in order to be able to give light?
No special trainings are required. One only needs to attend a three-day study course (kenshu or spiritual development course). You may find it hard to believe in the beginning, but after attending the course, receiving the Omitama (divine pendant) and raising your hand, the continuous occurrence of various miracles will make it hard for you not to be convinced.
Saints, sages and high priests in the past could cause such miraculous phenomena, but it required decades of rigorous training.
Why is it then that we only need three days to learn this miraculous art?
The answer is humankind is now facing a difficult period. Traffic accidents and heinous crimes strike on a daily basis. Strange and chronic diseases related to karma have become common. Environmental destruction occurs on a global scale. The threat of nuclear explosions is real and imminent. Politic, economics and education, too, are approaching crisis level. In addition, abnormal weather patterns, earthquakes occur on a global scale and volcanic eruptions loom large.
Material civilization has reached a deadlock. If the status quo continues, humankind will not be able to avoid total annihilation.
In order to save humankind, God through Mr. Kotama Okada, grants us the sacred art of salvation – Mahikari no Waza (the Art of True Light.)
If it takes too long, we may not be in time. This is why a three-day course is all it takes for anyone, regardless of age (10 years and above), gender, religious affiliations, race or nationalities to learn this Art of True Light, as long as he or she desires it.
The unprecedented crisis in human history has arrived. Let us hope that more people can be saved through the Art of True Light (Mahikari no Waza). With the voluntary and enthusiastic hand-raising, let us promote a great movement of saving those who are in turmoil and suffering.
Q6. How do we know that the receiver’s movements or speech while receiving Light are due to the “attaching spirit(s)?”
The actions produced by the person while receiving Light are not of his own volition. For example, while it is not particularly cold, the receiver shivers, saying, “it’s cold, it’s cold”; the receiver does not feel sad, yet, tears roll down uncontrollably; a child receiving Light exhibits the expressions and voice of an old person. Furthermore, the hand may move expertly to write. On closer examination, the handwriting belongs to the great grandfather whom the person has never met.
Even though the receiver is fully aware, the body moves and the person speaks involuntarily. Not only one, but two or three spirits with different personalities may manifest.
Based on the words spoken by the spirits and subsequent investigations (permitted only to certain staff members), it can be concluded that such people truly existed in the past.
The following is a factual account:
A baby from a certain family was always playing with a pipe belonging to the deceased grandfather. Sometimes he would imitate the actions of a person smoking. To deter him, the adults stuffed tobacco into the pipe and lit it. The baby began to inhale and exhale, obviously enjoying it. As the startled parents gave Light to the baby, his face took on the appearance of an old man. Only then did they realize that the recently deceased grandfather had attached to the baby. Even though he had gone to the other world, the grandfather who liked smoking very much attached himself to the grandson. After the family offered cigarettes daily through the ancestors’ altar, the baby’s behavior returned to normal.
Attaching spirits do not only attach to adults, they can also attach themselves to innocent babies or children.
After encountering many similar cases, we come to accept that not only we but spirits exist as well and that spirit attachment is a reality.
Q7. Is there a difference between Mahikari no Waza and hypnosis? (Is it not due to the person’s subconscious mind?)
Mahikari no Waza is totally different from hypnosis.
The fundamental principle of hypnosis is suggestion. When a person is hypnotized, he acts on the suggestions such as, “you are falling asleep” or “you are unable to move your hands”, etc. However, the Art of True Light does not involve suggestions at all.
In hypnosis, the person being hypnotized relates his or her own personal experiences.
On the other hand, when a person receives Light and speaks, he does not speak about his own affairs. It is the attaching spirits who are relating their own experiences through the person.
The following true episode exemplifies:
While a person was receiving Light, a spirit manifested and said angrily, “I am Kio Toyo Taira. My descendants have forgotten about my grave and are neglecting it!” The receiver was Nakamura and had never heard of an ancestor with the name of Kio Toyo Taira. The spirit further mentioned that the grave was in Ko Tai Ji Temple.
They then went to make inquiries at the temple. The abbot said there was no such grave. As a precaution, they searched the whole graveyard. Finally, they found a grave with the tombstone covered with thick moss. After the abbot had cleaned the moss off the tombstone, they were surprised to find the characters of Taira Kio Toyo engraved on it.
In this way, it is shown that the receiver and the attaching spirit are separate entities. The words were definitely not spoken by the receiver subconsciously.
In general, a person can be attached by several spirits. When receiving Light, a male spirit may appear first to be replaced by a female spirit, or a child spirit may manifest to be replaced by an old person’s spirit. In such cases, the voice and personalities will change accordingly. In hypnotism, such phenomena do not occur.
From the above, we are able to firmly grasp the difference between Mahikari no Waza and hypnotism.
8. What happens when one is attached by spirit(s)?
Spirits attach to people for various reasons such as resentment, hatred, a desire to request something or to give admonitions. They then freely control the mind and body of the attached person to cause sufferings and worries or inflict negative influence in the attached person’s life. This is called spirit disturbance.
The attaching spirits manipulate the thoughts and actions of the attached person giving the impression that it is his or her own decisions, when in fact it is a misconception. In reality, most of the time, it is the results of the control wielded by the attaching spirits. For example, a person’s determination to study may mysteriously evaporate in an instant; or a person may decide to go straight home in the evening, but instead end up in a bar.
When attached by spirits, one can only exert a fraction of one’s ability. When the time comes for one to exert one’s power, the head becomes blank. This is why one is unable to exercise one’s true power.
One’s personality is that of one’s own plus the personalities of the attached spirits. What is often known as double personality or multiple personality is caused by different attaching spirits appearing in turn.
This is why human relationships do not progress smoothly at home and in the workplace.
Attaching spirits also bring about changes in the physical body of the attached person. The peculiarities of the attaching spirits may show on the face or speech of the person. If a woman is attached by a male spirit, the woman will somehow seem masculine. If the attaching spirit died from an illness, the attached person will manifest the same symptoms of the illness. For example, if the spirit died of cancer or tuberculosis, the body of the attached person will show symptoms of cancer or tuberculosis. If a spirit who is hungry and unable to eat in the astral world because an ancestors’ altar has not been inaugurated for him or inaugurated incorrectly, is attached to a person, the attached person will be unable to eat or suffer from some gastrointestinal disease. Indeed, more than 80% of inexplicable, strange, intractable and chronic diseases are due to spirit disturbance.
In conclusion, it is not an exaggeration to state that spirit disturbance is the cause behind most unfortunate phenomena (disease, poverty, conflicts, disasters, etc.)
Q9. As I do not wish to have anything to do with spirits, I do not want to receive Light.
When we talk about spirits, we tend to think of demons or ghosts and do not wish to have anything to do with them. However, even though you desire otherwise, in all likelihood, you may already be connected to them.
When people die, the spirits leave their physical bodies for the other (astral) world. There are, however, spirits who escape from the astral world to attach themselves to the bodies of those in the physical world.
It is possible that you have been attached and manipulated by spirit(s) even when you are least aware of it. Falling sick, work not going smoothly, being troubled by human relationship problems, repeated injuries or accidents…you may think of these as purely recurring, unlucky incidents; in fact, most of the time, it is the results of disturbance by spirits. From our experience, 80% of people are influenced by spirits. It is highly unlikely that you are an exception.
Not wanting to know the actual cause of the disturbance and leaving things as they are, your life can suddenly become topsy-turvy as a result of spirit disturbance. This is truly horrible.
God’s Light radiated from the hand not only can purify the physical body which has been contaminated by poisons, it can also purify the invisible spiritual realm of the person (the soul spirit). In addition, the attached spirit is also being purified and saved. In short, giving Light can solve the root cause of unfortunate phenomena.
Thus, through receiving Light, our lives can gradually change for the better.
As a result of practising the Art of True Light, we accumulate numerous experiences. We understand and are able to solve the true cause of unhappy phenomena. We are indeed very happy and blessed.
In order to avoid living lives of misery and misfortune, we hope that more people will be able to receive the Art of True Light.
Q10. Is solving spirit disturbance the only way to achieve happiness?
Before answering this question, we wish to first clearly explain what is meant by “happiness.”
What do you think constitutes happiness?
We have been taught that happiness requires the accompaniment of “health,” “harmony” and “prosperity.”
“Health” means to become a person who is free from illness, is filled with vitality, does not fall sick, is unafraid of disease and death and is able to live everyday in peace.
“Harmony” means having no conflicts or confrontation with others at home, in school or at work. It means to live peacefully and amicably with others.
“Prosperity” means to become one with no financial anxieties. It is not a matter of the amount of income; rather it means to have no wasteful expenses and unnecessary losses, living everyday free from worries and sufferings as a result of poverty.
It seems simple enough. However, in our present society, how many people or families can claim to possess all three conditions in full?
Take for example: in a family, good health allows everyone to work actively; the income is steady. It seems like a happy family. But if the couple or children are fighting endlessly or the children are involved in illegal activities…can we still call it a happy family? Further, even if all the members in a family are living peacefully, because of illness the financial situation becomes precarious; we can’t call that a happy family, can we?
Isn’t it true that very few families possess all the three conditions of “health”, “harmony” and “prosperity” in their entirety? Most people and families are in distress on account of illness, financial instabilities or disharmony.
The true reason of all these is “spirit disturbance.”
More than 80% of people today are suffering from various types of spirit disturbance which lead to all the misfortunes.
To become happy, first and foremost we must solve “spirit disturbance”. This is more important than anything else.
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Mahikari Q & A Q11 – Q17 (Unauthorised and unofficial. Translated from the Japanese and Chinese editions by medical doctor TB Ooi, a member residing in NZ)
“Attaching spirits” attach themselves to people for various reasons such as attachments, desire for requests or to seek revenge.
If an ancestors’ altar and name tablets have not been inaugurated for the ancestors’ spirits or if food has not been offered to them, ancestors may find their trainings in the astral world too severe and may attach to their descendants hoping that the descendants will inaugurate an ancestors’ altar for them in the correct way. Inability to eat due to gastrointestinal diseases, career setbacks, unemployment, diseases of the eye and head, injuries to the left side of the body, severed relationships between parents and children, family disharmony, etc. are phenomena caused by ancestors to alert their descendants of their (ancestors’) sufferings.
Next, resentful spirits are those who were made to suffer or killed by the person or his ancestors during past incarnations. They attach to the person to seek revenge. As a result of spirit attachment, the person experiences a great deal of disturbance, his life becoming chaotic. It is not an exaggeration to say that almost all the misfortunes of modern people are due to spirit attachments.
On the other hand, a “guardian spirit” is an arrangement of God to protect a person from dangers or making mistakes. When a person is born, an ancestor spirit from among the ancestors is assigned to the person to provide continuous protection. The guardian spirit is spiritually in balance with the person.
We sometimes have what is called “epiphany” or “intuition”. When we think about something or visualize something, often it is not we who are thinking; rather we are made to think by our guarding spirit. In this way, guarding spirits fulfill an important function.
It is important to realize that guarding spirits differ from attaching spirits in that they play the role to protect and help us. Both are entirely different in nature.
Q12. What happens when a person dies?
People often wonder about questions such as “where do we come from?” and “where do we go to when we die?” Many are of the opinion that “when we die we are reduced to nothing.” Actually, there is life before birth and there is life after death. We know very little about such facts. To summarily conclude that “what the eye cannot see does not exist” is simplistic and cannot be said to possess true scientific beliefs.
Studies by international psychological institutes revealed that astral and spiritual bodies exist in the depths of the physical cells and there is a soul which controls them. Scientists from overseas have been studying the existence of spirit for more than a hundred years. Unfortunately, Japan has been lagging behind in this area. Western countries spearheaded by America and Britain clearly understand the existence of spirit.
Death means the departure of the soul spirit (main soul plus spiritual and astral bodies) from the physical body for the astral world.
Spirits go to the astral world to undergo training for 200 – 300 years in order to give up attachments to the physical world and to have the sins committed in the physical world purified. After the training is completed, we return to the physical world, acquire a physical body and are born again. This is called “reincarnation”. We repeat these cycles throughout our existence.
In the past, it has been said that “the time of death is crucial”. People who die following suicides, unnatural deaths, accidents, sickness or those who die in pain will suffer greatly when they go to the astral world. Indeed, they will suffer much more severely than at the time of death. In the physical world, the body acts as a buffer (shock absorber) to reduce the extent of pain and suffering. However, without the physical body, the spiritual and astral bodies will experience pain similar to having nerves forcibly pulled from the body.
Life and death are influenced by our viewpoint. It is said that “life equals death.” The soul alternates between life and death in the physical and astral worlds. This is what is meant by eternal life.
Q13 What kind of place is the spiritual world?
Other than the “third dimensional (physical) world” which can be experienced through the five senses (visual ‘eye’, aural ‘ear’, olfactory ‘nose’, taste ‘tongue’, touch ‘skin’,) “the fourth dimensional (astral and spiritual) world” and beyond, too, exists, too, for human beings.
Strictly speaking, the place which humans go to after death called the astral world exists within the physical world. It is said that the astral world is divided into many levels. The lower the level, the harder the training
What has been known since long ago as hell belongs to the training place in the lowest level. Buddhism explains the existence of many hard training places in hell beginning with the realm of heavy labor, followed by the mountain of needles, realm of fighting, realm of beasts, burning hell, the realm of starvation, etc.
The conditions of such hells can be vividly observed from the states of the manifesting attaching spirits during the practice of the Art of True Light and from the words they utter. You may think that astral world must exist in an absolutely far away place (in terms of distance), right? In reality, our body is not just a lump of flesh. In the depths of our physical cells lie the astral cells. Furthermore, in the depths of the astral cells are the spiritual cells. Within the physical world (within all matter) there is the spiritual world, i.e. the fourth dimension and beyond.
Thus, the spiritual world exists within us. Therefore, we are simultaneously living in the physical as well as the spiritual world which lies in the depths of our physical existence.
Q14. What are reincarnation and transmigration?
When a person dies, even though the physical body eventually disappears, it is not the end of everything. The soul of the person continues to live after death.
In other words, when the physical body dies, our soul leaves the physical body for the astral world and begins life there. The length of stay varies from person to person, approximately from 200 to 300 years. After that, it again returns to the physical world to be born with a new body to live in the physical world. This is reincarnation.
Furthermore, a male may be reborn as a female and a female reborn as a male. Rarely, a human may be reborn as an animal and an animal reborn as a human. This is called transmigration.
This process is determined by the attitudes and actions of the person while living in the physical world. For example, if a husband is arrogant and behaves meanly toward his wife, he will be reborn as a woman who will end up marrying a man who is unkind to her. In addition, if a soul continues to hold the same attitude or thinking he had while he was living, in the worst case scenario, he can be transmigrated into an animal corresponding to his attitudes, thoughts, and actions.
There are many who do not believe in “reincarnation and transmigration”. However, many famous spiritualists (those with spiritual powers) from many countries all over the world (for example Edgar Casey from North America) have provided evidence for these.
Furthermore, if we practice the Art of True Light, we will understand such realities. Through the words of the attaching spirits, we come to know the kinds of place they reside and the conditions they are in. Through these, we come to have a thorough realization of the true existence of spirits, the conditions of the astral world and the consequences which can result from our actions.
The saying that humans are the lords of creation shows that only human beings who are granted eternal life, are able to reincarnate, pursue spiritual elevation and develop civilizations.
The combined training in the physical and astral worlds determine our rank and abilities in the next incarnation. In this way, through repeated reincarnations and transmigrations, our souls can grow (elevate) eternally.
Q15. Why do ancestor spirits attach to the descendants and cause sufferings?
Ancestors are supposed to protect their descendants; why then do they cause sufferings to them? It is easy to become confused by this. However, from the ancestors’ point of view, there are valid reasons for their actions. If these causes can be removed, salvation from sufferings for both ancestors and descendants will become possible.
Recently, families without ancestors’ name tablets and ancestor altars have increased. Furthermore, most families do not follow the correct method of taking care of the ancestors. Perhaps, many believe that “after death, people turn into nothingness.” The fact is, the soul continues on eternally even after death. Indeed, ancestors who have passed on still continue to live and are active in the astral world.
Just as there are laws in the physical world, rules exist in the astral world, too. This has nothing to do with religions. Besides, for the ancestors who are undergoing training in the astral world, name tablets and altar have a great significance in their lives in the astral world. Name tablets and the ancestor’s altars are like a home. Without name tablets, it is like not having a home in the astral world and the ancestor spirits have to live like wretched vagabonds. Through the name tablets, ancestors can receive food and other offerings offered by the descendants. In this way, they do not feel hungry and are able to perform their training smoothly in the astral world.
Without name tablets, ancestors are unable to receive nourishments from their descendants. Their lives in the astral are filled with hunger and misery. This is why they escape from the astral world, become attached to the physical bodies of the descendants in order to let the descendants know about their hunger and sufferings in the astral world. This is called “admonitions from the ancestor spirits”. This feeling of hunger is real and unbearable for the ancestors. That is why they give admonitions to descendants.
However, people nowadays do not realize these phenomena are admonitions from the ancestors. They try to solve the problems through incorrect methods, incurring unnecessary labor and costs.
Furthermore, even if there are an ancestors’ altar and name tablets, if it is not done in accordance with the correct rules of the astral world, ancestors will still be suffering and are unable to carry out their training in the astral world.
In truth, astral world is a very strict and exacting place. For example, even if there is a single mistake in the way the tablets are arranged, there will be various signs to alert the descendants.
We should let more people become aware of the correct way to care for ancestors so that ancestors may be saved and our own misfortunes may be resolved.
Q16. Why is it necessary to care for ancestors?
We owe our existence to the existence of our parents, grandparents, and ancestors. It is thanks to the existence of our ancestors that we are able to be born into the physical world.
Therefore, in order to express our gratitude to our ancestors, caring for them is essential.
There may be those who think that since we are practicing faith directed toward God, there is no need to care for the ancestors. Without a doubt, worshiping God is of foremost importance. To be born with a physical body in the physical world is owing to the existence of ancestors. Ultimately, it is through the ancestors that we are connected to God.
That we are accompanied by a guardian spirit is the divine arrangement of God. Since ancient times there is a saying: “revere God and respect ancestors”. In order to express gratitude to God and our ancestors, caring for ancestors is necessary.
Religions do not exist in both the divine and astral worlds. Religions have been created only in the physical world for selfish (subjective) reasons. There are rules in the spiritual world which have nothing to do with religions or their denominations. This why ancestors’ worship must be conducted in accordance with the rules of the spiritual world. Humans should not do things based on their selfish thinking or convenience.
For example, some people think that because there is an ancestors’ altar in the main family, there is no need for another one in the branch family; or because the traditional ancestral practice has been adhered to in caring for the ancestors, everything will be all right. In truth, there are occasions when mistakes are made.
The most important matters in enshrining ancestors are name tablets and food offerings. Some may say, “our religion does not require name tablets”. Because religions do not exist in the spiritual world, such kind of thinking will not do. Through the name tablets, ancestors receive nourishments offered by descendants. Only then are they able to live in the astral world without feeling hungry.
The guardian spirit who accompanies us day and night is generally a representative from among our ancestors. It may seem like we are living alone by ourselves. It is in fact not so. It is important to realize that through the ancestors we are connected to God. We should take care of our ancestors in the proper way and participate in activities for the fulfillment of the divine plan.
Q17. Is it true that it is better not to take medications?
People today are filled with the idea that diseases can be cured by taking medicines. This is placing too much faith on medicines. Medicines do not have the ability to cure disease; they can only suppress the symptoms temporarily.
Humans have been blessed with natural healing ability. It is this ability which suppresses the symptoms of so-called diseases. Medical science now carries the term “medicinal poison”. Based on the words used, it means that medicine is poison, and “using poison to counter poison” is the essence of medicine . Over consumption of medicines leads to accumulation of toxins in the body which in turn causes the symptoms to become prolonged.
As new drugs are rapidly being produced, the introduction of new, potent drugs leads to the formations of bacteria strains which are resistant to medicines (antibiotics). Thus, diseases take on new forms and become complicated, intractable and chronic.
Recently, we have been alerted to the dangers of agricultural chemicals and food additives. However, nothing surpasses the horrors of injections and administration of medicines into the human body.
We should bear in mind the dangers of medicinal abuse which can poison the chromosomes and genes within our cells, not only affecting us but our future generations as well.
The Light of God radiated through the Art of True Light dissolves the toxins and causes them to be discharged from the body leading to resolution of symptoms. Conversely, medicines have the effect of hardening the toxins. As True Light and medicines have opposing effects, taking medicines while receiving Light can cause the results to become masked. This is the reason why it is said that “while receiving Light, it is better not to take medications.”
However, there are people whose health conditions require them to take medicines. Sukyo Mahikari does not forbid anyone from taking medicines. As has been described above, it is hoped that we understand medicines are not our bodies’ friends.
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Q18. If illnesses can be improved by receiving Light, will doctors and hospitals become unnecessary?
Modern medical science has made tremendous strides compared to mediaeval times and the recent past. As a result, many lives have been saved and great contributions made to society. In tandem with the remarkable progress medical science has achieved, new diseases (AIDS, VTEC [Verotoxin producing Escherichia Coli 0-157], etc.) have appeared as doctors and hospitals proliferate. If doctors or medicines could cure diseases, the attendance at the hospitals should decrease and as a result, the number of hospitals should reduce in rapid succession. Presently, not only has the number of patients not decreased, it has continued to rise.
Conversely, there are many instances where the conditions of so-called diseases have improved as a result of Tekazashi (the art of True Light). Many people considered hopeless by doctors and hospitals have been saved because of it. What can be the reason for this?
The truth is: more than 80% of diseases are due to “spirit disturbance”, i.e. attachments by spirit. As soon as the cause of the spirit attachment is removed, the illness improves. We can clearly comprehend this from the examples of Tekazashi.
We absolutely do not negate the role of medical science. Indeed, there are doctors and nurses who, after attending the Mahikari course (kenshu or spiritual development course), practise Tekazashi (the Art of True Light). We do not endorse the views that “taking medicines is absolutely forbidden” or “it is absolutely forbidden to consult doctors.” Medical science is necessary.
However, the medical science that we aspire to is of a higher dimension. To complement the current medical science which focuses on the physical body and diseases alone, attention must be given to the unseen realms of the mind and spirit. In our view, true medical science should encompass spiritual, psychological and physical medical sciences culminating in a high-level “spirit-centered medical science”.
In contrast to current medical science which is based on symptomatic relief, Mahikari no Waza (the Art of True Light) is causal therapy which removes the real cause of disease. At a time when medical science is facing a deadlock, shouldn’t we take a step forward in seeking such an ideal medical science?
19. Is your organization a religious organization?
At present, our organization is registered as a religious organization in order for us to legally conduct our activities. However, based on the domain of current religions, we could perhaps call ours a special religious organization.
What is special about Sukyo Mahikari is that its teachings include religions, science, medical science, economics, etc.
Concerning religion, it clarifies the origins of Buddhism, Christianity, Shinto, Islam, Confucianism and Taoism and other religions. Thus, we do not identify ourselves as religion (Shukyo in Japanese) but Sukyo, which translates as Universal Laws or Principles. It is not confined to any religion or denomination and there are no restrictions in terms of age, gender, ethnicities, race and nationalities. There are monks and priests as well as many from overseas among its members. Sukyo Mahikari’s teachings explain the origin of different religions and as a result we are able to understand the Bible and other scriptures better.
With regard to medicine, the aim is not to cure diseases; rather it is to make humans free from disease. Rather than symptomatic therapy, it is causal therapy that we are promoting.
In the realm of science, we aspire to achieve a high level science which harmonises with Nature. Furthermore, God’s arrangements in creating all things are explained through the science of physics, making it easy to understand.
In economics, self-benefitting pursuits are replaced by altruistic practices for the sake of society and others, leading to spiritual economics and marked improvement in our destinies.
In 1959, when the first spiritual leader, Mr. Kotama Okada, established the organization, he was concerned about the future of humankind on account of the materialistically-inclined civilization. He thus propounded the principles of the “Yoko (Sunlight) Civilization” based on the precepts “the origin of the earth is one; the origin of the world is one; the origin of humankind is one and the origin of all religions is one” for the sake of everlasting prosperity of humankind.
In order to realize such a vision, the “Yoko Civilization International Conferences”, a global cross-cultural conglomeration of academics transcending religion, race, etc. are held. To herald a new kind of agricultural industry, the Yoko Farm has been established and to promote the spirit-centered medical science, the “Yoko Health Center” was opened. Thus, step by step, efforts are being made to move forward.
Note: Sukyo Mahikari is registered to practise True Light in more than 100 countries worldwide;
Sukyo Mahikari is a joint-co-sponsor at the UN for worldwide religious unity and harmony.
Sukyo Mahikari Day on 27th Feb of each year in Brazil is approved by the Brazilian Parliament.
Q20. What kind of God does this organization worship?
The God to whom we practice our faith is the Creator of all things in Heaven and on Earth.
Mr. Kotama Okada received revelation to address God as
“Mioya Motosu Mahikari Omikamisama.”
Intimately, we call God “Su no Okamisama” or “Su God.”
The God Who resides in the center of the universe, the Core God, is known as “Amenominakanushikamisama”, “Amaterasu Okamisama” in Shintoism, “Sei Kannon” in Buddhism, “Jehovah (Yahae)” in Christianity, “Allah” in Islam, etc. Depending on the era, people and locality, different names have been used. Ultimately, they all refer to Su God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. To fight over statements such as “My God is Amida God”, “No, it is Yahae God” is grossly impolite.
Su God is the True Creator of the multifarious designs and forms in the Universe. Just as the Sun rises on the Earth and shines on everything, God transcends all religions, ethnicities, race and nationalities.
The Bible states that “God is Light.” In the Buddhist scriptures, too, “Unlimited Light” is mentioned.
Mioya Motosu Mahikari Omikamisama is the “great spiritual origin of Light”. This Light shines upon the entire Universe and everyone in the world. It nurtures and supports, unites and mobilizes all things for them to flourish and prosper.
True Light through Tekazashi is the Divine Light granted by Su God to humankind at this time to purify all things, including our soul, astral, spiritual and physical bodies. God’s True Light liberates us from poverty, sickness, conflicts and disasters. This miraculous power precisely testifies the power of God and proves that “God is Light”.
Q21. What sets this organization apart from the others?
1) Through the practice of True Light, one can gain a real sense of the “true existence of spirits and God.”
In the past, such a great divine technique was granted only to great saints and sages. Now, through the practice of True Light, anyone can experience the true existence of spirits and God.
2) Through the practice of True Light, one can experience instances of salvation, and eventually, be resurrected as a child of God and attain divinization.
As a result of receiving Light, one’s spirit, mind, and body can be purified and spirit disturbance as the cause of misfortunes can be identified and resolved. Also, through giving Light to others, one can experience giving salvation to others. By giving and receiving Light and practicing the divine teachings, we can return to the original condition of children of God, ultimately achieving divine nature (character perfection).
3) Faith directed toward Su God.
The God toward whom we practice our faith is the Creator God of all things in the universe called “Mioya Motosu Mahikari Omikamisama”. Intimately, we call Him “Su No Omikamisama” or “Su No Kamisama.” “Faith directed toward Su God” does not discriminate against religions, race, ethnicities, age, gender, etc.
“Faith directed toward Su God” is the religious practice of directing oneself toward Su God. It is to follow the path of step-by-step bringing oneself closer to God to attain divine nature.
Mr. Kotama Okada received revelations and taught that everything originates from Su God; that “the origin of the world is one,” “the origin of humankind is one,” and “the origin of all religions is one”. Such broad, borderless teachings indicate that this is a religion for all humankind.
Just as it is said, “revere God and respect ancestors”, we owe our existence to our ancestors. Indeed, they are alive and active in the astral world. Following God’s arrangements to care for ancestors in the correct way is very important.
4) Participating in God’s Plan
Mr. Kotama Okada pointed out that through Su God’s revelations, “God’s Plan” which has remained a secret for hundreds of millions of years has been made clear to us (details are provided in kenshu, the Mahikari Spiritual Elevation course). As children of God, participating in the Divine Plan of God is our great mission.
5) To live means to direct oneself to God
No matter how often we hear the teachings, unless we put them into practice in everyday life and make them a part of ourselves, they will not have any meaning. “Practicing Divine Teachings in life” is important. This is what is meant by “to live means to direct oneself to God.” This does not mean to engage in special practices sequestered from daily lives. It means to manifest the teachings in our actions, thoughts, words and deeds as we engage in daily activities. It is closely connected to the way we live. Thus, it is definitely not something difficult. This is the important living ascetic practice for all of us who aspire to attain divinization.
Q22. Is God the one and only?
The highest God who created the Universe, Su No Omikamisama, no doubt, is the one and only God (monotheism). The belief of monotheistic religions that this world is controlled by the one and only Creator of Heaven and Earth is not wrong.
The absolute God transforms Himself giving rise to other gods (deities) who are active in the sixth, fifth and fourth dimensions. From this, it can be said that God is not one and only, but many (polytheism). Actually, many gods fulfill different roles. Su God resides at the apex and below Him, many gods exist in the form of a pyramid.
To make it easy to understand: in the physical world, there is a president and below him are various ministers. Under these ministers are those in charge of various departments and the officials. Together, they take the form of a pyramid.
Furthermore, all things without exception are derived from the spiritual essence of God. From this it can be said that everything in Nature is the manifestation and materialization of the sacred Divine Will. This can be called “pantheism.”
Thus, “in the divine spiritual world, there is monotheism, polytheism and pantheism and the monotheistic God is the Highest God” is the teaching of our organization. To base one’s belief on only one of these is incompatible with reality. This is one of the obvious differences from existing religions. The reason for this will be explained at the Sukyo Mahikari Spiritual Elevations Course (kenshu).
From now on, worshipping the absolutely highest God, the creator of the Universe whom we reverently address as “Mioya Motosu Mahikari Omikamisama” or “Su No Kamisama” will become important for everyone.
Q23. What is the purpose of God in creating human beings?
Mr. Kotama Okada transmitted God’s revelation as follows:
<God created human beings with the hope and aim that humans will build an earthly paradise similar to the Heavenly World by using materials and developing the various resources God has prepared for them.
God will be pleased to see the appearance of a Heavenly World on earth. This is the “the reflection of the Divine World”, a world filled with only happiness where people (children of God) live in joy. To this end, He allows all things to prosper and placed the Sun, the Moon and the Earth, all for the sake of His children, human beings.>
We should never forget that God created us for such a purpose.
Indeed, in order to materialize this goal, a Divine Plan exists. This Divine Plan is a secret which has never been revealed. Through Mr. Kotama Okada, for the first time, it has been clarified.
[Note: If God prepares everything in finished forms for humans to use and enjoy without effort by mankind in converting, manufacturing and transforming things into finished products by using raw materials, humankind will become lazy, satisfied with no desire, and take the finished products made by God for them to use for granted. It will be a world for humans to eat, enjoy and sleep.] For that reason, God gives this First Command to all mankind:
“Be absolutely grateful to God for everything, day and night.”
Q24. How do we know God truly exists?
Ordinarily, people are unable to see the form of God or hear His voice directly. However, it is possible to feel God indirectly.
For example, as a result of the miracles granted through giving Light, we are able to feel the true existence of God.
Those who have lost the vitality to carry on living, those dying and abandoned by medical science have been miraculously revived and have completely regained health through receiving Light; those who have been giving Light to their house and farm find their properties undamaged by storm and flood following hurricanes compared to the surrounding areas….As a result of such miraculous phenomena, even those who had doubts initially are convinced of the true existence of God.
Furthermore, the words and actions of the attaching spirits who manifest during True Light enable us to know their past lives, their current situations, and their close relationships. This is precisely what is known as karma in Buddhism (what goes around comes around; we cannot avoid paying back for bad deeds). If a person repeatedly commits bad deeds and because of his so-called “luck” escapes punishment, he will receive compensation through hard trainings when he goes to the other world (astral world).
God allows us to clearly awaken to His true existence by letting us know the true condition of the spirit world.
Q25. What are Goshintai and Omitama?
The Goshintai is not God by itself. There are different types of Goshintai. Goshintai can be made from a sculpture, a scroll, a stone, etc. All these are not God per se. A Goshintai is connected to God spiritually and through it God manifests. It is an interface through which we can communicate with God. Our prayer and request cannot be transmitted to the Creator of the Universe, the great Parent God, instantly. However, through the Goshintai, this becomes possible.
As the Goshintai we worship belongs to the Highest God, Divine Light from higher dimensions is transmitted; amazing miracles are continuously being shown.
The divine name “Motosu Mahikari Omikami” on the Goshintai indicates that the God in charge of the operations at the core of the Universe is the God of Light, in short, the Highest God. Normally the Light is invisible to us, however, in rare cases, some people have witnessed golden Light emitting from the Goshintai like whirlpools. As has been revealed by major religions in the past, “those who know the divine name of God will see miracles”, great miracles follow where the Goshintai of the Highest God has been enshrined.
An Omitama, on the other hand, connects one with the spiritual wave chords of Su God. To make it easier to understand, it is like an antenna which receives the Light and power of God. It is a round-shaped object which we wear around our neck. After an Omitama has been bestowed at the end of the three days’ Spiritual Elevation Course (Kenshu), anyone can raise the hand to give Light. The Art of True Light can be practiced regardless of religious affiliations, age, gender, ethnicities, race or nationalities. When one raises one’s hand in the practice of Tekazashi, a high-dimensional, invisible Light like a searchlight is radiated. This is the Light of Su God. It contains a very strong Light with great power of salvation.
Thus, an Omitama is entirely different in nature from a talisman or good-luck charms that are known up untill now. Not only does it continuously protect our lives, it can save the lives of many others.
By bestowing Goshintai and Omitama on people through Oshienushisama, God dedicates His great prayer and wishes for all humankind.
Q26. Does it cost money to become a member?
In this organization, we are permitted to offer a monthly 500-Japanese Yen offering called “Spiritual Cord Maintenance Offering” to God. This is a token of gratitude we express to God for connecting us to the spiritual wave chords of the Highest God of the Universe and the continuous Light and protection received through our Omitama.
In addition to this, there are other offerings such as “Otamagushi”, “Okiyome Onrei” and “Goshugo Onrei”. These offerings are entirely voluntary and variable.
In truth, God’s world is a realm of vibrations of our innermost thoughts. Our thoughts are sent out immediately. Whether it is to do with God, our ancestors or other spirits, thoughts are transmitted like electronic waves in an instant.
For instance, even though the amount offered is the same, the accompanying thoughts such as, “please use this donation for God’s purpose”, “so that more people may be saved” or “this is to express gratitude for the miracles received” is totally different in essence from thoughts such as, “I have no choice but to do it” or “the other person offers 1,000 Yen; in order to save face, I shall offer 2,000 Yen”. Worse still, if an offering is made with an accompanying vibration such as, “this is about money-making after all”, then, no matter how much is offered, it will not reach God.
The heart of gratitude when making offerings is important. This is the basis for making donations. God knows our financial condition very well. We should make offerings in balance with our situation. God will not be pleased if we impose unreasonable pressure upon ourselves.
It is an arrangement of the Universe that if we or our ancestors have committed sins which have not been erased, unfortunate phenomena (Misogi Harahi / Akanahi – compensations) will occur. If we actively engage in voluntary compensations, then misfortunes will become smaller. A willingness such as “please may I be allowed to offer something” with a heart filled with joy is important.
Q27. Treating miracles as commodities; isn’t this an inferior kind of faith?
Jesus Christ went around on foot saving people, manifesting miracles of salvation, in order to expand the teachings. He told his disciples, “First, heal illnesses. Then only proclaim the Gospels.” Buddha also used spiritual art to heal people’s diseases. As the miracles happened, he transmitted teachings to them.
Both Buddhism and Christianity used miracles to spread the teachings. Can we say that they are inferior religions? We should think not.
Miracles are not caused by human power. It is God’s power which allows the miracles to happen. God uses miracles to awaken the “blind” among us who doubt Him, have forgotten about Him or deny Him, to awaken us to His true existence.
Jesus and Buddha performed many miracles to save people. As time passed, religions became philosophized, turned into ideologies and intellectual pursuits. The living power of salvation became totally lost.
Isn’t the role of religions to give salvation to both body and soul? To save us from illnesses, conflicts, poverty and other misfortunes; to enable us to become happy and Godlike; aren’t these the purpose of religions? “Salvation” is an indispensable function for religions originally. Therefore miraculous phenomena do not make religions inferior.
Jesus and Buddha performed miracles to save people. The Art of True Light is this kind of Salvation.
Q.28 After becoming a member, do I have to give up other religious faiths?
It is absolutely not necessary to give up other religious faiths in order to join Sukyo Mahikari. One can receive True Light or participate in the Spiritual Elevation Course while one is practicing one’s existing faith.
The God we worship is the Creator of the Universe respectfully addressed as:
“Mioya Motosu Mahikari Omikamisama” or intimately as “Su No Omikamisama”. Just as the Light of Su God shines upon the entire Universe, Sukyo Mahikari does not discriminate against religious affiliations, ethnicities, race, etc. The tenets of our organization are: “The origin of the earth is one, the origin of the world is one, the origin of humankind is one and the origin of all religions is one.”
There are Buddhist monks, Christian priests and pastors and even priests from Shinto religion among the participants of the Spiritual Elevation Course (Kenshu). Thus True Light can be practiced from different religious platforms to heal diseases and provide salvation to all manner of people who are suffering from various kinds of conditions. This has nothing to do with teachings or dogmas. As long as we raise our hand, miracles will occur. Through such miracles, the existence of spirits and God becomes a true personal experience and not just a concept or ideology.
Buddhism, Christianity, Shinto and other religions were permitted by God to suit different times. Fundamentally, there is absolutely no difference among them. However, subsequent followers added their own thoughts and theories for their own convenience. As time passed, religions took on the form of philosophies or ideologies; the spiritual power of salvation became weak, ending in the state they are in today. Today, the power of salvation they once possessed has diminished.
On the other hand, after hearing the teachings transmitted at the Mahikari Spiritual Elevation Course (Kenshu), it actually becomes easier to understand the teachings of Buddhism, Christianity and other religions. By explaining the hitherto unknown fundamental teachings of religions, the riddle surrounding all religions has been solved.
Sukyo Mahikari does not reject other religions. It is hoped that through the practice of True Light, God’s Light may be spread far and wide to save the people of the world.
Q29. I wish to thoroughly understand the teachings first, be convinced, only then become a member.
While we understand your point of view, however, if we follow this way of thinking, isn’t it like the following example: you wish to enroll for a certain course at a university but first you would like to thoroughly understand the subjects taught in the course, become convinced before sitting for the entrance exam? If you understand the course beforehand, there will be no need to join the university, don’t you agree?
Perhaps you do not wish to know in such great details; you only wish to know the outline. Well, this three-day course is the outline.
Maybe there are those who wonder, “Why must it take three days? Can’t it be done in one or two days?” It is rather like a three-part movie; just by watching Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3, one cannot expect to understand the entire film. Similarly, one cannot hope to grasp the entire course without attending the full three days.
In particular, what is revealed in the course is hitherto unheard of; even Jesus or Buddha had not touched upon them. They are the teachings which have never been revealed by any predecessor. It may not be understood immediately. It may take a while for one to be convinced. Thus, it is imperative to have a 80-degree reversal of one’s views on life or social perspective when one listens to them.
Furthermore, unlike theories and reasoning, Sukyo Mahikari’s teachings are based on actual practices. It is only with the practice of saving others with the Art of True Light can the essence of the teachings be clearly grasped.
Through giving Light diseases improve, economic woes lighten, life becomes free from conflicts and disasters and takes a turn for the better. The true existence of God and His great love can be truly felt and experienced through such astonishing miracles.
“The proof of the pudding is in the eating” so goes the saying. Anyone, including those who do not believe in God, can experience the Art of True Light.
Q30. What do you do in the center or dojo? Do I have to attend every day?
The official name of a “Dojo” is “Spiritual Training Place.” This is the place to train the soul. To put it simply: it is a place to make efforts in training to become people who can be loved by God.
We learn the basics of the practice of True Light and how to put the teachings into practice at the dojo. As we leave the dojo, we endeavor to practice these teachings, at home, in society, in school, and at work. We are taught that this is our living ascetic practice. Thus, it does not mean only going to the center every day is good. The dojo is the place to learn how to practice teachings in our daily lives.
Furthermore, the dojo is not a healing place. It is a place to remove the true cause of disease and misfortunes. Disease and misfortunes are the compensations for sins committed by us and our ancestors through the process of reincarnations. The dojo is the place to have such an awakening.
Dojo is “the place to attain divinity”, “a resting place for the soul”, “a place to purify and elevate”; in short, “a place for Divine Salvation.” It reverberates with pure energy. Like an oasis, it is filled with warmth and brightness. Invisible to the eye, bright, brilliant True Light of God issues from the Goshintai like whirlpools. It is filled with the sacred Light of God. It is a hot spring of God’s Light.
Our lives today’s are continuously inundated with dark, tragic news of killings and violence. Selfish thoughts such as “as long as things are good for me (what’s in it for me?)…” are rife. At a time when we have no choice but to live under such conditions, it is good to occasionally visit the center which is filled with the pure energy of God, to offer prayers, to receive God’s exalted Divine Light and to strive to restore ourselves to our original form. The sustained accumulation of such efforts will lead not only to the purification of the physical body but the astral and spiritual bodies as well, transforming us into lucky people.
This is why offering service at the center is important.
tankoktim 