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Kanichi Otsuka (Kyososama) was born in 1891 on the Island of Shikoku, the fourth largest island of Japan. Shikoku figures prominently in Japanese mythology and is also the birthplace of many Japanese spiritual leaders.
Otsuka differs from other great spiritual leaders in that he was born with Divine Power. Divine Power is an inborn unity with the spirit of the universe. The result of this Divine Power is that Otsuka possessed extraordinary abilities from birth.
From a very early age, Otsuka possessed unusual talents in art, science, mathematics, language, and literature. He was also capable of grasping spiritual teachings beyond the grasp of normal human intelligence. Otsuka's talents extended to include the ability to foretell the future and to effortlessly invent articles for everyday use. These many prodigious talents resulted in his being considered a "wonder child."
In Shinreikyo History it is claimed that:
The mechanism of everything ever created on the earth was clear to Kyososama, and he understood even the world that exists beyond time and space.(5)Otsuka seemed to have grasped his special nature from an early age. Writing about his childhood, Kyososama wrote:
I always felt the presence of another real self beside me. When I sat cross-legged by myself just like the great statue of the Buddha in Nara, I felt that the earth, about the size of a watermelon, was underneath me and I could see the other me walking about on it. I experience the real "me" looking down at the other "me" on this small planet. I was and understood everything on this earth (Shinreikyo History:5).
Whereas other great spiritual leaders acquired unique talents and understanding in adulthood as the result of God's revelation, Kyososama believed that he already possessed these talents from birth. He felt there was nothing that he did not already know. To confirm this conviction, the young Otsuka chose to leave home at the age of fifteen to explore the world and confirm his Divine Power.
As the oldest son, leaving home meant relinquishing his inheritance and his right to succeed his father as head of the household. Otsuka's father reluctantly granted permission for his young son to leave. Hewes offered a sum of money, but Otsuka refused more than what was required for his immediate travel expenses. To accept the money, Otsuka stated, could result in his failure to become self-reliant.
Following in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi, a founder of Japanese Buddhism, Otsuka traveled first to Mt. Koya. Here he studied with an old monk who would share with him the Daizo-kyo, a compilation of Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings. As he read these scriptures, Kyososama realized that there was nothing that was new to him.
The spiritual quest of the young Otsuka took him to several other holy mountains. He also journeyed to Tokyo and Osaka to better understand the rapid transformations that were taking place in Japanese culture. But his goal was to travel to China. Before departing on his China trip, Otsuka worked briefly in an electrical shop in Osaka. While he had no training in electrical engineering, Otsuka "amazed the storekeeper by coming up with new machines and devices, one after the other" (Shinreikyo History:13).
In 1912, at the age of 21, Otsuka departed for a journey to Asia that would last a decade. Beginning in Korea, his journey would take him to Inchon, Dalian, Manchuria, and finally, to the far reaches of Outer Mongolia. In his long journey, it is reported that he "was guided by his Divine Power" (Shinreikyo History:14). Wherever he went, Kyososama helped those in need. "He cured the sick, repaired the machines and help those in trouble" (Shinreikyo History:15). The journey was not for "ascetic purposes," but "to exercise and confirm his Divine Power in the real world "(Shinreikyo History:16).
Upon returning to Japan, Kyososama returned to Mt. Koya where he had began his spiritual quest at the age of fifteen. After meditating here for some time, he then proceeded on a trek that would take him to several sacred mountains that culminated in a visit to Ise Shrine, one of the greatest of Shinto shrines. At Ise, he reflected on the history of Japan and it's Shinto roots.
Later Kyososama would report that it was here that he concluded that the history of humankind to date had been an age of darkness. While the growth of materialism threatens the very existence of humanity, the world is now positioned to embark on a new age of light. This age of spirituality will commence in the 21st century (Shinreikyo History:21).
At this juncture, there appears an element of irony. Having confirmed his own alignment with Divine Power, and foreseeing a new dawning of civilization, Otsuka returned to Osaka, where he had worked briefly in an electrical shop, and founded the Kikusui Electric Heating and Products Company. Here, he also married Kunie Miyashita (Kyobosama). He was 34; she was 19. It is said that on the day Kunie Miyashita was born, Otsuka, then 15, said to his family: "Just now, the woman destined to become my wife was born" (Shinreikyo History:35).
Kunie Miyashita was also a child, and from an early age she indicated a desire to pursue an occupation that would best permit her to help people. Her thought of being a physician was frowned upon by her family. Indeed, the idea of a woman pursuing a career at all was not in keeping with Japanese culture. In time, she would come to understand that her divine destiny was to persuade her husband to found a new religion.
Otsuka seemed to be a reluctant spiritual leader. The Kikusui Electric Heating and Products Company thrived. In the span of a mere four years, Otsuka received more than 60 patents for various electrical products. This he attributed to his "ingenious ideas inspired by his Divine Power" (Shinreikyo History:41).
During the years leading to, and during the Second World War, Kyososama and Kyobosama embarked in what they called The Great Japanese Spirit petitions. These petitions, often distributed to as many as a thousand Japanese officials, warned of the disastrous course that Japan was on, and advised leaders to turn toward a path of peace. The petitions were substantially ignored, but would be seen as another sign of Kyososama's alignment with Divine Power. Japan imposed strict control over public discussion of the government's policies. Deviation for official policy was not tolerated; those who dared were subject to arrest, torture, even assassination. That Kyososama was not harmed is considered a miracle (Shinreikyo History:51).
While eschewing the role of religious leader, the healing practices that Kyososama performed while traveling in China continued after he started the electrical business. Indeed, over time, the word of his extraordinary power spread, and there was a growing demand for his healing talents.
Kyososama's were executed quietly without public flair or the flamboyance characteristic of contemporary Christian Pentecostal healers. By the mere transmission of his Divine Power, without even the laying on of hands, healings were performed. Over time, the range of diseases that were healed grew. And, the number of miracles performed increased (Shinreikyo History:56-67).
Shinreikyo History reports that Kyobosama was acutely aware of her husband's extraordinary powers. It was she who encouraged Kyososama to create a religion. She believed this could result in healing many more people and, in addition, provide the path to achieving world peace. Over time, her pleas to get Kyososama to put aside his business to create a religion became increasingly intense. At one point she even considered taking her own life as a means of expressing the intensity of her feelings (Shinreikyo History:13).
Kyososama finally consented and on February 11,1947, Shinreikyo was formally established. Nishinomiya was the site for the initial work of Shinreikyo. Word of the miracles performed by Kyososama spread. At the encouragement of a retired Admiral, Eisuke Yamamoto, Kyososama began holding meetings in Tokyo. Initially, meetings were held in a Japanese-style restaurant in Ueno Park, but soon they were looking of larger quarters for meetings. In 1953 a site on a hill in the Akasaka district (central Tokyo) was purchased which would become Shinreikyo headquarters.
From the founding of Shinreikyo until Kyososama "returned to his heavenly form" in 1972, several important developments occurred. First, significant numbers of people were attracted to the faith which, in turn, resulted in the establishment of additional spiritual centers. Second, Kyososama continued to perform an ever-expanding array of miracles. Third, there appeared an expanded articulation of the theology underpinnings of Shinreiko. The theology helps explain the relationship between miracles and the central belief of Divine Power. Miracles are seen as proof of the theological teachings. Finally, there developed a vision of the age which is dawning. For further discussion of miracles, theological teachings, and the prophesized future, see III. Beliefs below.
Before he ascended to his Divine form, Kyososama entrusted responsibility for the continuation of the Divine Work on earth to Kyobosama (Shinreikyo History:120). The separation of the soul from the flesh does not diminish the spiritual powers. Kyososama and Kyobosama are one as actors on the terrestrial plane. As of May, 1998 Kyobosama continues to play an active role in the affairs of Shinreikyo (Interview with Kazuhiko Hosokawa, Priest and Head of Shinreikyo Information Center, 5/16/98).
The beliefs of Shinreikyo are at once syncretistic and unique among Japanese new religions that emerged in the Post-World War II Era. Buddhism most importantly influences it with the central premise that everything emanates from one source, and is connected to that source. Kyososama's teachings are also influenced by Taoism in its quest to locate ultimate realities -- too vast and mysterious to ever be fully grasped or comprehended. Shinto is strongly present as well. Not only are healings available, but access to powers that can transform over-the-hill sumo wrestlers into grand champions, slumping baseball pitchers into 20 game winners, and ordinary Go champions into the world's greatest is available. This capacity to tap higher powers for aid in all manner of this-worldly matters clearly bears evidence of the animistic powers of traditional Japanese Shinto. The influence of western monotheism is subtler but, nevertheless, present. There is a Christ-like quality in Kyososama's revealing the way, the truth, and the light as no one before. As Jesus Christ becomes the word made flesh, so too is Kyososama at one with God.
The pivotal idea in Shinreikyo is Divine Power. It was possessed by Kanichi Otsuka from birth. He sensed this from an early age, but was not satisfied until he had followed a path of disciplined study, meditation and travel to confirm his divinity.
Divine Power emanates from the ultimate Truth, which is the one principle of eternal immutability. "This Truth or fundamental principle," taught Kyososama, "cannot be expressed using words or written characters. It is easiest to understand by coming into contact with its power and personally experience it..." Teaching 01 .
If ultimate Truth or meaning has never previously been perfectly understood, and mysteriously beyond the grasp of mortals, Kyososama claimed to bring clearer understanding than those who have come before.
God has been present from the beginning. The center from which everything emanates, God has been known by many names and illumined by many divinely inspired teachers including Jesus Christ, Shakyamuni Buddha and Mohammed. "The God everyone worships is the universal center and the generative power that creates all things in the universe." Teaching 02.
Kyososama is God made flesh:
Then came the time when God, who these divinely inspired teachers had recognized from afar, arrived on earth. God became one with a human body, appeared among humanity, and founded Shinreikyo. In traditional religions, people contact God through a mediator such as Jesus Christ, Shakyamuni Buddha, or Mohammed. But Shinreikyo followers are personally linked to God, enabling them to directly receive Divine Light from its source and thereby lead the most blessed of lives. Teaching 02.
Shinreikyo teaches that the coming of God in the flesh marks the end of a long human era that may be characterized as one of darkness. The dawning of the new era of light opens the door for humanity to transcend materialism and become spiritual beings.
This dawning of a new chapter in human life, teaches Shinreikyo, is not merely abstract ideas, but a reality that can be witnessed. "Where there is truth, actual proof will always follow." One important proof of the teachings of Kyososama is to be found in the multitude of miracles that have been made manifest in his ministry and through the Divine Power that continues to connect his followers to the Source.
The New Testament of Christianity tells of several miracles that Jesus performed during his ministry on earth. The writings of Shinreikyo are filled with scores of testimonies of miracles. Testimonies of miracles can be found on the Shinreiko Home Page under Proof of Miracles . A horizontal navigation bar accesses a broad range of materials covering both teachings and testimony. Dawning World presents multiple testimonies, including some affidavits physicians and scientists that report to confirm miraculous cures.
One of the most fascinating claims of Shinreikyo concerns the expansion of the skull of believers. Here is a succinct summary of the teaching:
The shape of a skull is determined by the brain contained within. The brain cells of a Shinreikyo follower vigorously grow and develop, the skull enlarges and expands into a fine rounded shape. Through this process, we improve mentally and spiritually. ( A Guide to Shinreikyo, 1991).
Kazuhiko Hosokawa, a Shinreikyo Priest and Head of the Shinreikyo Information Center in Tokyo, told me that he began to experience this miraculous growth shortly after he became a follower of Kyososama. The growth occurs in spurts that are clearly discernable. Some report intense headaches and/or a warmth of the skull. Hosokawa says he had experienced this phenomenon some fifty times. When I noted that such claims would likely be met with skepticism, he had two replies. First, he claims that Shinreikyo has documented evidence that this occurs. Second, identifying by name several American scientists who are doing "mind/body" research, Hosokawa indicated they would be welcome to come to Japan and research Shinreikyo miracle claims.
If belief in miracles constitutes a central belief of Shinreikyo, Kyososama's teachings attempt to normalize, or render the miraculous ordinary. People tend to think of miracles as rare occurrences. In reality, Kyososama teaches, the world is full of the miraculous.
A flower blooms. A larva becomes a mosquito. An egg hatches into a chick with a beek and feathers, and the chick walks. No one can explain the principle that works behind these things, but people are so familiar with the normal course of events that they lose sight of how miraculous these events are. When they happen to see extraordinary phenomena beyond their own knowledge, they are surprised and call them miracles. In actual fact, these events are nothing new. All things in the world occur in accordance with the same principle as the phenomena called miracles...Because ordinary people do not understand the principle that causes miracles, they are awed by unusual events, and assume the events are random. These phenomena are, however, filled with incredible and wonderful truths. Teaching 03.
Miracles, in Shinreikyo, are brought about by the same normal processes that govern the universe. They are possible because followers of the Shinreikyo faith develop spiritual senses that transcended the limited five senses of the material world.
A poem that appears on the back cover of each issue of Dawning World captures the sense of world-transforming process that the followers of Kyososama believe is happening.
As the morning dew
Glitters in the sun,
The earth now bathes
In the "light" of the universe.
The truth bears miracles.
The miracles change the world.
This solemn fact opens a new page
In the history of mankind.
Whosoever realizes
This great change,
The arrival of the "Dawning World,"
Begins to live in Providence.
A brief commentary following the poem further helps to interpret the sense of movement that Shinreikyo members believe is happening.
As the sun emerges form the horizon, the world of darkness vanishes to give place to a new world. All things on the earth are awakened from their sleep and resuscitated to resume their true forms of life. Right at this very moment, our world is undergoing an enormous change comparable to the dawning of the day itself.We are facing the reality of a gigantic Force of Life such as humankind has never experienced before, which may properly be termed "the spiritual sun of the new age."
The phenomena of salvation through the countless number of miracles of Shinreikyo are the proofs indicating this great change of time. The movement of the Dawning World is the way to dissolve the great confusion of the present world which arises from this time of great change.
Selected Texts from the Divine Teachings of Kyososama
In response to an inquiry about sacred texts, Kazuhiko Hososkawa provided me with a brief selection of texts from the writing of Kyososama that seem to offer a succinct rendering of the essential beliefs of Shinreikyo. They overlap with my narrative of beliefs that appears above, but they also cover some additional matters including: (1) how the phenomenon of miracles extends beyond humans to cover animals, plants and inanimate objects, (2) childbirth, and (3) Sublime Transmigration. A special thanks is extended to Mr. Hosokawa for his generous time and assistance in helping me to understand the teachings of Shinreikyo.
"Where there is truth, actual proof will always follow.""The fundamental principle of Shinreikyo, like the rising sun, is the oldest and the newest in the universe. This principle is 'Kami no Michi' (the Way of God) in religion, the principle of reality in science, and the Truth in philosophy. It is the fundamental principle and the generative power of the universe, working beyond time and space throughout the three stages of human existence. All and everything are created in accordance with this principle. Whosoever goes against it will perish. Whosoever goes with it will prosper. This principle is, therefore, the absolute and unique way that every individual should follow."
"Kami, God, is the personified generative power that creates all and everything, in harmony with the ultimate principle of the universe."
"Phenomena that are immeasurable by human knowledge and experience are called miracles. But, by no means are miracles contrary to science. A miracle occurs when it should occur, in harmony with the principle of the very nature of things. This principle, however, cannot yet be explained using modern scientific knowledge."
"In Shinreikyo miracles occur not only to people, but also to animals and plants, and even to inanimate objects. Beyond words and teachings, the Divine Power works on all things in the universe. The Divine Way, or the Truth, is common to everything in the universe.
"People consist of two elements: on the material side, a body; and, on the spiritual side, a soul. A true religion must save people both physically and spiritually. A traditional religion is spiritualistic and modern culture is materialistic. Both of them are one-sided and defective. The truth lies behind a point where matter and mind separate from each other. The truth is 'the principle of reality' that applies to the whole of creation. It works consistently throughout the three possible stages of existence; and, like the Tao, or the Way, extends to all phenomena in the universe. When one reaches the Truth or the ultimate summit, one can do anything without taking any action, just as 'By non-action everything can be done.'
"Like other animals, human females originally experienced easy childbirths. But, these days, most women suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy, and suffer from labor pains for long hours at delivery time. As a result, people now have the idea that childbirth is a woman's great misfortune, and that it is accompanied by great pains.... Shinreikyo women, however, suffer from little or no morning sickness. And, Shinreikyo mothers give birth to their babies painlessly, through natural delivery. In fact, usually it takes a Shinreikyo mother less than forty-five minutes to have a baby. Shinreikyo babies, moreover, have thick navel cords. They have high intelligence and strong bodies. Every mother can have such superior children."
"When a Shinreikyo devotee attains Sublime Transmigration, he or she can foresee the time of death and transmigration several days or more ahead, and may have a clear and vivid vision of the glorious afterworld. The devotee cheerfully says good-bye to family and friends, as one would if leaving on a happy and worry-free journey. Then the person takes his or her last breath in peace. And, because the Shinreikyo follower is completely free from the fear of death, and is confident of going to paradise by Divine Grace, there is no stiffening of the dead body. The body temperature does not drop for many hours. In addition, soon after the last breath, the person's countenance becomes so sublime and noble that it never could have looked that way while the person was alive."
"It is well-known that in Shinreikyo innumerable miracles and wonders that cannot be explained by today's common knowledge take place day after day. For example, one is completely cured of deadly diseases, one's character improves and bad habits are removed, one easily settles serious disputes and disagreements with one's family and co-workers, and one's productive power increases so remarkably that the barriers to economic success are broken. What is the significance of these events? They indicate that in Shinreikyo the gate is wide open to a new world, and that models of this new world, where everything goes as we wish, though for now on a small scale, are being constructed one after another. Therefore, if you want to find out more about the Dawning World, you must come to Shinreikyo, see rightly into what is happening, and understand correctly the unfathomable meaning of the facts."
"Thousands and thousands of years have passed since human beings appeared on this earth. During this period, humankind has passed through times of war and times of peace, through times of prosperity and times of decline. Now, the human race is approaching a great pass in its history. The vision is still not clear due to the rising fog and clouds. Before long, however, the obstructions will clear away, and people will stand in wonder and joy at the dawn of a majestic age."
Created by Jeffrey K. Hadden
University of Virginia
Last updated: 07/24/01