 |
Shinji Shūmeikai (神慈秀明会) (often abbreviated to Shumei) is a Japanese new religious movement and organization founded in 1970 by Mihoko Koyama. Prior to founding the organization, she was president of the Shumei Church, the largest internal association of the Sekai Kyūseikyō (世界救世教, Church of World Messianity), and founded the organization as a spin-off of the Church of World Messianity. The purpose of the organization was to promote the health, happiness and harmony of all people by applying the insights of Mokichi Okada, the founder of Church of World Messianity. According to the organization, the founder is not Mihoko Koyama, but Mokichi Okada.[1][2]
Reverently known as Meishusama within Shumei, Mokichi Okada taught that a world free of sickness, poverty, and strife could be achieved through spiritual healing, a reverence for nature, and the appreciation of art and beauty. The movement claims that no conflicts exist between itself and other spiritual paths that seek universal well-being. Its members come from diverse backgrounds, and many maintain and deepen their own beliefs while participating in Shumei. Further, Shumei holds that it maintains dialogue with people of all spiritual paths to promote tolerance and peace.
The head organization is currently based near Shigaraki, Shiga, Japan.
- ^ Reif, Rita (16 August 1998). "ARTS/ARTIFACTS; A Japanese Vision of the Ancient World". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ Melikian, Souren (6 November 1997). "A Splendid Art Collection Goes On Display in Japan". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 15, 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2010.