New Religions #4 Oomoto （大本） Masayo Urasaki 03 July 2012

Today’s Class Goal 1)To Understand main stream of “Shinto” 2) To understand Oomoto’s brief history and founder’s background. What is Oomoto （大本） ? Founders DVD(Oomoto no ayumi 大本のあゆみ） Teaching and Rituals/Characteristics Workshop Topics

SHINTO -- Kinds of “Kami” Yaoyorozu-no-kami （八百万の神 ） 1) Nature (animals, wind, fire,,,) 竜神、風神 2) Myth :Amaterasu oomi kami （天照大神） 3) Persons: Ieyasu Tokugawa （徳川家康） → Toushou-daigongenn( 東照大権現） 4) Theory of the divine right of kings : Emperor Hirohito （ showa-era ） Arahito-kami 現人神

What is Oomoto （大本）？ One of a Sectarian Shinto sect （教派神道 ） Oomoto 大本 大 Oo → Big 本 moto → Basic, Origin, Source Back to the Big origin of the world or universe. ・ Founded at Ayabe(near Kyoto) in ・ Official membership count is 170,000

Main Teaching Main Teaching 1) Harmonious alignment with all life and the universe. 2) Revelation of celestial truth and its lessons. 3) Innate patterns of behavior for man, society and the cosmos. 4) Instinctual creative drives.

Oomoto and Shinto ☆ Same Point A-The importance of harmony among nature, humans, and gods is a key belief of both. Oomoto’s rituals, architecture, and vestments are based on the ancient original practices that became known as Shinto. (from Oomoto’s HP)

Difference between Original Shinto A-Shinto is polytheistic, believing there are many gods – or kami. Oomoto teaches that many kami do exist, but they all come from the same Supreme God of the Universe, so in effect there is just one God. When Oomoto followers pray to a particular kami by name they understand this is just one manifestation of the single God. Even the name “Oomoto” emphasizes this point. It translates as “Great Source” or “Great Origin.” (from Oomoto’s HP) oomoto-kou-daijinn （大本皇大神）

Two Spiritual Leader Kaiso 開祖 founder Mrs. Nao Deguchi （出口なお） Seishi 聖師 Secred Teacher Mr. Onisaburo Deguchi （出口王任三 郎）

Founder Mrs.Nao Deguchi Poor illiterate widower, had 8 children, but her son and daughters had serious trouble (sick, death, become crazy) Nao became possessed by a god who identified himself as Ushitora no Konjin in She was onf of member of Konko-kyo （金光教） like prophet. Ofudesaki （お筆先） writing the Kami’s words

Secred teacher, Mr.Onisaburo Deguchi Born at Kameoka village, near Kyoto Very smart called “Child prodigy” Practice at Mountain, Calm down the spirit and Trance （鎮魂帰紳） Meet Mrs.Nao and married Nao’s daughter. Become Charismatic Leader, not only religious but Social Reforem （世直し） Edit the Nao’s writing as”Oomoto-shinnronn ( 大本神論 -oomoto shinyu/ theoty of Gods of Oomoto)

The Four Principles 1. Purity, purification of mind and body 2. Optimism, believing in the goodness of the Divine Will 3. Progressivism, way of social improvement 4. Unification, the reconciliation of all dichotomies These principles are seen throughout the universe. These are the rules of the universe, and everything in nature grows and lives with these rules. Man is apt to live in violation of these principles, and therefore comes to grief. By practicing these principles, man can live in harmony with the universe and lead a heavenly life in spirit and in flesh.

Characteristics President of Oomoto should inherit from Nao’s lineal daughter. Intend to Social and spiritual Reform and, so there are severe regulation from government. (mainly twice, 1921 & 1935 ） Propagate abroad intensity (Esperanto language) Influence to upper class, other new religious leader (ex, Sekai-kyusei-kyou, Seicyou-no-ie)