Expert: Justin Choo - 12/24/2005

Question
Hello justinchoo!

Have you ever heard about "Omoto-kyo" religion?
What is it? Does something like Omoto-Kyo still exist?
Thanks  

Answer
Hi Luke,

Welcome back, if you are the one and same Luke who had visited here before.  I notice that you are also active in the other expert's room.

If you are the one, then may I assume that you came across this term from the "Aikido" website?

The best answer would be to quote from Wikipedia:

 "Oomoto
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Oomoto (大本, literally "foundation"), also known as Omoto-kyo (大本教) or similar Omoto, is a Japanese religion, often categorized as a new Japanese religion and offshoot of Shinto. The religion was founded, in 1892, by Nao Deguchi. The spiritual leaders of the movement have always been women. Since 2001, the movement has been guided by its fifth leader, Kurenai Deguchi.

Since the time of its second spiritual leader, Onisaburo Deguchi, the constructed language Esperanto has played a major role in the Oomoto religion. Starting in 1924, the religion has published books and magazines in Esperanto and this continues today. Almost all of the 45,000 active members of Oomoto have studied some Esperanto, and around 1,000 are fluent in the language.

From 1925 until 1933 Oomoto maintained a mission in Paris. From there, missionaries travelled throughout Europe, spreading the word that Onisaburo Deguchi was a Messiah or Maitreya, who would unify the world. From 1935 to 1942 the movement experienced severe persecutions in Japan and did not have the right to act, but by 1950 the movement had regrouped.

Oomoto has two major centers near Kyoto city. In Ajabe there is a temple for religious services, and in Kameoka is a mission in a large park (former site of Kameoka Castle) that includes offices, schools, a publishing house, and shrines.

Art has a important role in Oomoto. The members wish to beautify the world by art, and believe that art brings humans closer to the divine.

Members of Oomoto believe in several gods. The most important are Ookunitokotachi, Ushitora, and Hitsujisaru, but also the creator of Esperanto, L. L. Zamenhof is considered a god. However, all of these gods, including Zamenhof, are believed to be aspects of a single Master God.

The Oomoto members also tend to recognize notable religious figures from other religions, such as kami.

One of the more well-known followers of Oomoto is Morihei Ueshiba, founder of the martial art Aikido. It is commonly thought that Ueshiba's increasing attachment to pacifism in later years and belief that Aikido should be an "art of peace" were inspired by his involvement with the sect. Oomoto priests oversee a ceremony in Ueshiba's honor every April 29th at the Aiki Shrine at Iwama."  UNQUOTE


It's interesting to note that the name Maitreya has been translated as "Messiah".  As you know Maitreya is the name of the next Buddha to come.

It is my opinion that peaceful, idealistic and spiritual people have always the yearning to find truth and answer to life.  Some will adopt existing religions while others will come up with their versions.  The fundamental principles are quite similar .... hoping for a universal religion and a new world order of peace.  Wishful thinking!

The founder of Aikido, Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, as you have already known, was associated with Omotokyo.  Actually, Aikido is basically an Art of Self Defence, say what you want.  However it incorporates spiritual values as well as philosophy.  They do not use brute strength in their practice but they harness "Inner Energy" or "Ki"(Japanese), or Chi(Chinese), to overpower their opponents.  Because of its non-combatant approach, you do not find Aikido competition.  (I practised Aikido years back during my teenage years.)

Have a nice holiday.  Smile from justinchoo :-)