Questions and Answers on Sukyo Mahikari - Based on Mahikari Mondo 真光問答

Contents

Q1. What does it mean to “raise one’s hand to give Light” (Tekazashi)? Pg. 3

Q2. Why do diseases improve afterng Light? Pg. 4

Q3. What changes are likely to happen after receiving Light? Pg. 5

Q4. Other religious groups also have similar practices of giving Light. What is the difference? Pg. 6

Q5. What training does one need in order to be able to give Light? Pg. 7

Q6. How do you know that the receiver’s movements or speech while receiving Light are due to the “attaching spirit(s)?” Pg. 8

Q7. Is there a difference between Mahikari no Waza and hypnosis? (Isn’t it due to the person’s subconscious mind?) Pg. 9

Q8. What happens when one is attached by spirit(s)? Pg 10

Q9. As I do not wish to have anything to do with spirits, I do not want to receive Light. Pg. 11

Q10. Is solving spirit disturbance the only way to achieve happiness? Pg.12 

Q11. What is the difference between a guardian spirit and an attaching spirit? Pg.13

Q12. What happens when a person dies? Pg. 14

Q13. What kind of place is the spiritual world? Pg. 14

Q14. What is reincarnation and transmigration? Pg.15

Q15. Why do ancestor spirits attach to the descendants and cause sufferings? Pg.16

Q16. Why is it necessary to care for ancestors? Pg. 17

Q17. Is it true that it is better not to take medicines? Pg. 18

Q18. If illnesses can be improved by receiving Light, will doctors and hospitals become unnecessary? Pg. 19

Q19. Is your organization a religious organization? Pg. 19

Q20. What kind of God does this organization worship? Pg. 20

Q21. What sets this organization apart from the others? Pg.21

Q22. Is God the one and only?Pg. 22

Q23. What is the purpose of God in creating human beings? Pg. 23

Q24. How do we know God truly exists? Pg. 23

Q25. What are Goshintai and Omitama? Pg. 24

Q26. Does it cost money to become a member?Pg. 25

Q27. Treating miracles as commodities; isn’t this an inferior kind of faith? Pg. 26

Q28. After becoming a member, do I have to give up other religious faiths? Pg. 26

Q29. I wish to thoroughly understand the teachings first, be convinced, only then become a member. Pg 27

Q30. What do you do in the center or dojo? Do I have to attend everyday? Pg 28

Q31. Will I neglect family duties as a result of participating in the organization’s activities? Pg 29

Q32. My company dislikes religious activities; will it affect my work? Pg 29

Q33. After becoming a member, will I be constrained by forms and regulations? Pg. 30

Q34. Even if I don’t join any religious organization, as long as I have faith, isn’t that good enough? Pg. 31

Q35. Isn’t it true that one is able to survive even though one does not particularly try to form any relationship with God? Pg. 32

Q36. If the social system is not changed, I don’t think faith alone can make the world a better place. Pg. 33

Q37. Isn’t religion an escape from reality? (Isn’t this the activity for the elderly?)    Pg. 33          

Q38. Is it true that humankind will be annihilated following the great convulsions of earth? Pg. 34

Q39. Why does God allow convulsions to happen? Pg. 35

Q40. If God truly exists, why are there wars? Can’t we just have Heaven on Earth in an instant? Pg. 35

Q41. If God exists, why do kind-hearted people have to suffer from disease and poverty?Pg. 36

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?  Pg. 37

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.Pg. 38

Q44. How do you view the subject of science?Pg. 39

Q45. It seems to me that the subjects of ‘souls and spirits’ are unscientific…Pg. 40

Q46. Why is it that Japanese scientists do not engage themselves in the research of spiritual phenomena? Pg. 41

Q47. What is your view on husbands and wives having different surnames or family names?Pg. 42

Q48. What is your view on bullying and other problems in education? Pg. 43

Q49. What is your view on organ transplants and brain death? Pg. 44

Q50. Is human cloning permitted? Pg. 45

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 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 differs 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 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 trainings.

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.

Q11. What is the difference between a guardian spirit and an attaching spirit?

“Attaching spirits” attach themselves to people for various reasons such as attachments, to ask for something 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. Therefore, they may attach to their descendants in the hope that descendants will inaugurate an ancestors’ altar for them in the correct way. Inability to eat due to gastro-intestinal diseases, career setbacks, unemployment, diseases of the eye and head, injuries to 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 danger or making mistakes. When a person is born, an ancestor spirit whose spiritual level is in balance with that of the person is chosen from among the ancestors and assigned to the person to provide continuous protection.

We sometimes have what is called an “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 guardian spirit. In this way, guardian spirits fulfill an important function. 

It is important to realize that guardian spirits differ from attaching spirits as they have a role to protect and help us. Both are entirely different in nature.

Q12. What happens to a person when he dies?

People often ask 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 nothingness.” 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 inconsistent with true scientific beliefs. 

Studies by international psychological institutes have 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 spirits 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 spirits.

Death means the departure of soul spirit (main soul plus spiritual and astral bodies) from the physical body for the astral world. 

Spirits who go to the astral world have to undergo trainings for 200 – 300 years in order to give up attachments to the physical world and to be purified of sins committed in the physical world. 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 many times more than when they died. In the physical world, the body acts as a buffer (shock absorber) to reduce the extent of pain and suffering. However, the spiritual and astral bodies without the physical body will experience pain equivalent to having nerves forcibly stripped from the body. 

Life or death depends on our point of view. 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 world” (physical world) which can be experienced through the five senses (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body,) “the fourth dimensional world” and beyond, too, exist for human beings. 

Strictly speaking, the place where humans go to after death called the astral world exists within the spiritual world. It is said that astral world is divided into many levels. The lower the level, the harder is the training. 

What has been known from the past as hell refers to the lowest level of the training place. Buddhism explains the existence of many hard training places in hell, beginning with the realm of heavy labor, followed by mountain of needles, realm of fighting, realm of beasts, burning hell, realm of starvation, etc. 

The condition of such hells can be vividly gleaned from the states of the manifesting attaching spirits and the words they utter during the practice of the Art of True Light.

Many may think that astral world must exist in an absolutely faraway place (in terms of distance), right? In truth, our body is not just a lump of flesh (physical body). In the depths of our physical cells lie the astral cells. Furthermore, in the depths of the astral cells lies the structure of the spiritual cells. This is the existence of the original spirit (refer Q12). 

Similarly, within all matter in the physical world exists the spiritual world, i.e. the fourth dimension and beyond.

Thus, the spiritual world exists within us. We are simultaneously living in the physical as well as the spiritual world which lies in the depths of our physical existence.

Q14. What is reincarnation and transmigration?

After 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 in the astral world 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 physical body to begin life in the physical world. This is called reincarnation.

Furthermore, a male may be reborn as a female and a female reborn as male. Rarely, a human may be reborn as an animal and an animal reborn as a human. This is called transmigration.

This is due to the attitudes and actions of the person while living in the physical world. For example, if a husband is arrogant and behaves atrociously toward his wife, he will be reborn as a woman who has no choice but to marry a man who is bad to her. In addition, if a soul continues to hold the same attitude or thinking he had while he was alive, in the worst-case scenario, he can be transmigrated into an animal which corresponds with his attitude or thoughts.

Many do not believe in “reincarnation and transmigration”. However, famous spiritualists (those with spiritual powers) from countries all over the world (for example, Edgar Cayce from North America) have provided evidence for this.

Furthermore, if we practice of the Art of True Light, we will understand such realities. From the words of the attaching spirits, we come to know the kinds of place they reside and the conditions they are in. Consequently, we can have a thorough understanding of the true existence of spirits, the conditions of the astral world and the consequences which can result from our actions.

Only humans who are granted eternal life are able to reincarnate, pursue spiritual elevation and develop civilizations and this is reflected in the saying “humans are the lords of creation”.

The combined trainings 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 their descendants? Anyone can become confused by this. However, from the ancestors’ point of view, there are valid reasons for them to do so. If this cause can be removed, salvation from sufferings will become possible.

Recently, families without ancestors’ name tablets and ancestor altars have increased. Furthermore, most families do not follow the correct method in taking care of their ancestors. Perhaps, many believe that “after death, people turn into nothingness.” The fact is, the soul continues on eternally even after physical 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 doing training in the astral world, name tablets and altar bear a grave significance in their daily lives. Name tablets and ancestors’ altars are like a home. Without name tablets, it is like not having a home in the astral world and spirits have to live like wretched vagabonds. Through 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 trainings.

Without name tablets, ancestors are unable to receive nourishments from their descendants. Their lives in the astral world are filled with hunger and misery. This is why they escape from the astral world, become attached to the descendants in order to let them know of their conditions. This is called “admonitions from the ancestor spirits.” This feeling of hunger is real and unbearable. 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 ways, expending unnecessary labor and finance.

However, if an ancestors’ altar and name tablets are inaugurated without observing the rules of the astral world, ancestors will continue to suffer and still be unable to undergo their trainings.

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 the ancestors so that the 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 naturally becomes our obligation.

There may be some who think that since they are practicing faith directed toward God, it is unnecessary to enshrine the ancestors. Without a doubt, worshiping God is of foremost importance. However, to be born with a physical body in the physical world is due to the existence of the 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 time 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 the astral worlds. Religions have been created only in the physical world for humans’ own convenience. There are rules in the spiritual world which have nothing to do with religions or their denominations. This is why ancestors’ worship must be conducted in accordance with the rules of the spiritual world. Humans should not do things based on selfish thinking or convenience.

For example, to think that because there is an ancestors’ altar in the main family, there is no need for another in the branch family; or because traditional ancestral practice has been adhered to in caring for 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 thinking will not do. Through the name tablets, ancestors receive nourishments offered by the 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 ancestors we are connected to God. We should take care of our ancestors in the proper way and participate in the divine plan which is the purpose of human existence.

This is why caring for ancestors is of immense significance.

Q17. Is it true that it is better not to take medications?

People today believe that diseases can be cured by taking medicines. This is placing too much faith on medicine. Medicines do not have the ability to cure disease; they can only suppress the symptoms temporarily.

The human body is blessed with natural healing power. Actually, it is this power that keeps the symptoms of these so-called diseases in check. Medical science now uses the term “medicinal poison.” This term indicates that medicine is poison, and “using poison to counter poison” is the essence of medicine. Over-consumption of medicines leads to accumulations of toxins in the body which in turn prolong the symptoms.

As new drugs are rapidly being produced, the introduction of new, potent drugs leads to the formation of bacteria strains which are resistant to medicines. 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 allows 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 often mask the effects of receiving Light. This is the reason why it is said that “while receiving Light, it is better not to take medicines.”

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.

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?

Q19. 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.

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.

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-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 180-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 Art of 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.

Q31. Will I neglect family duties as a result of participating in the organization’s activities?

People who neglect family duties on account of religious activities cannot be said to be practicing the correct faith directed toward God.

We are taught, “It is important to live the teachings in our daily lives; teachings and living are one and the same thing.” “Practicing teachings in daily life” is our living ascetic practice.

It is important to make the best efforts with heartfelt gratitude in whatever situations we find ourselves in. God expects us to do our best at home, at work and in school to practice the teachings such as gratitude, humility at heart, hidden acts of charity, kindheartedness and altruistic love, being accepting of the Will of God, and treating materials preciously (use materials with care).

To abandon the family or work to participate in religious service is not the proper practice of faith directed toward God. God will not be pleased. If the husband does not do a good job at work, life can become unstable. Similarly, if the wife does not take care of housework properly, the family can become chaotic. If all the family members do not fulfill their individual responsibilities correctly, the family will collapse.

God wishes everyone to live in love and harmony. Especially at a time when the world is facing various problems spearheaded by the crisis of the environment, people must cooperate and help one another.

Societies and nations are collections of individual families. Without love and harmony in families which are the basic units of a society, there can absolutely be no love and harmony in the world. No matter how splendid a dwelling, without a solid foundation, it is destined to collapse. However much good one does in public, if the home is not paid due attention, a family of love and harmony will never materialize, in which case God will not be pleased; faith directed toward God will lose its meaning. Only when we can first become “people of Light” in our family, cultivate harmonious relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children and among siblings, only then can the foundation of world peace be established.

Furthermore, prevalent problems observed in schools such as antisocial behaviors and bullying can often be traced to problems within the family. We hope you understand that the establishment of families of love and harmony is the basis of everything.

Q32. My company dislikes religious activities; will my work be affected by my involvement in the activities of the organization?

We have been taught: it is important, first and foremost, to become “a person of Light” in the workplace. First of all, change yourself to become someone in the company whom others will comment: “Somehow when that person does not come to work, it feels dreary” or “When that person is in the office, the atmosphere quickly becomes bright.” This is important. We should not neglect our work because of religious activities. We must complete all office work and contribute to the company even in minor ways. Otherwise, we cannot become fine people at work or in society.

Furthermore, we have been taught: it’s important to “live with humility and great earnestness.” Avoid petty conflicts and confrontations; harmonize with everyone and cultivate mutual respect. This is imperative.

In short, first, we must become people whom others will remark: “Since joining Sukyo Mahikari he has changed himself to become a better person.”

In this way, we do not try to convince others with theory and logic. Essentially, first practice the teachings, make them a part of ourselves and then move others with our form.

In addition, make “Tekazashi, the raising of hand” a wonderful practice to save others from their troubles and sufferings. This is important.

For example, someone’s finger is accidentally caught in the office door. In an instant, the finger turns pink with swelling. The person is grimacing and pressing on his finger. At that time, we say to him, “I am practising a technique. Please be patient.” Immediately, we raise our hand to give light to the finger, for 5 or 10 minutes, depending on the severity of the injury. The person does not complain of pain anymore, the swelling subsides, the color returns to normal. Not only is the person himself surprised, the surrounding people, too, are similarly astonished. By then, even if we do not particularly try to explain, they will be interested and will try to find out more. When they show concern and begin to ask questions, it is then that we speak.

When we have made the teachings a part of ourselves and give Light with altruistic love, there will be no need to worry about whether our job will be affected.

Q33. After becoming a member, will I be constrained by forms and regulations?

After joining a faith, we may worry that we will suffer as a result of the rules and structure of the organization.

However, there are no such concerns for Sukyo Mahikari. This is because we do not restrict ourselves with rules and regulations. Our aims are to “change ourselves to our original state as children of God” and to “let our character express themselves with vitality”, among others.

This is possible with the Art of True Light. As True Light originates from higher dimensions, it can cleanse not only the physical body, even the mental and spiritual realms are purified.

If we liken the spirit, mind and body to a river, the spirit is equivalent to the river’s upstream. When the upstream of the river or the spirit is purified with True Light, the mid- (mind) and down- (body) streams naturally become clean.

As the Art of True Light in Sukyo Mahikari can purify the great origin of the spiritual realm, there is no need to resort to impossible ascetic practices or restrict ourselves with rules and regulations. True freedom and liberty can thus be obtained. There is no need to worry about being tied down with form and formality.

Q34. Even if I do not join any religious organization, as long as I have faith, isn’t that good enough?

Having faith is indeed important.

However, humans cannot survive with our own power alone. We live on account of the blessings of the people around us. Our lives, like the wind, are not the results of our strength and willpower. Ultimately, it is thanks to the grace of God that we are permitted to live. Therefore, to possess a faith directed toward God is truly important

It is understandable that you feel having faith is enough, that there is no need to join any religious organizations in particular.

However, please consider it carefully.

To give an example: say, you wish to play a certain type of sports. First, you have to learn the basics. Without learning the basics, we cannot become good, let alone become an expert. Thus, in everything, there is a “fundamental” or a “knack.”

Similarly, in religion, too, there is a fundamental, without which we end up becoming conceited.

In ultra-ancient times, people knew God to be the Parent God. They sought advice from God for everything in daily lives.

Most people today live lives without the awareness of God. Indeed, some even deny God’s existence. People today have over-distanced themselves from God; they have forgotten that God is their own Parent. Under such a condition, even if they intend to hold a faith of their own, it would be rather difficult to communicate with the truly existing God.

In the world today, many practices claim to be religions. Some have been adulterated by human thinking borne out of human convenience. Such mistaken notions have been perpetuated.

From now on, choosing the genuine religion has become an important matter for the world.

Q35. Isn’t it true that one is able to survive even though one does not particularly try to form any relationship with God?

Does a three-year-old boy realize that he is able to live on account of his parents’ blessings?

The boy is totally unaware of the fact that his parents took great pains to care for him from morning to night.

If the boy leaves his parents to live in an unknown town, what will happen to him? Maybe great hardships will befall him. If he is not careful, he may encounter untold sufferings, perhaps even face total ruination.

The relationship between God and humans is like that between the parents and the boy. Even if the boy is unaware, the parents keep an eye on him and protect him. Similarly, God takes great pains to care for us even though we are not mindful of it. In reality, our parents have their own parents, and furthermore their parents’ parents. In this way, if we keep going back, it will ultimately reach God. In other words, God is our parent and we are the children of God.

If people desire to have good health, material abundance and live a peaceful life, they must follow the correct way of living. Humans in ultra-ancient times were aware of God as their Parent. They live everyday totally in accordance with God’s guidance. They enjoyed material abundance and were free from conflicts and confrontations. On the other hand, people today are totally unmindful of such laws and way of life. They live lives based entirely on their individual liking and thinking, at their own convenience. This is why we have fallen into such utter confusion and irresolvable contentions in the fields of politics, economics, knowledge, education in the world today.

Even though we are unaware of our relationship with God, this fact (God and us are connected) has existed since the very beginning. If we can become mindful of this point, it will be the first step toward a happy life.

Q36. If the social system is not changed, I don’t think faith alone can make the world a better place.

Some people are of the opinion that if the social system is changed, everything will be fine. This is like shirking one’s duties and responsibilities and blaming things on others or social trends. Actually, it is not like that. Change should come from each individual.

A district is made up of individual families. A collection of districts constitutes countries and the world is made up of individual countries. Thus each individual family plays an important role. If the individual families are not happy and harmonious, societies, countries and the world which are the conglomeration of individual families will not, by necessity, be in a state of joy and peace.

The step-by-step process of bringing oneself closer to God is called “directing oneself toward God.” The purpose is to achieve “character perfection.” We call this “divinization”.

First, we purify ourselves with the practice of True Light, learn the righteous teachings, put them into practice in daily life and make efforts to establish happy families. When individual families which are the building blocks of society attain happiness, the world will become a better place.

Thus, through the righteous faith (faith directed toward God), it is possible to gradually improve the world.

Q37. Isn’t religion an escape from reality? (Isn’t this the activity for the elderly)?

The image presented by contemporary religions today is one of withdrawal from the real world, being closeted within the faith, giving rise to the impression that religion is an escape from reality. However, Sukyo Mahikari is far from that.

We have been taught that “practicing teachings in life” is important. We have a saying for this: “Living is directing oneself to God”. This is the living ascetic practice for us to attain divinity. In short, in order to become “a person of Light,” “the Light of society” and “the Light of the community,” we need to focus on practicing teachings in our daily lives. It is definitely not an escape from reality.

Furthermore, we can raise our hand to give Light. Through this we fulfill a positive function of saving people who are suffering. Far from being an escape from reality, we are focusing on the physical world as well as the unseen realm, removing the real cause of misfortunes. This is the true essence of Sukyo Mahikari.

Many may feel that religion is for the elderly. This is not the case with Sukyo Mahikari. One of the distinguishing features of Sukyo Mahikari is the preponderance of young people who aspire to become youths of Light. To this end they are making great efforts to practice the teachings in school, at work and in life.

Q38. Is it true that humankind will be annihilated following the great convulsions of earth?

Both Jesus and Buddha have used expressions such as “the end of the world”, “the end of the teachings” to predict the arrival of the unsettled mind, the collapse of civilization and the great convulsions of Heaven and Earth.

Basing on God’s revelation, Mr. Kotama Okada was the first to explain clearly the Divine Plan of God and the advent of “the Baptism by Fire”. However, the great convulsions of Heaven and Earth do not mean “the end of the Universe or Heaven and Earth” or “the annihilation of humankind”.

It is the sounding of the alarm bell that “modern civilization is coming to an impasse” if humans continue with the “material-only”, “money-only” and “as-long-as-I-am-fine” kind of extreme materialistic thinking. It is also to appeal to humans to return to the original way and life, welcome the great transition and build a truly safe and prosperous civilization.

Hitherto, material development has been going at an eye-popping rate. As a result of putting benefit (profit) at the forefront, a host of problems which threaten the survival of humans has erupted: global warming, abnormal weather, the destruction of ozone layer, environmental (atmosphere, earth, and ocean) pollutions, the destruction of forests due to acid rain, the rapid extinction of many species as a result of damage to the ecosystems, environmental hormones, food additives, chemical fertilizers, poisoning of the human body due to residual agricultural poisons such as chemicals and drugs, intractable and strange diseases spearheaded by AIDS as well as overpopulation and diminishing food supplies are some of the innumerable crises endangering humankind.

This is the result of humans forgetting the existence of God, living lives disconnected from the arrangements of Nature and over-emphasizing the pursuits of self-benefits. We have brought these upon ourselves.

We should awaken to the existence of God without delay, apologize to God for the many mistakes and impurities we have accumulated up until now as a result of our self-benefitting desires and return to living in accordance with God’s laws. Furthermore, we should build a heavenly society filled with love and peace, harmonizing with Nature and uniting with others in mutual respect for the common good and prosperity.

Our purpose is not to frighten people with the prospect of humankind facing the crisis of extermination. Rather, it is to hope that more people will work together for the sake of the coming civilization of peace and prosperity, elevate to become divinized humans and create a future for humankind filled with unlimited hope.

Q39. Why does God allow convulsions to happen?

God created humans with the intention of letting us develop a heavenly world similar to God’s world using the resources and materials God had prepared for us.

To this end, God specially endowed humans with physical desire so that we can advance with material development. Over a long period of time, the material desire became excessive and as a consequence many mistakes and impurities were accumulated; humans became unable to communicate with God.

Historically Moses, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammed and other sages have appeared and tried in vain to apply the brakes on human excesses.

Consequently, humans have forgotten God and even denied God and have taken great liberty to use the fruits of scientific advances for their evil and selfish intent.

Looking at the maddening pace with which humans have polluted the environment, invented the atomic and hydrogen bombs and other weapons for wars, one wonders when humans will destroy the earth.

Thus, God allows material civilization to reach a deadlock and with the help of great convulsions thoroughly cleans up the earth and humans’ own polluted state and allows purified humans (seed people) to enter the next new civilization. This is the sacred wish of God.

The time for us to awaken to God’s Will and to change our lives accordingly has arrived.

Q40. If God truly exists, why are there wars? Can’t we just have Heaven on Earth in an instant?

In order to establish “Heaven on Earth”, God grants humans the desire to develop resources to advance material civilization. Without this desire, it is impossible to develop a single object of material civilization. It is because humans possess such desire that we are able to bring about the progress and development of material civilization.

To use material civilization for good or evil purpose is a matter depending on human intention. To use dynamites to break up rocks to build a dam is considered good. However, using the same dynamite as weapons of destruction is bad. To use a knife to skin a fruit or whittle wood is good application. However, if the same knife is used to kill, it will constitute a sin from God’s point of view.

To use the fruits of material civilization to make weapons to kill is obviously an unrighteous application. To use them to make wars is an even greater sin. In order to make us realize that war is wrong, God lets us see the inevitable tragic consequences of wars. Humans must stop wars from occurring. You may wish to say it is better for God to stop wars, right? However, to do that God will have no choice but to remove material desire from us. There will then be no wars but there will also be no progress in material civilization.

God will not allow humans’ desire to progress in the wrong direction without restraint. Today, nuclear power is used predominantly for warfare rather than peaceful purposes. God has no choice but to put a stop to this. If God does not interfere, there is a real possibility that humans will annihilate themselves with nuclear weapons.

On the other hand, God has taken great pains over eons to create the universe and nurture human beings. Humans’ creative and spiritual powers are inferior to those of God’s. However, God has granted us the powers to manufacture and administer materials superior to those of deities. God grants us such powers so that we can develop the resources on earth by ourselves and build a heavenly world using materials.

Thus, without humans’ participation in building it, the heavenly world cannot come about.

Q41. If God exists, why do kind-hearted people have to suffer from disease and poverty?

In this world, there are kind people who work hard yet encounter misfortunes. Conversely, there are so-called bad people who are incredibly rich and live comfortably. Seeing such people and events, we tend to think: “If there is a God, why are there such injustices? Is there a God or Buddha at all?” Well, this happens because we only look at the person’s current condition. In fact, God has perfect arrangements in place. 

There may be those who believe that when people die, nothing remains. This is definitely not the case. The soul lives on forever. There is life before birth; similarly, there is life after death. 

Do we know the past lives of such kind people? What about their ancestors? What kind of deeds did they leave behind?

Since long ago, there is a saying: “A family that accumulates meritorious deeds will enjoy good fortune.” This shows that a family which does good will bring blessings to their descendants. On the other hand, a family which commits evil will cause their descendants to suffer. 

The world God created is universally fair. 

Instead of regretting and complaining about our present unfortunate circumstance, we should accept such condition with humility, realizing “we had committed evil deeds in past lives” and resolve to compensate for past mistakes by making efforts for the benefit of others. This way, the cause of bad fortune will gradually lighten. Even if we do not enjoy good fortune in this generation, our descendants will inherit less negative karma. 

On the other hand, if we live lives as we please because we feel lucky to be born to a good family, the good deeds accumulated by our ancestors will be steadily depleted, and soon misfortune will follow. Even if our own generation continues to prosper, our descendants will not enjoy good fortune. When we are reborn, we will have no choice but to experience compensatory phenomena. Thus, if one is born to a good family, it is important to offer gratitude to one’s ancestors, saying “this is owing to the blessings of the ancestors” and continue to practice meritorious deeds. In this way, good deeds are accumulated and the descendants will continue to enjoy good fortune.

Maybe some people might say, “What happened in past lives is a complete mystery.” Well, for all things there is always a cause and an effect. If we raise our hand to give Light, such relationships of cause and effect will be clearly understood.

Q42. Is it true that we can only achieve our missions through hard work and faith? If we think that it is all futile, shall we give up and resign ourselves to fate?

Hard work and faith are both wonderful things. However, if hard work and faith are misdirected, then no matter how much effort we put in, it will amount to precious little. 

For example, we wish to pass an exam. So we focus on this and do our level best to study English. When the time for the exam is close, we realize the test we wish to sit for is not English but French. What shall we do? The efforts we made will come to naught and passing the exam will be impossible.

In other words, everything depends on making progress in the right direction. Knowing the direction is a “knack” in life. 

God created Heaven and Earth with a desire for all things to prosper. Thus, originally we are all able to live happily. The fact that we have misfortunes and become sick is proof that we have somehow derailed from the laws set by God. 

Sukyo Mahikari transmits the teachings of the arrangements and laws of the Creator of Heaven and Earth. There are many who put such teachings into practice, undergo a 180-degree change in their lives and become happy people. 

When we understand and practice the correct laws, the hopeless situations which we have to resign to destiny can be improved upon.

Let’s say we have a ping pong and a lead ball. Let’s throw both into the water and see what happens. The lead ball sinks into the water immediately. The ping pong ball floats on the surface and no matter how hard or how often we press it down, it will resurface and float. Thus, heavy objects will sink and light object will float. This is a principle of the universe. 

Similarly, the Light of God purifies the soul-spirit, removes impurities, making the spiritual realm clear and bright. As a result, the spiritual level rises. Thus, insurmountable problems are resolved and destiny changes for the better. True Light has such an incredible power.

Human power, represented by hard work and faith, aided by God’s power can change one’s destiny for the better. 

Let us all enjoy a wonderful life through the practice of divine principles and the Art of True Light. 

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. 

When misfortunes and difficulties befall us, it is important to overcome them with indomitable courage, will and hard work. If our will and efforts are weak and negative, even small obstacles will seem insurmountable. 

However, just using our power alone may not solve anything. For example, what can we do about our lifespan? Even if we do not wish to die, when the time comes, we will still die. In other words, no matter how hard we use our will power, there will be things we can’t overcome with human power alone.

Some say that it is wrong to seek happiness and stability. Well, isn’t happiness the common wish of humankind? Have you heard anyone say: “I want to be unhappy. I am doing my very best to be unhappy?” When there is a fire or earthquake, we wish to be saved. When we are trapped in war, we want to be free from danger as soon as possible. This is normal.

For example, a person is pulling a cart with a heavy load up a slope. Relying on his strength alone, the cart may retreat if he is not cautious. If suddenly a steep pass appears in front, the cart may even overturn. However, if at this juncture, another person appears to give the cart a push or pull, it will make the job easier. This “little help” will make things move smoothly.

The knack to catch this “little help” is important. It will bring a big change in the person’s life which will become happy and stable. 

It is our wish that more people will come to know the way to become happy and take a step on the path to happiness. 

Furthermore, we should know that there are forces that disturb us when we are trying to overcome difficulties. This is called “spirit disturbance.”

In order to march on the path to happiness, we must overcome this “spirit disturbance.” While strong spiritual power is necessary, in order to thoroughly resolve spirit disturbance, “Mahikari no Waza (the practice of True Light)” is indispensable. In this regard, to be able to obtain this “little help,” also known as “God’s power”, is important.

Q44. How do you view the subject of science?

We are of the view that “true science belongs to a higher level; purely materialistic science is a thing of the past”. The pioneering scientists today are inquiring into fourth or fifth dimensional science. 

Mr. Kotama Okada strongly advocated that science from now on should make the spiritual and mental aspects the main and be able to explain the functioning of supernatural abilities, telepathy and psychic phenomena, etc. When this becomes a reality, for the first time, religion and science will merge into one. Mr. Okada has explained that religion and science are one and the same.

When we compare the science of God’s creation with science based on human knowledge, we cannot help but be impressed with the wonder of God’s science and at the same time realize the limitations of human science. We are proud of scientific progress. However, this does not come close to God’s divine science. Science is unable to make a fly take flight or create a spider and make it spin a web. In comparison, God maintains the working of the Sun, the revolutions of the earth without the use of machinery, a generator or a power plant. Without having to place a heart or motor on earth, God makes the ocean waves move. Further, God creates people so that they can move without the need of a switch or a screw. 

The chemical reactions produced by the liver in the body of a single person will require a chemical plant and facilities the size of Tokyo City. Even then there will still be remaining chemical wastes to dispose of. Furthermore, in the genes embedded in the core of the human cell, 3 billion chemical codes related to the functions of the human body are contained in the ultra-minute space occupied by 200-billionth part of a gram of substance. This is the amount of information contained in 1,000 copies of an Encyclopedia. Surely, this is beyond human imagination or ability. 

Furthermore, when the soul leaves our body, our life stops immediately. This is something we cannot prevent. We humans cannot make our own hands or feet, a single finger or the mushy substance of our brain.

The discoverer of the Law of Relativity, Dr. Einstein said: “The Universe has consciousness.” Dr. Yukawa remarked: “It cannot be denied that science is connected to something absolute.” If the universe has consciousness, then there has to be a transmitter of this consciousness. We call this transmitter of the universal consciousness God. From the scientists’ standpoint, the word God is not used. Nonetheless, modern science has come to recognize the existence of something which borders on God.

Q45. It seems to me that the subjects of ‘souls and spirits’ are unscientific…

The field of psychic science has studied the subject of God’s existence for more than a hundred years.

Let us consider one of the examples:

Sir William Crooks (1832-1919), the great English physicist, the discoverer of Thallium 201 (T1) and inventor of the vacuum tube among others, was the world-renown President of the Royal Society. 

Dr. Crooks began his investigative studies with the intention to expose the unscientific nature of psychic phenomena. As a result of the experiments he conducted with the famous spirit medium Daniel D. Home, not only was he unable to debunk psychic phenomena, instead, he published a few scientific reports on them. Dr. Crooks published many reports on his experiments with Daniel D Home. We introduce a few of them here:

An accordion was placed inside an enclosure made of fine wire mesh. Without any outside interference, the accordion began to play by itself.

The weight of a suspension weighing scale began to increase by itself (evidenced by the increased weight shown on the scale) without having any weight placed on it, only with willpower. 

These experiments were prepared in the presence of other scientists and conducted under strict conditions. 

Among these famous experiments of Crooks, some concerned the phenomenon of materialization of spirit, with pictures taken successfully. The materialization of a spirit by the name of Katie King through a spirit medium Florence Cook was captured on film. In a period of 6 months’ observations, many pictures were taken and kept. 

At that time, these were well-known facts based on scientific reports of studies and experiments conducted and published by the world-famous great scientist Dr. Crooks. Apart from Dr. Crooks, many other scientists, too, testified to these psychic phenomena. Based on the study of these historical facts, let us decide for ourselves whether or not spirits exist.

Q46. Why is it that Japanese scientists do not engage themselves in the research of spiritual phenomena? 

In Japan, the study of modern science began after the advent of the Meiji Period. The interest for science based on Western materialism expanded exponentially during this period and is continuing until today. 

About the same time in Europe, enthusiastic studies of psychic phenomena by Sir Crooks and other international scientists made inroads beyond physical sciences. 

At this juncture, Japan had barely begun to study materialistic science. Japan was thus left behind by the West. However, Dr. Tomokichi Fukurai, the Associate Professor of the former Tokyo Imperial University (now University of Tokyo) was an exception. 

At that time, Dr. Fukurai had already begun studies on what is now known as parapsychology. He experimented on clairvoyance and nen-graphy. Clairvoyance is a process of visualizing objects placed in a tightly sealed container while nen-graphy or thought-graphy is the phenomenon of imprinting people, scenery, words or characters, etc. on film, just by sending thought waves. Dr. Fukurai investigated these phenomena using scientific methods. 

However, based on the reason that “such a thing cannot be possible”, Dr. Fukurai was expelled from the University. From then on Japanese scientists stopped investigating psychic phenomena as it had a negative effect on their career prospects. This is the main reason the study of psychic phenomena has become a taboo in Japan and perhaps the reason why Japanese scientists deny the existence of spirits. 

Through raising our hand to give Light, we understand the existence of the great invisible world of spirit. If Japanese scientists can pay attention to this truly existing realm as quickly as possible and advance in this field, it would be good for science in Japan.

Q47. What is your view on husbands and wives having different surnames or family names?

We do not think there is anyone who does not desire world peace. But what do you think contitutes the foundation for world peace?

It is that each individual family becomes a heavenly family of love and harmony. And the foundation of such a family is the attainment of love and harmony between husband and wife, parents and children. If there is ongoing fighting between husband and wife or between parents and children in a family, surely such a family cannot be said to be a happy one. And by extension, we cannot build a happy society, a happy country or a happy world. 

Perhaps, you may say, “Even if husband and wife have different surnames, it can still be a heavenly family of love and harmony.” After marriage, if the old surnames continue to be used, in other words, the husband and the wife use different surnames, what will become of the children’s surname? What shall we do about caring for the ancestors? Is it then still possible to carry out ancestors’ worship in the correct way? 

Will this not lead to the collapse of the family? Society and country will follow suit.

We humans do not owe our existence to ourselves. It is because of our parents, grandparents and our ancestors that we are in the physical world today. If we trace back from our ancestors, we find that we are connected to God. Most people today seem to have forgotten this.

Since ancient times there is a saying, “revere God and respect ancestors”. The most important basis for human existence is to revere God and to respectfully enshrine ancestors. In ancient times, whenever anything happened, people put their palms together to God, deities or ancestors, saying, “it is by the grace of God” or “by the grace of the ancestors”. In this way, they lived lives with gratitude. 

It is our hope that all of us living in the modern society will uphold the correct traditions, treasure our families, encouraging all family members to unite together in mutual respect and cooperation to build a happy family. 

This is how peace and harmony for society and the world can be achieved.

Q48. What is your view on bullying and other problems in education?

Education is currently beset with worsening problems of bullying, violence in school, truancy and refusal to attend school, juvenile crimes, etc., making the “desolation of education” a serious social problem. 

Among these, bullying might have existed in the past. It has, however, transformed into something dark, perverse and uncontrollable. Bullying the weak within a group is against the grain of human conduct. The tendency to use power against those weaker than oneself instead of helping the weak is a saddening phenomenon. However, isn’t this “groveling to the evil and powerful and exploiting the weak” the epitome of our survival-of-the-fittest adult society? It is a mistake to look for the cause of this in the children alone. To point the finger at the material- and money-centeredness of today’s society may not be an exaggeration.

Furthermore, it must be added that the real cause of bullying, refusal to attend school and other juvenile problems is “spirit disturbance”. The fact is: the great majority of people today are attached by spirits filled with resentment, hatred and other negative thoughts. As a result, they are constantly visited by sickness, conflicts, financial anxieties, accidents, disasters and other unfortunate phenomena. These are the impediments caused by spirits. We call it spirit disturbance.

Why are there recurring misfortunes, worries and sufferings as a result of spirit disturbance?

Humans do not have just one life; rather, we alternate between life and death, gathering life’s experiences, causing sufferings to others and accumulating impurities in the process. We don’t remember what we did in our past lives. But in this life we are all subjected to what the Buddhists call the law of karma or cause and effect; “we reap what we sow” is a reality we cannot run away from. The problems faced in education are no exception. We can say the real reason is to be found here.

We believe removing spirit disturbance which is the real reason of misfortunes, with God’s True Light, is the best solution. Indeed, many people have been able to return to a happy life as a result of solving spirit disturbance with the help of True Light. 

Ultimately, in order to nurture youth who shoulder the responsibility for the future, it is imperative for adults to cultivate and elevate their own character, combine leniency with strictness and educate the young with love and true compassion.

Q49. What is your view on organ transplants and brain death?

For human beings, “death” is defined as the time when there is no breathing, no pulse and no heartbeat. 

Even for those whose hearts have stopped and have been pronounced dead, it is not a good idea to bury them within 24 hours. On rare occasions in the past, there had been cases where people who were supposed to be dead had returned to life. 

Human body does not contain physical cells alone (physical body); in the depths of the physical cells, there are astral cells (astral body) and furthermore, in the depths of the astral cells, there are spiritual cells (spiritual body). From the perspective of spiritual (psychic) science, “death” is the slipping out of the astral and spiritual bodies which are still living from the physical body. Rarely, the astral and spiritual bodies which have left the physical body can return to the physical body. This is called resurrection. 

If brain death is used as the criterion for death, as soon as brain functions cease, organs may be removed from the body without restraint. Should by a slim chance the soul return, what will then happen? There is no place for the soul to return to; doesn’t it mean that death then will become the only option (that death is being forced upon the person)? 

At present, the use of the criterion of brain death is applied only to organ donors and in this way confusion is avoided. However, if this is applied to the public and organs are harvested from those who have been pronounced dead based on brain death alone while they are still alive (the heart is still beating), the resentment of these souls will be unimaginable. Spirit disturbance which is the cause of misfortunes of the world will increase exponentially. Humans will have no choice but to endure more sufferings.

Organ transplants consented by an individual and the family should not be interfered with. The wishes of the people concerned should be respected. 

However, the condition of a spirit when it goes to the astral world essentially resembles the condition of the physical body at the time of death. If organ transplants have been performed, what kind of situation will arise? When we think about this we will find the answer. 

Humans are children of God gifted with sacred life. We are definitely not just a lump of flesh.

Our ultimate parent, God, loves us like parents love their children. He puts our affairs at the top of His considerations. He goes through so much trouble to create the world for our sake. 

Don’t you think we should once again reconsider the issues connected to the sanctity of life?

Q50. Is human cloning permitted?

God prepared various things on earth with the hope that humans will live happy lives. The abundantly endowed Nature is another example. For the sake of the future of humankind, we have a responsibility to protect the beautiful and rich Nature which has been created by God the way it is and ensure that it stays that way.

We may think that we are living by our own power. However, we are unable to survive by relying on our power alone. Right from the beginning, we have been permitted to live by God. Thus, all of us who have been bestowed precious life should never forget this. 

Recently, as a result of advances in biotechnology, we have been able to produce “genetically modified food”. Food is vastly important and indispensable to the survival of human beings. Essentially, only food produced naturally in nature can be consumed to form human blood and flesh (tissues).

Experimental results have shown that rats fed with genetically modified food displayed weakened immunity and abnormal development. We can imagine the effects of genetically modified food on humans. 

No doubt, as a result of scientific advances, many benefits have come about. However, what can be more important than the safety and wellbeing of our precious lives?

Thus, whether it is “genetically modified food” or using the somatic cells of a sheep or cow to produce a “cloned sheep” or “cloned cow”, all belong to the domain of “interference with life”. This is an infringement upon God’s territory which has never been permissible to humans. We fervently hope that cloned human will never appear.

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