Honbushin
Honbushin is a Japanese new religion, rooted in Tenrikyo, that was founded on April 26, 1961, by Ōnishi Tama, also known as Miroku-sama. The religion's headquarters are located in Okayama, Japan, with a significant sacred site on Mount Kami, where a kanrodai is erected. Honbushin emphasizes the existence of Kami-sama (God) as the source of human existence and believes in reincarnation.
Key Facts
- ›Founded on April 26, 1961, by Ōnishi Tama, who is considered by followers to be the reincarnation of Nakayama Miki.
- ›The religion's headquarters are in Okayama, Japan, with a sacred sanctuary on Mount Kami featuring a kanrodai.
- ›Central teachings include the dependence of human existence on God (Kami-sama) and the chanting of the mantra 'Namu Kanrodai'.
- ›Followers believe in reincarnation for all people.
- ›Key scriptures include the Tenkei Shingonroku and the founding doctrinal poem, Tenkei Mikyōsho.
- ›The official symbol is the Mongyō Ezu (Peace Mark), which includes a kanrodai within a circle representing God.
ほんぶしん, 本ぶしん, 本普請, Tenri Miroku-Kai
Tenrikyo-Based, ShinshūKyō
- Emphasizes the Dependence of Human Existence On God.
- Belief In Reincarnation For All Individuals.
- the Kanrodai Is A Central Symbol and Object of Reverence.
- the 'Three Heavenly Paths' Are Significant Teachings.
ōNishi Tama, Miroku-Sama, Nakayama Miki, ōNishi Aijirō, Takeda SōShin, Kanrodai-Sama, Honseki Iburi Izō, ōNishi Kiyoko
About Honbushin
Honbushin (ほんぶしん), also known by the literal translation 'The True Construction,' is a Japanese new religion that emerged from the Tenrikyo tradition. Founded on April 26, 1961, by Ōnishi Tama, who is revered by followers as 'Miroku-sama' and considered the reincarnation of Nakayama Miki, the religion is headquartered in Okayama, Japan.
History and Development
Honbushin was established by Ōnishi Tama, daughter of Honmichi founder Ōnishi Aijirō, after her organization separated from Honmichi in 1962. It was officially incorporated as a religious organization in 1966. Initially based in Takaishi, Osaka, the headquarters later moved to Shiojiri, Nagano, before settling in Okayama in 1969. On Mount Kami, southeast of Okayama's city center, Honbushin erected a kanrodai, a significant sacred structure. Following Ōnishi Tama's death in 1969, religious authority passed to her son, Takeda Sōshin, who was proclaimed the new Kanrodai-sama and is believed to be the reincarnation of Honseki Iburi Izō.
Core Beliefs and Teachings
A central tenet of Honbushin is the affirmation that 'Because Kami (God) exists, I exist' (Kami arite, ware ari), highlighting the fundamental reliance of humanity on the divine. God is known as Kami-sama, Tsuki-Hi ('Moon-Sun'), or Daifubojin-sama ('Great Father and Mother God'). Followers chant the mantra 'Namu Kanrodai' in reverence to the kanrodai. The religion incorporates the concepts of the three main elements—fire, water, and wind (hi, mizu, kaze)—which are equated with God's complete providence. Honbushin also teaches the 'Three Heavenly Paths': the way of husband and wife, parents and children, and individuals. Like Tenrikyo, Honbushin practices a lecture system known as Besseki and uses a unique calendar system called Michi no Nengō, counting years from Nakayama Miki's birth year.
Sacred Sites and Scriptures
The most significant sacred site is the kanrodai-no-ba on the summit of Mount Kami in Okayama, featuring an outdoor stone kanrodai and the worship hall Saiseiden. The Honbushin headquarters complex, also known as Kanro no Sato, is located in a valley nearby. An outdoor wooden kanrodai also exists at the Honbushin International Center in Mililani, Hawaii. The religion's scriptural canon is primarily contained within the 3-volume Tenkei Shingonroku, which includes texts like the Ofudesaki and Okagura-uta, foundational scriptures shared with Tenrikyo. The founding doctrinal poem, Tenkei Mikyōsho, written by Ōnishi Tama, is also a key text.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honbushin?
Honbushin is a Japanese new religion that originated from Tenrikyo. It was founded in 1961 by Ōnishi Tama and is headquartered in Okayama, Japan. The religion's name, 'Honbushin,' translates to 'The True Construction'.
What are the main beliefs of Honbushin?
A core belief of Honbushin is 'Because Kami (God) exists, I exist,' emphasizing humanity's dependence on God, known as Kami-sama or Tsuki-Hi. Followers also believe in reincarnation and chant the mantra 'Namu Kanrodai' to honor the kanrodai.
Where is the main sacred site of Honbushin?
The primary sacred site is located on Mount Kami, southeast of Okayama city center. Here, an outdoor stone kanrodai is situated in a sanctuary known as the kanrodai-no-ba. The Honbushin headquarters is situated in a valley to the north of this mountain.
Who founded Honbushin?
Honbushin was founded by Ōnishi Tama, born in 1916. Followers consider her to be the reincarnation of Nakayama Miki. She established the religion on April 26, 1961, initially as the Tenri Miroku-kai.
What are the important scriptures of Honbushin?
The complete scriptural canon of Honbushin is contained within the 3-volume Tenkei Shingonroku. Other significant texts include the founding doctrinal poem, Tenkei Mikyōsho, and scriptures also used in Tenrikyo, such as the Ofudesaki and Okagura-uta.
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