Mount Iwaki
Mount Iwaki is a sacred mountain located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, revered by the Shintō Tenkōkyo religion as the earthly representation of the heavenly gathering place of the gods. It hosts numerous Shinto shrines dedicated to various deities and mythological figures, and is the site of an annual nighttime ritual ceremony for "universal harmony and world spiritualization." The mountain also features Iwakisan Kōgoishi, a 7th-century military stone fortification.
Key Facts
- ›Mount Iwaki is located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, within Iwakiyama Prefectural Natural Park.
- ›The summit hosts Iwakisan Kōgoishi, a 7th-century military stone fortification.
- ›It is considered the most sacred mountain of Shintō Tenkōkyo, representing the gods' heavenly gathering place.
- ›An annual nighttime ritual ceremony is held in November for "universal harmony and world spiritualization."
- ›Numerous Shinto shrines are situated on the mountain, dedicated to deities like Amaterasu Ōkami and Susanoo no Kami.
- ›The mountain's southern base is the location of the Shintō Tenkōkyo headquarters.
Iwaki-Yama
Shintō TenkōKyo
- Earthly Representation of the Heavenly Gathering Place of the Gods
- Site of Annual Ritual Ceremony For Universal Harmony and World Spiritualization
- Location of A 7th-Century Military Stone Fortification
- Attending the Annual Nighttime Ritual Ceremony In November
- Reciting the "Ten Prayers" In Dedication To Amaterasu
Amaterasu ōKami, ōYamatsumi No Mikoto, Ikazuchi No Kami, Takaokami No Kami, Susanoo No Kami, Konohanasakuya-Hime No Kami, Izanagi, Tomokiyo Yoshisane, Hori TenryūSai
About Mount Iwaki
Mount Iwaki: A Sacred Peak in Yamaguchi Prefecture
Mount Iwaki, also known as Iwaki-yama within the Shintō Tenkōkyo religion, is a significant sacred mountain located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Administratively, its peak and northern slopes are part of the city of Hikari, while the southern slopes belong to the city of Tabuse. The mountain is situated within the protected Iwakiyama Prefectural Natural Park.
Religious and Spiritual Importance
The Shintō Tenkōkyo religion considers Mount Iwaki its most sacred mountain, viewing it as the earthly manifestation of the heavenly gathering place of the gods. This profound spiritual connection is underscored by the annual nighttime ritual ceremony, known as "universal harmony and world spiritualization" (万有和合・世界霊化), held every November. During this ceremony, followers recite the "Ten Prayers" (十言神咒) dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun deity.
Historical and Archaeological Features
Beyond its religious significance, Mount Iwaki holds historical importance due to the presence of Iwakisan Kōgoishi, a 7th-century military stone fortification located on its summit. This ancient structure predates some of the religious shrines found on the mountain.
Shrines and Deities
The mountain is dotted with numerous Shinto shrines, each dedicated to a variety of deities and mythological figures. Among the prominent shrines are Iwaki Jinja, which predates the Shintō Tenkōkyo shrines by at least 1,000 years, and Yamato Jinja, the main shrine affiliated with Shintō Tenkōkyo, dedicated to the nation of Japan and the imperial family. Other shrines honor deities such as Ōyamatsumi no Mikoto, Ikazuchi no Kami, Susanoo no Kami, and Konohanasakuya-hime no Kami, among others. The headquarters of Shintō Tenkōkyo is also located at the mountain's southern base.
Natural Environment and Wildlife
Mount Iwaki is part of Iwakiyama Prefectural Natural Park, suggesting a natural environment that supports various forms of life. The mountain is known to host a variety of bird species, including the brown-eared bulbul, Eurasian bullfinch, and the crested kingfisher.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mount Iwaki's significance in the Shintō Tenkōkyo religion?
Mount Iwaki is considered the most sacred mountain of the Shintō Tenkōkyo religion. It is believed to be the earthly representation of the heavenly gathering place of the gods.
What kind of ceremonies take place on Mount Iwaki?
Every November, Shintō Tenkōkyo organizes a nighttime ritual ceremony on Mount Iwaki. This ceremony is performed for "universal harmony and world spiritualization" and involves followers reciting the "Ten Prayers" in dedication to Amaterasu.
What historical structures can be found on Mount Iwaki?
The summit of Mount Iwaki is home to Iwakisan Kōgoishi, a significant 7th-century military stone fortification. This ancient structure predates some of the religious shrines on the mountain.
Which deities are enshrined at the shrines on Mount Iwaki?
Numerous deities are enshrined at the various shrines on Mount Iwaki. These include Amaterasu Ōkami, Ōyamatsumi no Mikoto, Ikazuchi no Kami, Takaokami no Kami, Susanoo no Kami, Konohanasakuya-hime no Kami, and others, reflecting a diverse pantheon.
Where is the headquarters of Shintō Tenkōkyo located in relation to Mount Iwaki?
The headquarters of Shintō Tenkōkyo is situated at the southern base of Mount Iwaki. The main shrine building of the headquarters, known as the Shintō Tenkōkyo honbu shinden, was founded in 1928.
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