Shintō Tenkōkyo

Shintō Tenkōkyo and Mount Iwaki

Shintō Tenkōkyo, also known simply as Tenkokyo, is a Shinto-based Japanese new religion established in 1920 by Tomokiyo Yoshisane. The organization maintains several shrines on Mount Iwaki (Iwaki-yama) in Hikari, Yamaguchi Prefecture, with its headquarters situated at the mountain's southern base in Tabuse. This mountain holds profound spiritual significance for the followers of Shintō Tenkōkyo, being considered the most sacred peak and an earthly manifestation of the celestial gathering place of the gods.

History and Development

The predecessor to Shintō Tenkōkyo, Kakushin-kai, was founded by Tomokiyo Yoshisane in Shizuoka in 1920. Yoshisane, who had previously worked as a magazine editor for Oomoto, registered the organization as Shintō Tenkōkyo in 1922. By 1928, he relocated the organization's base to Tabuse and initiated the construction of shrines on Mount Iwaki around 1930. The leadership structure initially prohibited hereditary succession, but this ban was lifted after Tomokiyo Yoshisane's death in 1952, allowing his wife, Tomokiyo Misao, to become the fifth leader. Subsequent leaders have included his daughter, Tomokiyo Suzuyo.

Spiritual Practices and Beliefs

Shintō Tenkōkyo considers its rituals to be a continuation of Ko-Shintō. A significant annual event is the nighttime ritual ceremony (山上夜間特別修法) held on Mount Iwaki every November 11th, dedicated to achieving 'universal harmony and world spiritualization' (万有和合・世界霊化). During this ceremony, followers recite the 'Ten Prayers' (十言神咒) in devotion to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who is the main deity worshipped. The religion also practices chinkon kishin (鎮魂帰神), a spirit possession technique transmitted from figures like Honda Chikaatsu, which is reserved exclusively for members. Historically, the religion engaged in 'spiritual national defense' (霊的国防) during World War II.

Sacred Texts and Publications

The primary religious text for Shintō Tenkōkyo is 'The Complete Works of Tomokiyo Yoshisane' (Tomokiyo Yoshisane zenshū), a multi-volume anthology of writings by the founder. Various editions of this work have been published, with the Hachiman Shoten edition being the most comprehensive. The organization also publishes a monthly newspaper titled 'Kodō' (古道), which has undergone several name changes since its inception in 1924. Some of the religion's secret lore is contained within the 'Book of Transmissions' (Densho), accessible only to members who have completed initial training.