New ReligionsNew Religions#4#4

OomotoOomoto （大本）（大本）

Masayo Urasaki

03 July 2012

Today’s Class Goal Today’s Class Goal 1)To Understand main stream of “Shinto”

2) To understand Oomoto’s brief history and founder’s background.

What is Oomoto （大本） ? FoundersDVD(Oomoto no ayumi 大本のあゆみ）　 Teaching and Rituals/Characteristics Workshop

TopicsTopics

SHINTO -- Kinds of “Kami”SHINTO -- Kinds of “Kami”Yaoyorozu-no-kamiYaoyorozu-no-kami （八百万の（八百万の

神）神） 1) Nature (animals, wind, fire,,,) 竜神、風神

2) Myth :Amaterasu oomi kami （天照大神）

3) Persons: Ieyasu Tokugawa （徳川家康） → Toushou-daigongenn( 東照大権現）

4) Theory of the divine right of kings

: Emperor Hirohito （ showa-era ） 　　　　　　 Arahito-kami 現人神

What is OomotoWhat is Oomoto （大本）？（大本）？One of a Sectarian Shinto sect （教派神道）Oomoto 大本　　　大　 Oo → Big 　　　　　　本 moto 　　→ Basic, Origin, Source Back to the Big origin of the world or

universe.

・ Founded at Ayabe(near Kyoto) in 1892.・ Official membership count is 170,000

Main Teaching Main Teaching

1) Harmonious alignment with all life and the universe.

2) Revelation of celestial truth and its lessons.

3) Innate patterns of behavior for man, society and the cosmos.

4) Instinctual creative drives.

Oomoto and ShintoOomoto and Shinto

☆Same Point A-The importance of harmony among

nature, humans, and gods is a key belief of both. Oomoto’s rituals, architecture, and vestments are based on the ancient original practices that became known as Shinto. (from Oomoto’s HP)

Difference between Original Difference between Original ShintoShinto

A-Shinto is polytheistic, believing there are many gods – or kami. Oomoto teaches that many kami do exist, but they all come from the same Supreme God of the Universe, so in effect there is just one God. When Oomoto followers pray to a particular kami by name they understand this is just one manifestation of the single God. Even the name “Oomoto” emphasizes this point. It translates as “Great Source” or “Great Origin.”

(from Oomoto’s HP)

oomoto-kou-daijinn （大本皇大神）

Two Spiritual LeaderTwo Spiritual Leader

Kaiso 開祖　　 founder

Mrs. Nao Deguchi （出口なお） <1837-1918> Seishi 聖師 Secred Teacher

　　 Mr. Onisaburo Deguchi （出口王任三郎）

　　 < 1871-1948 >

Founder Mrs.Nao DeguchiFounder Mrs.Nao Deguchi

Poor illiterate widower, had 8 children, but her son and daughters had serious trouble (sick, death, become crazy)

Nao became possessed by a god who identified himself as Ushitora no Konjin in 1892.

She was onf of member of Konko-kyo（金光教） like prophet.

Ofudesaki （お筆先） writing the Kami’s words 　

Secred teacher , Secred teacher , Mr.Onisaburo DeguchiMr.Onisaburo Deguchi

Born at Kameoka village, near Kyoto Very smart called “Child prodigy” Practice at Mountain, Calm down the spirit

and Trance （鎮魂帰紳） Meet Mrs.Nao and married Nao’s daughter. Become Charismatic Leader, not only

religious but Social Reforem （世直し） Edit the Nao’s writing as”Oomoto-shinnronn

( 大本神論 -oomoto shinyu/ theoty of Gods of Oomoto)

The Four PrinciplesThe Four Principles 1. Purity, purification of mind and body

2. Optimism, believing in the goodness of the Divine Will3. Progressivism, way of social improvement4. Unification, the reconciliation of all dichotomies

These principles are seen throughout the universe. These are the rules of the universe, and everything in nature grows and lives with these rules. Man is apt to live in violation of these principles, and therefore comes to grief.By practicing these principles, man can live in harmony with the universe and lead a heavenly life in spirit and in flesh.

CharacteristicsCharacteristics President of Oomoto should inherit from

Nao’s lineal daughter. Intend to Social and spiritual Reform and ,

so there are severe regulation from government. (mainly twice, 1921 & 1935 ）

Propagate abroad intensity (Esperanto language)

Influence to upper class, other new religious leader (ex, Sekai-kyusei-kyou, Seicyou-no-ie)