Shinji Shumeikai

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Shinji Shūmeikai (神慈秀明会) (often abbreviated to Shumei) is a Japanese based spiritual organization dedicated to advancing health, happiness, and harmony for all through applying the insights of its founder, Mokichi Okada. Reverently known as Meishusama within Shumei, Mokichi Okada taught that a world free of sickness, poverty, and strife could be achieved through spiritual healing, a reverence for nature, and the appreciation of art and beauty.

No conflict exits between Shumei and any other spiritual path that seeks universal well-being. Shumei welcomes all. Its members come from diverse backgrounds, and many maintain and deepen their own beliefs while participating in Shumei. Further, Shumei is committed to dialogues with people of all spiritual paths to promote tolerance and peace.

About the founder[]

"It was through illness that I was privileged to become God’s Student."—Meishusama

Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1882, Meishusama spent most of his youth suffering from poverty and various diseases. At the age of 37, Meishusama began searching for the spiritual meaning of life and joined the Shinto-related religious group Oomoto. Miraculous events followed one after another after joining. In 1934, he started his own organization called the Kannon Society of Japan. He believed that Kannon, the deity of compassion, was empowering and guiding him.

Philosophy and practices[]

Meishusama taught that a world free of sickness, poverty, and discord is within everyone’s reach through the spiritual healing of Jyorei, the practice of Natural Agriculture, and the appreciation of Art and Beauty.

Shumei believes in the pursuit of beauty through art, appreciation of nature[1] and "natural agriculture", a method of food cultivation.[2] They also practice johrei, a type of spiritual healing.[3] Adherents of Shumei believe that, in building architectural masterpieces in remote locations, they are restoring the Earth's balance.[4]

History[]

Shinji Shūmeikai was founded by in 1970.[5] She founded the organization to spread the teachings of Mokichi Okada.[6]

The head organization is currently based near Shigaraki, Shiga, Japan.

Influence and architecture[]

The Miho Museum was commissioned by Mihoko Koyama, who was an adherent of Okada.[7] The architect I. M. Pei had earlier designed the bell tower at Misono,[8] the international headquarters and spiritual center of the Shumei organisation. Mihoko Koyama and her daughter, Hiroko Koyama, again commissioned Pei to design the Miho Museum. The bell tower can be seen from the windows of the museum.

Founders Hall was designed by Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki.[9]

References[]

  1. ^ Rosenblatt, Arthur (2001). Building type basics for museums. John Wiley and Sons. pp. 32. ISBN 0-471-34915-1. shinji shumeikai.
  2. ^ "Shumei - Our Environment". Shinji Shumeikai. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  3. ^ "Shumei - jyorei". Shinji Shumeikai. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  4. ^ Sharlet, Jeff (2008). The Family: power, politics and fundamentalism's shadow elite. Univ. of Queensland Press. ISBN 0-7022-3694-2.
  5. ^ Reif, Rita (16 August 1998). "ARTS/ARTIFACTS; A Japanese Vision of the Ancient World". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  6. ^ Melikian, Souren (6 November 1997). "A Splendid Art Collection Goes On Display in Japan". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 15, 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  7. ^ Baker, Kenneth (18 November 2007). "Miho Lets Art Speak For Itself". San Francisco Gate. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  8. ^ "Shumei - Art and Beauty".
  9. ^ Vivian M. Baulch (August 14, 1998). "Minoru Yamasaki, world-class architect". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved 2007-11-23.

External links[]

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