Konkokyo

Konkōkyō, or Konkō, is an independent faith with origins in Shinbutsu-shūgō beliefs. It is also considered a Shinto sect, as part of the Association of Sectarian Shinto. Konkōkyō believers worship the spirit and energy that flows through all things (musubi, one of the core beliefs of Shinto) as Tenchi Kane No Kami, or the Golden Kami of the Heavens and Earth (in Japanese, "Heavens and Earth" also means the Universe). While Konkōkyō is hard to define with any one particular theology, Tenchi Kane no Kami is understood to be omnipresent and is essentially the energy that penetrates (and/or manifests) the universe and gives all things a consciousness; a non-omnipotent director of the workings of nature. The physical universe is referred to as "Kami’s body" within Konko texts. The relationship between Kami and humanity is a benevolent and interdependent one. Kami is often seen as a divine ideal parent - offering love, affection, support, protection, and nurturing us through his blessings. Konkōkyō teaches that Kami loves all people of the world no matter their race, religion, gender, and so on. Although mentioned as 'He' in materials for linguistic convenience, Tenchi Kane no Kami is neither male or female. The sole interest of Tenchi Kane no Kami is the happiness of individual humans. Konkōkyō's ideal is the alleviation of human suffering through two means; firstly, realizing all occurrences and parts of human life are gifts of kami and part of the natural order and maintenance of the universe, and secondly, realizing the identity of the self and the universe as undying and part of Tenchi Kane No Kami. Humans are to serve their role in the universe with inner peace, and bring joy to themselves through healthy and natural indulgence. Tenchi Kane No Kami is also referred to as "Tenchi No Kami-Sama", "Oyagami-Sama," "Kami-Sama," and "Kami." In English, Kami can also be called "Divine Parent of the Universe," "Principle Parent," "Parent Kami," "Kami-Sama," or "Kami." Bunjirō Kawate is recognized as the founder of Konkōkyō, beginning in 1859.