Steve was a Mahikari member for 14 years and Yumi for 22 years,
ranging from 1974 to 1996. They both formally left Mahikari at the end
of 1996. Following is an overview of what they learnt during the time
spent within the sect. More importantly what they have learnt after they
left the sect and started serious research into why they stayed in it for so long.
ORIGINS: Research so far has
uncovered this Mahikari family tree.
Note:
1) Yoshikazu Okada also used the aliases Ryodo, Kotama, Seigyoku and Seio.
2) Kouko(Sachiko) Inoue was 'adopted' as an adult by Okada, changed her name to Okada and
adopted the aliases, Keiju, Keishu and Seishu. She split off from Okada's sect and started
her own sect Sukyo Mahikari in 1978. She is called Ms. Okada in this document
OKADA THE MESSIAH - NOT JESUS: Mahikari is claiming to be
not a sect or religion but a SUPRA RELIGION; the resurrection of the original religion
from which all others have sprung. Yoshikazu Okada (1901-1974), the founder of the Sekai
Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan sect (SMBK), says in his teachings: Religions up to this time are
generated from false history and are mostly based on lies. The Supreme God has given him
the role to correct the deceptions and return mankind back to the origin of everything -
Japan.
There is no doubt that Okada saw himself as the returned Messiah found in Christian
doctrine also generated an urgency for his followers to prepare for the coming convulsions
of nature leading to the destruction of the known world at the end of this millennium. He
claimed that only spiritually purified followers would survive. He maintained that all
religions were inferior to his Mahikari because he was the one in direct contact with God,
who gave him revelations and told him that Mahikari was God's only true religion.
The seduction of people to join comes in the form of 'the light of God ' which is radiated
from the hands to purify the spirit, mind and body. The only way a person can use this
'light/energy ' is to become a Mahikari member, be devoted to the current spiritual leader
and remain spiritually connected by paying a monthly membership fee. If a person becomes
'awakened ' and donates more money using any of the other types of donations then they can
become truly blessed and a model Mahikari member.
LEVELS OF INVOLVEMENT: There are different levels
of involvement that can be experienced in Mahikari: On the superficial level ordinary
people do a three day comprehensive training (kenshu) which they pay for and are given / 'permitted
' to receive a 'divine ' pendant called omitama. When they wear this pendant which has
been (as they are taught) connected to God by the present spiritual leader of Sukyo
Mahikari, Ms. Okada. The light/energy flows through her body to the world. If anything
should happen to her, then the conduit for God's true light would disappear and the world
would be deprived of salvation. The spiritual connection to God's power for all her
followers would also cease. To a Mahikari member this is too horrible to contemplate. That
is why those who chose to remain after the first training programme wrap their whole lives
around the sect. The most vulnerable, the youth, are drilled to lay down their lives to
protect her if called upon.
Mahikari members are forbidden to see the contents of omitama/pendant.
They are warned, to do so will destroy the connection to god - cut them
off from divine power. Some former members have opened their pendants and found the
Japanese characters on the paper inside are the name of Yoshikazu Okada's last alias, Seio
or Sei- without the 'o', as opposed to what members have been told by sect leaders for
many years that there is only a 'chon ' (a colon-like mark) a symbol of the supreme God.
Members are taught that the pendant is more precious than life. To deliberately open it,
drop it, wet it, or allow it to touch bedding or have it x-rayed will sever the spiritual
cord to God; evil spirits will flood in and bring misfortune to them or their family. Also
the pendant has the potential to be sacrificed to save the life of the wearer in some
circumstances; so to maintain the spiritual link can be a life and death situation. If a
member becomes 'elevated ' enough to have a Mahikari shrine called 'Goshintai ' in their
own home, the rules become more extreme. If anyone were to climb on the roof or go above
the shrine the person could die. Rather heady stuff! By transgressing the above rules the
sect member blows the chance of salvation. The fear for one's life or family by unseen,
unknown evil powers is a very effective disciplinary measure. The wrath of God is the
ultimate form of mind control.
WHAT IS 'LIGHT OF GOD ': What the light/energy is
no one really knows, but Winston Davis analyzed it well in his book Dojo - Magic and
Exorcism in Modern Japan. He suggested that it's a type of witchcraft/magic, where people
are conditioned to respond to the stimulation of a paradigm engineered and maintained by
the sect. What keeps people interested for so long ? Putting subliminal fear aside,
perhaps it's because they become encouraged by the 'results ' of giving and receiving the
light. Anything good or bad is seen as a gift of the light. It's a win-win situation for
the sect, if a person 'feels better' then the light is working, if they 'feel bad' then
the light is melting toxins and as the toxins travel through the system to be discharged
can make a person feel sick. But this is good, if toxins are not melted by the light, they
solidify into lumps and could eventually kill. If they feel nothing, then it just takes
time ( step by step). Most members only operate on this level as their main involvement
and will interpret any unexplained phenomenon as a miracle of the 'light'. Particularly
if a disease like cancer goes into remission.
** The progress to higher levels becomes more intense for those who seek deeper
involvement and are 'approved' by the top leaders. Introducing new members, offering
increased money donations and doing 'divine service' are mandatory for the member to
receive favorable decisions.
MEMBERSHIP WORLDWIDE: Over the last 30 years
membership has grown between all the Mahikari sects to an estimated 150,000 - 350,000
(2007) followers and the tax free money harvested from donations flowing back to Japan, including
the basic donations and the extensive real estate holdings around the world is well in the
hundreds of millions of dollars. People who question the efficiency of this money making
machine are condemned by Mahikari as being under the influence of evil spirits. Okada
warned his followers to be careful of such 'spiritually disturbed' people during the
first three day training programme and the warning is continually reinforced throughout
their involvement in the sect
DONATIONS: Continuing to deepen their commitment,
members donate money (in cash only) regularly in a range of categories. One donation can
be given if they are having a hard time; to apologise to God for having so many sins and
impurities; usually the bigger the problem the bigger the donation. A donation can also be
given if something goes right for the person. This time it becomes a donation to show
gratitude for protection. Members are taught that all money belongs to God anyway, so when
a member makes donations they are in fact returning money to God. It is best to use brand
new notes or use a hot iron to remove the wrinkles as a mark of respect when giving a
donation to God.
Once again, Mahikari is in a win-win situation. If a person feels bad they donate money to
apologise for their sins and impurities, if they feel good donate in gratitude for God's
protection. Okada's teaching cleverly encourages members to give up personal attachments
to money and material thinking and to cycle the cash to Mahikari in about ten different
donation categories.
For Sukyo Mahikari alone the estimated return flowing back to Japan, is between 300 to 700
million dollars (AUD) per annum. But no one will ever know the exact figures, as money in
cash is encouraged; layered corporate structures and secrecy make it difficult to trace
the money trails. Once money is donated to Mahikari then it is no longer the members
business what happens to it.
MAHIKARI MEMBERS - THE TRUE JEWS: According to
official Mahikari documents, members are the true Levites. Okada taught that the Jews lost
favour with God when they let King Solomon's temple be destroyed and as a result have
suffered for it throughout history. Rather than destroy the Jews completely, God spared
one group called the Levites. Okada claimed they were the Japanese tribe. He taught that
the Levites were the custodians of the Jewish holy objects and the tribe most favoured by
God. Mahikari members are now the reincarnated souls of these Levites because they take
care of holy objects and are the chosen people of God in this present age.
Sukyo Mahikari built a large shrine, called Suza,
The Main World Shrine For Creator God completed in 1984, on an area of land 20,000 sq.mtrs
at the cost of 45 billion yen - aprox 500 million dollars (Au). They claim it is the new
Solomon's temple and mankind's last chance to remain in divine favour. It is also called
the Noah's Ark for the coming 21st century. Suza can seat about 10,000 people at a time.
If this new age Solomon's temple is ever threatened in any way or the members neglect to
worship and maintain it, then the entire world will be destroyed by God - similar to the
destruction of the Jewish people throughout history. This is a solemn responsibility given
to the 'true Levites' ( Sukyo Mahikari members) to stop the world from being destroyed by
giving 'light', donating lots of money and keeping faithful to his teachings. An ironic
fact is SMBK, the original Mahikari sect has also built a larger shrine called Su-Za on an area of 2,000,000 sq.mtrs.
Which one is the exclusive new age Solomon's Temple? Both are based on Okada's teaching.
JEHOVAH AND ALLAH ARE JAPANESE: Yoshikazu Okada
also taught that the Jewish/Christian God Jehovah was in fact a Japanese God called
Kuniyorozu Tsukurinushisama and when he destroyed Solomon's temple, the manna urn, a gold
cup inscribed with the Hebrew words I AM THAT I AM from the Ark of the Covenant, was
returned to Japan and is now enshrined at Ise Shrine. Only the Emperor of Japan is
permitted to see it. If anyone else was to see it they will be killed! The precedence has
been set.
"Sooner or later, the time will come when all the people of the world, starting with
the Pope, will have to visit Ise Shrine and worship there. Otherwise the time will come
when horrible judgments will be given by God". So the God of Israel and Christendom
is enshrined in Japan, believers must make pilgrimage to Japan the "land of
Mecca". Okada also claimed another Japanese deity called Aramitama, which Mohammed
called Allah!, originated in Japan and is now enshrined at Ise. It seems Islam has its
roots in Japan as well, a fact well known to Mohammed, according to Okada.
ISRAEL SUBSERVIENT TO JAPAN: According to Okada,
Moses went to Japan when he disappeared from Mt Sinai, was trained by Shinto priests,
given twenty of the thirty six Commandments and the Star of David to take back to Israel.
He describes ten of the twenty commandments as the front commandments and the other ten as
the behind commandments.
The word Levite means the soul of Su-God or Sun god = Japanese people. Okada also makes
the claim that the Japanese Imperial family are direct descendants of Su-mera-mikoto = Sun
God or Su-God = the pantheistic, polytheistic and monotheistic pinnacle. Jehovah belongs
to the same Sun God family and is called a Branch God - the main tree is Su-mera-mikoto.
He is making the suggestion that the Jews may have the Royal House of David but the
Japanese have the Imperial Family, a direct descendant line from Su - God. To sample
Okada's logic, he says, it is natural that the Jews have the sunflower as their symbol,
because they are the branch family of the origin, the Sun God...... Japan. The Imperial
Crest and Japan's national flower is the chrysanthemum, the symbol of the sun. The
sunflower which is called 'himawari' in Japanese, means revolving around or following the
sun, so the Jews revolve around Japan. Israel is connected but subservient to Japan.
Okada and Mahikari have a preoccupation to base the meaning of words on their version of
the Japanese language, which they claim is the root origin of all languages. They make use
of the bible: "in the beginning was the word and the word was with God". Okada
claimed the "beginning" took place in Japan so "the word" was
Japanese. Mahikari also claims that Moses, Jesus and Buddha are from Japanese decent and all eventually returned to Japan and
are buried there. The garden of Eden is also found in Japan and Adam and Eve were not the
original human beings. 'Adam-eve' was the name of a powerful King.
HOLOCAUST JUSTIFIED: Okada also explained that
Hitler belonged to the spiritual linage of 'HI'(tler) which means sun spirit. Okada
called the swastika used by Hitler 'HI'. He taught 'HI' revolves in the direction of the
positive spirit, which is a symbol of the Sun God's power; yang - positive opening up the
spirit. Okada's explanation of Hitler's origin, justified the military aggression in
Europe in WW2, had the blessing of the Creator God and was part of a global divine
plan.....God was punishing the Jews and other victims of the war. They had no choice but
to compensate for their own /ancestors' sins and impurities!. The swastika is a significant
Mahikari symbol overshadowed by the Star of David. Sukyo Mahikari has reclaimed the Star
of David as their own, claiming that God has returned it to the original supra religion
and to the original name, which Okada called the Mark of Kagome.
To see thousands of Mahikari Youth dressed in military uniforms marching in formation
praising the name of Ms.Okada, brings back vivid memories of the Hitler youth rallies for
older Mahikari members who lived in Europe through WW2. The parallels are chilling.
Mahikari Youth also wear a stylised swastika on their uniforms and street clothes to
identify them.
JAPANESE MILITARY AGGRESSION JUSTIFIED: The popular
attitude in post war Japan sanctioned by the Japanese government (not all individual
Japanese) is to be reluctant in taking responsibility, or even acknowledging the Rape of Nanking and invasion of
Asia/Pacific in WW2. The Japanese military action in the Pacific is called the 'Greater East
Asian War', waged to prevent Japan from losing its national identity and to liberate Asia
from the threat of communism.
The Japanese extreme right wing militarists claimed that the 'Greater East Asian War'
was conducted as a Holy War in the 'divine' name of the Emperor of Japan. Mahikari also
supports these views in their own literature and Lieutenant Colonel Okada's biography
where he states that he was disappointed not to be with his troops at the front line (during
the rape and pillage of China in 1937) because of an illness - he listened to the action
on the phone instead. Okada also owned factories which produced war planes for the
imperial war effort in WW2 until they were destroyed by the Allies. He was devoted to
Japanese Imperialism which is reflected throughout his biography and teachings and is the
disguised anchor for the Mahikari sect. Most Mahikari members have no idea that this
anchor exists.
It is reported; Japanese history books have been rewritten and are used in schools to
reflect the Imperialist point of view, a major supporter being Mr. Shintaro Ishihara the
renowned Japanese nationalist, author and former Cabinet
Minister (Transport) of the Diet. His views include that the Rape of Nanking is a figment of China's imagination and is a lie. Okada's links with Mr. Shintaro Ishihara are found in Mahikari literature
and endorsed by Ishihara's son, Nobuaki.
Shintaro Ishihara is reputed to the main sponsor of the religious license for Aum, when
their application was accepted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1989. This accounts
for his abrupt resignation just days after the Tokyo subway gassing. (Tokyo government
will not turn over copies of this document to the media -- completely illegal,
stonewalling.) Former LDP Dietman "Hamako" Hamaguchi Koichi denounced Ishihara,
Yamaguchi and Nakanishi as Aum sponsors on a daytime TV show in summer 1995.
AUM SUPREME SECT AND MAHIKARI: It will be
interesting when the connections to a central body, like elements of the LDP Party of
Japan, become more exposed. Then it is quite possible that if the Aum sect was the
mechanism to cause a major world catastrophe then Mahikari sects would be the mechanism to
create a new world order from the catastrophe, all in the name of the Japanese Emperor.
Mahikari members call themselves the seed people who will survive and have the leadership
roles. This is one of the inducements for members to try harder, donating more time effort
and money to expand the sect.
Here is another win-win situation for the sect. If there is a world wide catastrophe in
the year 2000 as they predict, then Mahikari is prepared. If not, Mahikari will take
credit for saving humankind by pacifying God's anger, because of their efforts. They claim
the only reason the world has not been destroyed to date is because Ms. Okada is pleading
on humankind's behalf with the God for more time, although she warns that time is running
out and Mahikari members should make more efforts.
Mahikari is inventing and generating the pre-millennium doomsday hysteria it feeds upon.
Using it as a vehicle to expand in the lucrative spiritual market place with the ultimate
product, the salvation of the soul and eternal life in a world of peace, love and harmony.
It is well documented that the Aum sect went only one step further and actually seeded the
predicted convulsion apparently prematurely, in the process revealing their power with
tragic results.The sarin gas attack
in Tokyo subways in 1995 which horrified the world was only the tip of the iceberg of
their arsenal and agenda.
CREDIBILITY?: In official photographs, Yoshikazu
Okada proudly wears an award conferred on him by the International American Institute of
Academy. He even had a huge reproduction of it installed on the outside of his house in
Atami in Japan. As reported by Mahikari, the award was conferred at the Tokyo Hilton Hotel
on Feb 17, 1972. with the attendance of Mr. Takeo Fukuda, then the Minister of Foreign
Affairs who initiated the event with many prominent people from Japan and Ambassadors from
over ten countries. Yoshikazu Okada joined ranks with several American presidents, Popes
and Cardinals and Archbishops of Canterbury.
The International American Institute of Academy gave Okada the title Knight Commander and
the decoration of The Sovereign (Greek) Order of the Knights of Saint Dennis of Zante.
Mahikari claims the order was established in 34 AD during the time of Jesus Christ and
bestows its award on people who have done international meritorious service.
A worldwide search of data bases, libraries and feed back from chivalry experts has
revealed the following:
This self styled Order
was founded by a certain notorious 'Count' Pericles Voultsos in the 1940s or 50s and was
distributed fairly widely by him. Since it was a complete invention and didn't mimic a
genuine Order it was not challenged, although in 1953 the Italian government
included it on a list of disreputable orders. It is a private enterprise organisation and not a
true 'Order of Chivalry' The ploy of these self styled 'orders' to gain membership is to
send their award to well known personalities and then use their names as 'members'. The
personalities often do not acknowledge the 'award' and would never wear it ... we were
advised ... Steer well clear! Stay away!
Zanthe or Zante is an island off the Greek coast. The identity of Saint
Dennis seems to be confused as well, one legend states he was beheaded (AD 250), stood
up, and went for a walk with his head in his hands. It also seems he has been confused
with another character called Dionysius the Areopagite.
When an organisation called the
International American Institute was contacted in Washington DC, USA, it claimed it had
nothing to do with giving out awards for service to the world and thought the award
mentioned above was probably bogus. No other listing for an International American
Institute or Academy has been found world wide to date.
UNITING THE WORLD RELIGIONS: One of the basic
tenets of Sukyo Mahikari is to UNITE all main religions, it is also one of the main
convictions of Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan. The basis is the belief that all religions
spring from the premise that Japan is the spiritual and physical origin of the human race
and it is the Divine role of Mahikari to return all humanity back to the origin under the
Japanese Imperial Family.
When in 1974 Yoshikazu Okada died as the founder and leader of SMBK, according to court
transcripts, his successor was Reverend
Sekiguchi. Ms. Okada confirmed this fact both on the night of Y. Okada's wake and
several years later in court. It seemed at the time of Okada's death there were two
distinct political camps within his organisation, one headed by Sekiguchi and the other by
Ms. Okada. This is the first indication that SMBK was fragmenting and the basic tenet to
unite all religions was being strained.
After Ms. Okada made the announcement on June 25, 1974 to Sekiguchi and 27 witnesses that
he was the next spiritual leader of SMBK, she was told by one of her faction members that
she must not say any more about the matter without his approval. On July 5, 1974, she
secretly registered herself as the Representing Officer of SMBK with the Omori
Registration Office, which later she had to withdraw. She was claiming to be the next
leader of the organisation and saying that Sekiguchi and 27 people misunderstood her
words. She claimed to have said on June 25th that he was her deputy, which was in complete
contradiction to her claim on June 25th and precipitated years of confusion and court
action. Members donations were being used for protracted court action without their
knowledge. Why didn't Yoshikazu Okada leave a clear will or written instructions? If he
forgot to do such a vital and important deed, what else did he forget ... where was his
God?
At this point the whole credibility of Mahikari must come under close scrutiny. The
public relations strategy for Ms.Okada went into high gear. Sekiguchi was slandered as
having several lovers and a diseased body. On the other hand, Ms.Okada was portrayed as
the only person who had the divine role to build Suza, the main world shrine for
God, the ultimate mission for Mahikari members at that time. When it became apparent that
Ms. Okada would lose the court case, she started her own religion called Sukyo Mahikari
(SM) in June 1978. Most of the members of SMBK defected to SM because the dojo leaders
declared their allegiance to Ms.Okada and moved over to her side taking members with them.
At no stage were the ordinary members given a choice to stay with the original
organisation. The struggle for control was not generally known to the members; the
characteristic code of silence of a typical cult was paramount.
Once the shell of silence was recently cracked, the information started to flow from many
different sources. The biggest blow to Sukyo Mahikari members, was, learning the fact Ms.
Okada's Suza Shrine is tiny compared with the original sect SMBK's Suza shrine.
Only now is Sukyo Mahikari trying to explain the above events in terms only its members
can and want to believe, in an effort to stop a world wide exodus out of the sect. For
example:
Okada's ghost/spirit was roaming around for 49 days after he died. Ms.Okada didn't make
public her claim, that Okada privately handed over the SMBK sect to her on 13th June 1974,
ten days before his death. She felt it would have been too impolite to talk of succession
before Okada progressed on to take up his 'role ' as the saviour of human kind in the
spirit realm.
The sect leaders are also saying the information gathered together by research
teams of former members from around the world are all lies.
It is becoming clearer, that in order for Mahikari to become the Supra Religion, rather
than uniting the religions, it is disenfranchising the fundamental core of individual
belief structure by Japan-ising the lot, using Okada's version of history, 'golden words'
and 'divine' guidance! Attempting to supplant itself (Mahikari) as the only religion with
the 'divine' franchise for humankind is most confusing even to its members. Especially
when SM is the offshoot of SMBK; which in turn was one of many break away sects from SKK,
which was inspired by Omoto kyo started in 1892......
OKADA PLAGIARISED OTHERS: Research has revealed
that Yoshikazu Okada was a member and a leader of the Sekai Kyusei Kyo sect. He was known
by the name Ryudo Okada and liked to be called Reverend Kotama. He was asked to leave the
sect because of sexual misconduct and a preoccupation with talking to spirits, he claimed
that everyone has spirits attached to them, which cause problems. In 1959 he started his
own sect called SMBK.
Okada claimed in Feb 1959 God woke him from a coma, gave him the name Kotama and divine
revelations. He had used the name Kotama before Feb 1959 and the 'revelations' are in fact
a facsimile of the teachings of his former master Mokichi Okada (no relation). The use of
a divine pendant and the radiating of light from the hands is also a feature of SKK.
Mahikari makes the claim Okada had no previous experience with religions prior to him
starting SMBK. The fact that he was a member of SKK for ten years or so, doesn't fit with
the Mahikari claim that Okada is the 'one' from the Buddhist prophecy:
'There will appear the 'one' who will preach the righteous way, from among
those who have had no previous religious experience.
Okada gathered information from considerable and diverse sources to boost his
claim that he was ordered by God to correct the delusions of this present age. He even
invented new meanings or explanation for well known Japanese legends and myths and twisted
facts to fit his purpose. One of the major difference's between his former sect SKK and
his own sect Mahikari, is Okada's preoccupation with a military stereotype.
ENGLISH/JAPANESE TRANSLATION: It's interesting
looking into the original Japanese teachings. Okada didn't put relating information
together, but rather spread it out in an uncoordinated way throughout all his writings in
bits and pieces. In this way the underlying philosophy is hidden. An objective researcher
would need to complete the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of initiation to gain an
elementary insight into the layers and intent of Okada's philosophy. Even if members try
to look deeper into Okada's teachings, they tend to give up because it is difficult and
time consuming, being able to read and write in Japanese is essential. Members are told
there is no need to understand Japanese anyway; the teachings of Okada ride on the 'golden
light of God', the books radiate 'light' and give great salvation.
As a result, most Mahikari members, particularly non-Japanese, have
no idea what is contained within Okada's words. Ordinary members defend
the sect based on a very shallow and personalised understanding given to
them by sect leaders. In a sense Mahikari members are discouraged from
read Okada's teaching from an analytical point of view. To save any
confusion they are advised to raise to their hands and just give 'light,
light and more light'. Emotive responses are encouraged under the
umbrella of 'feel good' words like love and harmony, altruistic love etc.
The wording of his teaching in Japanese and English is quite clever; romantic wholesome
concepts sandwich his rather distorted view of proven historical events and his eagerness
to change generally held perceptions to his particular ideology. Much of Mahikari's source
material the authors have used has not been translated into English yet. It is clear the
English (and Japanese for Japanese) translations are changed to suit contemporary
pressures eg. Sukyo Mahikari, which was created after a bitter court battle in 1978, has
erased all reference to Okada's original religion's name, Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan
from all sighted publications and has even inserted its name (Sukyo Mahikari) as the name
used by Yoshikazu Okada. The fact Okada died four years before Sukyo Mahikari was
started doesn't seem to pose a credibility problem for them. It is also interesting
because Okada gave explicit instructions that his words would never be changed.
MAHIKARI REWRITING HISTORY: It is clear studying
Yoshikazu Okada's teachings that he has woven facts and fiction, myths and legends,
rewritten the world's history into a strange and suspect agenda, giving a stern warning
that 'he is the only authority in this present age as the direct link to the Supreme God'.
He had many views on history, science, religion and philosophy. He declared this is the
"AGE OF DELUSIONS, TO AN EXTENT THAT HAS NEVER OCCURRED BEFORE". His 'divine'
role is to correct these delusions (he now works in the spirit realm). Ms. Okada is
continuing to reinforce this 'divine role'. The base starting point, is to make the world
realise that Japan is the cradle of human civilisation on all levels, spirit, mind and
body. Ms. Okada has even rewritten the history of her own religion to project the image of
continuity from her 'adoptive' father.
YOSHIKAZU OKADA BECOMES A GOD: Ms. Okada also known
as Oshienushi-sama (master of teachings) the spiritual head of Sukyo Mahikari, endorses
Okada's teachings as divine law emphasizing that members are personally responsible for
their own Karma, any kind of mishap is caused by the individual members state of mind and
lack of commitment to the teachings.
Over the years, as Ms. Okada builds monuments at huge expense, she is also elevating
herself into a divine status..... To one who has direct communication with the Supreme God
eg "God commanded me to do......." . In most references to God she also uses
Okada's title," God and Sukuinushi-sama" (holy saviour) re-enforcing the
belief for her followers, that Yoshikazu Okada is now a 'God' and has the responsibility
as the only saviour of the human kind. It is interesting that many 'sightings,
'manifestations' of Yoshikazu Okada have been enthusiastically reported and accepted as
facts particularly after she built a Shrine for him in Japan (43 mtr high pyramid) in
1992.
Ms.OKADA BECOMING A GOD: The cult is in full swing,
still creating myths, publishing more and more personal experiences of members in order to
substantiate its credence and credibility, not only for internal propaganda but also to
enthuse outsiders to join. It is also interesting to note that when Ms. Okada travelled to
Israel in 1993, she claims to have prevented 'Armageddon' from happening. As a direct
result of her presence in the Middle East, all of a sudden a first step was achieved
towards a peace accord between Israel and the Palestinians. She covers herself nicely by
claiming she took the first step, but if people do not take it seriously then it is they
who will miss out on the opportunity for peace. Here is another win-win situation for
the sect.
MAHIKARI IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD: Mahikari has been
building the infrastructure to endure into future generations quietly and slowly. It is a
real boost for the sect to be granted subsidised land by the Australian Capital Territory
government to help in its expansion plans. Sect members are already boasting that the land
belongs to Ms. Okada (resident of Japan), not to the Australian community.
A major thrust of Mahikari's membership drive, is to recruit people of influence who in
turn influence the community. Politicians, doctors, rich business people, public servants
are ideal targets. If these new members have right wing political views all the better.
Mahikari holds strict right wing conservative views handed down from Lieutenant Colonel
Yoshikazu Okada and Imperial State Shintoism.
It is interesting that the ACT government is encouraging the sect when the Belgian
government has found the sect dangerous. Will it take Mahikari related suicides in
Australia for the ACT government to take notice of what is happening in Europe? Will it
take more people dying to stir litigation fearful governments into action for the wider
health and safety of Australians?
BELGIUM LEADS THE WAY: Recently reported to the
Belgian Parliamentary Commission on Sects, officials of Sukyo Mahikari made the simple
claim their sect was called Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan but changed its name to Sukyo
Mahikari in 1978. The Commission has listed Sukyo Mahikari is one of the most important
and dangerous sects in Belgium, in the same category as Sahaya Yoga, Moonies, Soka Gakkai
and Scientology. Now that the dangerous sects have been identified, the Belgian Government
will debate the existing laws in parliament and put procedures in place to rehabilitate
former sect members and inform the public of the dangers. The Hon. Franca Arena, AM,
Member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales in Australia has seen the need for
the Australian people to be informed and protected from cults and is working towards
having a similar Parliamentary Commission.
Update: 14 July 2006
In various publications, Sukyo Mahikari is stating that they have been
investigated and nothing was found. However the French Goverment still
lists Sukyo Mahikari as a Sect to watch and has not removed them from
its list of cults/sects. Until the Governments who have investigated
Sukyo Mahikari revise their watch lists and publically declare they no
longer have Sukyo Mahikari under surveillance then the question remains
open. If Sukyo Maikari can supply hard evidence of their claims, it wil
be looked at objectively.
MAHIKARI AS A COMMUNITY WELFARE ORGANISATION: One
of the subtle contradictions used by the sect is capitalising on the word and popular
concept of 'charity' to gain tax free status in several countries. It is quite clear in
Okada's teaching, that he considered charities to be perpetuating the misery of humankind.
If a person fell on hardship and was given a helping hand (charity), then this help would
be interfering with their karmic cleaning and stopping purification; actually doing them a
disservice. Even worse, the person giving the charity could be building up 'bad karma'
for themselves. So all the humanitarian organisations round the world today helping those
more unfortunate than ourselves are in fact spiritually polluting humankind according to
Okada. Not one cent of Sukyo Mahikari's tax exempt funds is channelled into the community,
but there is enough funds to pay some of its directors a very good wage.
On the other hand if people donate money, time and energy to Okada's sect, Mahikari, this
is the true meaning of charity. As his 'only true supra religion' expands, more people
could receive 'light' and be spiritually saved!.... This is far better than feeding
starving innocent children in war-torn countries or helping unfortunates in our own back
yards. This practical form of help is condemned in his teachings.
Mahikari members don't escape the strictness of Okada's teaching in this area. If a member
falls on hard times, it is their own fault and it is an indication that their spiritual
level is low, they are not obedient to the teachings or they are being blessed by God to
erase sins and impurities. The sect will not lift a practical finger to ease suffering but
will happily advise; raise the hands and 'give more light' to solve spirit disturbance
(exorcism) and come to Dojo more often. In Mahikari terms to give 'light' is the highest
form of altruistic love!
For members to expect Mahikari headquarters in Japan to financially support their own
regional Mahikari centres is considered stealing money from Ms. Okada and God. Regional
members must pay their own way. Members, including children, are encouraged to be thrifty
for themselves but generous to the Mahikari God. For Mahikari to even contemplate
financially supporting activities outside the sect is totally inconceivable.
MAHIKARI LEADERS WELL LOOKED AFTER: The only
charity found in a quasi-humanitarian sense is reserved for leaders of SM - particularly
the directors of Sukyo Mahikari Australia Ltd. Free accommodation, baby sitting, meals,
free international and national travel, gifts etc (one wonders who pays local Perks Tax).
The members are given the impression Kanbu (leaders) are lowly paid and because they've
devoted their lives to God, it's the right thing to help them. The generosity of members
to the leaders is extraordinary, and in some cases arrogantly expected.
Okada teaches, 'Purify up stream and down stream will become purified'. In Australia
this is interpreted: Ordinary members will become more spiritually pure if they help and
support Kanbu. If members serve Kanbu, it frees Kanbu to do more divine service for God,
so Kanbu become more pure. If Kanbu become more pure, because they are the up stream that
benefit will flow down to ordinary members. So everybody elevates. To be servants to
senior Kanbu is called divine service to God and a prerequisite of being eligible to being
'permitted' to undertake training to become a Mahikari teacher or full time employee.
Many members are either naive or naturally generous people and they comply without question.
MAHIKARI AND TAX EXEMPTION: One of the biggest
deceptions SM enjoys is exemption from tax. SM is not adverse to taking advantage of
society's humanitarian meaning of charity, even though this form of charity is totally
condemned by the founder in his teachings. The sect accepts no contradiction in this case,
all money belongs to God. Because Mahikari is God's only true religion, then any
arrangement to financially advantage the sect is perfectly acceptable. Mahikari calls it a
'divine arrangement'.
This translation is from Japanese to English of Yoshikazu Okada's words
by Yumi & Steve Allerton. (5 May 1997 - Dated for historical records)
HOW CHARITIES SHOULD BE
Sunkyo 3 p82-83
To build hospitals in order to save sick people, to collect money to do so ... just
increases the number of patients who are poisoned by medicines. They are far from
charities. I would call them hypocritical charities, which accumulate sins and impurities.
'Charitable work' is the deed to rid mankind of disease and poverty, and actualise truly
peaceful and safe civilisation on this earth.
In order to spread heavenly civilisation, it is also a 'charitable' work to correct
clearly the mistakes which are considered as common sense at the present time. To offer
more and more money for that work ... this is also charitable work. The flood of
hypocritical charities is too much now and the world is deteriorating more and more.
For these reasons I wish, all the more, for those who work hard in hypocritical charities,
to be awakened to the real charities and to introduce people who are suffering in poverty
and sickness without tranquillity of mind to real salvation.
Suppose one person has donated one hundred million yen (to Mahikari).
Imagine how much this will cause the circle of salvation to expand.
That can be a great salvation, can't it? I call this 'charitable work'.
TAX EXEMPT MAHIKARI SCHOOL: One of the ambitions of
Mahikari is to start schools based on Okada's teachings! He never gave up imperialism,
militarism and state Shintoism. A Mahikari headmaster in Japan has recently turned the
clock back one hundred years and directed his school to recite passages from The Imperial Rescript of 1890
every morning. The Imperial Rescript was invalidated by both houses in the Diet in 1947
and 1948. It was used to generate the national 'virtues' such as self sacrifice to the
state, military discipline, ancestor worship, to guard and maintain the prosperity of The
Imperial Throne and to resurrect military heroes as cardinal models to follow. Didn't
this type of enthusiasm lead to a bit of a blue in 1941? Japanese conservative
Government Bodies are encouraged with the public re-emergence of this Imperialistic
propaganda.
The headmaster is an eminent Japanese Mahikari member proudly written up in their
publications. Mahikari in Australia is subservient to Mahikari in Japan. All policy comes
from Japan. It will not be an Australian school they build but Japanese Mahikari
imperialist institution. Young people from Mahikari centers from all over the world go to
Japan and train rigorously in a special Mahikari school, to become Mahikari teachers. Even
the non-Japanese Mahikari students are taught and required to chant the Imperial
Transcript in Japanese.
What distorted view of history, science, religion etc. will they teach in Mahikari schools
if they gain a stronger hold in the community, starting with the boost of a subsidised
grant of land already given to them in Canberra? They are cashed up and moving in. Is it
in Australia's national interest to have its children exposed to the notion that Australia
belongs to Japan. Japan is the land of the origin of spirit, the cradle of humankind.
Australia was named after a Japanese God Prince. Japan is the oldest land mass on earth,
the last remaining part of the continent of Mu and its original name was Amaguni which
means heaven.
Okada claimed that history is based on delusions and full of lies particularly about
mankind and Japan, the Emperor of Japan should be the ruler of the world, democracy is
inferior (banned within SM) and theocracy - Mahikari version - is the future for
humankind. Mahikari seduces its members to total obedience to Yoshikazu Okada's teachings,
Ms.Okada's will and her appointed representatives. To question her authority is not
permitted and treated as 'spirit disturbance'. Democracy is totally condemned within the
sect and even the wider community, Okada is very clear about this in his teachings. What
impact will a Mahikari School have on Australian children?
OBFUSCATION: Mahikari has a chameleon nature and
the multi-faceted layers within its structure hide much more than can ever be seen. If a
member encounters problems understanding the contradictions in the teachings, 'they lack
spiritual growth' or 'have cultural misunderstanding'. Alternatively if criticism is
levelled at the sect, then it is the unrighteous deities manipulating evil spirits to try
and destroy God's only true religion. If former members question their involvement then
they are spiritually disturbed, possessed by evil spirits and have turned their backs on
the righteous path or they could not keep up with the increasing spiritual pressure of the
'light of God' and 'God's administration' . The media including the internet are
manipulated by the evil forces. It is best for members to stay away from them so they
don't become manipulated or contaminated themselves.
One of the interesting differences between the two sects is the fact, the original
Mahikari SMBK is quite open and public and uses the internet to advertise. Sukyo Mahikari
is the opposite and is pulling the plug.
If someone dies within the sect, the person has been called by Su-God to work with
Yoshikazu Okada (now himself a God) in the spirit realm for the salvation of human kind or
the person has compensated in a major way for his own and family sins and impurities with
the ultimate sacrifice (their life) and hence become cleaner and closer to God. The fear
of their souls being extinguished is real for members, if they don't become purified by
practicing Mahikari, then they could be thrown away by God, never to reincarnate again.
This rule is extended to everyone.
If members have a financial loss its called, compensation, purification or cleaning.
Mahikari teaches that because the situation has occurred then it reflects what has taken place
in previous lifetimes. God is giving the opportunity to correct the situation of previous
sins and impurities to break a negative karmic cycle. For every occasion there is a pat
answer based on the teachings of Yoshikazu Okada. A rational mind can be swamped and
lulled into a unique sense of security or become plain numb to the realities of living.
Sect leaders can come up with a myriad of explanations of why things happen. Because Okada
has declared himself the saviour of humankind and Mahikari is the only true religion, then
the sect leaders have the mandate to come up with any explanation as long as it is based
in the teachings. They ultimately protect themselves and the sect.
IN CONCLUSION: If a person is contemplating joining
a Mahikari sect, which is their democratic right, the strongest wish we have for them is
to become very well informed. Also for them to try and maintain an objective mind, so the
pain can be reduced when the need comes to leave.
When a person makes the courageous step to leave the sect, it can be hard dealing with the
withdrawal symptoms on all levels. Flashbacks can destabilise a rebuilt life, marriage and
family relationships. Even after many years away from the sect. Mahikari is subtly
addictive and preys upon the good nature and generosity of people who want to do something
positive for themselves, humankind and the planet.
We are delighted to be among fellow former members from all over the world discovering
life is great away from Mahikari; it feels like a shroud of delusion and darkness has
fallen away. We have no doubt, the right choice was to leave the sect. Many are taking up
the challenge to expose the sect as a therapy to regain their health, wealth, and
spiritual sanity and they are succeeding. We hope our experience and knowledge gained
through our long involvement will help put the sect in a clearer perceptive for others. It
is a great relief to finally see the worries and deep seated concerns we have had for
years becoming the focus for so many.
As we became more involved with our research it became painfully clear to us that much
of Yoshikazu Okada's agenda was hidden. We and most members had/have no idea what really
lies below the surface.
This profile we have compiled of our perception of Mahikari culture is only a small
insight into the depth of Mahikari's commitment to Japan-ise the world on every level. It
is our speculation Ms.Okada over the years has become caught up in the carefully
orchestrated elevation of her role into a divine being and reflects the arrogance of the
Mahikari cult which believes they and she hold the only key to the future survival of the
human race in the palm of their hands.
We hope in time with more information becoming available, active Mahikari members will
take stock and reassess their involvement on all levels. Step back and take a good look
before the loving, generous and caring sides of their natures are sucked dry or critically
strained. Take back control for their own spiritual, mental and physical selves and spare
their children the trauma of growing up without the life skills to live in and contribute
to the wider community.
Sukyo Mahikari in Australia is on record as saying we former members have axes to grind. We do!
We will keep grinding away to reveal the TRUTH!
MAIN SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND FOOT NOTES;
- 'Commentary; Kami Muki Sanji' by Kotama (Yoshikazu) Okada Printed 1982 in
Japanese
- 'Goseigen The Holy Words' - Revelations given to Kotama Okada (Mahikari Bible)
- 'Dai sei shu' - (Great Holy Master) - Kotama Okada's biography
- Other printed Mahikari material
- Repeated Primary, Secondary and Tertiary kenshus and study classes
- 'All The Emperors Men' by Garry Greenwood
- 'Wages of Guilt' by Ian Buruma
- 'Dojo- Magic and Exorcism in Modern Japan' by Winston Davis
- 'Thank God For The Answers At Last' by Dr A.K.Tebecis
- Sukyo in Context by Rustin Selvey
- Former Mahikari members with the tenacity
to say enough! ... and do something about it! Special thanks to Fabien Cheslet, Garry and Wendy Greenwood, Richard Goh and Rusty
Selvey.
** Acknowledgment- For the inspiration to look beneath the surface.
........A failed Company Director/ Mahikari leader who had the courage to shake hands on a
deal, his God his witness.......... and break it!.
