How does one learn about the Ways of the Universe? The same way we learn about all other things… by observing, listening,exploring, and reflecting.
“Seek and you shall find.” Therefore, if you are not seeking, you shall not find. Getting hit with an apple on the head would just be painful to most people. But the man who was in the process of seeking . . . realized the Theory of Gravity.
So, what is it that you are searching for? An answer? Someone to listen? Or just a place to rest in peacefulness? The Minister/Mediator’s role is to help strengthen the connection between you and Kami, and to relay instructions and revelationsto you.
This is Sacred Mediation
About Worship…
“You need not come from afar to worship. You can stay home and pray even to a wall. ”
But also…
“I don’t tell people to come to worship. But those who do, end up receiving more of Kami’s virtue.For example, learning under a teacher or from a school for a long time brings much knowledge.Those who come to worship often and listen to Konko Daijin’s teachings receive more wisdom.”
(Voice of the Universe 149-52)
HEALTH…
324 Being cured is not the only thing to be grateful for. Always being in good health is.
326 Everyone knows the names and causes of illnesses, but no one knows the cause of receiving divine
blessings. You should seek the cause of blessings instead of the cause of illnesses.293 Food becomes medicine or poison depending on your heart.335 When you come here and think you are receiving blessed teachings, your heart becomes tranquil. But when you are at home thinking about various things, you get angry. And your heart becomes disturbed. When you get angry, your face, even your lips change color.Those with weak bodies will succumb immediately and may experience headaches. Convulsive people will suffer from stomach pains. These maladies occur because when they get angry, their bodies stiffen, constricting the flow of blood. After one begins to cool off, the constricted blood starts to circulate again. When you are angry, reform yourself by praying to Kami to polish the mirror in your heart.Practicing faith to ward off sickness is having your heart save you.259 For those practicing faith, it is important not to feel angry, even when there is something to be angry about.Anger disrupts the family. It puts people in discord. Look around you in society. There are people who ruin themselves due to lack of patience. Remember that patience is very important. *260—You are very patient, but you are only suppressing your anger. This will damage your spirits… You must go a step further by not getting angry at all. It will be like medicine for your body.264 Those who have just started practicing faith,immediately get upset when others speak ill of them. They are not able to repress their anger and some of them even retaliate.
However, when they deepen their faith a little, they will get angry but will be able to tolerate others speaking ill of
them since they keep in mind that they are practicing faith in Kami.
As a person deepens their faith more, they will not get angry even when others speak ill of them. On the contrary, they will feel sorry for those people.
RELATIONSHIPS…
*126 Even the nature of an unreasonable person can be totally changed if he practices faith. This can happen
because he will learn to understand the Ways of the Universe while practicing faith…
*76 There are people whose hearts change easily. Those who rely on these people will get upset or distressed.Instead of turning to others, turn to Kami. Kami will listen and grant any request you may have.
*41- Which individual is more important, you or someone else? All are human beings.
*49 – To be human is to help others. When a child has fallen down, someone will promptly help the child up…when people suffer from sickness or disaster, they are saved by Kami & other people. Be aware that saving people in distress is to be human and practice faith.”Uncertainty stems from greed and selfishness. Let go of your greed and rid yourself of confusion. You will be able to make decisions clearly.”
263 Even if you have a logical explanation, don’t reveal it entirely. Logical explanations, like a wedge,should be driven in only eighty percent. An overstuffed paper bag will break. The world can be at peace through aiyo kakeyo or mutual reliance.
262 Lose, and endure it. You may think it is foolish to lose, but Kami will compensate for your loss. Others will
speak well of you, and you will gain virtue.
20-01 – It is common to choose your partner based on the expectation that he or she will make you happy. It is rare to marry for the sake of your partner’s happiness. Become less self-centered. Conscientiously and continuously focus on helping your partner to be happy.
20-06 – Worrying about your partner’s problems and trying to tell your partner what to do about them can cause
marital strife. When listening to your partner’s “advice,” try to glean Kami’s message from within it.
FAMILY…
301 People speak of practicing faith together. This is like a stone, too heavy for one person, being lifted by the
combined strength of many. Therefore, have all your family members practice faith together.
304 – A person with many children expressed his worry over their different personalities. Konko-Sama imparted, “If the five fingers on your hand were all the same length, you wouldn’t be able to grasp anything. Your hand has fingers of different length, thus you are able to grasp. Because of their different personalities, your children will be useful.
~ A peaceful home is rooted in faith ~
ON LIFE…
*2 Heaven and Earth continue to live.Because Heaven and Earth are alive,all people are able to live. “Find one thing that is special about yourself, and work to keep it sacred. The more we cherish and hold sacred in life, the richer and happier our lives will be.”
ON DEATH…
*58 Because humans are born through the blessings of Kami, they must also die with the blessings of Kami.
Therefore, if a child’s birth is a happy event, then death is a much happier event since one becomes a kami. The
reason why death is so abhorred is because people have not yet developed enough peace of mind to accept death.Practice faith, so that you will be blessed with peace of mind…
65 When people die, they are reunited with Kami…The body, which was taken from Earth, will return to Earth. And
the soul, which was bestowed by Heaven, returns to Heaven. Dying is when your body and soul separate.
ON FAITH…
*245 Since we are human, we think about our future and have many worries. Worries, however, can become divine
blessings through your practice of faith, and you can be free from worries…From now on, you should entrust Kami
with your worries & practice faith. Then your worries will turn into blessings.
“Knowledge alone can never save people. It is only through faith that people are saved.”
130 When practicing faith, there are more blessings which cannot be seen than those which can be seen. The
blessings you unknowingly receive number more than the blessings you knowingly receive. If you think about it, you will come to realize the many divine blessings you have received. If you can do this, you are a true believer.
2. Admonitions & Instructions of the Faith
These teachings are the foundation of the Faith and were published in 1859 to fulfill a requirement to be founded and recognized as a religion.
Admonitions – SHINKAI
Edited by Shinto Konko Kyokai
Guide to the True Way of Faith
1 Being born into Kami’s world, you should realize the blessings of Kami and the world. [GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:1]
2 Even though you realize the blessings of heaven, you should also realize the favors of earth. [GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:2]
3 Do not be disrespectful to your parents by forgetting all they did for you when you were a child. [GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:3]
4 Follow the Konko Faith while knowing the Konko Faith.[GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:4]
5 Do not say something nice if you do not sincerely believe it.[GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:5]
6 Do not ignore the difficulties of another person after having experienced similar difficulties. [GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:6]
7 Anger casts a cloud over one’s heart. [GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:7]
8 Do not hurt yourself through intolerance or aggression.[GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:8]
9 Do not behave improperly upon seeing other’s misconduct.[GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:9]
10 Do not strain yourself by rushing things, wait for the right time. [GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:10]
11 Do not be lazy in your work or live extravagantly when you are healthy. [GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:11]
12 Those who practice faith should have a sincere faith.[GIII:Shinkai/ed. Shinto Konko Kyokai:12]
Instructions of the Faith – SHINKUN
Edited by Konkokyo Hombu
I General Principles
1 On this day, pray single heartedly. The divine favor depends upon one’s own heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P1:1]
2 Practice the Konko Faith and eliminate your doubt. You are allowed to live in the midst of the divine virtue.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:2]
3 Know that heaven and earth will be your eternal home while you are living and even after you die.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:3]
4 Leave everything to heaven and depend on earth.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:4]
5 Kami is the parent of us all. Practicing faith is like being respectful to and caring for your parents. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:5]
6 There is neither day nor night, near nor far for Kami. Pray with a sincere heart anytime, anywhere. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:6]
7 Tenchi Kane No Kami protects both pure and impure places. Do not have impurities in your heart.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:7]
8 When practicing faith, undergo spiritual training rather than physical training. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo
Hombu:P1:8]
9 Every place on earth receives the virtue of Tenchi Kane No Kami. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:9]
10 Do not defile Kami’s ground. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo Hombu:P1:10]
11 From now on, you need not be concerned with the Days and Directions. Follow the original faith that Tenchi
Kane No Kami taught. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:11]
12 You cannot control your life the way you want. Your life belongs to Kami and your country. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P1:12]
13 Food is made and provided by Tenchi Kane No Kami to sustain one’s life.[GIII:Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo
Hombu:P1:13]
14 Do not say it is a miracle when you receive divine blessings by practicing faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo
Hombu:P1:14]
15 It is strange not to receive divine blessings when practicing faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:15]
16 Do not look down on other deities when revering the kami whom you solely believe in. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P1:16]
17 Those who practice faith should be aware of the true virtue of Kami. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:17]
18 Do not torment yourself by succumbing to selfish desires. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P1:18]
19 Seasonal changes are beyond human control. Leave everything to time.[GIII:Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo
Hombu:P1:19]
20 Man cannot completely comprehend the matters of the universe. You should be filled with awe. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo Hombu:P1:20]
1 To be in harmony with one’s family is the foundation of faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:1]
2 Upon entering the Konko Faith, clear away all doubt from your heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:2]
3 A heart filled with gratitude is the beginning of divine blessings. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:3]
4 Receive divine virtue and acquire human virtue.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:4]
5 Practicing faith and gaining divine virtue will let you live a long life. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:5]
6 You should save yourself with your own heart.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:6]
7 Those who practice faith must be sincere in whatever they do. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:7]
8 If you follow the Konko Faith, you should cast aside your physical eyes and open and see through your spiritual
eyes. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:8]
9 People do not know Kami’s heart in the same way that children do not know their parents’ hearts.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:9]
10 Those who do not practice faith in Kami are the same as those who do not respect their parents. These people
do not know the right path to tread.
11 Eliminate your selfish desires, acknowledge the Konko Faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:11]
12 Whether you save or kill yourself depends upon your own heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:12]
13 Overeating and over-drinking are the causes for becoming unable to eat or drink. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:13]
14 Whether a food becomes medicine or poison depends upon your own heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo
Hombu:P2:14]
15 Always be grateful for whatever you eat or drink.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:15]
16 Pray for your good health. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:16]
17 Strengthen your body. Staying in good health is the basis of everything.[GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:17]
18 Direct the energy of your worried heart toward practicing faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:18]
|Worry|
19 People should be aware of their limitations, realizing they cannot see behind closed doors. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:19]
20 You must not get careless in practicing faith, even during good health.[GIII:Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo
Hombu:P2:20]
21 You must polish the gem in your heart while practicing faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:21]
22 Young people should try to develop their potential to the fullest. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:22]
23 Conceit can lead to great disaster. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo Hombu:P2:23]
24 Be careful not to be tormented by yourself.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:24]
25 Give in to the people who go against you and leave it up to time. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:25] |Win by losing|
26 Do not become upset and disturbed over the past.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:26]
27 Do not say nice things while having hate in your heart.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:27]
28 Those practicing faith should always keep Kami in their hearts. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:28]
29 The Kami you hold in your heart can never be tarnished. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:29]
30 You should be aware that Kami protects you in the same way as you love your child. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:30]
31 Practice faith in Kami and perform your occupation in good health. It serves your country. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:31]
32 If there is an impurity, you should apologize for the impurity before making a request of Kami.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:32]
33 Which individual is more important, you or someone else? All are human beings. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo
Hombu:P2:33]
34 There is no one in this world who does not belong.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:34]
35 Do not have a deceitful heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo Hombu:P2:35]
36 When selecting your spouse, do not be concerned with his or her superficial qualities, but be sure of the sincerity of his or her heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo
Hombu:P2:36]
37 In a marriage proposal, instead of inquiring into the social status or family lineage, ask about the personal
character of the concerned. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:37]
38 Do not think that you give birth through your own strength. Everything is done through the blessings of the
Parent Kami. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:38]
39 During pregnancy, instead of wearing the traditional maternity band, wear a band of sincerity around your heart.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:39]
40 While giving birth, lean on Kami instead of leaning on anything else. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:40]
41 Abandon your doubts and practice faith. Divine blessings are in one’s own heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:41]
42 You cannot control your life as you wish.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:42]
43 Having or not having impurities depends upon your heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:43]
44 Whether or not your prayers are answered by divine blessings depends upon your heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:44]
45 Being careful is the cane that prevents you from falling down. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:45]
46 Look forward to the future without saying negative things. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:46]
47 Instead of thinking about the pain you feel, be thankful and pray to receive blessings. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:47]
48 The poorest people are those who know neither Kami’s teachings nor the Konko Faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:48]
49 Because Kami can neither be heard nor seen, the room for doubt has no limits. Abandon all doubts.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:49]
50 Teach and pass on the Konko Faith to future generations without losing or straying from it.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:50]
1 To be in harmony with one’s family is the foundation of faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:1]
2 Upon entering the Konko Faith, clear away all doubt from your heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:2]
3 A heart filled with gratitude is the beginning of divine blessings. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:3]
4 Receive divine virtue and acquire human virtue.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:4]
5 Practicing faith and gaining divine virtue will let you live a long life. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:5]
6 You should save yourself with your own heart.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:6]
7 Those who practice faith must be sincere in whatever they do. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:7]
8 If you follow the Konko Faith, you should cast aside your physical eyes and open and see through your spiritual
eyes. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:8]
9 People do not know Kami’s heart in the same way that children do not know their parents’ hearts.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:9]
10 Those who do not practice faith in Kami are the same as those who do not respect their parents. These people
do not know the right path to tread.
11 Eliminate your selfish desires, acknowledge the Konko Faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:11]
12 Whether you save or kill yourself depends upon your own heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:12]
13 Overeating and over-drinking are the causes for becoming unable to eat or drink. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:13]
14 Whether a food becomes medicine or poison depends upon your own heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo
Hombu:P2:14]
15 Always be grateful for whatever you eat or drink.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:15]
16 Pray for your good health. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:16]
17 Strengthen your body. Staying in good health is the basis of everything.[GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:17]
18 Direct the energy of your worried heart toward practicing faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:18]
|Worry|
19 People should be aware of their limitations, realizing they cannot see behind closed doors. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:19]
20 You must not get careless in practicing faith, even during good health.[GIII:Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo
Hombu:P2:20]
21 You must polish the gem in your heart while practicing faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:21]
22 Young people should try to develop their potential to the fullest. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:22]
23 Conceit can lead to great disaster. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo Hombu:P2:23]
24 Be careful not to be tormented by yourself.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:24]
25 Give in to the people who go against you and leave it up to time. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:25] |Win by losing|
26 Do not become upset and disturbed over the past.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:26]
27 Do not say nice things while having hate in your heart.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:27]
28 Those practicing faith should always keep Kami in their hearts. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:28]
29 The Kami you hold in your heart can never be tarnished. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:29]
30 You should be aware that Kami protects you in the same way as you love your child. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:30]
31 Practice faith in Kami and perform your occupation in good health. It serves your country. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:31]
32 If there is an impurity, you should apologize for the impurity before making a request of Kami.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:32]
33 Which individual is more important, you or someone else? All are human beings. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo
Hombu:P2:33]
34 There is no one in this world who does not belong.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:34]
35 Do not have a deceitful heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo Hombu:P2:35]
36 When selecting your spouse, do not be concerned with his or her superficial qualities, but be sure of the sincerity of his or her heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo
Hombu:P2:36]
37 In a marriage proposal, instead of inquiring into the social status or family lineage, ask about the personal
character of the concerned. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:37]
38 Do not think that you give birth through your own strength. Everything is done through the blessings of the
Parent Kami. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:38]
39 During pregnancy, instead of wearing the traditional maternity band, wear a band of sincerity around your heart.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:39]
40 While giving birth, lean on Kami instead of leaning on anything else. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:40]
41 Abandon your doubts and practice faith. Divine blessings are in one’s own heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:41]
42 You cannot control your life as you wish.[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:42]
43 Having or not having impurities depends upon your heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:43]
44 Whether or not your prayers are answered by divine blessings depends upon your heart. [GIII:Shinkun/ed.
Konkokyo Hombu:P2:44]
45 Being careful is the cane that prevents you from falling down. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:45]
46 Look forward to the future without saying negative things. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:46]
47 Instead of thinking about the pain you feel, be thankful and pray to receive blessings. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:47]
48 The poorest people are those who know neither Kami’s teachings nor the Konko Faith. [GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:48]
49 Because Kami can neither be heard nor seen, the room for doubt has no limits. Abandon all doubts.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:49]
50 Teach and pass on the Konko Faith to future generations without losing or straying from it.
[GIII:Shinkun/ed. Konkokyo Hombu:P2:50]