alicia fung hon291s fall 2010. noting the abundance of japanese in mo’ili’ili, the most...
TRANSCRIPT
Buddhism in Mo’ili’iliWith a focus on:
Tensho Kotai Jingu KyoThe Dancing Religion
Alicia FungHON291SFall 2010
Noting the abundance of Japanese in Mo’ili’ili, the most prevalent religion in Mo’ili’ili is Buddhism. The symbol that appears on numerous gravestones in Mo’ili’ili cemetery is related to either Shingon Buddhism or the Tensho Kotai Jingu Kyo.
Hypothesis
Founded by Sayo Kitamura◦ Known as Ogamisama (Great God) by followers
The beginnings of Tensho Kotai Jingu Kyo
Believed to be “God’s only daughter” destined to save mankind
Starting preaching in 1945 in Yamaguchi, Japan
May1952, came to Honolulu
Attracted many Issei Japanese after WWII◦ Sought a new religion with promise of fulfillment◦ Wanted world peace, brotherhood
Tensho Kotai Jingu Kyo offered just that
Followers
75-80% were between 40-60 years old◦ Although Japanese were
dominant, also attracted Chinese, Koreans, Puerto Ricans, Filipinos and Caucasians
Main branch was formed in Mo’ili’ili◦ Mr. Takeyoshi Hirai (A tailor)
2716 S. King StHonolulu, HI
Gather weekly in living room of his cottage
One Sunday each month, meet for “Consolation Day” at park◦ Members pray until dancing
Hence “dancing religion”
In Mo’ili’ili
Mantra
“Nam myoho renge kyo”
• Prayer recited vigorously and rhythmically so it’s almost sing-song
Followers are in an emotional state of prayer
Ecstasy Dance
Supposed to give participant supernatural insight into universe
Prayers have power to “redeem all evil spirits..”
Efficacy carries on into daily life
Shingon Buddhism
南無大師遍照金剛
“Namu daishi henjo
kongo”
In Mo’ili’ili Cemetery…
hrīḥ Sanskrit Symbol
◦ Seed syllable for Amitābha (Buddha of the Western Quarter) In Japanese: Amida Nyorai
◦ Represents chiefly meditation and compassion
◦ Pronounced (キリーク) [kiri-ku] in Japanese
Shingon Mantra◦ On amirita teizei kara un
Pure Land Buddhist Mantra◦ Namu amida butsu
Shingon Buddhism◦ Orthodox Esoteric Buddhism◦ Characterized by dancing, eccentric rituals, prayer and
chant etc Pure Land Buddhism
◦ Focused on Amitabha Buddha◦ Of all Buddhism sects, Pure Land is the most practiced
Buddhism in Hawaii Jodo Shinshu Sect is largest
◦ Recitation & reading of Pure Land Sutras They are both two different schools of Buddhism
◦ But they share similar concepts
Shingon vs. Pure Land Buddhism
Tensho Kotai Jingu Kyo & Shingon Buddhism were both popular religions in Mo’ili’ili. The symbol on many gravestones that was thought be a Buddhist sect symbol is actually a Sanskrit symbol – related to Shingon Buddhism.
Conclusion
Brady, Spence. Hawaii’s ‘Dancing Goddess’ Prays for World Peace. The Honolulu Advertiser. January 26, 1961.
Jabbour, Miller E. The Sect of Tensho-Kotai-Jingyu-Kyo: The Emergence and Career of a Religious Movement. University of Hawaii. August 1958.
Tensho Kotai Jingu Kyo. The Prophet of Tabuse. Tabuse, Yamaguchi Pref., Japan. 1954.
"Amitābha and Amitāyus." Visible Mantra. Jayarava, 2009. Web. <http://www.visiblemantra.org/amitabha.html>.
Sources