Mahikari rules derived from "Universal Principles"

In my last post I commented that the so-called universal principles in Mahikari teachings, at first glance, seem more like explanations of the way the world works, rather than the sort of rules that would impact on our everyday behavior. However, it seems to me that some rather far-reaching behavioral rules are derived from these principles.

For most people these days, any notion that women should be subservient to men is no longer tolerated. However, Sukyo Mahikari sends us back to the dark ages on this one with the "principle of the cross". Fire is regarded as spiritual, vertical, and male. Water is regarded as material, horizontal, and female. We are taught that in this age of dominance of fire over water, husbands must be dominant and wives must obey them. Yeech! Just as well I was not married during my time in Mahikari! (Does this mean that before the conversion of divine will and the start of the age of fire in 1962, women were supposed to dominate? And now we've missed our turn? Not fair!)

Next there is the Mahikari notion of a vertical hierarchy rather than a horizontal equality. I'm not sure if this notion derives from the above principle of the cross, or from the spirit first, mind follows, body belongs principle (upstream-downstream). Either way, it gives rise to behavioral rules. There is a strict hierarchy within Mahikari: God, Keishu, divisional and regional leaders, dojo kanbu, group leaders, then members. Within the ranks of dojo kanbu, there are precise rankings such that practically everyone is higher or lower than someone else.

If there is a decision to be made, a person is supposed to consult his or her immediate superior and follow the advice received. Use of initiative and solving problems oneself is definitely frowned on. Discussion or debate of the advice received is also not acceptable. Anything advised by one's superior is supposed to be followed without question. Members are taught that, even if the advice given is actually "wrong"in some sense, the correct thing is still to follow that advice, and God's protection will somehow magically make that advice "right".

The above hierarchical approach may not be expected quite so strictly amongst ordinary members. However, ordinary members are encouraged to accept the advice of kanbu, children are expected to respect and obey teachers, workers are expected to respect bosses, etc. The ultimate "rule" derived from this hierarchical approach is the teaching that we should be striving for a theocracy, rather than democracy.

According to primary kenshu, the principle of balance is the basis for the rule about people being as they should be. This rule says that men should behave and dress in a manly way, and women should behave and dress in a womanly way. Okada did not go so far as to define exactly what "womanly" clothes are, but when I was a member, this was always interpreted as being modest feminine dresses or skirts, rather than pants.

The principle of balance also applies to marriage. Okada taught that people are only able to marry if they are spiritually balanced with each other. In other words, you get the partner you deserve. Okada taught that divorce is not permitted. Unhappily married people are supposed to think that they are paying off negative karma (law of compensation) by staying with a spouse who mistreats them. They are also supposed to feel grateful for the chance to compensate in this way (the law of being grateful for everything).

Then there are the rules about sex itself: no sex outside marriage, no contraception, and no homosexual acts. When I was a member, people were not allowed to receive kenshu if they were "living in sin". They needed to either separate or marry if they wanted to receive kenshu.

I'm not sure if all of the rules in Sukyo Mahikari can be traced back to "universal principles", but one way or another, there are certainly many, many rules. Anyone who has ever been a member of Sukyo Mahikari will remember hundreds of detailed rules relating to the care of omitama, ancestors, and goshintai. There are also detailed rules about how to give okiyome and how to behave at dojo...wear socks, wash hands, greet God first, don't cross spiritual lines, don't put the palms of the hands or prayer books on the floor, and don't race off home before closing ceremony. Go to dojo at least 3 times a week, don't miss the monthly ceremony, go to study periods, and re-attend kenshu as often as possible.

Next we have all the rules concerning eating and health. No vaccinations for your kids, no medication, and no herbal remedies. Avoid artificial food additives, avoid really cold food, avoid massages, and avoid microwaved food. Don't use chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, and eat organically grown food. Give light to all your groceries, and eat with gratitude.

There are also rules governing acceptable attitudes: always be bright and positive, don't complain, don't judge others, be humble and obedient, be altruistic, don't be stingy, and be grateful for everything.

Have I forgotten any? I imagine I have...