Thursday, March 25, 2010

Mahikari and Swami Rama < 6 > ; so-called light

This post continues the topic concerning the quote from "Go-taidan-shuu" (p306-307) in the post "Mahikari and Swami Rama < 4 > " (Japanese`~ Sep.2009, English ~ Oct. 2009).

♦"What you call Light"

"I don't understand where what you call light comes from." - - - This sounds as if Rama had admitted that so-called light surely came out, but that he had no idea where it was coming from. However, we mustn't forget that it was Okada who was talking.

It is, of course, possible that Rama believed what Okada said, since he talked with full confidence as if he were an authority.

Okada started the claim that people who had taken his course, received Omitama around the neck and raised the hand, could radiate 'light'. Mahikari followers, so-called "kumite", having been taught so, raise the hand, believing that light comes out from the hand. They simply believe that Mahikari's claim has been proven when they see a so-called 'recipient' showing 'spirit movements'. According to Mahikari, when members raise the hand, light is radiated, affecting the attaching spirit.

The beliefs of Mahikari followers go something like this: Okada said so and the subsequent organization says so. I myself experienced what seemed to fit its claim or/and I've heard other members' stories. Therefore, Mahikari is real.

In reality, however, the claim that 'light comes out' when they raise the hand has not been proved, not to mention 'attaching spirits' or 'spirits disturbance'.

There was an explanation like this; since this "divine light" is a higher dimensional light, science (today's materialistic temporary science [Note 1] ), which hasn't reached that range, cannot catch it. This means that science cannot prove its existence and cannot examine it either.

The explanation that modern science has not yet reached that level is very effective as a trap, which doesn't need any substantial evidence.

This excuse may sound possible and gives the followers the expectation that it will be proven sometime in the future, when science has reached that degree of progress. Actually it is completely all right if science cannot prove its existence, as the followers can remain believing forever that science has not yet reached that level.

Okada's claim that (Human and Modern) Science is, after all, temporary science, not 'divine science', implants distrust in science and scientific ways of thinking in the followers' minds, opening the way for a world which is structured by beliefs only. Its followers are led to accept that Mahikari is divine science, which cannot be confirmed by lower-dimensional human science. Therefore, the reality that the existence of 'light' cannot be scientifically confirmed or examined doesn't bother them. They assure themselves that it is a fact that light comes out from the hand, because the cult teaches so and because they believe so.

This means that the members are made to believe the existence of something that cannot be proven to exist, by the cult which insists it does. It is possible that that something actually doesn't exist. So it is possible that the members are made to believe the existence of something that actually doesn't exist.

Mahikari followers have an expectation that people will feel something once they experience 'light' from the hand (Okiyome). In fact, some may feel warmth or being pressed when they 'receive light'. Even so, however, it doesn't prove Mahikari's claim is correct - the claim that '(divine) light' comes out from the hand.

A strong possibility is that it is the effect of suggestion. On top of that, people in the world outside of Mahikari may feel something which cannot be seen by the eyes, and phenomena like 'spirits movements' can be seen outside of Mahikari, too. These have nothing to do with Mahikari courses, Omitama, raising the hand, or its teachings. [Note 2]

Some Mahikari members, I remember, spoke as if the existence of 'light' had been confirmed, since they had seen it coming out from the hand or goshintai or since they had heard that psychic people could see it.

On the other hand, some said that divine light was not meant to be seen by ordinary people, and that it was spirits disturbance if someone was able to see it. It sounds odd. Yet, in the world of Mahikari incoherent things are overlooked with a claim that there is "depth of the depth". The members simply give up thinking on that point.

I found the following comment on a Japanese internet discussion site:


They say that it is spirits disturbance to be able to see light.
They say that high-dimensional divine light cannot be examined.

That is, it ought not to be seen, and it is inconvenient if it is seen.

Rather, I should put it this way.
What Mahikari calls light cannot be examined even to check whether it is divine light or not.
It's not worth believing in such a thing, is it?

Though it might be a 'healing power which human beings are born with',
Mahikari, taking advantage of its being unable to be examined,
simply declares it to be divine light. That's all.

Nonetheless, one thing has been proven from the past history.
Mahikari's divine light is light which never heals anything,
for nobody has been saved by it. (laugh)
- - - - Sukyo Mahikari wo kire! - 154


There were people who blindly believed that Mahikari had saved them and probably there are such people even now. However, surely, there has not been any single case among miracle stories which has documents factual enough for examinations by a third party. Nevertheless, the followers are made to believe that it is a fact that light comes out from the hand, and that people are saved by that.

Mahikari followers have much more obscure and confused ideas regarding the difference between beliefs and facts than the outside people in general. When they hear the facts in reality, they cannot amend what they've learned from the cult. Of course, if they amend what they've learned from the cult, they won't be able to continue Mahikari beliefs (Okada used the kanji 'facing-god' for Mahikari beliefs as if Mahikari were far more than just believing.) So even when the facts in reality and the contradictions are pointed out, they stick to the claim that Mahikari is correct nonetheless. They stubbornly continue worshiping and defending Mahikari, speaking abusively of those who point out the facts and contradictions about Mahikari. You can see that in the comments by Mahikari supporters and worshippers on the net. It probably is the result from their involvement in Mahikari's tekazashi and teachings.

When you think about their reactions, doesn't it sound strange? Mahikari claims that it is 'divine light', and that it purifies spirits and souls. When spirit and soul are purified by Mahikari, diseases will be cured, misfortunes will be kept at bay, people will develop goodness in their nature, they will lose the urge of fighting or quarreling, etc. . . . . Okada enumerated those sound-good effects. [Note 3] His claims such as diseases will be cured and misfortunes will be kept at bay are not factual at all. In addition, all sorts of abusive language by Mahikari supporters and worshippers show that Mahikari has nothing to do with 'purifying', 'being purified', 'developing goodness in human nature' and so on, don't you think? Okada's statements such as one's personality changes unconsciously and that one comes to dislike being opposed to other people and quarreling ("Go-taidan-shuu"(p182) [Note 3 ]) are, here too, far from the reality, becoming empty statements.

By the way, did Rama actually receive 'Okiyome' and feel so-called light? Or was he impressed by Okada, who spoke full of confidence? Both claimed that they had made friends with each other and kept their relationship in that way. Yet neither of them seem to have believed and adopted what the other was doing and teaching.

For instance, Okada, while implying that Mahikari-no-waza was the same as yoga's essence, didn't show accurate understanding of yoga. He even denied meditation and ascetic training ('gyo'). [Note 4] On the other hand, Rama didn't seem to have accepted and believed 'spirits disturbance' or 'spirits attachment'.

I haven't got the book by Rama, "Living with the Himalayan Masters", in which he talks about the encounter with Okada. However, there may be a hint in his disciples' website which was mentioned in "Mahikari and Swami Rama" ( Japanese~ 04/2009, English~ May 2009 ). The article describes Mahikari as a method to visualize 'light' coming out from the hand. This description can be considered as equivalent to 'image therapy' in modern time.



[Note 1] The expression "The realm of today's materialistic pseudo science" is used in the Mahikari primary kenshu textbook - based upon lectures by the founder - Chapter 12; "The Dawn of True Science". (Japanese textbook & English textbook ~ 1980's) 2001's English textbook has the expression "The realm of modern provisional materialistic science" in Chapter 8; "Toward the dawn of true science".

[Note 2] examples:

✴In the website mentioned in "Mahikari and Swami Rama < 4 > ", Rama talks about health. He mentions meditation. When you keep still and close your eyes, the body moves. This is just body disturbance, he says.

✴A Qigong master, Chunyi Lin tells about his own experience in his book "Born A Healer". He suffered intense pain in his knees. He tried many different treatments except surgery, but didn't improve. One day he attended a renowned Qigong master's workshop. He closed his eyes and, after a while, his body started rocking side to side, backward and forward, then he was rolling on the ground . . . his throat made funny noises, and suddenly he burst into laughter . . . . and so on. These movements were outside of his control. He also experienced cold, warm, itchy feelings one after another. Right after the workshop, the pain was gone and he was able to run and jump again. He uses the words Qi movements and Qi reactions to explain about such body movements.

[Note 3] examples:

✴When divinization becomes possible, misfortunes (will disappear) and diseases will be cured as additional benefits. Thus, it converts mankind to goodness. That's Mahikari-no-waza, I'm telling you. - - "Go-taidan-shuu"(p 177)

✴It is today's Mahikari-no-waza that changes human nature to be good without any argument or questions and cures diseases on the way, I tell you. - - "Go-taidan-shuu"(p178)

✴When human beings get to the state of liberation from sickness, evil spirits and devils are gone accordingly. That's one thing. Therefore, we are liberated from sickness. Since evil spirits and devils are gone from a person, this person's nature becomes better, you know. In other words, one's heart becomes very pure.
Then, that person's heart becomes very calm, you see. Becoming calm, that is, becoming peaceful. Therefore, being angry, being jealous, hatred, and being short-tempered disappear.
In this way, one changes into a person whose mood is very bright, who has come to dislike quarreling. The personality changes unconsciously and one comes to dislike being opposed to other people and quarreling. The change happens, not intentionally, but without knowing it. . . . . . . - - "Go-taidan-shuu"(p181-182)

[Note 4] Refer to "Mahikari and Swami Rama" (Japanese~ 04/2009, English~ May 2009) and "Mahikari and Swami Rama < 2 > " (Japanese~ 06/2009, English~ June 2009)



- - - - Phoenix3000

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was a former member of The Miami Jun Dojo (Mahikari). I would say that Mahikari is a waste of time because it did not solve any of the problems in my life. They claim as stated in the Prayer book that "All Problems will be solved by giving Divine Light" Nothing could be further from the truth. Organized Religion is flawed because it is not based upon experience or truth. It is wonderful that you are educating people on the flaws with this organization that takes advantage of people.

March 28, 2010  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This cult claims to solve "spirit disturbances" - oh yes I saw plenty of it at our centre and unfortunately it didnt get "solved". There were always plenty of explanations why not - like not giving enough "Divine Service" - spending endless and wasteful hours in the dojos giving light. And this is supposed to erase your sins and impurities - what a joke!

April 02, 2010  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Greetings from Puerto Rico.
Mahikari is manipulating the truth to gain power. The human being has been controlled by fear and guilt through history; its an old trick.
What they call light is "chi" in China, "ki" in Japan, "prana" in India, its real and part of the human nature. The "chi" goes where the mind goes. Mahikari tells you to avoid maditation because that will free you from their chains. Look in YouTube for a excelent meditation master - Mantak Chia.
One last thing, there is a scientist that relates meditation and body electricity to regenerate the body: Robert Becker( Bob Beck ), he is also in YouTube.

May 09, 2010  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was doing some research and came upon your website.

I am very sorry to hear that you and the others commenting here hold these negative opinions. My experience with Sukyo Mahikari had been completely the opposite. I meditated on my own for several years and began to experience intense spirit disturbances. I then became very sick and weak. I visited many healers--however, only when I began receiving God's Light and I became an active member did my life start to take a turn for the better. I have now been a member for over 16 years. I have experienced both the so-called good and the so-called bad. I still persevere. I know that God's Light has helped me immensely, and I know for a fact that the teachings are the truth. I think people expect a rapid turnaround, but that will not happen for most. We didn't get to where we are spiritually overnight, and this practice is in place for the next 5,000 years, so you know it will be a long haul before we and everything else is purified. The fact that you feel you have not been saved in a short amount of time indicates that your grasp of the teachings may be superficial and based only on selfish concerns. That is understandable. I only say this because I can see that most people want a quick "fix," (just as I did) but this will probably not happen. As the teachings say, approach God step by step. Please consider why you are blogging and criticizing Sukyo Mahikari. What is your goal here? This is no cult. Anyone may leave the organization at any time. I can only surmise that you are disappointed you were not quickly saved the way you thought you would be.

This is a path of service to God and others. If you approach it any other way, you will always be able to find room for complaint and dissatisfaction. I have been to Suza (the main world shrine) several times, I have had experiences with the Holy Masters, I have seen the gold dust, I have "felt" the Light intensely. I have had countless spiritual experiences regarding spirits and the Light. I have had incredible blessings and really sad things occur all at the same time. It is all God's arrangement, even if we cannot comprehend it. We're dealing with God here! I know this to be true. I am probably an exception, but that is not important. If the Light exists, It exists for everyone, regardless of their experience. God is just trying to teach us in different ways according to what He thinks we need for our spiritual growth.

My intent is to ask you to stop and think about why you first joined the organization (if you ever did), why you left, and why you downgrade this organization publicly now. Do you truly want to help others and make the world a better place? If so, please try your best to serve God on another path and use your time constructively. You could, at least, find some solace in that.

I am hardly perfect and am having a very challenging time right now in my life. However, without giving and receiving God's Light regularly, I could not have done what I have done over the past few years.

Please do not take my comments as a put-down because they are not meant to be that. I hope you can grow closer to God somehow and find greater happiness another way. We are all searching. Find something that helps you and keeps you positive. And good luck!

November 22, 2010  
Blogger Anne said...

Thanks for your long and thoughtful comment.

Firstly, I'm not sure if you were addressing this comment to Phoenix (author of this particular post) or to me (the originator of this blog), but you are obviously very sincere, so I'd like to respond. Besides, you were nice enough to wish me/us well even though you don't like what we say!

Your assumption that I/we were short-term members of Mahikari looking for a quick fix is not accurate. I was a member for 10 years, and Phoenix was for about twice that long. We were probably just as dedicated and sincere in our beliefs as you are!

I can understand you making that assumption if you've not read much of what I and other former members have written about Mahikari. At least you don't assume we are just acting on some petty personal grievance like some people have suggested! If the only information you have about Mahikari is what the teachings and kanbu say, then you must be genuinely puzzled about why anyone would be critical.

I and others have done a lot of research into the background of Mahikari - after devoting years of my life to it, it was obviously very important to me to find what was true and what was not. There is clear evidence of various serious deceptions over the years. There is a brief summary of some of these in an open letter to kamikumite. There is a much longer article in the Japanese Journal of Religious Studies here which pieces together snippets of information in Mahikari literature with information available elsewhere in an attempt to work out how Mahikari really originated.

If you read these 2 articles, I think you will see that I am quite sincere about what I write. I am only interested in the truth. If you see anything in these articles that you think I've misinterpreted, please tell me! (You can use this comment function again, or use the email address at the top of the blog to write to me directly if you prefer.)

November 22, 2010  
Anonymous Vicky said...

I believe that the Sukyo Mahikari organization does communicate with the spiritual world and offers its members some form of "spiritual power and truth". What you feel and experience when you practice "light" is not a result of brainwashing or mind control.

However, the Sukyo Mahikari organization is deceptive when it comes to the source of their power. They claim they are representatives of the Almighty and Eternal God of all other gods in heaven and earth. This is the lie! They are actually high-level demon worshippers and this is where they receive their power.

The organization is truthful about helping members to remove unclean low-level evil spirits and they do this well. When you first start out there is a noticeable difference in the way you feel. The higher evil spirits remove the low-level evil spirts or bring them under their control. However, as time goes on you will either not see any improvements or begin to feel worse than before. In either case, this is the effect of worshipping demons. You have to be effective at bringing others under their control in order get a feel good high or some other form of reward. Think of it as being a salesperson. If you don't keep the souls coming, they bascially desert you. They are only looking for people that have the ability to bring masses of souls under their control or very rich or powerful ones.

After spending a night in my local dojo, I became mentally ill for three weeks. One of their high-level demons tried to possess my mind and body and I fought it off with every bit of strengh I had praying to the Almighty that I did not want to be evil. I actually never stopped praying to the Almigthy as I learned from the Bible as child. This was because I believed their claims that they were worshipping Him and it wouldn't matter what name I call him. I remember the mahikari minister discouraged me from continuing to read the Bible and also said I should only use the name "SU" because of spiritual significance. I thought to myself, why would the Almighty God not know I am praying to him. It's really because SU is their god and they are not one in the same.

After I left, I read the whole Bible and found that what or who they claim to represent is totally false and is contrary to the teachings in the Bible. There is actually scripture in the Bible that does warn people that Satan himself will/can claim to be the Almighty. Most Christians or westerners do not know this is even possible because they subscribe to mainstream religion, which is usually led by low-level evil spirits or false shepherds who want to control them.

Basically, Sukyo Mahikari claims to take unclean spirits away but they only replace them with new high-level ones that can be more ruthless and cruel if you don't follow their orders. It's like the constant battle between two political parties, except they are competing for your soul. Unless they find you particularly useful, they will not cater to you (even if you are a current member). You will continue to have difficulties or "spiritual disturbance". The disturbance is actually their own spirits tyring to control you against our Almighty God given free-will. This is what creates emotional problems and mental illness and Sukyo Mahikari truthfully explained this. They only failed to mention that they are evil spirits as well and will guilt you into making you think it's your fault.

December 09, 2010  
Anonymous Vicky said...

They are not the only organization doing this. They will tell humans whatever will convince them to worship them. If you like "altruistic love" and "righteousness", then you will be moved towards this organization. If you like mysticim, Kaballah. Power and prestige because you are famous or vain, Scientology. They have tons of these organizations and they are all basically doing the same thing. At some point, they are all going to combine under one to bring all souls in the world under one power. Some describe it as a NWO or Golden Age. It's the old time gods from Ancient Sumeria. Most westerners have never seen them before because they went into hiding. The greatest trick Satan played on the world was making people think he did not exist. They wrote off every ancient civilization's belief in the gods as myth, supersitious, and a primitive attempt to explain sciences beyond their time. They were wrong. The ancient people knew about the gods and how cruel they were and had to worship them or be punished. They believed their purpose for existence was to serve the gods. That is why you will never truly feel happy in Sukyo Mahikari or any devil worshipping organization. Your job in life is to serve them and you become a spiritual slave and you are trapped. You can't actually put the feeling to words, but you keep saying if only I do this one thing more I will feel good again. If only I work a little harder, I will feel good like the first time I received light. It's a bait and trap. I have never felt better after leaving the organization and returning my focus on actually trying to live life as a good person. If you are brave enough to stop praying to "SU", you will pray to the Almighty Eternal God of all other gods and begin to feel normal and good again. He is a good God, one who wants us all to really love and help each other and he doesn't want to control our minds and make us miserable. His only requirement is we give our very best to be good to one another on Earth and help each other and he will bless us. Very simple compared to demons, but if you like power, corruption, and greed, then you can enjoy your demons and watch them walk all over your life.

December 09, 2010  

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