Encyclopedia of Religion Second Edition, copyright 2005 Thomson Gale a part of The Thomson Corporation, Lindsay Jones Editor in Chief, Vol.10, pg. 6574, Robert S. Ellwood, Shimazono Susumu
Religions of the world: a comprehensive encyclopedia of beliefs and practices/ J. Gordon Melton, Martin Baumann, editors; Todd M. Johnson, World Religious Statistics; Donald Wiebe, Introduction-2nd ed., Copyright 2010 by ABC-CLIO, LLC. Reproduced with permission of ABC-CLIO, Santa Barbara, CA.
Shinnyo-en is one of the many new religious movements in Japan which is known as Shinshukyo or Shinko Shukyo. This sect was originally founded by husband and wife team Shinjo Ito/Tomoji Ito and is mostly identified with esoteric Shingon or Vajrayana Buddhism as well as combing elements of Theravada and Mahayana. I have previously written about Buddhism on my blogsite and you are welcome to view these links if you are interested.
Along with Buddhist principles, Shinjo Ito also studied the science of divination or Byozeisho as prescribing to the mysticism of occultic practices as found in shamanism and fortunetelling as a participant of modern spiritualism.
Anyway many of the eastern cults depend upon the exclusivity of one or another of the selective sutras which they claim to be the final authority and Shinnyo-en is no exception to this rule as its specified sacred text is the Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra. In this document one of the unfounded controversial doctrines is the notion that all beings possess a natural, unfettered purity; yet based on the global evidence across all cultures this position has failed to be authenticated as there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary concerning the reality of human evil which pervades every aspect of society.
This group also teaches a meditative practice known as sesshin as well as the observance of the Lantern Floating and O-bon ceremonies as a means to achieving compassion and kindness towards others. This along with the fire ritual or goma/homa is supposedly a method to affect the spiritual maturation of a practitioner. Yet however meaningful, sentimental and inspiring these activities or practices may be to the adherent; how do these isolated and culturally superstitious customs really bring about any kind of lasting and significant change to the individual?
Also unprovable is the fabled belief of its leaders concerning the mysterious death of their sons which they strategically used to advance their philosophical position as to signify that this somehow opened a spiritual path in beginning to bring about Bakku Baiju or the great power of salvation which is questionable in light of their limited impact on society.
Positively speaking this movement is known for some degree of participation in bringing about humanitarian aid as well as supporting a basis for moral beliefs which coincides with the spirit of Buddhist practice as adhering to the Five Precepts and the Eightfold Path as cultivating virtue. However, this emphasis and practice of good behavior is common among many religions and cults in helping to advance their influence which from a humane point of view may be good but I question its ability to make a vital connection with an absolute or ultimate spiritual reality.
Furthermore its pristine benefits are heralded while the fine print of its side effects are obscured as it medicates it patients under the false label of its own prescribed concoction of medicinal truth. Thus it openly parades its humanitarian position while the dark side of the movement remains unnoticed behind its demonic mask of influence which the bible warns about in, 2 Corinthians 11:14. This is similar to how the dark angel or the Devil himself deceives others as presenting his personage as an angel of light. Likewise the tutelage of these human spiritual guides are under Satanic inspiration as they serve as mediums or reinosha by assisting others with their gifts or faculties towards the progression of spiritual advancement.
Deuteronmy 19:9-14
Abominable Practices
9 “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer 11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, 12 for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, 14 for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.
Here are some testimonies of others who have been subjected to the destruction of occultic influences of mysticism in its many and diverse forms.
In closing Jesus has powerfully demonstrated His salvation to the world as Christianity is presently the largest religious movement to date. Also there are many undeniable proofs and testimonies which are so voluminous that it would be difficult to deny the reality of His imposing presence and influence on others. That is why I am including my testimony along with many others.
Finally you can be sure of knowing the future of your eternal destiny apart from attempting to divine truth through a medium. Without further assistance you can directly come to the one and perfect mediator between God and mankind; the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus alone can guide you on the path of enlightenment by renewing your mind, heart and speech.
Additionally you don’t need to advance your way towards attaining higher levels of spirituality through a service of commitment to a pseudo religious program or cause as Jesus’ work is effectual which does not require the rigors of religious devotion to earn or merit the benefit of His actions in regards to His mercy and grace which a person can freely receive according to the perfect gift of Christ which stands in contrast to a person’s inability to achieve moral righteousness and perfection in trying to save ones self through mediation, vows, rituals and training etc. Lastly I would simply ask you to sincerely and openly reflect on these matters by examining your heart and may God the Father plainly reveal to you the truth as you contemplate the possibility towards receiving the real happiness of eternal joy which is in Christ Jesus.
Encyclopedia of Religion Second Edition, copyright 2005 Thomson Gale a part of The Thomson Corporation, Lindsay Jones Editor in Chief, Vol.10, pg. 6574, Robert S. Ellwood, Shimazono Susumu
Religions of the world: a comprehensive encyclopedia of beliefs and practices/ J. Gordon Melton, Martin Baumann, editors; Todd M. Johnson, World Religious Statistics; Donald Wiebe, Introduction-2nd ed., Copyright 2010 by ABC-CLIO, LLC. Reproduced with permission of ABC-CLIO, Santa Barbara, CA.
