A spiritual path blending art, nature, and healing for universal harmony.
Shinji Shūmeikai, also known as Shumei, is a Japanese new religious movement established in 1970 by Mihoko Koyama, following the teachings of Mokichi Okada, also revered as Meishusama within the movement. Okada envisioned a world free from sickness, poverty, and strife, attainable through spiritual healing, a deep reverence for nature, and the appreciation of art and beauty. Shumei’s foundational beliefs stem from Okada’s insights, asserting that such a harmonious world is within everyone’s reach.
The organization traces its origins to the Shumei Church, part of the Sekai Kyūseikyō, or Church of World Messianity, with Koyama serving as president before establishing Shumei as an independent entity. Shumei promotes the spiritual healing practice of Jyorei, natural agriculture, and the appreciation of art and beauty as means to achieve personal and global harmony. These practices are seen as complementary to any religious belief, emphasizing Shumei’s inclusive nature and its dialogue with diverse spiritual paths for the promotion of peace and tolerance.
Headquartered near Shigaraki, Shiga, Japan, Shumei has a significant international presence, with centers across the United States and involvement in global initiatives. The movement’s philosophy is encapsulated by the teachings of Meishusama, who, after a life transformed by spiritual awakening and miraculous events, founded his own religious organization. He emphasized the transformative power of beauty, compassion, and gratitude, which he believed could lead to societal transformation and a better world.
Shumei’s practice of natural agriculture stands out as a distinctive element of its environmental ethos. This method prioritizes harmony with nature, eschewing artificial interventions in favor of a spiritual connection with the land. The organization’s efforts extend to cultural activities, including the promotion of arts and the operation of the Miho Museum in Japan, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei. The museum and Shumei’s architectural endeavors reflect the movement’s commitment to beauty and environmental balance.
image via Wikimedia Commons
