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