Ōmoto

Ōmoto (大本, Ōmoto</i ^?) is a Japanese religion, which is usually included within the new Japanese religious movements, organized outside of Shinto.

History

The so-called "new religions" there are more than 400 cults that were born in Japan after 1800, and that normally incorporated syncretic elements of Shintoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Bahaism and Christianity. Many of them were founded by women, who have great influence on their development, and have their spiritual center in a particular city or sanctuary.

The Oomoto religion was founded in 1892 by Nao Deguchi. The "spirit guides" they are women of the Deguchi family, and since 2001 this position has been held by Kurenai Deguchi.

Onisaburo Deguchi.

The movement progressed between 1900 and 1948, thanks among other things to the activity of the second guide's husband, Onisaburo Deguchi, who spread the religion to other countries, including some Europeans. The use of the international language Esperanto played a prominent role in his strategy, which is still strongly supported today by the followers of this group.

Initially the movement was persecuted by the Japanese government. In the period 1935-1942 the Oomoto cult had its activities prohibited. It currently has about 180,000 members, of which about 45,000 are active. Most are concentrated in the vicinity of Kyoto. In Ayabe there is a religious center, with the sanctuary of Chosey-den, built entirely of wood. In Kameoka there is a mission center.

Oomoto had a great influence on Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikidō.

Concepts

Oomoto worshipers tend to recognize notable religious figures from other faiths as kami, a broader concept than God. It is partly a universalist desire, with a tendency to unify religions.