金光教 · こんこうきょう · sects_organizations

Konkōkyō

A monotheistic Shintō-derived sect founded in 1859 by Konkō Daijin centred on Tenchi Kane no Kami.

Definition

Founded by the farmer Kawate Bunjirō (Konkō Daijin, 1814–1883) in Bitchū after a series of revelations identified the previously feared kami Konjin as Tenchi Kane no Kami ("Golden Kami of Heaven and Earth"), a benevolent parent-deity of the universe. The sect’s distinctive practice is toritsugi, mediated prayer in which a minister conveys the believer’s petition to Tenchi Kane no Kami and the kami’s response back. Recognised as one of the Thirteen Sects in 1900; headquartered at Konkō, Okayama, with missions worldwide including the Konko Churches of America.

Etymology

Konkō ("golden light", from the founder’s sacred name) + kyō