Blackwell Reference Online

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[ xxvi ] Perfect Liberty Kyodan, commonly abbreviated to PL Kyodan, was formally inaugurated in Japan in 1946 by Miki Tokuchika (1900–83). Its first and central teaching is that ‘life is art’ ( jinsei wa geijutsu de aru ). Each person has individual, K ami -given talents. The purpose of human life is to develop these endowments, to live selflessly, creatively and happily. When this happens, a person is at one with the kami (shinjin goitsu). This is perfect liberty. The ‘arts’ one may develop are limitless. This person may have a talent for singing, that one for library work, still another for golf. The important thing is to cultivate one's talents, remembering to be grateful to all who have gone before and to do what will make a contribution to the world. PL Kyodan teaches migawari , meaning that a member struck by sudden grief or suffering may commit it to the head of the organization, who will accept it vicariously as his own. There is also an incantation, oya shikiri , the utterance of which is said to give a person kami -like power and thus release from present problems. Members may also carry a protective A mulet. The organization is known for its computerized health records on all members. PL Kyodan has a close historical and doctrinal connection with an earlier organization, Tokumitsukyo. It considers Kanada Tokumitsu (1863–1919) as its founding father and Miki Tokuharu ... log in or subscribe to read full text