・When you join Shinji Kyōkai and become a shinja, do you always find salvation?
・Will there be any restrictions in your life?
・What is expected of you as a shinja?
・I’m not a smart person. Can someone like me understand the teachings?
・Will serious diseases be cured?
・How are you different from other religious organizations?
・What kind of system do you have for contributions or donations?
A
You will not experience salvation by simply joining Shinji Kyōkai. It is important to learn Kami’s teachings and to make them a part of your life. Your problems and suffering will not disappear like magic—life is not that easy. However, if you become a shinja and live your life together with the Kami, who truly exists, and live by the teachings, you will be greatly protected and guided to happiness without fail.
A
The teachings of Shinji Kyōkai are about refining and elevating the human character. There are no dogmas, religious precepts or rules to live with an inward-looking mindset. The teachings encourage you to practice the principles within your social environment. Therefore, there are no rules that will restrict your way of life. Rather, the teachings encourage you to meet many people and widen your circle of friends and acquaintances so that you are able to bring out the best of your inherent goodness.
Q3 What is expected of you as a shinja?
A
It is important to remain continually in touch with Kami’s teachings. This helps you to gain an insight into the problems and troubles that your kokoro is dealing with or aspects about your personality that get you into trouble with other people. When you realize this, kigan. Although your kokoro belongs to you, you do not have free control over its movement; and this is when Kami’s power and protection is needed. Strive to make the most of the teachings in your daily life, while depending on and speaking your mind to Kami. This repeated effort is the path of the shinja.
A
Shinji Kyōkai has been described as the “school of happiness.” What you learn here is not knowledge, but wisdom. The teachings are not difficult and easily understood by all. For example, when you express your thanks to someone who has helped you, you are practicing the teachings. If there is something that you do not understand, the shokuin (staff members) are open to questions and are quite willing to help you. In addition, there are also kakari (contact person) in your community who volunteer their time to give information about the church.
A
It is important to know the teachings about the right way to live so that you don’t fall ill. If you do become ill, but live each day with gratitude and a generous kokoro, you will not feel unhappy or miserable. This is not limited to illnesses, but to difficult situations that you may be experiencing. If you live by the Shinji during difficult times, you will be protected without fail, your kokoro will anchor, the environment or situation around you will change for the better, and you will begin to walk the path that is the best for you.
A
Each one of us has been given an unmei to be happy from Ōyamanezunomikoto at the time of our birth. Ōyamanezunomikoto is the Kami who is the source of all life and the parent of our kokoro. The power of Kami is immense. It guides the movement of the human kokoro and extends the human lifespan. What you learn at Shinji Kyōkai are the teachings of Kami. They are not teachings created by mankind; and they continue even now to be given to us by Kami. It is the one and only church of its kind in this world.
A
Shinji Kyōkai does not have a system of donations or contributions. After you register as a shinja, you are only required to pay annual membership dues (annual dues are 9,600 yen for adults and 6,000 yen for minors under the age of 15). The membership dues are used to cover the cost of lectures, educational materials, the operations and maintenance of each facility needed to maintain an environment to save and help people. There are no other monetary obligations other than the annual membership dues.