O'Sensei and Omoto-Kyo

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[dps]

Was O'sensei a follower of Omoto-Kyo at the time of his death.

David

[Josh Reyer]

Yes.

[Ethan Weisgard]

Ah! A true zen moment in the Aikiweb Forum - gotta love that!

In Aiki,

Ethan

[mathewjgano]

Was O'sensei a follower of Omoto-Kyo at the time of his death.

David

My understanding is that he also travelled to many shrines, learning Jinja Shinto as well.

[dps]

I recently read an article that in it said that he was not a member of the sect at the time of his death.

David

[Josh Reyer]

I recently read an article that in it said that he was not a member of the sect at the time of his death.


"Member of the sect" is not necessarily synomous with "follower". Is that how you meant it in your first post?

If so, the answer is "No." Or, "Yes and no." Following the second Omoto incident, he essentially cut his public ties with the organization, going his own way in Iwama. But there was never a "recantation" of his belief -- he continued to lecture using Omoto theology, and in a post-war interview (published in either vol. 1 or 2 of the Japanese version of Aiki News' "Ueshiba Morihei and Aikido"), the interviewer mentions Deguchi and Omoto, and Ueshiba has nothing but good things to say about them, stressing that Omoto-kyo is "democratic" (民主主義). Also, in Ueshiba Kisshomaru's biography of Morihei, there's a later picture of Morihei (in full beard, wearing a very fine looking kimono) with, IIRC, Deguchi Naohi, the third successor of Deguchi Nao.

Also, FWIW, when the Aiki Taisai is held every year at the Aiki Shrine in Iwama, Omoto priests conduct the rites.

[dps]

Thank you Josh.

David