WisdomKeepers

WisdomKeepers Explore Wisdom

from Sukyo Mahikari

by Leena Banerjee Brown, Ph.D.

Sukyo itself means “the universal laws established by the Creator at the time of the Creation so that all things in the universe can prosper eternally,” and Mahikari (being a combination of Ma which is Truth and hikari which is Light) means “True Light,” the Light of the Creator which purifies all things. Because the objective of Sukyo Mahikari is to help people awaken to universal (or divine) principles and to encourage them to

respect and practice these principles in daily life, it is an example of today’s global trend toward expression of universal truth and the hope for a healthy global civilization. Typifying a spiritual community for the global age, Sukyo Mahikari is an organization where people from all walks of life and different backgrounds come together to develop themselves spiritually so they can realize their true potential as human beings, enjoy better health and well-being. A major principle of the movement is its commitment to green living and sustainability.

In the day-to-day life of its adherents, the lifestyle tools that Sukyo Mahikari would like to share with everyone include its spiritual energy practices—the art of True Light—and its teachings concerning universal principles that could achieve the type of future world that so many long for. For Sukyo Mahikari adepts, the practice of giving and receiving divine Light allows people to gradually awaken to the existence of the spiritual dimension—the world of the subtle and spiritual realms and the reality of God, Source, or Creator, the subtle vibrations of their soul or true self, as well as the subtle vibrations of their innermost attitude and those of others. The integration of these felt experiences and understandings has a profound influence on human life. It leads to an appreciation of the close interconnection and relationship between spirit, mind, and body, and particularly the importance of one’s inner life.

A major Sukyo Mahihari principle is expressed as the principle of “spirit first, mind next, body follows.” Utilizing both the teachings and practices, people can cultivate a positive and holistic attitude and elevate the vibration of their innermost attitude in the direction of pure, altruistic love and harmony. As a result, they can be people of high self-esteem and confidence and find deeper purpose and meaning in their lives. Following a spiritual path develops the mind’s reflective capacity to shift our innermost attitudes from material-centeredness to spiritcenteredness. As a result, we more easily perceive the deeper meaning in our experiences and others’ experiences. This helps us

become more conscious of the connection between the true self, in the depths of our minds and bodies, and God. We are also better able to empathically connect with others’ experiences and true selves, making others feel deeply seen and heard. Our relationships with others are enhanced, contributing to our well-being. Such development of our human core nurtures our sense of connection with nature (and its stewardship) and with humanity.[i]

When human souls return to the astral realm it is possible for their descendants in the physical realm to assist them in their astral life. For this reason, respect and veneration have been practiced by different cultures throughout the ages in many parts of the world. Sukyo Mahikari teachings recommend that people take care of their ancestors in a specific way which includes the inauguration of “name tablets” for ancestor spirits. The name tablets are housed in an “ancestor altar” which is placed in one’s home. Through the name tablets, descendants establish a line of communication to their ancestors in the astral realm and provide a means through which they can express their gratitude for the guidance and protection they receive from them. Through the name tablets, ancestor spirits can absorb energy from food and drink offered by their descendants. In the astral realm, name tablets and peoples’ service to their ancestors has a deep meaning for ancestor spirits.

To practice the art of True Light, a person participates in the Sukyo Mahikari primary course. At the end of the primary course, he or she receives a divine pendant (Omitama) [ii] which allows a person to become a channel for God’s Light. God’s Light surrounds us all the time and what Omitama does, rather like a television receiver, is attract the high, pure vibrations of this spiritual energy and at the same time, like a lens, it concentrates and focuses it. When a person wears an Omitama, God’s Light constantly flows through the person’s spiritual, astral, and physical bodies, thus purifying them. Furthermore, when a person gives Light, the Light purifies anyone and anything to which it is directed. At the same time, the Light has a deep purifying effect on the person also. It is thanks to Omitama that the art of

True Light can be practiced without the need for a long period of spiritual training.

God’s Light can be radiated to anything-food, animals, plants, homes, workplaces, gardens, and so on. By purifying their surroundings with God’s Light, many people notice that their surroundings become more pleasant and often appear brighter. In ancient times certain holy people practiced the art of True Light. It was a skill bestowed by God on those people, or the skill was attained after a long period of intense training. Since 1959, as a result of a covenant with Kōtama Okada, the art of True Light can now be learned by ordinary people for the first time in human history.[iii] Leena Banerjee Brown, Ph.D., is the author of True Light: Ordinary People on the Extraordinary Spiritual Path of Sukyo Mahikari. She is a psychologist, a Sukyo Mahikari practitioner, and member of its Pasadena Center in Los Angeles, California, USA. She devotes her life to helping people tune in to grow spiritually through the Light and principles. Her online courses on Spirit-centered self-awareness will appear at elevateyouce.com

[i] Brown, L.B. 2021. True Light: Ordinary People on the Extraordinary Spiritual Path of Sukyo Mahikari. New York NY: Light on Light Press

[ii] The prefix O indicates respect, mi means divine, and tama means “spirit.” Thus Omitama means “divine spirit”. The spiritual cord that exists thanks to Omitama serves a different function than the spiritual cord that exists between a person and his or her guardian spirit.

[iii] Chang, S.E. (Ed). 2007. God’s Light and the Universal Principles for all Humanity: An Introduction to Sukyo Mahikari, L.H. Europe, Ansembourg, Luxembourg. Second Edition.