Johrei

From a western allopathic medical perspective, like other types of paranormal healing, Johrei is not considered plausible and has no good evidence of benefit.[1]

However, Johrei members often publish testimonies of personal experiences of healing they have received through the practice.

A scientific study published 2006, did show that exam-stressed participants had a reduction of stress after receiving Johrei,[5] and reduction in stress is linked to generating the natural wellbeing states of the parasympathetic nervous system.[6]

Okada was born into a Buddhist family, learned about the traditional Japanese nature religion, Shinto, and became a member of Omoto, one of Japan's new religions, where he practiced a traditional Shinto-based purifying therapy. Okada gained a dedicated following and published a number of magazines and books, personalising his healing technique into Okada Purifying Therapy. He explained that this type of healing technique works was because synthetic substances or metabolic wastes in the body become toxins, which cause many forms of illnesses, and transform into defilement in the spirit. Furthermore, bad behavior or ideas produce defilement in the spirit and become toxins in the body. Removal of toxins in the body, that is, elimination of defilement in the spirit, results in the fundamental solution of any type of illness and leads to true happiness.[7]

In 1925, Okada explained he had a vision of the Buddhist Bodhisattva Kannon (Kuan Yin) and she gave him the divine light, along with a command that Okada proclaim himself a prophet.[4] He later established the Great Japan Association for the Veneration of the Bodhisattva Kanon, with divine healing as its main purpose,[4] and he was keen to leave behind the physical therapy asserting that he had only invested in it because the government was suspicious of New Religions and it was the only way he could practice the spiritual purification at that time. In 1935 the organisation developed into the World Church of Messianity Sekai Kyūsei Kyō, also translated as the Church of World Salvation.

Johrei was introduced to America in 1953, and there are numerous[8] Johrei centers throughout the United States and other countries.[9] Okada's grandson Kyoshu-Sama continues to lead the organisation and has re-Christened the movement as the World Church of Messiah.

There are links via Omoto between Okada and Mikao Usui, who started the Reiki healing technique.[10]

Channeled through the palm of its administrator into the patient's body, Johrei does not involve any therapeutic touch or laying on of hands.[11] It is usually delivered while the recipient is seated.

It is often practiced in homes and Johrei Centres among families, members and to guests with no cost attached.

Practitioners wear a sacred focal point or O-Hikari which has the Japanese symbol for light written on it, copied from Okada's sacred art calligraphy. There is also a focus on the practice of "sonen" which is described as an alignment of Reason + Will + Feeling with a heartfelt prayer to God for the wellbeing and happiness of all. Prayers for the recipient are offered along with prayers for all their ancestors.

Academic physician Edzard Ernst expresses in his book Alternative Medicine – A Critical Assessment of 150 Modalities, that Johrei has many of the characteristics of a cult.[1]

A parallel organisation grew up in Japan run by another Mr. Okada, Yoshikazu (no relation) called Mahikari - ironically meaning "true light" - where a slightly different form of Johrei was practiced. This movement has attracted a lot of negative criticism for generating a lot of fear and control and potentially illegal or harmful activities.

• Nature Farming
• Church of World Messianity

• Johrei Fellowship