Shinji Shumeikai

Shinji Shūmeikai (神慈秀明会) (often abbreviated to Shumei) is a Japanese new religious movement (shinshūkyō). In 1998, the organization had more than 300,000 adherents.[1]

Beliefs

Shumei believes in the pursuit of beauty through art, appreciation of nature[2] and "natural agriculture", a method of food cultivation.[3] They also practice johrei, a type of spiritual healing.[4] Adherents of Shumei believe that, in building architectural masterpieces in remote locations, they are restoring the Earth's balance.[5]

History

Shinji Shūmeikai was founded by Mihoko Koyama in 1970.[1] She founded the organization to spread the teachings of Mokichi Okada.[6]

The head organization is currently based near Shigaraki, Shiga, Japan.

Influence and architecture

The Miho Museum was commissioned by Mihoko Koyama, who was an adherent of Okada.[7] The architect I. M. Pei had earlier designed the bell tower at Misono,[8] the international headquarters and spiritual center of the Shumei organisation. Mihoko Koyama and her daughter, Hiroko Koyama, again commissioned Pei to design the Miho Museum. The bell tower can be seen from the windows of the museum.

Founders Hall was designed by Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki.[9]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Reif, Rita (16 August 1998). "ARTS/ARTIFACTS; A Japanese Vision of the Ancient World". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  2. ↑ Rosenblatt, Arthur (2001). Building type basics for museums. John Wiley and Sons. p. 32. ISBN 0-471-34915-1.
  3. ↑ "Shumei - Our Environment". Shinji Shumeikai. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  4. ↑ "Shumei - jyorei". Shinji Shumeikai. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  5. ↑ Sharlet, Jeff (2008). The Family: power, politics and fundamentalism's shadow elite. Univ. of Queensland Press. ISBN 0-7022-3694-2.
  6. ↑ Melikian, Souren (6 November 1997). "A Splendid Art Collection Goes On Display in Japan". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  7. ↑ Baker, Kenneth (18 November 2007). "Miho Lets Art Speak For Itself". San Francisco Gate. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  8. ↑ "Shumei - Art and Beauty".
  9. ↑ Vivian M. Baulch (August 14, 1998). "Minoru Yamasaki, world-class architect". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2007-11-23.

External links