IRH? New Religion? Wha? (幸福の科学)

[countess_d]

Umh, a friend of mine belongs to the IRH (Institute for Research of Human Happiness / Kofuku no Kagaku / 幸福の科学).
:?
She said it's a new religion, and was telling me about it. I've heard a great deal about things in Japan, and how new cults and the such are coming about every other time. So I was wondering, does anyone know if this is in truth a new religion or just another cult? I've never really heard about it before, until she told me so, therefore I'm worried.

Thank you for any info you can give me.

 

[cacawate]

http://members.aol.com/carol2180/wcult.htm

Give us a little more info on this group. I'll google in the meantime.

-Jeff

edit: I believe if they're trying to sell their books, they really aren't that serious in converting people*. http://www.irhpress.co.jp/books/index.html

*Not quite sure yet, that they are.

 

[Buntaro]

All I found was this:

http://www.irh-usa.com/about.htm

 

[Winter]

Sounds more like just another philosophy, rather than theological devotion.

[opinion]Stupid name, though.[/opinion]

 

[bossel]

a new religion or just another cult

Is there much of a difference? A cult is just a not commonly accepted (part of a) religion, similar to a sect.

From what I saw on the website, it's just another of those "heal the world" thingies which try to cash in on the gullibility of people. But, hey, who knows what develops from that.

 

[countess_d]

bossel: Yeah I guess there isn't much of a difference among Religion and Cult... just meant if it was like, one of those dangerous sects or something...

Winter: Now that you mention it, I agree... it does sounds -for what she tells me- as more of a philosophy...

Well as it's not something actually dangerous (as in life-threatening) I suppose it's alright I was just worried about that.

 

[Buntaro]

I think there is a difference between a religion and a cult. A cult focuses on just person - the founder of the cult. A "religious" group could have a founder, but the founder would make sure that the focus is on a higher ideal, not himself or herself.

 

[Hoyu]

And sects are not necessarily cults. For example there are many Buddhist sects in Japan (Tendai, Shingon , Kegon, Soto, Rinzai, Jodo, Jodo-shin, Nichiren , etc.) and none of them are considered as cults. Typically I prefer to refer to Buddhist sects as traditions or denominations of Buddhism instead of using the term sect... just so there is no confusion in this regard.

Respectfully, KZ

 

[Fantt]

I suppose, though, that a buddhist cult isn't an impossibility, though I guess many buddhists would say that allowing oneself to get caught up in a cult isn't conducive to being awake.

 

[bossel]

I think there is a difference between a religion and a cult. A cult focuses on just person - the founder of the cult. A "religious" group could have a founder, but the founder would make sure that the focus is on a higher ideal, not himself or herself.

According to your definition the whole of Christianity is a cult, then. They pretty much focus on one person: Jesus.

A cult can also focus on things or idea(l)s, I think. Really it's all a matter of definition. From M-W:

1 : formal religious veneration : WORSHIP
2 : a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
3 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents
4 : a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator <health cults>
5 a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion


& while I'm at it, also from M-W, the definition of sect:

1 a : a dissenting or schismatic religious body; especially : one regarded as extreme or heretical b : a religious denomination
2 archaic : SEX 1 <so is all her sect -- Shakespeare>
3 a : a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader b : PARTY c : FACTION

 

[romiromi]

I assure you that IRH is NOT a cult

Hello readers!
Just wanted to comment on the topic of the Buddhist based organization called IRH(Kofuku-no-Kagaku). I assure you that this is not a cult of any sort.
IRH is an organization of people who aim to refine their souls and deepen their wisdom. IRH spreads the light of the Truth, with the aim of creating utopia, an ideal world on Earth.
The teachings of IRH are based on the spirit of Buddhism. The two main pillars are the attainment of spiritual wisdom and the practice of love that gives.
Members study Buddha's Truth(the Law) and practice self-reflection daily, based on the Truth they learn. In this way, they develop a deeper understanding of life and build qualities of leadership for society, enabling them to contribute to the development of the world.
The founder of IRH is Ryuho Okawa, who has devoted his life to the explanation of the spirit world and ways to human happiness. He has designed IRH spiritual workshops for people from all walks of life, from teenagers to business executives. He is known for his wisdom, compassion and commitment to educating people to think and act in spiritual and religious ways. And he is the author of numerous spiritual books in Japanese, which have also been translated in many other languages.

I truly hope this helps!
IRH is a wonderful organization!! It truly helps people to find their path towards true happiness!

 

[misa.j]

I thought they were a cult. They called me a few times and asked for a donation, I wasn't sure how they got my number and kind of got suspicious.

 

[bossel]

The founder of IRH is Ryuho Okawa, who has devoted his life to the explanation of the spirit world and ways to human happiness.

I wonder, how much he devoted his new life as spiritual leader to earning fortunes. Is he much better off than before, while IRH members have to pay for his lifestyle?

 

[Bob in Iowa]

In the words of the late, great Frank Zappa -- "There's a big difference between kneeling down and bending over."

 

[saga]

Some IRH Links...

ホーム | 幸福の科学 HAPPY SCIENCE 公式サイト
RMA Newsletter: News - Kofuku no Kagaku (Japan, Jan 1, 1992)
http://www2.gol.com/users/utopia/info/irh.html

While we're on the subject - anyone know anything about Worldmate?

ワールドメイト

Is it similar to IRH?

Best,

S

 

[DemonHunter]

http://philtar.ucsm.ac.uk/encyclopedia/easia/geness.html

From the 1970's onwards a 'new wave' of religions started to grow, led by charismatic founders and emphasising occult, magical and miraculous elements. Agonshu and Mahikari are just two examples, while Aum Shinrikyo gained global notoriety in the 1990's when its leaders were charged with involvement in a poison gas attack on the Tokyo subway and other crimes. Again, these are just a few instances of many new movements that could be cited, such as Oyamanezu no Mikoto Shinji Kyokai, Sekai Kirisutokyo Toitsu Shinrei Kyokai (the Unification Church), GLA (God Light Association), Kofuku no Kagaku, Worldmate (Cosmomate), Jodoshinshu Shinrankai and Ho no Hana Sanpogyo, as well as missionary movements from Asia via the West such as ISKCON (the Hare Krishnas) and the movements of Sai Baba and Osho (the late Bhagwan Rajneesh). New religions keep appearing in Japan, but history shows that this is nothing new!

 

[tony77]

Actually, IRH is a wonderful organization/religion

hi countess d,

this maybe very late, but I wanted to post a reply to clarify your concerns about IRH (Institute for Research of Human Happiness / Kofuku no Kagaku / ﾂ幸窶｢ﾅｸ窶堙娯?ｰﾃ闇?w).

Most comments on here are by people who have little personal experience of what this organization or religion is, and whether is it good or not. ﾂ'Romiromi' did a good explanation about IRH and what it believes in, so I will not delve too much into that.

All I would like to say, from personal experience, is that IRH is a truly wonderful organization with many really pure-hearted people. I have never met anywhere in any organization (I have travelled to many places in the world) such lovely people all striving to develop themselves to try and make this world into a better and more loving place, especially for future generations. If you really took the time to get to know the people, I am sure it would not take long before you'll be deeply impressed with their integrity and bright personalities ﾂ− they are always smiling, laughing and have an aura of genuine happiness.

In reply to comments by ﾂ'misa.j', I would say that this is very suspicious as IRH never ﾂ'cold-calls' anybody for donation. It is simply not part of their practice ﾂ− donation is purely at the person's discretion. I have heard that because of the jealousy of other organizations of people joining IRH instead of their organization, they have resorted to devious tactics to put people off (this is my guess). My advice is to simply explore more and find out how the organization works.

Keep an open mind, explore and gain your own wisdom about what is good or bad (about everything) through your personal experience rather than that other people's comments ﾂ− especially if they only get their information on the net and are expressing their opinion through their preconceived ideas. You may get diverted away from something that could be wonderful to your life.

 

[yamada]

Regardless of whether it is good or not, I remember that some tv documentary talked about their invitation activeties to who didn't want to join it here in Japan in the beggining of the '90s.

 

[Kenta Aoki]

Give us a little more info on this group. I'll google in the meantime.
-Jeff
edit: I believe if they're trying to sell their books, they really aren't that serious in converting people*.
*Not quite sure yet, that they are.

Hey! My name is Kenta Aoki, and I am a member of IRH. Regards to this question of conversion... What I understand from IRH is that in order to create a utopia around us, we have to create a utopia within ourselves. IRH doesn't make it a necessity to become a member. Also, even if you do become a member, there is no obligation to drop the faith you already have - the aim is to unify people. Also, judging by the content of the books, it doesn't seem like Okawa Ryuho is trying to salvage money from all the corners of the earth for his own gain. After reading all the books translated from Japanese to English (21 altogether) i can assure you that his books aren't for money. Books bought probably goes toward staff salaries (people have to eat too you know), temple buildings and also scholarships! (I have actually recieved one this year from IRH).
Just as Tony and Romiromi stated, everyone at IRH are the nicest people I've ever met.For example, I'm going to stay at some of the temples in Japan this month for a free student seminar provided by IRH, and one of the staff members is basically setting up a schedule for me - meaning accommodations, food, volunteer work, etc. All i have to pay for is my transportation and some spending money for gifts!

~kenta~