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Disclaimer:

Renée uses 12 criteria with ratings of 0-3 to assess groups and provide an overall ranking out of 10 that reflects levels of coercive control. These assessments are based upon media reports, personal testimonies, and other research. The findings reflect her personal opinions which may differ to others. She is mindful that groups can change over time, for the better or worst, and that the experiences of individuals may vary within any group. Renée is open to respectful discussions and encourages diverse perspectives to foster a better understanding of matters raised.​

Japanese / New Age

Sukyo Mahikari

-

Founded by Yoshikazu Okada

1959 -

Established in Tokyo, Japan. Australia Oceania headquarters in Canberra; smaller centres in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Nowra (and also in NZ). In operation in over 100 countries including France, Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, Brazil, the United States, Singapore, and Australia.

Sukyo Mahikari

Estimated followers: Unknown. (100,000 - 1,000,000 worldwide)

Summary of Beliefs

Sukyo Mahikari is a Japanese new religious movement founded in 1959 by Yoshikazu Okada. The organization emphasises spiritual purification through a practice known as the “art of True Light,” which involves radiating light from the palm of the hand to purify the spirit, mind, and body. The group claims to promote universal principles such as gratitude, humility, and acceptance.

Analysis Using Renée's Cult Ranking

Sukyo Mahikari is a Japanese new religious movement founded in 1959 by Yoshikazu Okada. The organization emphasizes spiritual purification through a practice known as the “art of True Light,” which involves radiating light from the palm of the hand to purify the spirit, mind, and body. The group claims to promote universal principles such as gratitude, humility, and acceptance. It is often referred to as a Japanese New Age movement.


1. Authoritative Leadership


Score: 3

Sukyo Mahikari is led by a central figure who holds significant authority within the organization. The leadership structure is hierarchical, with decisions primarily made by the leader and top officials, allowing limited input from general members.


2. Control Over Information


Score: 2

The organisation maintains control over the dissemination of its teachings and practices. Access to certain information may be restricted to higher-ranking members, and teachings are often presented as absolute truths. This selective sharing of information helps maintain the leadership’s authority and control over the narrative. While there are no direct physical restrictions, access to alternative information is controlled by means of psychological and spiritual coercion. Members are warned that external sources are tainted by deception, spiritual corruption, or malevolent influences. Engaging with outside perspectives is framed as a threat to one’s faith, moral purity, or spiritual well-being. This fear-based conditioning discourages critical inquiry, reinforcing dependency on the group’s teachings and isolating members from potentially contradictory viewpoints.


3. Deception


Score: 2

Former members have reported that initial interactions with Sukyo Mahikari are welcoming and non-confrontational, creating a sense of safety and belonging. However, as involvement deepens, members may be encouraged to adopt specific beliefs and practices, sometimes without full disclosure of the organisation’s deeper doctrines or expectations.


4. Exclusive Knowledge


Score: 3

The group claims to possess unique spiritual insights and practices, particularly the “art of True Light,” which they believe is essential for spiritual purification and resolving various problems. This knowledge is often portrayed as divinely inspired and not accessible outside the organization.


5. Exploitation


Score: 2

There are accounts suggesting that members may be subjected to financial exploitation, such as being encouraged to make monetary donations to enhance the effectiveness of their prayers. Additionally, members might be expected to invest significant time and effort into organizational activities, which can lead to mental and physical strain. Engaging in "divine service" for the group is framed not only as an act of devotion but also as a crucial means of addressing personal karma. Members are taught that hardships in their lives—whether financial struggles, health issues, or emotional distress—are the result of unresolved karmic debts from past actions. However, by dedicating their time, energy, and resources to the organisation’s mission, they are assured that they can mitigate or even erase these karmic burdens. Service to the group is positioned as a sacred exchange, where acts of loyalty and labour are rewarded with spiritual purification and protection from future suffering.


6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation


Score: 2

Reports indicate that the organisation may use fear and guilt to maintain member loyalty. For instance, questioning the group’s teachings or considering leaving may be met with warnings about spiritual consequences or threats to one’s well-being, instilling fear and discouraging dissent. The above example of “divine service” demonstrates how fear, guilt, and intimidation is implemented in the belief system, as members internalise the idea that their well-being depends on their continued service, making it difficult to question or step away from the organisation without fearing negative karmic consequences.


Additionally, concepts of “purity” are emphasised in such a manner that if something negative happens, eg., car accident, physical illness, physical assault, etc., members are taught that they brought this on themselves due engaging with so-called negative energies, ie., sex before marriage, doubting the group's teachings, forming close relationships with outsiders, or even entertaining critical thoughts about the leadership. Such misfortunes are framed as spiritual punishments or signs of impurity, reinforcing a cycle of guilt and self-blame. Members are conditioned to believe that only by strict adherence to the group’s principles and continued devotion to its mission can they avoid further suffering. This instills deep psychological dependence, as individuals come to associate their personal safety and spiritual salvation with unwavering obedience to the organisation.


7. Isolation


Score: 2

While members are not explicitly prohibited from interacting with outsiders, the organization’s teachings and practices can create a sense of separation from non-members. This can lead to reduced interaction with those outside the group, as members may feel that outsiders do not understand or appreciate their beliefs.


8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks


Score: 2

Members’ daily lives are subtly but pervasively dictated by the organisation’s expectations, extending beyond spiritual practices into personal habits, clothing choices, and even modes of speech. They are encouraged to integrate the group’s rituals into their daily routines, such as regularly performing the “art of True Light” and attending meetings, which take precedence over personal responsibilities. Specific guidelines dictate acceptable attire, often emphasising modesty and adherence to symbolic dress codes that reinforce group identity. Strict rules are expected to be followed, eg., no swearing, always being grateful (even for negative experiences), refraining from frozen food (ice cream), not using a microwave, setting up and maintaining ancestor alters according to specific directions.


One particularly striking example of this control is the requirement to wear a holy pendant—a sacred object deemed more valuable than the wearer’s own life. Members are taught that this pendant serves as a protective spiritual force, and losing or damaging it is considered a grave misfortune, potentially inviting spiritual or karmic repercussions. Speech is also monitored and shaped to align with the group’s ideology, with certain words or phrases discouraged while others, laden with organisational doctrine, become second nature. Over time, these layers of micro-management create an environment where personal autonomy is diminished, and members’ identities become increasingly enmeshed with the organisation’s dictates.


9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours


Score: 2

The organisation promotes adherence to its teachings and may monitor members’ commitment levels. Deviations or expressions of doubt might be addressed by leadership, encouraging conformity and discouraging independent thought. This can create an environment where members feel their beliefs and behaviors are being closely observed. While it is unclear to what extent social media is used for surveillance, members are actively encouraged to monitor one another and report any signs of wavering faith or disobedience to leadership. Additionally, leadership keeps records of past members and reportedly uses any misfortunes they experience after leaving—such as illness, financial hardship, or personal struggles—as cautionary tales, reinforcing the belief that departing the group leads to negative spiritual consequences.


10. Punishment & Discipline


Score: 1

Non-compliance with organizational expectations or questioning of teachings can result in social or spiritual consequences. Members may be subjected to verbal reprimands, increased responsibilities, or warnings of spiritual repercussions, reinforcing adherence through disciplinary measures.


11. Thought Reform


Score: 3

The organization employs systematic indoctrination techniques to align members’ beliefs with its ideology. This includes regular participation in rituals, acceptance of the group’s exclusive knowledge, and discouragement of critical thinking or exposure to opposing viewpoints, leading to a significant shift in members’ thought processes.


12. Us vs. Them Mentality


Score: 3

Sukyo Mahikari fosters a sense of exclusivity, emphasizing the possession of unique spiritual truths not found in other religions or belief systems. This can create an “us vs. them” mentality, where members view themselves as distinct from, and potentially superior to, non-members.


Total Score: 27/36 Significant Harmful Cult

This score suggests that Sukyo Mahikari exhibits high-control group characteristics, particularly in leadership structure, thought reform, and exclusivity. While not at the extreme end of all criteria, the combination of authoritarian leadership, control over information, and social manipulation raises concerns.



Further Reading

IS IT A CULT?: Response from

Sukyo Mahikari

No known response.

The material discussed on the Recover From Coercive Control website might be disturbing to some readers. Use personal discretion to determine if the content is suitable for you. If you feel triggered or otherwise affected, please reach out to the following mental health support agencies.

AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Lifeline Crisis Text Service: Text: 0477 13 11 14

Beyond Blue:  1300 224 636

13 Yarn (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support): 13 92 76

Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 

1300 555 788 (Metro) or 1800 676 822 (Peel) or 1800 552 002 (Country/Rurallink)

OR

Book an online counselling session through Recover From Coercive Control 

Anyone who is impacted by a cult in Australia is encouraged to reach out to Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS)

Assessments of groups on this website reflect Renée's personal opinions. Individual experiences of any group can vary; therefore, people are encouraged to conduct their own research and form their own opinions. Renée welcomes alternative perspectives that are respectfully shared.  

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