Gedatsu Church USA
Introduction to Gedatsu
About the Gedatsu Church
Gedatsu is a religious study whose ultimate objective is to render the state of supreme spiritual awakening or enlightenment to all who sincerely practice its teaching. Literally meaning "to undo", Gedatsu is the means by which we can be freed from the bonds of negative human karma and attain true peace of mind.
The centric sacred object of worship of the Gedatsu Church is the source of the Universal Life Force. All things derive their life from this one creative principle. Followers of the Gedatsu teaching strive to cultivate spiritual awareness of this divine source of life by worshipping God, thus strengthening our spiritual character and understanding of the commonality of all creation.
The Church's originator and founder, Gedastu Kongo, taught that our everyday life is religion itself, and that life's problems serves as a means of purifying and strengthening our spiritual character. We truly accept this attitude in life; there is no justification for complaint or argument.
At the heart of Gedatsu teaching is reverence to God and respect toward ancestors. Gedatsu emphasizes the importance of recognizing the profound and immeasurable blessing we receive from five sources: country, parents, teachers, society, and all living things. Since these favors are fundamental to our existence, it is vital that we express our gratitude for these blessings in our everyday living.
All religions of the world share a common aspiration to affect human salvation. Gedatsu takes a nonsectarian approach in solving the problems confronting each of us. No matter what our faith, we will find that Gedatsu can help in solving our everyday problems and deepening our understanding and ability to use the power of religion.
Amacha Kuyo is a unique characteristic and service of the Gedastu Church in which we dedicate our sincere blessing for all souls of the universe. This is accomplished daily by pouring nectar tea (Amacha) on the Kuyo-To, an octagonal stupa, on which all souls are invited to receive the blessing. Incantation and prayer, when given properly and earnestly before the altar, is the method through which we may channel universal power to others who are in need. The central prayer of the Gedatsu Church is the Hannya Shingyo, or the Heart Sutra (click here for a recording of Rev. Sebe chanting the Hannya Shingyo).
The Gedatsu Church exists for the spiritual development of all people. We encourage you to pursue this way of Gedatsu to illuminate within yourself your divine intellect and employ the method of self-realization and self-purification, increase your mental and spiritual faculties and enjoy a life which is filled with joy, hope, and peace.
What is Gedatsu?
There have been countless religions in the world from ancient times. When you see their doctrines, rituals, and objects of worship, you may be surprised at their differences and varieties. Some of them apparently clash with other religions. However, when you deeply understand the basic roots of religions, which appear different from each other, you will be able to see a common ground for all religions. This may be called the Universal Truth or Natural Law. All religions in the world can be in accord on this point.
The universe is a wholeness with no separations. Each religion is a manifestation of this wholeness through the filters of their historical, geographical, and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, no matter what difference they may have, you can find a whole infinite world or Universal Truth in their common ground.
Gedatsu does not exclude any religions and beliefs. On the contrary, it teaches us to deeply appreciate the precious values of religions, and urges us to see the common ground of all traditions beyond sectarianism.
All beings in the universe inclusive of humans are allowed to exist by Life permeating throughout the universe. Nothing can exist by itself. All beings on Earth are interconnected and inter-supported. This is our existence. This understanding is the key to open the door to man's happiness and world peace. Our wish is to deeply understand our connection with God, Nature, ancestors, family, society, country, and the world, to appreciate their immeasurable blessings, and to try to do our best for the betterment of the world.
Gedatsu Church is a nonsectarian spiritual movement, which was established in 1929 by our founder Gedatsu Kongo. We wish to appreciate all the values of all religious traditions, deeply understand their common ground, and work for the people's happiness and world peace through the unity and cooperation of all mankind.
Appreciation is The Key to Happiness
Think about your existence today. You can feel the beat of your heart. While sleeping, your heart keeps beating. What makes your heart beat constantly? It is not your will. It is something beyond your will. You may call it God, the universal life energy, etc. Its name does not matter. But actually, your heart keeps functioning due to the life energy permeating throughout the universe. We must respect this source of life.
Your physical body was given through your parents and ancestors. Without them, you would not be here today. In our daily life we consume many things. We live in houses. We drive cars. We drink water. We use electricity. We receive sunlight. They are all provided by nature through man's ingenuity. We eat three times a day, thanks to the sacrifice of countless living things, animals, and plants to sustain our life. This is our existence.
At the heart of the Gedatsu teaching is reverence to God and respect towards ancestors. Gedatsu emphasizes the importance of recognizing the profound and immeasurable blessings we receive from five sources: country, parents, teachers, society, and all living things on Earth. Since these elements are fundamental to our existence, it is vital that we express gratitude for these blessings in our everyday living.
Objects of Worship
There are three objects of worship enshrined at the Gedatsu Church:
The centric sacred object of worship is the Supreme Spirit of The Universe. This represents the Universal Life Force, which permeates throughout the universe and allows all beings to exist. This life force creates and nurtures all living things, and controls the movements of celestial bodies, the four seasonal changes, and all natural phenomena, etc. The Supreme Spirit of the Universe is the very source of everything. Therefore, it is quite natural for us to worship this sacred object and express appreciation.
The second object of worship is Gochi Nyorai, which literally means the Universal Buddha of Five Wisdoms. This also represents the Universal Life Force, which makes all things on earth exist and function. Therefore, the Supreme Spirit of the Universe and Gochi Nyorai cannot be separated. They are one in essence. The Supreme Spirit of the Universe represents the Universal Life Force by focusing on substance, and Gochi Nyorai is the embodiment of activities. The centric object of worship is enshrined in Shinto style. Gochi Nyorai is enshrined in the Buddhist tradition. This is an expression of Gedatsu Kongo's view on religions. He emphasized that Gedatsu is not biased to any particular religious tradition. We should respect the essence of all religions.
The third object of worship is Gedatsu Kongo, the founder of Gedatsu Church. He was born in Japan in 1881. After his career as a layperson, he received a revelation from God at the age of 48. He established Gedatsu Church in 1929. He devoted himself to guiding people to spiritual awakening and peace until his passing in 1948.
