The group had a lively discussion of Bunji's deepening faith and realizations, as he transitioned during and after his grave illness from a human-centered to a Kami-centered life. Parts of the discussion are summarized here.
Who is Konjin?
As Bunji's faith deepened, he changed Konjin's name to Kane no Kami. That raised the question of who is Konjin and does this deity remain today. Uzunoe Sensei said, that awareness of Konjin came from China and the deity was revered and feared for many years after. The kanji for Konjin and Kane no Kami are the same (金神), but have different pronunciations. Bunji's brother, Shige'emon, revered Konjin. The biography states, that "Bunji came to realize that what he felt was the presence of the same deity Shige'emon believed in, yet different in an unexplainable way. As a result, Bunji began to use the name Kane no Kami (also referred to as Kami) when referring to this benevolent deity" (p. 29). Fear of Konjin, also expressed as the "wrath of Konjin", may have developed due to irreverences and living a human-centered rather than a Kami-centered life. For example, the Days and Directions is a human-centered way of avoiding the wrath of Konjin. But Bunji realized that living a Kami-centered life is necessary for true fulfillment. The group wondered whether there really was a “wrath of Konjin". Perhaps it was just a false perception, a human way of explaining the bad things that happen. (See also Are there Miracles? below)
Tenchi Kane no Kami and other Deities
In Chapter 2, “Bunji was told that he was in the presence of various deities, including Konjin and Ishizuchi…” (p. 26) The group wondered what this meant and what place the various deities have in the Konko faith. Sensei said, that Tenchi Kane no Kami was already in existence as Bunji's faith developed and Kami represented or was manifested by many different deities. Kami is everywhere but humans may have created location- or purpose-specific deities to reflect their faith, human needs or natural beauty (e.g., a beautiful tree, rock or view). People may continue this practice to this day, but are essentially revering Tenchi Kane no Kami.
The Privilege to Clap Hands
In 1858, Bunji's faith developed "more fully and deeply" (p. 29). On January 1, Kane no Kami informed Bunji that he was now considered a "special follower" and granted him the "privilege to clap [his] hands" as a sign of respect (p. 30). Despite the Shinto practice to clap before prayers, Bunji had been refraining from clapping out of humility. The group wondered why clapping was a privilege. At that time, only special people were allowed to clap, so this privilege was an indication of Bunji's changing status. Sensei also said, that clapping was a way to alert a kami before prayers. And it could also serve to put people in a state of reverence. What do you think?
Are there Miracles?
Many events are referenced in the biography that could be considered "miracles", or special events that have no human/rational explanation. Mysterious events in the biography followed tests of trust between Kami and Bunji and served to develop their relationship of mutual fulfillment. Bunji realized that Konjin was working within him (p. 26). The group wondered if such events were better characterized as blessings or perhaps just life outcomes through the lens of positive thinking. Acceptance of life occurrences is important. If we see them as blessings from Kami or mitama, whether perceived as "good" or "bad", that makes our lives richer. We then express gratitude, which makes us happier.
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