Agonshu

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Agonshu. Japanese new religion. It was founded by Kiriyama Seiyu ( Tsutsumi Masao, b. 1921), being given its present name in 1978. It is based on the Agama (Jap., agon) sutras and on belief in enlightenment in this life. It has developed fire rituals and a hoshi matsuri (Star Festival) at its base in Kyoto that attract huge crowds. It numbers about 300,000 members.