Tenrikyo

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Tenrikyo (‘Religion of Heavenly Truth’). Japanese new religious movement, eventually classified (1908) as a Shinto sect. It derives from the revelatory experiences of Nakayama Miki (1798–1887), especially in 1838. Adherents believe in Tenri-Ō-no-Mikoto, the creator of the universe. On one plot of land, man was created. The plot, jiba, is the centre of the main temple, with a pillar, the axis mundi, set up on it (kanrodai). Adherents live in the pattern of Nakayama's life and receive special help (fushigi na tasuke) as they do so.