Honbushin (Tenrikyo offshoot, Onishi Aijiro)
Tenrikyo schism founded in 1913 by Onishi Aijiro, who proclaimed himself the living Kanrodai (axis of the world). Famous for the construction of the kilometre-scale Honbushin shrine complex at Tondabayashi.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — Tenrikyo schism centred on Onishi Aijiro's living-Kanrodai claim; substantial sacred-construction culture.
Profile facts
In context
Honbushin (literally 'Origin God-axis') broke from Tenrikyo when Onishi Aijiro declared himself the living embodiment of the Kanrodai pillar that Nakayama Miki had foretold. The movement is best known to outsiders for its monumental Tondabayashi temple complex, including the world's tallest pagoda when built. Several further internal splits (notably Honmichi, see separate entry, predates Honbushin in fact) and a separate Honmichi-derived Honbushin. Largely closed Japanese community.
Recovery resources
- ICSA Helpline — International Cultic Studies Association — questions about high-control groups, referrals to cult-aware therapists, peer support.
- Freedom of Mind Resource Center — Steven Hassan's organisation — BITE Model assessments, exit-counselling resources, family education.
- ICSA Cult-Aware Therapist Directory — ICSA-maintained directory of licensed mental-health professionals with specific cult-recovery training.
- Combatting Cult Mind Control — Steven Hassan, 1988 (revised 2018). The foundational BITE Model book; CLCI Hub's core methodology source.
- Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships — Janja Lalich & Madeleine Tobias, 2006. Practical recovery workbook.
See the full curated list at /resources.
Lifton's 8 criteria of thought reform
Robert Jay Lifton's 1961 framework, complementary to BITE. Criteria this group exhibits according to the cited sources.
- Mystical ManipulationEngineering experiences that appear spontaneous but are designed to demonstrate the group's higher purpose.
This profile is in progress — history, deeper BITE evidence and survivor voices are still being added. Contributions welcome via GitHub.
Timeline
- 1913Onishi Aijiro begins teaching the living-Kanrodai doctrine
- 1970s–80sTondabayashi temple complex constructed
Sources
- Helen Hardacre, 'Kurozumikyō and the New Religions of Japan' (1986) search ↗
- Trevor Astley academic work on Honmichi/Honbushin search ↗
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. The search ↗ link runs a Google Scholar query for the cited title — useful for verifying academic sources. For news outlets, search the outlet's own archive.