Konko Church
Konko Church of Portland – Living in Harmony with the Universe…
We live in a universe—a universe that has a set of laws, cycles, and patterns. Learning and following these Ways of the Universe will allow us to live smooth and peaceful lives. However, we being human, tend to live however we wish; at times disregarding these laws. When we do so, hardship or suffering often result.
The Konko Faith seeks to help people find balance and harmony in life. Opening one’s mind and heart by following the teachings of our Founder, Konko Daijin, our faith is very natural and practical in its focus on daily occurrences through regular conscientious reflection, meditation, and seeking Sacred Mediation from a minister.
We believe spirituality is our connection and relationship to the infinite–nature, the Universe. Religions are a way to strengthen this core within ourselves and provides a means of practicing that which we believe. Some personalities need a very structured, discipline focused religion; others need more flexible gentle guidance and room to explore. Thus, as our Founder taught, we respect other faiths which all lead to developing our spirit.
Having different religions is the same as having children in different occupations. A parent may have a carpenter, a plasterer, a gambler and a merchant as his children. People may belong to different religions, but they are all children of Kami. We all have our personal preferences. Some like soba noodles, while others prefer udon noodles or something else. Because people like different things, do not criticize people’s preferences.
(Gorikai Book of Teachings II Sato Mitsujiro 14‑1, 2)
Our focus is developing one’s spirit, whatever faith or path you may be walking. We would be honored to be a part of your spiritual journey should you wish to make a visit/appointment. Please contact Andy sensei at church. (503) 256-4201, konkospirit@live.com
Our church joined Mochitsuki sometime in the 2nd or 3rd year when we were asked to teach people about shide (white lightning shaped paper you see at Japanese shrines). While doing so, Michie sensei who had 20+ years experience with making mochi at church, ended up helping along with the Valeda and Nikkei Fujinkai groups to cut mochi made from the traditional pounding demonstrations. However, as the demo mochi wasn’t the ideal mochi to sample out to people, she offered for our church to provide mochi samples made by our machines. From then on, we’ve had the joy of providing many happy children (and adults) with free samples of mochi with toppings of soy sauce, sweet red bean paste, and kinako powder donated by Hiroshi’s Anzen. Sometime 5-6 years into it, we also started to sell bags of mochi for people to be able to eat and/or take home to enjoy.
Due to the need of electricity and space to provide the mochi, Lisa sensei began attending Mochitsuki committee meetings. Her increasing involvement in the planning process and activities of Mochitsuki granted theKonkoChurchpresenter status, and continues to grow with aspirations to include many more cultural New Year activities for thePortlandcommunity.
Fresh mochi is difficult to obtain in Portland, as we do not have a Japanese bakery or okashiya. We see this as something we can do to give back to our community. As our children love and relish the fresh mochi we make, we wanted to share this joy and special New Year treat with others—the smiles on the children’s faces (and adults) are truly priceless. Another aspect of Mochitsuki is just the wonderful relationships you build with the people involved. This is truly a community event, bringing many groups together for a common goal.