Editing Sukyo Mahikari (section)

==Beliefs and practices==
The organization aims to promote peace and harmony in society through the practice of a method of spiritual purification and the practice of universal principles, such as gratitude, acceptance, and humility in all aspects of life.<ref name="Sukyo Mahikari, About">{{cite web
|url       =http://www.sukyo-mahikari.org
|title     =Sukyo Mahikari, About
|publisher =Sukyo Mahikari North America
|access-date=2009-09-10}}</ref>

The core practice of Sukyo Mahikari  is the art of True Light, which involves the transmission of Light energy to purify the spirit, mind, and body.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Swift | first=Philip | title=Prosthetic Revelations: Sticking the Teachings to the Body in a Japanese New Religion | journal=Japan Review | publisher=International Research Center for Japanese Studies | volume=37 | date=2022-12-16 | pages=29–49 | url=https://nichibun.repo.nii.ac.jp/records/7938  | doi=10.15055/00007908}}</ref>

===The art of True Light===
Sukyo Mahikari introduces a practice to purify one's spiritual aspect as an expedient toward attaining happiness. Radiating Light from the palm of the hand is a method of spiritual purification that cleanses the spirit, mind and body. It is said to help open the way to resolving all manner of problems. By purifying the spiritual aspect with the Light and leading a life based on principles of sustainability, people can revive their spirituality and attain increasing health, harmony and prosperity.

The transmission of Light is referred to as "the art of True Light."  Through the palm of the hand, a person (the giver) radiates Light to another person (the receiver), allowing them to purify and revitalize their spirit, mind and body.<ref name="Sukyo Mahikari, Light Energy">{{cite web
|url       =http://www.sukyo-mahikari.org
|title     =Sukyo Mahikari, Light Energy
|publisher =Sukyo Mahikari North America
|access-date=2009-09-10}}</ref>

Radiating Light can be practiced by anyone who so desires, by attending the Sukyo Mahikari primary course.

A session of Light typically begins with both the giver and receiver offering a short prayer. Next, the giver of Light recites a prayer that is believed to have a strong power of purification (the "Amatsu Norigoto Prayer"). The giver then holds his or her hand approximately 30 centimeters (12 inches) from the receiver's body. Sessions of Light usually last anywhere from 10 to 50 minutes.<ref name="Chang 2007 50">{{harvnb|Chang|2007|p=50}}</ref>

Sukyo Mahikari does not advocate the use of the art of True Light as a substitute for medical treatment or therapy.<ref name="Sukyo Mahikari, Light Energy"/> The founder of Mahikari, Kōtama Okada, taught that the purpose of the art of True Light is not to heal disease or illness, but to be of service to society, bring happiness to people, and attain divine nature.<ref name="Chang 2007 50"/>

The art of True Light is said to purify the spiritual realm of one's home and society, making them more peaceful and harmonious. Thus, members are encouraged to radiate the Light to anything, anywhere, and at any time. Thus, the Light is not only radiated to human beings, but also to animals, food, buildings, and the natural environment.<ref name="Chang 2007 50"/>

===Universal principles===
Sukyo Mahikari teaches the concept of [[natural laws|universal principles]] that, when practiced together with the Light, allow one to more quickly attain spiritual and personal growth.<ref name="Sukyo Mahikari North America">{{cite web
|url       =http://www.sukyomahikari.org/universalprinciples.html
|title     =Sukyo Mahikari, Universal Principles
|publisher =Sukyo Mahikari North America
|access-date=2009-09-10}}</ref>

Sukyo Mahikari encourages people to incorporate the divine principles in their daily life by practicing virtues such as altruistic love, gratitude, humility and acceptance of the will of God.<ref name="Sukyo Mahikari North America" /><!--{{Fact}} begin--><!--{{Fact}} end--> Members also practice prayer, cultivating positive and cheerful attitudes, promoting love and harmony, and helping others.<ref name="Sukyo Mahikari North America"/>

Founder Kōtama Okada believed that if people lived in accordance with the universal principles, they would cultivate their spirituality, and naturally come to use science and technology that was integrated with an understanding of spirituality, to find solutions to pressing issues facing humanity.<ref name="Sukyo Mahikari North America"/>

===Other beliefs===
Sukyo Mahikari promotes the practice of yoko agriculture. The practice of yoko agriculture involves organic agriculture combined with the use of positive words and attitudes to help people to cultivate respect for nature and restore soil to its pure and fertile condition.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Is the future in our hands? My experiences with Sukyo Mahikari|last=Tebecis|first=Andris|publisher=Sunrise Press|year=2004|isbn=0-9593677-4-8|location=Canberra, Australia|pages=307}}</ref> Accordingly, respect for nature and the natural environment is encouraged. The arbitrary use of chemical fertilizers, without consideration for the local environment, is discouraged. The organization has helped to create natural farms and promotes the distribution of natural and organic produce throughout the world.<ref>C. Cornille, "New Japanese Religions in the West: Between Nationalism and Universalism", Chapter 1, in "Japanese new religions: in global perspective, Routledge publication, Volume 1999 pp. 17, 2000, {{ISBN|0-7007-1185-6}}</ref>