The fundamental
approach and goals in creating Shorinji Kempo
Creation
In 1945, World War Two came to an end. In that war, Japan surrendered
unconditionally, and Kaiso, Doshin So experienced defeat in war. However,
in that experience of defeat in war was contained the origins of Shorinji
Kempo's creation.
Kaiso spoke about it as follows:
"With my own body I experienced the realities of harsh international
political realities in which power seems to be the only justice, and
the state and nation's interest took priority over ideology, religion,
and morality. The precious experience I gained amidst this was that
the conduct of law, the military, and the government were not simply
determined by ideological and religious differences, or by national
policy, but that they are changed dramatically by the character and
way of thinking of the people who are in the positions of action. Thereupon,
my view of the world transformed, and I came to see a certain aim for
my future way of living. - The person, the person, the person. Everything
depends on the quality of the person."
Based on this personal viewpoint of Kaiso's that "everything depends
on the quality of the person," Doshin So created Shorinji Kempo
in 1947 in Japan with the aim of educating people with strong senses
of compassion, courage, and justice.
At the time in Japan, social order had been discarded, and many people
had lost sight of their goals in life. However, people with a sense
of purpose responded to Kaiso's call and gathered around him. Now, Shorinji
Kempo is spreading from its base in Japan to a broader and broader presence
in the world.
