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01-08-2017 | Original Paper

Embracing Ritual Healing: The Case of Sazuke in Tenrikyo in Contemporary Taiwan

Author: Yueh-po Huang

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

This paper will explore how the practice of ritual healing (sazuke) has played a prominent part in the propagation of a Japanese new religious movement (Tenrikyo) in Taiwan. The author firstly unravels the mystery of Tenrikyo’s healing ritual (sazuke) and its role in enabling Taiwanese followers’ potential to re-establish their relationship with the world. The author points out that sazuke is similar to Taiwanese folk therapy and fits into Taiwan’s multi-medical systems. The author also examines the features of Tenrikyo’s healing practice in Taiwan and discusses the evolution of sazuke from a non-institutionalised practice to a bureaucratised one. The author then advances to a more widely theoretical consideration by discussing how sazuke became a force that enabled Taiwanese people to respond to the changing world and how it facilitated peoples’ transformation when they were confronted by daily troubles and difficulties.

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Manchuria refers to the geographical region in Northeast Asia that covers modern China (Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces), Inner Mongolia and Russia.

Spiritual mobility in Tenrikyo refers to the transition of one’s spiritual and organisational position (status) from lower to higher (or from junior to senior). For instance, positions in Tenrikyo from lower to higher status rank as follows: initiate, minister (yoboku), the head of a mission station, the head of a branch church and the head of a grand church, with the leader of Tenrikyo (shinbashira) at the apex of the administrative system.

The demographical composition of Taiwan includes five main groups: the earliest Chinese immigrants (the Hokkien and Hakka), the ‘Mainlanders’, new immigrants and indigenous peoples. The Hokkien group is ranked the highest in terms of their ethnic population (68 %), followed by the Hakka group (14 %), the Mainlanders (7 %), new immigrants (2 %) and indigenous people (1.8 %) (Hakka Affairs Council 2011, 174).

Mikagura Uta is commonly known as The Sacred Dance (or The Songs for the Service) in Tenrikyo. It is one of three major teachings of Tenrikyo. The sacred dance is deemed normative since it was composed by the Founder (Miki) during her preachings from 1866 to 1875. It can be divided into two main parts: Suwari Tsutome (the seated service) and teodori (hand movement). It was drawn from Miki’s interpretation of her revelations at various times and written accordingly in the form of lyrics to be accompanied by melody and hand movements.

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Title: Embracing Ritual Healing: The Case of Sazuke in Tenrikyo in Contemporary Taiwan
Author: Yueh-po Huang
Publication date: 01-08-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-016-0201-3

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Embracing Ritual Healing: The Case of Sazuke in Tenrikyo in Contemporary Taiwan

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