Chishikikai
 |
|
| The symbol commonly ascribed to Chishikikai. | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Syncretic |
| Theology | Partially Mahagaurava theology |
| Region | Tenzan |
| Primary religious body | Chishikikai Center |
| Headquarters | Suraden (蘇羅殿), Etsu Ward, Keiyū Metropolis |
| Head of faith | President Mito Keisei |
Chishikikai (Tenzanese: 知識會) is a Tenzanese New Religion of lay Nirvanists. Inspired by, but not part of Tengeshū, it is rooted in the White Flower Sutra as well as reverence for ancestors, and presents a simplified path for spiritual development accessible to ordinary people. Chishikikai emphasizes personal responsibility, ancestral veneration, and moral self-cultivation through study of the White Flower Sutra, without reliance on priests or formal temple rituals. Unlike traditional Tengeshū, it operates outside monastic structures and prioritizes a grassroots, laity-centered form of engagement, often with house meetings and community-driven initiatives.
The movement played a significant role in shaping other New Religions of Nirvanist orientation. While its growth has stabilized, Chishikikai remains the largest Tenzanese New Religion, with claim to several million members. Well-known are its disciplined study groups, civic engagement, and continued emphasis on self-betterment through dharmic principles and filial piety.