About RINRI
The laws governing relationships among different peoples, between people
and things, and between people and nature are immutable.
RINRI is “Kurashimichi” (way of life)
We live in a collective society where every person exists among
and in relation to many other people, other things,
and the natural environment.
Here, norms governing social life necessarily arise.
“Kurashimichi” is the path that connects people and people,
people and things, and people and nature
—it is the “way of life” to live a happy life.
What RINRI Indicates
Just as the material world has the law of physics,
the human world has the law of “RINRI”.
“What action should I take in this situation?”
“What kind of mindset can bring happiness to life?”
“What is the secret to building a good relationship with people?”
“How can I change my mental attitude at the crossroads of my life?”
“How can I deal with this suffering?” …
RINRI gives you the answers to these questions
and illuminates the correct path for humankind by offering
the road map and guideline for life.
Something accessible to Anyone,
Anytime, and Anywhere
There is no point of just knowing about RINRI.
It is something you have to actually try out in order to understand its validity.
You can come to a deep understanding of
what RINRI is only when you start applying the practice in your daily life.
The general word that comes up to our mind when thinking about the norm of human life is “Moral”.
Of course, we must cherish morals,
as they are the crystallized wisdom of our ancestors. However, on the other hand,
some morals have been applicable only to a certain era or a specific ethnic group.
It could also constrain us with rules about what we “must ” and “should” follow.
Furthermore, even if we followed all those rules, it does not assure us happiness.
RINRI is not something that binds us but
that which allows us to put into practice immediately anytime and anywhere,
and is accessible to anyone regardless of time,
place, and the surrounding environment.
Unity of Virtue and Happiness
If you follow RINRI in your daily life, you will definitely attain happiness.
Here, Virtue and Happiness becomes unified,
and this is the main characteristic of RINRI.
RINRI was discovered and advocated
by Toshio Maruyama (Founder of RINRI Movement. 1892～1951).
In his book, “Joy for All”,
Toshio Maruyama encapsulates the essence of RINRI in 17 principles.
He writes about the invisible connection between child and parent,
the purpose of working, the relationship between the body and spirit,
the secrets of disposal, and how to turn suffering into happiness
—they are all guidelines for life and a set of natural laws
so intimately connected to our daily lives.
Founder Toshio Maruyama (1892～1951)
1892～1951
Toshio Maruyama was born in Buzen City in Fukuoka Prefecture on May 5th, 1892. He graduated from Hiroshima Higher Teachers College and held a teaching position at various Teacher's Colleges. After intently pursuing research on philosophy, morals and religion, he delved into the study of principles for daily living, which he subsequently developed into the concept of RINRI while presenting numerous theses. In 1945, he launched the RINRI movement and established Shinsei Cultural Research Center (present RINRI Institute of Ethics).
He took the lead in the further development of RINRI, undertaking educational programs, giving lectures, and writing devotedly, while also training in the arts such as Calligraphy and Tanka. Books published by Toshio Maruyama include: “Joy for All” , “Mutsu Anzan no Sho (Book on Painless Labor)” , “Jinrui no Choko (Humanity's Rise of Morning Light)” , and others. Passed away December 14th, 1951.