[1][2] The stated aim of the organization is to help people improve the quality of their lives and attain happiness by practicing universal principles and a method of spiritual purification called the art of True Light.

[6][7] Its headquarters in Takayama is known as the World Shrine of Sukyo Mahikari (崇教真光世界総本山) or Motosu Hikari Ōkamu no Miya (元主晃大神宮).

On November 3, 2009, the organization officially announced that the third spiritual leader would be Mr. Kōya Okada (岡田光央; born Teshima Tairoku 手島泰六 in 1947).

[9] The founder of Mahikari, Mr. 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.

[10] Sukyo Mahikari teaches the concept of universal principles that, when practiced together with the Light, allow one to more quickly attain spiritual and personal growth.

[11] 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.

[11] Members also practice prayer, cultivating positive and cheerful attitudes, promoting love and harmony, and helping others.

Sukyo Mahikari teaches that the art of True Light and the universal principles transcend religious denominations and differences in ethnicity, nationality, and ideology.

The emphasis the organization places on the spiritual unity of human beings has resulted in a membership that reflects a diversity of religions and nationalities.

The objective of the forum is to find solutions to today's problems by having leaders in different fields, regardless of their race, nationality, religion, and ideology, come together to share their acquired wisdom.

Sukyo Mahikari members have been involved in charity and social services around the world, such as in Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal (planting of trees and revival of national parks), in Angola (activities for children, elderly people, and beautify urban areas) and in both New York and Hawaii (for environmental cleanup activities).

[17] In August 2004, Los Angeles mayor James Hahn presented Sukyo Mahikari of North America with a proclamation commending the organization for its efforts in helping to create a peaceful and harmonious society;[18] and in September 2009, Mayor Mufi Hannemann of Honolulu presented Sukyo Mahikari with a certificate declaring September 27 as Sukyo Mahikari Day in Honolulu in recognition of beach and park cleanup activities that the organization has conducted there over the past ten years.

[19] On May 6, 2010, the New York Center of Sukyo Mahikari was presented with a High Performance Building Plaque from The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in pursuing a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver rating from the U.S. Green Buildings Council.

The plaque was given in recognition of energy-efficient measures incorporated into the new center that will help cut its energy costs by $8,400 per year and reduce its carbon footprint in New York City.

Since 2016, Sukyo Mahikari was granted special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.