Hinokishin is one of the Tenrikyo terms that are relatively well known to the public. There seem to be many people who have seen Tenrikyo followers in happi coats cleaning public facilities such as parks. Although some may regard hinokishin as volunteer service, it is significant that the motivation for…
These days, our everyday thinking seems to be becoming more rational and less superstitious. However, there are still certain occasions, such as weddings and funerals, about which people become superstitious. For example, they prefer particular days for weddings and avoid certain days for funerals based on old customs. In regard…
The teachings of Tenrikyo are based on God the Parent’s revelations contained in the Ofudesaki, the Mikagura-uta, and the Osashizu, which are collectively called the “Three Scriptures.” The Ofudesaki, The Tip of the Writing Brush, was written in Oyasama’s own handwriting between 1869 and 1882. It is comprised of 1,711…
Around the time when Oyasama withdrew from physical life in 1887, the government’s interference that Tenrikyo faced was so severe that followers could not establish churches. In the following year, 1888, they eventually obtained official approval for the establishment of a Church Headquarters in Tokyo and, soon after that, the…
People who have faith in Tenrikyo can be classified into three groups depending on their progress in seeking the path—followers, Yoboku, and ministers—although all of them can collectively be referred to as followers. According to the Constitution of Tenrikyo, “Those who have faith in the teachings of Tenrikyo and who…
In some religions, there is a clear distinction between the roles of people who work exclusively for the tasks of their religions—such as Buddhist priests and Christian ministers—and those of lay people. How about Tenrikyo? No matter what position we may have, all of us followers have faith in God…