Articles and exerpts from a variety of books, on the teachings of Tenrikyo
When bestowing the Grant of Safe Childbirth on a pregnant woman, Oyasama once said: “You must forget all human concern. Rely on God the Parent and have a delivery free from worry.” The Life of Oyasama, p. 29 Let’s say a friend is standing behind us and telling us: “Let…
Oyasama says: “This Residence is the Residence where mankind was first created. This is the birthplace of man.” Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 161 Apparently, in the pioneering days of America, families did not own a large pot, and making ham entailed cutting a large leg of pork on both ends…
Oyasama often said: “I must save at least one person a day. Otherwise, I cannot let the day pass.” (Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 177) Imagine that you are cleaning up a park, a beach, or a sidewalk together with your family and others, doing this as hinokishin or “selfless and…
Oyasama once said: “If you do such a thing God shall withdraw.” Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 73 Apparently, there is a Yiddish proverb that says, “Man plans and God laughs.” We humans do our calculations and make our plans based on what suits our convenience. We then try to carry…
Oyasama once said: “You sweep piles of dust when it is noticeable, but leave fine dust because it is hard to see. When the fine dust becomes embedded into a mirror, it will stain the mirror.” Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 130 In the morning, you get up and draw back…
Oyasama says: “. . . God is never happy to see the beloved children suffer. . . . God is pleased only to see children enjoy themselves.” Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 161 Suppose that you are squeezing a balloon. Pressure on one place causes bulges elsewhere. The harder you squeeze…