Articles and exerpts from a variety of books, on the teachings of Tenrikyo
Oyasama took three unhulled grains of rice in Her hand and then placed them one at a time in the palm of Izo Iburi’s hand, saying: “This is early rising, this is honesty and this is work.” Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 29 Let us think about honesty. The importance of…
Oyasama says: “Because people like you, God also likes you.” Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 87, “Because People Like You” One day, a grandmother spreads beans on a square floor cushion and says to her grandson: “Why don’t you pinch and lift the center of the cushion?” When the boy does…
After the passing of Her son, Oyasama spoke in his place, saying: “My soul is embraced by the Parent. I have simply cast off an old garment.” The Life of Oyasama, p. 113 Clickety-clack. Clickety-clack. The passengers on the train are enjoying the changing landscape outside their windows—the sun rising…
Oyasama says: “In this path the hearts of husband and wife are the foundation.” Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 189, “The Hearts of Husband and Wife” In one of Plato’s dialogues, a character explains the origins of love by saying that, when humans became too arrogant and powerful, Zeus split them…
Oyasama says: “Sah, sah, take heart, take heart. You will not have any hardships, even if you wish to undergo hardships. It is all up to the individual’s mind.” Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 36, “Firm Resolution” A song written by a poet named Michio Mado contains these lines: Hey, elephant…
Oyasama says: “By saving others you yourself will be saved.” Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 42, “By Saving Others” Are there nights when you cannot go to sleep no matter what you do—nights when the more you try to sleep the more impossible it seems to do so, and the more…