On October 25, the Young Men’s Association held its 99th convention in the Inner Courtyard of Church Headquarters. A large number of association members gathered from both Japan and overseas.
Association members arrived in the Inner Courtyard one after another, led by their chapter flags. At 12:58 p.m., President Daisuke Nakayama escorted Mrs. Harue Nakayama and other guests into the venue. After a moment of worship and the opening declaration, President Nakayama took the podium to deliver his address.
At the beginning of his address, President Nakayama quoted from the Shinbashira’s words and messages delivered at past Young Men’s Association Conventions. He said that the association would once again return to the foundation of its activities and devote itself to “spreading the teachings,” “seeking the path,” and “sowing seeds of sincerity.” He then stated: “Through these efforts, we hope that as many young followers of the path as possible will share the same awareness and engage in activities together, further advancing their spiritual growth. In this way, we aspire to demonstrate the true value of Arakitoryo, pioneers of the path.”
Then, President Nakayama explained the meanings of “spreading the teachings,” “seeking the path,” and “sowing seeds of sincerity.” Spreading the teachings means to take the initiative to go into places where the teachings of the path have not yet reached and to convey and spread them. He noted, “It begins with something as simple as speaking a single word to someone.” Seeking the path means to deepen one’s own faith through learning the truth of the teachings. He stated, “What is essential is not to make the teachings fit one’s own thinking, but to align one’s thinking with the teachings.” Sowing seeds of sincerity means to plant the seeds within the soil—that is, to make efforts of faith that may not show results right away. “The seeds that are sown do not sprout immediately, but even if it takes time, it is important to believe that they will surely sprout one day and to make continued efforts to draw closer to the heart of the Parent,” said President Nakayama.
Lastly, President Nakayama mentioned that the three elements—“spreading the teachings,” “seeking the path,” and “sowing seeds of sincerity”—constitute the very origin and core of the Young Men’s Association. He concluded his address by saying, “During the remaining three months of the pre-anniversary activities and as we move forward toward the 100th convention, let us demonstrate the true value of Arakitoryo, pioneers of the path, and work together to open up the future of the path.”
Next, Director-in-Chief of Administrative Affairs Zensuke Nakata read aloud the Shinbashira’s message on his behalf. In the message, the Shinbashira pointed out that this year marks the 150th year of the “identification of Jiba,” where the Kanrodai is placed. He stated, “Through the identification of Jiba, it was revealed that Jiba is the place where God the Parent resides on earth and is the one and only place where children from around the world, yearning for the true Parent, can return to worship.”
Quoting divine directions about the establishment of branch churches, the Shinbashira noted: “Tenrikyo churches are facilities God the Parent permitted us to set up along the path of single-hearted salvation. Only by receiving the truth of Jiba can churches receive the free and unlimited workings of God the Parent.” He then said that “it is important for all of us who follow the path to stay firmly connected to Jiba through our local churches.”
Furthermore, the Shinbashira emphasized that, since the association’s branch chapters are formed at churches connected to the truth of Jiba, their activities must be linked to the activities of the churches. He thus mentioned the importance of ensuring that the fruits of their activities contribute to the enrichment of the substance of the churches in the future. He urged the audience by saying, “I hope that all Young Men’s Association members will remember that youth is the time to lay the foundation for future spiritual growth. Please maintain the appropriate frame of mind for listening to and learning from your church head ministers and senior followers, make efforts to grow on your own, build friendships, work actively together with your fellow members, and devote yourselves enthusiastically to the activities of the association. Through this, I hope you will become a source of strength for your churches and for the path as a whole.”
Lastly, noting that the “three years, one thousand days” period of pre-anniversary activities leading up to the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama is nearing its end, the Shinbashira said, “I ask all of you Young Men’s Association members to devote yourselves earnestly to spreading the teachings, seeking the path, and sowing the seeds of sincerity during the remaining days until the anniversary in the manner befitting Arakitoryo, pioneers of the path, so that you can receive the blessings of further spiritual growth and bring joy and peace of mind to the everliving Oyasama.”
After that, the association members recited the guiding principles of Arakitoryo and joined together in singing the Tenrikyo Young Men’s Association Anthem.
Toward the convention, the Young Men’s Association created “Salvation Request Cards” so that each association member can take advantage of them to pray for the salvation of others at Jiba. The cards were collected at the reception desks on the day of the convention. After the convention, Young Men’s Association Headquarters Committee members performed the prayer service with President Nakayama as the core at the East Worship Hall of Church Headquarters. Then, Young Men’s Association Headquarters Committee members and others performed the service dance to the Twelve Songs at Moya 100.