The December Monthly Service of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters was performed on the 26th in the Main Sanctuary, with Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama serving as chief officiant on behalf of the Shinbashira.
In the Service prayer, Rev. Nakayama said that, during this year, which marked the final year of the “three years, one thousand days” period leading up to the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama, all of us followers strove to spread the fragrance of the teachings and help others be saved, working earnestly together in unity of mind to fulfill our resolutions. Continuing, he said: “As we soon welcome the year of the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama, all of us Service performers as well as church head ministers and other Yoboku will once again settle in our mind the truth of the day of origin of Oyasama’s anniversaries and continue to engage in our work with utmost sincerity during the remaining one month. We are determined to move forward on our journey of spiritual growth in ways that accord with the intention of the Parent.”
The prayer was followed by the joyous performance of the Kagura Service and the Dance with Hand Movements. After the Service performance, Honbu-in Yoshizumi Nakayama took the podium to deliver the sermon.
In his sermon, Rev. Nakayama said that, as Oyasama’s anniversary is fast approaching, it is important for us as Yoboku to be able to explain the teachings and convey them to others in a way that leads to their salvation. Drawing on his experiences, Rev. Nakayama noted that we have been saved by Oyasama from danger many times without even realizing it. “There is perhaps no one who has not been saved by Oyasama. I would like to convey this to those who are not yet aware of it,” he said.
In light of the upcoming anniversary, Rev. Nakayama spoke about the importance of inviting others to return to Jiba to express our gratitude to Oyasama. “Let us continue to take firm steps together until the very last moment as we approach the day of the anniversary,” he said.