The Shinbashira delivered his New Year’s address at the New Year’s meeting of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters conducted in the Assembly Hall following the evening service on January 4. The meeting was attended by 683 participants, including resident staff members of Church Headquarters, head ministers of directly supervised churches, superintendents of dioceses, members of the Assembly, committee members of Tenrikyo associations, and heads of Tenrikyo facilities.
The Shinbashira opened his New Year’s address by offering his New Year’s greetings and expressing his appreciation to everyone for their efforts in the previous year. He then noted that at last year’s Autumn Grand Service, he announced Instruction Three in anticipation of the 130th Anniversary of Oyasama to be conducted in 2016 (the 179th year of the Teaching). He stressed that the Instruction was centered on salvation activities leading up to the Anniversary.
Given that this year marks the first year of the “three years, one thousand days” pre-anniversary period, the Shinbashira spoke of the significance of making efforts with decisiveness and explained that meant everyone had to exert more efforts than usual in a concentrated manner.
Further, he touched on how Church Headquarters officials are in the middle of making visits to directly supervised churches to ensure a thorough understanding of Instruction Three and asked everyone to make efforts to align themselves closer to Oyasama’s intention. He said: “I am sure that all of you have your own roles as Yoboku and your own positions and roles in the Tenrikyo community. I’d like you all to make every effort to fulfill those roles.” He also stated his expectations for everyone to continue to strive for spiritual growth.
Lastly, the Shinbashira announced that the 130th Anniversary logo and song have been made and expressed his expectations for them to be utilized as materials to help everyone unite their minds and work toward the anniversary. He concluded his address by saying: “I imagine that many things will transpire this year. I ask you to bring your hearts together and do your best in fulfilling your duties.”