The December Monthly Service of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters was performed on the 26th in the Main Sanctuary with the Shinbashira presiding as chief officiant.
Reflecting upon this year, the Shinbashira, in his prayer, expressed his appreciation for God the Parentʼs profound loving care and warm parental heart and said: “In retrospect, we have devoted ourselves to carrying out the work of the path befitting the 180th year—a key year when a variety of events coincided together—while setting our sights on making repayment for the blessings we receive. We were, however, shown an unexpected ʻknot’ on the Kanrodai, which occurred on July 26. We have become painfully aware of Your stern instruction embodied in the major ʻknot’ and critically reflected on our efforts that had not yet really been in accord with Your intention. Having firmly resolved to dedicate ourselves thoroughly to the faith in single-heartedness with Jiba and single-heartedness with God and to fulfill our tasks of the path by bringing ourselves into accord with Your intention, we replaced the Kanrodai. We have also been holding the Seminar for Successors here in Jiba since the end of August, which will continue until March 2018. So far, fifteen sessions have been completed, with everything proceeding smoothly.”
The prayer was followed by the joyous performance of the Kagura Service and the Dance with Hand Movements.
After the Service performance, Honbu-in Seitaro Yamada took the podium to deliver the sermon. Rev. Yamada stressed that even after Oyasama’s withdrawal from physical life She continues working for world salvation by virtue of Her eternal life. Referring to the Osashizu and The Life of Oyasama etc., he carefully explained some significant points embodied in the truth of the Sazuke, the Grant of Safe Childbirth, the Proof Amulet, and the sacred gift (goku) and shared his thoughts on the basic stance of mind that ought to be maintained by those who are in a position to receive them.