The May Monthly Service of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters was performed on the 26th in the Main Sanctuary.
Serving as chief officiant on behalf of the Shinbashira, who is recuperating, Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama said in the Service prayer: “We will endeavor to cultivate the mind of saving others so as to be able to respond to Your intention to save all people throughout the world and guide them toward the Joyous Life. We are also determined to make our utmost efforts to engage in missionary and salvation work in the hope of sharing the teachings and Your parental heart with those who are suffering from illnesses or other problems.”
The prayer was followed by the joyous performance of the Kagura Service and the Dance with Hand Movements. After the Service performance, Honbu-in Harunobu Nakayama took the podium to deliver the sermon.
Touching upon the fact that there are times in our lives when we face unforeseen events, Rev. Nakayama pointed out: “We are taught the purpose of our human existence, the Joyous Life, and are provided with dependable guideposts that lead to that goal—such as the path of single-heartedness with God and the teachings based on the three Scriptures. Further, Oyasama demonstrated the foolproof way of following the path through Her Divine Model.”
He then explained the significance of making repeated efforts to discuss things together when problems arise in our parent-child and husband-wife relationships or in our church community. “When we discuss things in the light of the teachings and from the point of view of how we can bring joy and satisfaction to Oyasama—while setting aside our social positions, self-interests, and our gains and losses—we can surely receive God’s blessings, which will help us find a clue to a solution.”