Tenrikyo’s Way of Thinking and Living: Money Plays the Role of Joining

In Tenrikyo, God the Parent’s providence is taught by distinguishing ten aspects of it and giving a sacred name to each. In this teaching, which is known as the “ten aspects of God the Parent’s complete providence,” Kunisazuchi-no-Mikoto is explained as follows: “in the human body, the providence of the female organ, of skin and joining; in the world, the providence of joining in general.” In addition to the idea that money is a gift from heaven, which was discussed in a previous article, money is also said to play the role of joining.

In our society, there is not a day that goes by without involving some form of monetary transaction. In this sense, money constitutes an essential foundation for sustaining our lives. Money can also help connect people, but the lack of it can lead to an opposite result, as is indicated by an old saying: “When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out of the window.”

What I am saying here is probably a matter of common sense. Some people aim to gain more and more money simply to live or to lead a better life. What is crucial, however, is to consider whether or not focusing on money will really lead to a desirable outcome and to know what determines the effect that money can have on the course of our lives.

In essence, money has no intrinsic moral value and can therefore give rise to any situation in our lives. We may often think that the more money we have, the better the course of our lives becomes. However, the amount of money we have is not the deciding factor for leading a better life. For instance, if we make money in an unethical way and cause hatred among people in the process, this can lead to undesirable consequences. Money gained in this way may not be of good value. On the contrary, even if it is a modest amount, money gained in an ethical manner can help us sustain our lives, connect with other people, and pursue a better course of life.

In the life of faith, gaining money of good value and spending it to bring joy to people around us and ourselves can help us come closer to the world of the Joyous Life. Faith essentially concerns how we use our minds, but with regard to how we use money as well, letting God the Parent’s intention guide us is the key to ensuring the absence of any problems.

From Tenrikyo no kangaekata kurashikata published by Doyusha Publishing Company

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