The February Monthly Service was performed in the Main Sanctuary of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters on the 26th with the Shinbashira presiding. On that day, a cold wave hit the Kansai region and the weather was icy cold.
In the prayer preceding the performance of the Service, the Shinbashira said, “Today, we find ourselves at a crucial moment when the world needs to change from its present state of confusion to a state of true joyousness.” He went on to say, “All of us—Service performers, church head ministers, and Yoboku alike—are determined to awaken to our Parent’s heart and work at cleansing our own heart, as well as to dedicate our sincerity in the cause of reconstructing the world.”
The Kagura Service and the Dance with Hand Movements were then joyously performed in harmony with the music of the nine instruments.
The sermon following the performance of the Service was delivered by Honbu-in Seitaro Yamada. Reminding the listeners that many people in the world live in anxiety over the uncertainty of their future, inasmuch as they have nothing lasting to depend upon, he stressed that a Yoboku’s mission is to save these people by showing them the way to the Joyous Life. In regard to the Service, which was taught as the means for world salvation, he carefully explained how to receive the truth of the Service as well as what frame of mind should be maintained when performing the Service. Concerning the administration of the Sazuke, he said that our simple act of praying wholeheartedly for those who are suffering from illness—without ever entertaining a single thought for ourselves—is itself the very picture of what Oyasama had in mind when She told people, “Save others.” He thus stressed that what is important in today’s world is thoughtfulness toward others. In closing, he encouraged the listeners not only to maintain a keen awareness of their mission as Yoboku but also to take concrete steps toward world salvation by helping the ill and troubled to find something lasting upon which they can depend.