Oyasato Institute for the Study of Religion is now sponsoring a public lecture series on “Family Environment and Tenrikyo Theology—Way of Living as Taught in the Anecdotes of Oyasama.” The first lecture of the series was held on April 25.
Instruction One states, “the weakening ties between husbands and wives and between parents and children are undermining the very fabric of society.” As indicated in this passage, the disruption of the family and its surrounding environment in the contemporary world are becoming critical.
The lecture series is organized in order to shed some light on such problems by providing an opportunity to ponder over the way of living that is suitable for those who are on the path, using Oyasama’s words contained in the Anecdotes of Oyasama as a guiding principle.
Prior to the lecture, Director Akio Inoue of the Oyasato Institute delivered the opening address. In his address, he first explained how the followers could and should read and understand the Anecdotes. Furthermore, he suggested that the audience listen to the lecture while considering how we should put our faith into practice in our daily life.
The first lecture, entitled “The Hearts of Husband and Wife are the Foundation,” was given by Dr. Midori Horiuchi, a member of the institute. The subject was chosen in order to focus on the relationship between husband and wife, which is the fundamental unit of social life. Referring to anecdote 189 from the Anecdotes of Oyasama, she delivered the lecture by carefully explaining the footsteps of Narazo Hirano, the first head minister of Koriyama Grand Church, and his wife, Tara—especially, the changes in their ways of thinking and living as they engaged in missionary work.
The lecture was followed by a question and answer session, in which the audience actively exchanged their opinions since the subject of the lecture was something that they could easily relate to.
The second lecture of the series will be held on May 25 at 1:00 p.m. It will be on the relationship between parents and children. Based on anecdote 196, Professor Masahiko Okada will give the lecture, which is entitled “The Teachings of the Parent Have Not Reached Him—Maturing of the Child.”