The May Monthly Service was performed in the Main Sanctuary of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters on the 26th with the Shinbashira presiding. It was fine weather that day, with refreshing winds of early summer.
In the prayer preceding the performance of the Service, the Shinbashira said: “All of us—Service performers, church head ministers, and Yoboku alike—are determined to seek our Parent’s heart in the things shown to us and to ponder deeply over the Parent’s concern that we may take a dangerous path. We are furthermore determined to reflect seriously upon our tendency to pay attention only to branches and leaves, thereby forgetting the root and neglecting the Origin. We are also determined to dedicate our sincerity in the cause of reconstructing the world while focusing on the Origin.”
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 Tadao Tosa. He first pointed out that there are quite a few Yoboku who have never administered the truth of the Sazuke, the Divine Grant, to others. He went on to say, “We ought to make a sincere effort in guiding such Yoboku so that they may engage themselves in salvation work.”
Referring to the truth of “a thing lent, a thing borrowed,” which is taught as the foundation of the teachings, he indicated that there are no greater blessings than the blessings we receive for our well being. He then asserted that the primary way to make repayment for the blessings is to sprinkle the fragrance of the teachings and engage in salvation work.
In closing, he pointed out that now, after the “District Lectures for Yoboku: Action and Progress,” it is the time for making actual progress. Calling upon all Yoboku to rouse themselves, he said, “Let all of us Yoboku unite our minds and dedicate our utmost in sprinkling the fragrance of the teachings and saving others as well as in guiding and caring for others.”