Tenrikyo Church Headquarters conducted a prayer service on August 1.
The prayer service is for an end to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection and for the recovery of those affected, bringing an opportunity to pray in unity of mind and to reaffirm our understanding of the meaning of receiving such blessings.
At 12 noon, Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama ascended the upper dais with Director-in-Chief of Religious Affairs Yoichiro Miyamori to conduct the prayer service. Rev. Nakayama played the wooden clappers while Rev. Miyamori used the counter to assist him.
Preceding the performance of the service, Rev. Miyamori addressed the congregation.
In view of the current situation where the spread of the new coronavirus has not stopped, Rev. Miyamori mentioned that the 1st of August would be the middle day of the Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba. Saying that other annual activities and events—such as the Sechi Festival and the conventions of each association—that used to be taken for granted to be conducted are also no longer a matter of course, he stated that there might be confusion and difficulty in various aspects.
However, quoting the following Ofudesaki verses: “What are all of you thinking of this path? It is not easy to understand it. // By all means, Tsukihi will complete this path, holding fast to the mind of sincerity” (X:98–99), he explained that these verses teach us the importance of spreading the teaching that single-hearted salvation is the mind of sincerity no matter how difficult our situation may be.
He went on to emphasize that God the Parent taught us the Service, identified Jiba, and bestowed the truth of the Sazuke to us followers of the path for the sake of single-hearted salvation.
Lastly, Rev. Miyamori referred to the Divine Directions and said, “It is difficult to do anything now. Even without the COVID-19 pandemic, this may be a difficult time to carry out salvation work. However, in the midst of these difficulties, we should all firmly return our thoughts to single-hearted salvation. Let us strive to help save people now.”