On April 19, the day after the Oyasama Birth Celebration Service, Tenrikyo Women’s Association held its 104th convention in the Inner Courtyard of Church Headquarters with infection control measures in place.
Despite the limitation of activities due to the pandemic, the Women’s Association has carried out its activities by being committed to doing whatever possible to make repayment for the blessings under the slogan for spiritual maturity—“Let’s follow the Divine Model and become the foundation for the Joyous Life”—and its activity guideline, which is “Let’s inquire into the origin and make daily repayment for the blessings we receive.”
The first convention in three years was held with a limited number of participants. Under blue skies in the morning, a total of 4,284 people, including chapter representatives, gathered in the Inner Courtyard, led by their directly supervised churches’ flag-bearers.
At 10:30 a.m., Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama and other distinguished guests entered the Inner Courtyard, escorted by Women’s Association President Harue Nakayama. The ceremony began with the singing of the Eight Verses of the Yorozuyo by the representatives. This was followed by a pledge made by a representative of new members and a progress report presented by Committee Member Miyoe Miyamori. President Nakayama then delivered her address, in which she talked about the role of women—who are given the attributes of giving birth and nurturing—and the responsibility that women should fulfill as the “foundation of the path.”
Next, Director-in-Chief of Religious Affairs Yoichiro Miyamori took the podium to deliver his address. Touching upon the appropriate stance of the mind for engaging in missionary and salvation activities, he quoted a passage from the Divine Directions and stated that it is important to proactively do what we can do, rather than what is difficult or unlikely to be done, and to be ready to seize opportunities wherever we are and at all times.
He then emphasized that we should take care of the roots in pursuing our faith, citing the weeping cherry trees in front of the Besseki Lecture Hall as an example. In order to bring forth the fruits of our missionary and salvation activities all over the world, including in faraway places, it is important to nourish the roots and to build a foundation by firmly contributing and dedicating ourselves to Jiba of Origin.
In conclusion, in light of the significance of conducting Oyasama’s anniversaries, Rev. Miyamori urged the participants to “think carefully about what you can do to bring joy to Oyasama and proactively take the first step forward.”
After Rev. Miyamori’s address, Kawaramachi Chapter Chairwoman Yasuko Fukaya delivered a pledge on behalf of all members. The representatives then sang the “Tenrikyo Women’s Association Song.”