by Alyssa Yuge

In August, I had the privilege of attending the Study Scripture Seminar lead by the Future Path committee at the Tenrikyo Headquarters of America. Though I felt overwhelmed by work and other responsibilities at home, this was the perfect opportunity to remind myself how important it is to prioritize my faith. For two days, I allowed myself to focus solely on learning more about the scriptures and having discussions with the people around me. The lecturers, Dr. Higashibaba and Rev. Hayashi, gave in depth explanations on how to interpret and understand the Ofudesaki, the Mikagura-uta, and the Osashizu. The Ofudesaki and Mikagura-uta are very familiar texts that I encounter often, but through detailed lectures and insightful discussions, I had discovered sides to these texts that I had never considered before. The Osashizu, on the other hand, is a text that I have not studied much of but learned to appreciate so deeply through this study seminar. The depth of knowledge around me inspired me to continue spending time with these scriptures and made me realize how critical they are to Tenrikyo and to my own personal faith.

I attended with my fiancé Alec, who I introduced to Tenrikyo. His perspective is often different from my own, as someone who is seeing Tenrikyo for the first time as an adult, and as someone who has a strong relationship to another faith. This study seminar brought up many intriguing questions between us and gave us the space to have these conversations. I am grateful to the lecturers for providing their wealth of knowledge to us and to everyone involved in planning and executing such a successful seminar. I returned home and back to work feeling motivated, inspired, and God the Parent’s blessings ten thousand fold.

by Hiromi Yukimoto

Since the announcement of the Scripture Study Seminar, I have been very intrigued and enthusiastic about learning more regarding the scriptures. Despite growing up in a church, practicing the service daily, reading the Ofudesaki regularly, and being able to speak conversational Japanese, I still struggle to understand the words and, more importantly, the teachings and meaning behind them. Even listening to the Mikagura-Uta without translation, I’ve sadly realized that they are just memorized sounds and syllables to me. I wanted to heighten my understanding of the core aspects on which our religion is based. Thus, this felt like a remarkable opportunity to participate in and gain a deeper understanding of the teachings for myself.

First and foremost, throughout the seminar, I felt immense gratitude towards our lecturers, Dr. Higashibaba and Rev. Hayashi. They effectively presented their lectures with an incredible depth of knowledge, mindfulness, and top-class articulation in English. As an academic myself and an audio learner, I genuinely appreciate a lecture-style structure like this. The analysis of the scriptures, presented within the historical, socio-economic, and cultural context, was eye-opening and helped make sense of the metaphors, words, and timing chosen by God the Parent at the start of Tenrikyo. The lectures were very digestible, efficient, and, honestly, profound, as I had many new revelations that weekend. Moreover, I believe that the materials provided during the seminar, which we took home, will serve as a valuable and easy reference guide for approaching the scriptures directly in the future. 

Furthermore, I am also very appreciative that this was an occasion for us to get together and bond with our Tenrikyo family here in the US & Canada. A significant part of the seminar consisted of discussion sessions with both old and new acquaintances. I loved hearing everyone’s thoughts and questions, as many perspectives and questions were shared; however, many points were also very thought-provoking and helped broaden my attitudes and opinions on specific subject matters I had never thought about before. Additionally, beyond the seminar itself, I thought it was really fun to spend time with one another. It was genuinely fulfilling to see old friends and make new ones. To strengthen our relationships with each other outside of the lectures, I believe, is a vital aspect that is woven into our Tenrikyo activities. Sharing joy and being together is a compelling part of why I personally want to participate in activities like this, in addition to learning the scriptures. So, thank you to the Future Path Advisory Committee, Dendocho staff, our lecturers, and all those who dedicated so much time and effort to executing such a well-organized event! I hope to see more of them in the future and look forward to learning with everyone again! 

by Alec Manasse

From the scripture study seminar at Tenrikyo Headquarters in America, I learned that humble listening, thoughtful discussion, and sincere inquiry are some of the most powerful vehicles though which we can grow spiritually. The seminar was essentially based around these three areas of learning, and each one was meaningful in its own way. 

In the area of humble listening, there were four fantastic lectures given by two experts of the scriptures, Reverend Hayashi, and Dr. Higashibaba. Many of the participants of the seminar were themselves highly knowledgeable, long-time Tenrikyo followers. However, they all came to the seminar with the curiosity and openness of someone studying the scriptures for the first time. This showed me (an actual first time studier of the scriptures) the importance of remaining humble at any stage. Their humble listening demonstrated an absence of rigidness in their interpretations, and a readiness to learn something new. 

In the area of thoughtful discussion, we had the opportunity to discuss in small groups after each lecture. Through this activity I realized how much could be gained by addressing certain topics together. Furthermore, group discussion is not only helpful as a tool for understanding, but also serves as a wonderful reminder of the beauty of community. 

Lastly, and to me most importantly, was the area of sincere inquiry. Following each small group discussion, was a session specifically for asking questions. These sessions involved all participants and the lecturers. Through these sessions I learned that simply asking a question to an expert, a friend, or even to myself, could change my perspective spiritually, and create new avenues through which I might deepen my faith.

I had the privilege of attending the seminar with my fiancé Alyssa. Since we finished the seminar, all three of these areas of learning have naturally become part of our life at home. We frequently pose questions, discuss them, and thoughtfully listen to what the other has to say. Our most recent discussion at home was related to the role of illness, and how to interpret “God’s regret.”  I know that we are both grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the study seminar, and to have the teachings more present in our daily lives.

by Casey Oiki

I had the opportunity to attend the Sacred Scripture Study Seminar at the Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in Los Angeles, California. I would like to share my thoughts about the experience.

During the seminar, I learned about the three scriptures of Tenrikyo: the Ofudesaki, the Mikagura-uta, and the Osashizu. Although I grew up in a church and was familiar with these scriptures by name, I had never fully understood their meanings.

Growing up, I didn’t really think about what the Ofudesaki and the Mikagura-uta were saying, as I simply read them during the morning and evening services. The Osashizu, in particular, was the most difficult for me to understand, since I had never looked into it deeply.

This study seminar was a great experience because it allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of each scripture. For example, I learned the meaning of the phrase “ponder over,” which means to think deeply about the verses. Each verse contains a message that relates to Tenrikyo’s teachings, such as the importance of the Service, the human mind, illness, and God’s feelings toward human beings. The scriptures strongly emphasize the significance of the Service.

In the Mikagura-uta, each song of the Service carries its own meaning. For instance, Songs One and Two describe what the Joyous Life will look like. They teach that if we all work together, we can achieve this goal.

One part of the Osashizu that resonated with me was the concept of “Tanno,” which means joyous acceptance, or literally, satisfaction. It teaches that even in difficult situations, such as illness, we should accept them as guidance from God.

Overall, this experience helped me become more knowledgeable about Tenrikyo and gave me a true understanding of the meaning behind its three sacred scriptures.

by Inna Tarasiuk

On August 30–31, I had the opportunity to attend the Study Seminar on the Sacred Scriptures of Tenrikyo at Tenrikyo Mission Headquarter in Los Angeles. The seminar focused on the Ofudesaki, Mikagura-uta, and Osashizu. Professor Higashibaba provided a meaningful exploration of the historical context in which these texts were written, showing how much the circumstances of the time shaped the way the teachings were expressed.

For me, this was also a chance to revisit materials I had studied years ago at Tenri University and to reflect on how my understanding has shifted with time. It reminded me how valuable it is to engage with the scriptures repeatedly - because with each stage of life, different aspects come forward.

One discussion that particularly resonated with me was about translation. Historically, Christian terminology was adopted during the time of the Second Shinbashira, and many of us have grown used to it. Yet, thinking back to my early impressions, I realized how such wording can make Tenrikyo seem more like a Christian sect than a unique path. Language has great power in shaping first impressions. Perhaps now, with the benefit of historical hindsight, it is time to reflect on the terms we use and consider whether they best convey the heart of Tenrikyo to newcomers.

Another realization was how few of us, even those raised in Tenrikyo, have had the chance to study its history in depth. This highlighted for me the importance of continuing educational opportunities that go beyond introductory material. Deeper, more scholarly sessions could benefit both new followers and those who grew up in the faith. And if such programs could also invite specialists from other disciplines, they might further equip ministers to support people with compassion—helping them navigate difficulties without unintentionally causing harm or pain.

I left the seminar with gratitude and also a sense of responsibility. Opportunities like this not only deepen our own faith but also spark important conversations about how we share Tenrikyo’s teachings in today’s world.