In the beginning, the world was a muddy ocean. Tsukihi, God the Parent, finding this chaos unbearably tasteless, thought of creating human beings in order to see the Joyous Life and thus share in that joy.
The Doctrine of Tenrikyo
The most basic element of our Tenrikyo faith rests on the teaching that God the Parent created human beings and this world in order to see human beings live a Joyous Life and to share in that joy.
That is to say, God created human beings so that we could live in joy, here on this Earth. And, God wanted to share in that joy.
The idea of Joyous Life is so central to Tenrikyo teachings to the extent that when we speak of "salvation," we are referring to the realization of the Joyous Life. Ultimately, all of Tenrikyo's teachings and practices focus on how to attain Joyous Life.
Joyous Life is to have a mind like clear water. If we are able to sweep away dusts from our mind, truth will be mirrored in our minds.
Joyous Life is to live each day with brightness and spiritedness in our minds, being fully aware that this world is the body of God the Parent and we receive God's blessings each and every moment.
Joyous Life is to share our joys with one another.
Only when you brings joy to others, can it be called true joy. If you enjoy yourselves while causing others to suffer, this cannot be called true joy.
Osashizu, December 11, 1897
Joyous Life is to bring our minds into unity with one another and with God. We come to see how we receive the providence of God the Parent and thus seek to live joyously and in high spirits, each of us respecting and helping one another.
If only human minds throughout the world have purified their minds and lead lives joyously ...
When the mind of Tsukihi is truly spirited, so will be all human beings.
When the minds of all the world are spirited, Tsukihi and human beings will be one in mind.
Ofudesaki VII:109-111
Awareness, appreciation, action.
The first step towards Joyous Life begins with awareness, an awareness of God the Parent’s deep parental love for each and every one of us. This awareness, in turn, leads to an understanding that our daily lives are blessed with many instances of guidance by God the Parent, guidance that comes from God’s desire for us to the Joyous Life.
With you humans, also, your children are dear to you. Think of this and ponder, please.
Day after day, the concern of the Parent is only about the means to save you.
Ofudesaki XIV:34-35
The second step, of appreciation, would follow naturally from the first. Once we have an awareness of the many blessings of God the Parent in our lives, we can come to appreciate those things and find joy in what we have. This joy, in turn, becomes the springboard for changing our lives for the better.
The third step, of action, revolves around the idea of “sharing our joy.”
Hereafter, if all of you throughout the world save one another in every matter,
Know that Tsukihi will accept that mind and will provide any salvation whatever.
Ofudesaki XII : 93-94
God asks us to share our joy with others. Joy attained through striving to help others is a joy based on true sincerity, something that will be sustained and become ever stronger. Our action for sharing our joy can begin with the simplest of things, such as greeting others with a cheerful word. That single word can then become our first step towards achieving Joyous Life.
You can learn more about Tenrikyo key terms by going to the website below.
Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in America offers three programs open to anyone who wants to learn more about Tenrikyo.
1) Joy Workshop: this is an introductory course to Tenrikyo. It presents the basic elements of the Tenrikyo teachings and includes a moment to think about how to apply the teachings in your life. The course is a single workshop that is 90 minutes long. Click here for more information and a video about the Joy Workshop.
2) Three Day Course: this course is designed to allow participants to develop their abilities to live the Joyous Life. It is comprised of lectures and group activities. The course is offered once a year at both the Mission Headquarters (located in Los Angeles) and the Tenrikyo New York Mission Center. Click here for more information and a video about the Three Day Course.
3) Spiritual Development Course: also known as Shuyokai, this course is a one-month program offered at the Mission Headquarters. It offers a lively communal environment with lectures, discussions, service practices, and other activities to become familiar with the teachings of Tenrikyo and to put it into practice. Click here for more information and a video about the Spiritual Development Course (Shuyokai)
For those who are able to travel to Japan, there are the following programs offered at Tenrikyo Church Headquarters, located in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture.
1) Spiritual Development Course: this course, held in Tenri, is known as Shuyoka and is a three-month program that allows its participants to thoroughly experience the life of faith at Jiba, the most sacred place for all Tenrikyo believers. The course begins on the 27th of each month, and the English-language course begins each year on March 27.
2) Tenrikyo Basics Course: this course is designed for anyone interested in learning about the basics of the Tenrikyo faith. It is a 90-minute course and consists of two lectures and two videos. English translation is available, but you must contact the office (by phone: 0743-63-2421) one week prior to your visit. Click here for more information the Tenrikyo Basics Course (information available only in Japanese).
Rev. Michael Yuge, Executive Director of Tenri Cultural Institute of New York, was interviewed by Sarah Walsh, a college student at Washington College, for a podcast to answer questions about Tenrikyo and to share his thoughts on the teachings with her audience. Her podcast was part of a series entitled “Come Pray with Me,” in which she interviewed guests from different religions around the world. The series is sponsored by the Department of Philosophy and Religion of her college.
Framed by Sarah’s insightful questions and Rev. Michael Yuge’s thoughtful answers, this interview provides a refreshing summary of our teachings. Please find and share a link to the podcast below.
1. Tenrikyo: The Path to the Joyous Life
"On this episode of "Come Pray with Me," I interview Reverend Michael Yuge of the Tenri Cultural Institute to discuss Tenrikyo, a monotheistic religion from Japan that was founded in 19th century Japan. It is one of the few religions to have a woman prophet, Miki Nakayama (or Oyasama to her followers). We will explore the roles women have played throughout the years, how song and dance is used to teach lessons, and what it means to live a joyous life."
2. Folgers in your Shrine: Revisiting Tenrikyo
"On this episode of "Come Pray with Me" I will be revisiting Tenrikyo with Reverend Michael Yuge. We will be exploring the faith more in depth and learning about Tenrikyo church services."
Yes. Please click below to listen to the audio rendition of Joyousness Day After Day, a book written by Zenye Nakayama, the third Shinbashira of Tenrikyo.
