Category Archives: Teachings and Stories of Tenrikyo Forebears

The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 44

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations, , ,

The following is a translation of Part 44 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the August 2006 (No. 452) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 44: “God Will Make Everything Work Out”

There was a time when Genjiro Fukaya, the first head minister of Kawaramachi Grand Church, tripped over a hammer when he was still working as a blacksmith and hit his forehead, leaving a large bump on his forehead. Genjiro instantly shouted out, “Oh, how it hurts. How thankful I am, how thankful I am!”

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Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 63

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations,

63. Dancing in the Dead of Night

The Osashizu (Divine Directions) mentioned from time to time that the Honseki was like a three-year-old child. The truth of these words may not be readily apparent, but the story of someone who stayed at the Honseki’s residence one night gives credence to God’s words.

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Naorai (Post-Service Meal)

Tenrikyo Fundamentals, Translations, ,

The following excerpt is from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 153–158) by Koji Sato, professor at Tenri University and instructor at Tenri Seminary. Note: This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Naorai (Post-Service Meal)

There is a naorai (post-service meal) following the monthly service of many Tenrikyo churches. There are mission stations that do the same.

Of course, there are churches and mission stations that do no have a post-service meal. There is also no set way on how to hold a naorai; there is a great variety among them.

The number of people of the path who see a naorai as a reception where worshipers eat and drink together is not few. However, naorai once had a special meaning in Shinto service (saishi). The origin of the word is naori-au or “a mutual return to normal.”

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 43

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations, , ,

The following is a translation of Part 43 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the July 2006 (No. 451) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 43: The Joy of Having Nothing

After World War II, large numbers of Japanese abandoned Korea for Japan. Among them were Tenrikyo ministers and followers who left behind the churches they helped build with many years of dedication. Among them were those who dragged enough luggage that it towered to their eyeballs. Unable to arrange their belongings as they rode the steam train taking them away, they brought their luggage into the passenger train, laid them on the floor, and sat on them.

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Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 62

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations, ,

62. Treating Everyone in an Equal Manner

The Honseki treated everyone in the same manner, whoever they happened to be. He showed compassion particularly to those who were not well off. He liked to give things to others, so when he passed away for rebirth he had but only a few coins in his possession. But there was never a time when he failed to offer anything to God the Parent.

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Churches

Tenrikyo Fundamentals, Translations, ,

The following excerpt is from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 150–153) by Koji Sato, professor at Tenri University and instructor at Tenri Seminary. Note: This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Churches

Every religion has a place dedicated for worship. They are called by variety of names: in Christianity they are called churches; in Buddhism, temples; in Islam, mosques; in Judaism, synagogues; in Taoism, byo; and in Shinto, shrines. Naturally, the object of worship has a different role. Yet for followers they represent sacred and solemn places where they can find peace and comfort.

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 42

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations,

The following is a translation of Part 42 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the June 2006 (No. 450) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 42: “God’s Gifts Are Free and Unlimited”

Zenroku and Shina Okamoto of Nagahara Village, Yamato Province were blessed with seven children. However, only their eldest son Eitaro and their youngest daughter Kan grew to adulthood as five of their children either died in infancy or a result of a miscarriage. Continue reading The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 42 →

Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 61

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations, ,

61. A Cough for the Nightwatchman

Like today, the seinens (male attendants) at Church Headquarters made nightly rounds of the Residence each hour. The Honseki sympathized with the seinens who were on duty each night. The Honseki would call out to the seinen making the rounds, saying, “Thank you for your hard work,” when they passed his room, even when it was one or two in the morning.

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Ascetic Training

Tenrikyo Fundamentals, Translations, , ,

The following excerpt is from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 146–149) by Koji Sato, professor at Tenri University and instructor at Tenri Seminary. Note: This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Ascetic Training

Many religions have established forms of ascetic training to deepen one’s faith and to cultivate the mind. There are some that are life-threatening and actually have taken the lives of a number of people.

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 41

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations,

The following is a translation of Part 41 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the May 2006 (No. 449) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 41: Bamboo Brooms

Naka Higashida was born in 1893 in Mifune-machi, Kumamoto Prefecture. When she came of age, her aunt who had relocated to Hawaii came to her with a marriage proposal. It was an arranged marriage with a mere exchange of photos, and it was decided that Naka would go to Hawaii to marry. Continue reading The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 41 →