The following is a translation of “Egao wa katei no junkatsu-yu” by Kanehiko Kontani from Ohanashi goju hassen published in 2004 in Japanese by the Tenrikyo Young Men’s Association. Translation originally posted at Tenrikyo Forum on March 12, 2007.
Continue reading 58 Selected Writings 2: A Smile Is Like Lubricating Oil for Family Relationships
The following is a translation of Part 47 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the November 2006 (No. 455) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.
On the lunar New Year’s Day of 1886, Oyasama mentioned to the people around her:
“I will bring home a great person tomorrow. There is no knowing what workings I will do from this point on by bringing this person home.”
Q: I once read an article suggesting that the divine name of God in Tenrikyo was inspired by the Indian wheel-turning king, Tenrin-O. Is this true?
submitted by Full Colored Kings (real name withheld)
This is a complicated question. First of all, I would assume that most Tenrikyo followers have never heard of the mythical wheel-turning king. I would imagine the vast majority of followers take it for granted that God the Parent’s “divine name” was always Tenri-O-no-Mikoto and it was not until God the Parent became “revealed” through Oyasama, the “Shrine of God,” that it came to be known for the first time. From an adherent’s standpoint, we may safely assume say the answer would be “No.”
Continue reading Question no. 3: Was Tenri-O-no-Mikoto originally a Buddhist deity?
The following is a translation of an excerpt from the writings of Eitaro Imamura (1894–1969), who held several positions throughout his career as a Honbu-jun’in (senior official of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters), such as superintendent of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, and Wakayama dioceses, president of Doyusha, head of Publications Approval Office, and first head minister of Jibun Branch Church.
There is the saying, “Cherry blossoms in full bloom in the third lunar month.” This would fall in early or mid-April according to the Gregorian calendar. Continue reading Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 66
The following is a translation of “Hara o tatenai kotsu” by Kuraji Kashiwagi from Ohanashi goju hassen published in 2004 in Japanese by the Tenrikyo Young Men’s Association. Translation originally posted on Tenrikyo Forum on March 12, 2007.
Continue reading 58 Selected Writings 1: Tips to Avoid Becoming Upset
The following is a translation of Part 46 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the October 2006 (No. 454) issue of Taimo , pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.
Sakujiro Yamada ran a general goods store in Oroshi Village in Minami Muro County, Mie Prefecture. He succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis, a disease that had no cure at the time. Although he tried everything possible, his condition did not improve. He decided to see a famous doctor in Osaka as a last resort. Sakujiro had Tameshichi Hatabayashi, who was familiar with Osaka and a regular at his store, to accompany him on his trip.
The Honseki was fond of anything that was joyous. He also went to see local plays from time to time, especially during his later years. He also loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He liked to pass the time playing Japanese chess and go.
Being it’s 8-8-2008 and that it has been half a year since I wrote a true blue “blog,” I feel compelled to do so, just to mark the occasion.
The Beijing Olympics have nothing to do with it, really. Eight happens to be a favorite number since childhood and there are a couple of important things I wanted to share my thoughts on.
The following is a translation of Part 45 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the September 2006 (No. 453) issue of Taimo , pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.
In 1879, Bunkichi Nakagawa, who made his living as a dyer in the Honden section of Osaka, succumbed to a sudden illness of the eyes that left him nearly blind. As Bunkichi’s dyeing business was flourishing, he spared no expense on doctors and medicine. He also prayed to the gods and buddhas at various shrines and temples for a full recovery, but there was no sign of any improvement. His illness grew worse and his doctor declared his case as hopeless, saying, “There’s no chance for a full recovery.”
The following is a recollection of Tojin Okajima (1894–1961), who once was president of the Doyusha, Jihosha, and Yotokusha publishing companies:
“When I was small, I saw the Honseki every now and then with his distinctive topknot, a hairstyle that appears in old ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock) prints.