What if joy could be cultivated? Here at Tenrikyo Kichijoji Branch Church (天理教吉祥寺分教会), that’s the central question. Tenrikyo is a new religion, born in Japan in the 19th century. It’s neither strictly monotheistic nor pantheistic. Tenrikyo offers a unique spiritual path. It centers around the teachings of Nakayama Miki, known as Oyasama. She is revered as the Shrine of God.
Tenrikyo Kichijoji Branch Church stands as a testament to her message of joy. The ultimate spiritual aim of Tenrikyo is profound. It involves the construction of the Kanrodai. This divinely ordained pillar sits in the Jiba, an axis mundi. The correct performance of the Kagura ritual around it is believed to bring about the salvation of all human beings. The Jiba is seen as the origin of earthly creation. A pilgrimage to the Jiba is like returning to one’s origin.
Tenrikyo Kichijoji Branch Church reflects this focus on returning to our origins. This emphasis on joy permeates the teachings here at Tenrikyo Kichijoji Branch Church. The Joyous Life is defined by charity and abstaining from negative emotions like greed and anger. These are not viewed as sins, but as “dust” that can be swept away through hinokishin (voluntary effort) and prayer. Hinokishin isn’t about appearing selfless. It’s about expressing gratitude for kashimono-karimono (a thing lent, a thing borrowed) and shugo (providence). This concept highlights the Tenrikyo belief about our bodies. Our minds are our own, but our bodies are borrowed, a gift lent to us.
The single God in Tenrikyo is Tenri-O-no-Mikoto. This God created humankind so that we could experience and share in joy. The idea that our bodies are borrowed emphasizes that Tenri-O-no-Mikoto isn’t omnipotent. Other gods are considered instruments of Tenri-O-no-Mikoto. Nakayama Miki introduced the idea of God in stages, moving from a familiar “Kami” to the more symbolic “Tsukihi” (Moon-Sun), and finally to “Oya” (Parent). This reflects the evolving understanding of the divine, moving from an all-powerful being to a nurturing and intimate parent.
Tenrikyo also has a unique understanding of causality, called innen. While it shares similarities with karmic beliefs, it diverges in key ways. Tenrikyo believes in “original causality.” This means God created humans to live a Joyous Life and share in that joy. Suffering is seen as guidance, encouraging reflection and a change of heart, not as punishment. This “joyous acceptance” encourages a positive inner disposition, unaffected by external circumstances. Tenrikyo Kichijoji Branch Church embodies these principles. Here, the focus is on cultivating joy, expressing gratitude, and returning to our origins. The story of Tenrikyo is one of finding joy amidst the complexities of life. It’s a story that continues to unfold here, within these walls.