What if I told you that this building connects us to a global faith community? We are standing before the Tenrikyo Kyokai Honbu. It is a branch church of the Tenrikyo religion.
Tenrikyo is a Japanese new religion. It originated from the teachings of Nakayama Miki in the 19th century. Followers call her Oyasama. Tenrikyo is neither strictly monotheistic nor pantheistic.
Tenrikyo’s followers believe in Tenri-O-no-Mikoto. This is the God of Origin. Adherents also call this God Tsukihi. Tenrikyo’s main goal is to teach and promote the Joyous Life. This is achieved through charity and mindfulness. These acts are called hinokishin.
The Tenrikyo Church Headquarters is in Tenri, Nara, Japan. It supports over 16,833 local churches in Japan. The Tenrikyo faith has about 1.75 million followers in Japan. It is estimated to have over 2 million followers worldwide.
The Tenrikyo Church Headquarters has a hierarchy. At the top is the Shinbashira. This person is the spiritual and administrative leader. Grand churches and branch churches minister to adherents. Dioceses minister to adherents geographically. Many grand churches were established by missionaries. They began around the turn of the 20th century. Head ministers are successors of those missionaries. Branch churches usually belong to a grand church. This forms a parent-child relationship.
The Main Sanctuary houses the Kanrodai. This stand marks the Jiba. Adherents believe God conceived humankind there. The earliest sanctuary was built in 1864. Major construction projects took place later. The north section was completed in 1913. The south section was completed in 1934. The west and east sections were expanded from 1977 to 1984.
The Foundress’ Sanctuary is dedicated to Nakayama Miki. The first sanctuary was built in 1895. A larger Foundress’ Hall was completed in 1933. The Memorial Hall honors deceased Tenrikyo adherents. Inside are three altars. One altar honors deceased members of the Nakayama family. Another honors deceased performers of the Service. The last altar honors deceased church ministers and followers.
The oyasato-yakata complex surrounds the Divine Residence. Construction began in 1954. The project continues today. It is a spiritual practice for Tenrikyo adherents. It creates a model city. This reflects their belief in a Joyous Life.
Tenrikyo went through many changes. In 1888, Tenrikyo Church Headquarters belonged to the Shinto Main Bureau. In 1908, it gained independence. During World War II, the state increased control. After the war, Tenrikyo restored its scriptures and doctrine.
Tenrikyo has spread outside Japan. It has centers in Southeast Asia and America. Here at the Tenrikyo Kyokai Honbu, you are connected to this global network. The teachings of Tenrikyo continue to inspire people. They strive for a Joyous Life through faith and community.