“Do you believe in miracles?” Take a deep breath and soak in the air around you. This is the Tenrikyo West Temple Headquarters in Kyoto. This temple is the religious center of Tenrikyo, a new religion founded in Japan in the 19th century. It all started in 1838 when Mikami Nakayama, a woman from Tenri, started preaching her distinctive teachings. She saw the world as a divine playground created by God, called Joten Daijingū (The Heavenly Pure Deity), and believed that everyone should live a joyous and abundant life. These teachings were revolutionary at the time, as they were not based on traditional Japanese Shinto nor the major Buddhist teachings.
Mikami believed that her teachings were a guide to a better life. She called those teachings “The Divine Mission,” and she even claimed to be the “Parent of the Universe,” a powerful and controversial statement. She wasn’t just teaching, she was leading a movement.
From its very foundations, Tenrikyo has always been about the power of love. It’s more than a religion; it’s a community of people connected through faith. The West Temple Headquarters is where that all started. Even though it is a relatively new religion, it has a long history in Japan, with over two million followers worldwide.
The temple is not a classic, opulent building covered in gold leaf like many temples you may have seen. The building itself is built in a more modern style. What makes this temple special is actually the energy of the place. It feels alive with the warmth of its history and the passion of people who have gone before.
As you stand in front of the central shrine, the feeling of warmth and peace washes over you. You can sense the dedication and love that the followers have for their Joten Daijingū. Now, this powerful feeling is not merely a matter of faith. It is this loving energy that has kept Tenrikyo thriving for hundreds of years. The temple has a simple appeal. It is open to everyone, welcoming anyone who seeks a loving and joyful life. In addition to the central shrine, there’s a place to gather and a place to pray. It’s a small glimpse into a world full of love and light.