Can you imagine a faith born from healing and a mother’s touch? That’s the essence of Tenrikyo. Right here in Osaka we will explore this unique religion. Tenrikyo is a Japanese new religion. It emerged from the teachings of Nakayama Miki in the 19th century. Followers revere her as Oyasama. She is the Shrine of God.
Tenrikyo isn’t strictly monotheistic. It isn’t pantheistic either. Followers believe in Tenri-O-no-Mikoto. This is the God of Origin. This God revealed divine intent through Miki Nakayama. Tenrikyo strives to teach and promote the Joyous Life. This life is achieved through charity and mindfulness. These acts are called hinokishin.
In the early days, Miki Nakayama asked her followers to form confraternities. These groups were called ko. The Shinmei confraternity was one of the earliest. It formed around April 1878.
From the 1870s, Nakayama and her followers faced persecution. Local authorities and established religions targeted them. They were expressing their beliefs and performing the Service. Followers sought recognition from religious and state authorities. This was to end the persecution. It went against Nakayama’s wishes. Japanese law didn’t allow civil authorization to independent churches. Only Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity were recognized.
In 1880, Nakayama’s son, Shuji, went to Jifuku Temple. This Buddhist temple belonged to the Shingon sect. Jifuku Temple agreed to establish a church. On September 22, 1880, the “Tenrin-O-Kosha” church was inaugurated. It featured a Buddhist fire rite and sermons by Buddhist priests.
The Meisei confraternity spread Nakayama’s teachings. They framed them as moral philosophy. This helped them avoid persecution. Following this, a petition was submitted on May 9, 1884. It aimed to establish “Tenrin-O-Sha: Institute for the Study of Practical Ethics.” The office denied the request due to lack of authority. Nevertheless, an office called “Tenrin-O-Sha” opened in Osaka.
In March and April 1885, followers approached Shinto Headquarters. They sought appointments for religious instructors. On May 22, Shinnosuke Nakayama was appointed. The next day, the other instructors were appointed. Permission was granted for a sixth-degree church. It was to be supervised by Shinto Headquarters. A letter accepting these appointments was sent on June 2.
The first attempt to obtain civil authorization occurred on April 29, 1885. Followers petitioned the governor of Osaka. They sought permission to form the Tenrikyo Church. The petition included texts like The Twelve Songs. It also included Ofudesaki parts IV and X and the Story of Creation. The request was denied. A second petition was filed on July 3. It requested to establish the Shinto Tenrikyo Church. Again, the request was denied.
Nakayama Miki died on February 18, 1887. Her funeral was conducted on February 25, 1887. Over 10,000 people attended. Initially, she was buried at Zenpuku-ji. In 1892, followers constructed a new cemetery on Mount Toyoda.
A petition for legal recognition was sent to Tokyo in 1888. The governor approved it on April 10, 1888. This established Tenrikyo Church Headquarters. It belonged to the Shinto Main Bureau. The authorization removed the threat of suppression. Followers could now establish branch churches. They could also gain official recognition for missionary work.
In 1908, Tenrikyo finally achieved independence. It set up its Administrative Headquarters. Shinnosuke Nakayama became the first shinbashira. This is the spiritual and administrative leader. A constitution was established.
Tenrikyo’s story is one of resilience. It’s about the power of faith. It is a journey from healing beginnings to a global religion. Today, Tenrikyo continues to spread its message of the Joyous Life. It emphasizes charity and mindfulness worldwide. Remember the story of Nakayama Miki. Remember the efforts to gain recognition. Consider the importance of community.