Is Tenrikyo West Chicago Church a familiar name to you? Tenrikyo is a Japanese new religion. It began with Nakayama Miki in the 19th century. Her followers call her Oyasama.
Tenrikyo followers believe in a God of Origin. God is also known as Tsukihi or Tenri-O-no-Mikoto. Followers also call God Oyagamisama. This God revealed divine intent through Miki Nakayama. She was seen as the Shrine of God. Honseki Izo Iburi and other leaders also played important roles.
The goal of Tenrikyo is to teach and promote the Joyous Life. This life is found through charity and mindfulness. These acts are called hinokishin. The Tenrikyo Church Headquarters supports many local churches. There are over 16000 churches in Japan. Tenrikyo has millions of followers worldwide.
The spiritual aim of Tenrikyo involves the Kanrodai. It is a divinely ordained pillar. The Jiba is the axis mundi. Performing the Kagura ritual around it brings salvation. The Jiba is believed to be the origin of earthly creation. Visiting the Jiba is returning to one’s origin. This is known as returning to O-Jiba. Okaeri nasai means welcome home. You might see it in Tenri City.
Other important teachings include Tannō. This is a joyous acceptance of troubles. Jūzen-no-Shugo are ten principles of creation. These exist in two-in-one relationships. They apply throughout the universe.
The Joyous Life means being charitable. It means avoiding greed and selfishness. People should avoid hatred and anger. Covetousness and arrogance are also to be avoided. Negative tendencies are like dust. Hinokishin and prayer can sweep them away. Hinokishin is voluntary effort. It comes from gratitude.
The most basic teaching is kashimono-karimono. This means a thing lent a thing borrowed. Our bodies are lent to us. We should think of our minds as being under our control. Our bodies are not completely under our control.
The sacred name of God is Tenri-O-no-Mikoto. God created humankind for joy. The body is borrowed. The mind is one’s own. Tenri-O-no-Mikoto is not omnipotent. Other gods are instruments. They were also created by Tenri-O-no-Mikoto.
Tenrikyo’s doctrine names four properties of Tenri-O-no-Mikoto. God is revealed in the world. God is the creator. God is the sustainer and protector. God is the savior of humankind.
Nakayama conveyed the concept of the divine in steps. First, she used the term Kami. This was familiar to her followers. She clarified it with phrases like moto no kami. This means God of Origin. She also used jitsu no kami meaning God in Truth. Second, she used Tsukihi. This means Moon-Sun. They impartially give light and warmth. The divine workings are impartial and constant. Finally, she used Oya. This means Parent. The relationship between the divine and humans is love. God guides and nurtures people.
Followers use the phrase God the Parent. They use the divine name Tenri-O-no-Mikoto when worshipping. I hope you’ve found this short introduction to Tenrikyo West Chicago Church informative.