{"id":10132,"date":"2026-02-02T10:06:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T01:06:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/?p=10132"},"modified":"2026-02-02T10:06:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T01:06:29","slug":"new-years-address-by-the-shinbashira-full-text-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/?p=10132","title":{"rendered":"New Year\u2019s Address by the Shinbashira (Full Text)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Happy New Year, everyone. Last year marked the final year of the \u201cthree years, one thousand days\u201d period leading up to the upcoming anniversary. I trust that all of you engaged in your duties in the hope of receiving the blessing of a lively atmosphere in the Home of the Parent as befits the final year of the pre-anniversary activity period. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for all your efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a> Having welcomed the new year, we are now in the year of the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama. Perhaps this is merely my own habit, but in the beginning of a year marking an anniversary of Oyasama, I tend to contemplate how things were around the same time in 1887. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to the lunar calendar, January 4 was twenty-two days before Oyasama\u2019s withdrawal from physical life. The Life of Oyasama states: \u201cThe daily performance of the Kagura and the Teodori which had begun on the night of January 18 [or December 25 by the lunar calendar] was continued until the night of February 17 [or January 25 by the lunar calendar]. Despite the cold of midwinter, the performers doused themselves with cold water in rites of purification as they prayed sincerely for Oyasama\u2019s recovery.\u201d Thus, it was around the time when the followers were earnestly performing the Service every night. <\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of the Gregorian calendar, Oyasama staggered momentarily on New Year\u2019s Day as She came out of Her bath. Three days later, Her health suddenly took a critical turn, so the followers requested Divine Directions through Izo Iburi. Then the following response was given:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Sah, sah, the time is fully ripe and pressing. I have already told you everything but you have not understood at all. No matter how much I explain, there is no one who understands. This is My regret. You must reflect deeply on the life of doubt which you lead. Sah, if the words of God were false, this path would not have continued for forty-nine years until now. What I have told you until now has been shown. With this in mind, reflect. Sah, shall I withdraw? Shall I end it all?<\/span><\/p>\n

Osashizu, January 4, 1887<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This is indeed a stern instruction. This marked the beginning of Oyasama\u2019s final instruction during Her physical presence\u2014the instruction that would continue until February 18, which was the lunar calendar date of January 26.<\/span><\/p>\n

I trust that all of you are already familiar with what I spoke about. As I ponder over it, I feel that, compared to the relaxing mood in normal years, the New Year period this year gives me some sense of urgency.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 140th Anniversary of Oyasama is now fast approaching. Some of you may be continuing to devote all your efforts to achieving your goals until the very last moment. Others may be thinking of taking advantage of some of the events to be held in Jiba this year as opportunities to showcase the fruits of their efforts. Different people may have different approaches, but this year is the year when the efforts you have made in anticipation of the anniversary will bear fruit. Moreover, this year marks the beginning of a new chapter of your journey. <\/span><\/p>\n

You may have encountered moments of joy as well as new challenges, but it is important to take advantage of them as a springboard to begin a new chapter of your journey. We will be returning from the special activity period to ordinary times. However, although we are going back to ordinary times, it will not do to go back to how things were three years ago. I would like to ask you all to keep this in mind as you continue to engage in your duties in your respective roles and positions so as to ensure that the efforts you have made in anticipation of the anniversary lead to further progress in spiritual growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having shared my thoughts at the beginning of the new year, I would now like to conclude my remarks. I look forward to working with you again this year.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Happy New Year, everyone. Last year marked the final year of the \u201cthree years, one thousand days\u201d period leading up to the upcoming anniversary. I trust that all of you engaged in your duties in the hope of receiving the blessing of a lively atmosphere in the Home of the\u2026<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/span><\/i><\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[16,290],"class_list":["post-10132","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","tag-church-headquarters","tag-the-shinbashira"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t