![\"\"](\"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/201005yotokuin.jpg\" "\\"201005yotokuin\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nThen the Shinbashira described the efforts of the first president of the Women\u2019s Association, Tamae Nakayama, who, as the first director of the facility, strove to build its foundation. He also noted that the first Shinbashira\u2019s intention had been maintained as the fundamental principle of the facility throughout its history. Even though its name and management body changed over time, those involved in managing the facility, he said, \u201chave always focused on how to implement and embody the principle that has been passed down to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turning his attention to the present, he said, \u201cMirroring the current state of society\u2014which is said to be more and more chaotic\u2014Yotokuin seems to have to deal with complicated issues that it did not face before.\u201d Noting that the children\u2019s home is now looking after more and more children who are from non-Tenrikyo families, he acknowledged that \u201cit is far from easy to gain trust and understanding from the parents who do not share the same religious background.\u201d As a way to address the weakening ties between parents and children in society, he said, \u201cI want you nurturers to cultivate solid faith and conviction that will help you interact with children.\u201d<\/p>\n
He went on to say, \u201cWe are taught that we ought to be able to provide a convincing insight into the truth of the teachings through the way we lead our lives.\u201d As far as the children\u2019s home is concerned, he continued, \u201cnot only must you become good childcarers who can be trusted to fulfill parental roles, but you also need to conduct yourselves appropriately as the children of the path, Oyasama\u2019s children. What this means is that you should be focused on thinking and behaving in accord with Oyasama\u2019s Divine Model.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added, \u201cIt is also important for you to acquire and cherish the spirit of single-heartedness with God as your predecessors did.\u201d After noting that the facility is now well-equipped and well-established and can provide a broader range of activities, he said, \u201cIf you wish to receive blessings that enable buds to sprout from knots, you must return your thoughts to the origin and take fresh strides as you engage in social welfare.\u201d He concluded his address by saying: \u201cOn the auspicious occasion of the 100th anniversary, I would like to ask you to continue to make steady and united efforts based on the facility\u2019s founding spirit. In response to your efforts, God will give you blessings enabling buds to sprout from knots in such a way that the facility can measure up to the expectations of the general public and set an example for Tenrikyo\u2019s other social welfare activities.\u201d<\/p>\n
On behalf of the guests, Mr. Shogo Arai, governor of Nara Prefecture, then made a congratulatory speech, which was followed by speeches made by a representative of the children living in the facility and a representative of the graduates.<\/p>\n
Billing this year as the 100th anniversary year for Tenrikyo\u2019s social welfare activities, the Social Welfare Foundation Tenri\u2014the management body of the children\u2019s home\u2014and the Social Welfare Section of the Mission Department are organizing various commemorative events throughout the year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
On April 25, Tenri Yotokuin Children\u2019s Home conducted a ceremony\u2014honored by the presence of the Shinbashira and Women\u2019s Association President Harue Nakayama\u2014to commemorate its 100th anniversary with an attendance of 1,452 people concerned with social welfare. After opening remarks were made by Mr. Hiroshi\u00ad Miyazaki, director of the children\u2019s home,\u2026<\/p>\n