![\"\"](\"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/20131126-\u6708\u6b21\u796d-NIM043.jpg\" "\\"20131126")
<\/a>The prayer was followed by the joyous performance of the Kagura Service and the Dance with Hand Movements, and the worshipers sang the songs for the Service in unison.<\/p>\nOn the day of the Service, the Home of the Parent was blessed with beautiful sunny weather, with vibrant late autumn foliage scattered around the Sanctuary precincts.<\/p>\n
After the Service, Honbu-in Michikazu Takahashi took the lectern to deliver the sermon. He first referred to the Shinbashira\u2019s sermon at this year\u2019s Autumn Grand Service, saying that the Shinbashira encouraged all Yoboku to thoroughly engage in salvation work. Honbu-in Takahashi noted that God the Parent created the world and humankind and that Oyasama demonstrated the path of the Divine Model of the Joyous Life for 50 years and remains alive now and forever while working single-heartedly for world salvation. He then stressed that people could work for the salvation of others only because they are embraced by God the Parent\u2019s parental love that desires to save all humankind and are guided by Oyasama. \u201cWe must never forget this precious assurance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Honbu-in Takahashi next posed questions: \u201cWhat does Oyasama desire of us with regard to salvation work? What can we do to implement it?\u201d Touching upon some stories in Anecdotes of Oyasama<\/em>, he explained that although people might not be able to do exactly the same things as Oyasama did, it was certainly possible for them to have a gentle heart like Hers and give kind words of consideration to others. He went on to say that the important thing is to single-heartedly believe in and rely on God the Parent, always remember to make repayment for God\u2019s blessings, and tell others about the joy they felt at being saved.<\/p>\n Moreover, Honbu-in Takahashi said, \u201c[I]f we make efforts in adoration of Oyasama, the Parent of the Divine Model, we can make it possible to totally comply with Her mind and implement Her teachings one by one with simple openness.\u201d He emphasized that followers should put their hearts into performing the service and administering the Sazuke\u2014both taught as the means for salvation\u2014with simple openness. He also pointed out that the fundamental source of salvation is Jiba, to which people should dedicate themselves, and that they should take steps forward in accord with the voice of Jiba while upholding the truth of Jiba single-heartedly.<\/p>\n In conclusion, referring to the Shinbashira\u2019s words at the Autumn Grand Service once again, Honbu-in Takahashi asked the congregation to make continuous efforts to respond to the Shinbashira\u2019s encouragement.<\/p>\n Days Prior to the Monthly Service <\/strong><\/p>\n The seated service was performed at noon at the Main Sanctuary from November 23 to 25, drawing a total of about 10,000 people. Also during this three-day period, there were 1,878 Besseki Lecture attendees (including 402 first-time attendees) and 430 people who attended the Tenrikyo Basics Course.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The November Monthly Service was performed on the 26th in the Main Sanctuary with the Shinbashira presiding as chief officiant. In the Service prayer, the Shinbashira expressed appreciation for God the Parent\u2019s love that guides people along the path of spiritual growth while helping them go through many a difficulty\u2026<\/p>\n