He then talked about the phrases \u201crespond to God\u2019s parental love\u201d and \u201cbring joy to God the Parent,\u201d which are often heard at this seminary school. He explained that Oyasama\u2019s intention in shortening Her natural term of life by 25 years and withdrawing from physical life, was to help all Her children, all humankind, to grow more spiritually mature. He then said: \u201cMaking earnest efforts to respond to this parental love is the way for those who have learned and studied the teachings to walk the path. . . . Constantly reflecting on ourselves as we make efforts to ponder things in this regard will lead to bringing joy to Oyasama.\u201d<\/p>\n
He further stated after quoting from the Osashizu that, as we followers sincerely strive to be thorough in following the Divine Model, Oyasama responds to our sincerity by going ahead of us to provide Her blessings for us. He emphasized, \u201cThere is no other way to follow the teachings than to earnestly follow Her model path for single-hearted salvation.\u201d Continuing he said, \u201cNo matter what situation you are in, continuously following the path earnestly with the Divine Model in your heart will bring joy to you as you spiritually grow, and that joy will give you power to grow even more spiritually mature.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Shinbashira closed his address by expressing his hopes that the seminary graduates would follow the path in a befitting manner and achieve even greater spiritual growth that would enable them to serve admirably as instruments of Oyasama.<\/p>\n
Before the address by the Shinbashira, Principal Zenpei Kubo spoke to the graduates about the school motto: \u201cSeek the path and sow seeds of sincerity.\u201d He told them that it is important to always make sure that they follow this motto without forgetting it throughout their lifetime. He then quoted from Anecdotes of Oyasama<\/em>: \u201cEven the things that are considered to be straight by all the people of the world are warped when they are placed against the measure of heaven.\u201d He referred to these words of Oyasama to stress that the teachings of Oyasama are the constant and dependable guide for all Yoboku. He closed by summing up what all followers should focus their minds on, \u201cIt is very important for all of us to follow the path by aligning ourselves with the teachings.\u201d Later, a representative of the Graduate Seminary research program graduates expressed appreciation for the advice the Shinbashira had given them in his address. That was followed by a pledge by two graduates from the Graduate Seminary practical training program and the Junior Seminary. Following the ceremony, a commemorative picture was taken with the Shinbashira and Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama in the center. Later the graduates went to the Main Sanctuary for an appreciation service.<\/p>\n Among others, 30 of the graduates now work as staff members at facilities in the Home of the Parent including Tenrikyo Administrative Headquarters; 50 serve at churches, followers dormitories, and overseas mission headquarters; 11 study in Tenri Graduate Seminary\u2019s practical training program; and 3 live at missionary houses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tenri Seminary, which nurtures human resources that will serve as the core for the future of the path, held its graduation ceremony on March 9 with the Shinbashira and Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama in attendance in East Right Wing 1 of the Oyasato-yakata building-complex. Tenri Seminary, since its establishment in 1900,\u2026<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_0951-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n