{"id":8218,"date":"2020-12-10T14:46:24","date_gmt":"2020-12-10T05:46:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/?p=8218"},"modified":"2020-12-10T14:46:24","modified_gmt":"2020-12-10T05:46:24","slug":"a-talk-by-director-in-chief-of-administrative-affairs-zensuke-nakata-delivered-on-august-27-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/?p=8218","title":{"rendered":"A Talk by Director-in-Chief of Administrative Affairs Zensuke Nakata (Delivered on August 27, 2020)"},"content":{"rendered":"

On August 27, Director-in-Chief of Administrative Affairs Zensuke Nakata gave a talk on the future course of the path at a meeting attended by resident staff members of Church Headquarters, heads of directly supervised churches, heads of dioceses, members of the Assembly, and committee members of Tenrikyo associations. The meeting was held to bring together followers in leading positions to unite their efforts to rise to the challenges surrounding the path under the banner of sharing the same goal in anticipation of the next \u201cthree years, one thousand days\u201d season, which will begin in three years\u2019 time.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Need to Adapt and Respond to Changes in Society<\/strong><\/p>\n

The novel coronavirus has brought our society to a near standstill, and its impact has perhaps been even greater on the Tenrikyo community. Under the current circumstances, I believe that the important thing is to ponder over what is being urged by God the Parent now. Spreading all around the world, COVID-19 became a great challenge for all human beings including us Tenrikyo followers. At this point in time, we should not only ponder over this great knot individually but also share our understanding of it within the larger Tenrikyo community as we seek to tackle the challenge in unity of mind.<\/p>\n

Those of you assembled here today are in a position to bear heavy responsibilities in the path. In the face of this great knot, I would like all of you to reflect on the course that the path has followed in recent years and, building on our reflections, to pledge together to make a fresh start in unity of mind.<\/p>\n

In July, it was widely reported that this year marks the 75th year since World War II ended in 1945. The war was a huge knot for the path, and our predecessors went through many difficulties, which are all beyond description. As the war came to an end, however, they managed to pick themselves up and make a new beginning in unity of mind to engage in \u201crestoration.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perhaps we believe that Tenrikyo has not since experienced any major difficulties as serious as those during the wartime, but is that really true? It is hard to believe that there was no trouble over the last 75 years. There must have been troubles and difficulties. It was only that they did not appear in the form of oppression or interference involving the distortion of the teachings or a ban on the Service.<\/p>\n

There are various perspectives to look at our society, but a significant transition occurred from around the early 1990s in Japan. For instance, the Japanese economy slipped into severe recession as the \u201cbubble\u201d burst soon after the Centennial Anniversary of Oyasama was conducted. In parallel with the situation, the birth rate in Japan started to fall resulting in an increasing aging population; the number of nuclear families increased rapidly; and there was a noticeable rise in the share of never-married or divorced adults in society. All these social trends transformed how we define \u201cfamily\u201d and eventually reversed what was the norm in society until then.<\/p>\n

It was around the same time that the world became increasingly globalized while information technology made significant progress, which had a remarkable influence on our way of thinking and accelerated the pace of social change. That is to say, the era was a revolutionary period in history.<\/p>\n

Perhaps as a result of these changes, the Tenrikyo community started to show a downward trend. The traditional vertical mission of the path was greatly challenged by the declining birth rate, aging population, shrinking family size, increasing never-married rate and divorce rate, and changing family values. Although we were aware of these changes in society, we have essentially continued to engage in missionary work and nurture followers in the traditional manner, for these changes did not involve the distortion of the teachings or a ban on the Service.<\/p>\n

However, our living environment and social conditions\u2014in which we engage in missionary and salvation work\u2014have been transformed and diversified at an accelerated pace. The way people view religions including Tenrikyo changed as well. Because of that, it was a matter of course that our traditional approaches and activities in conveying the teachings and helping save people were becoming less effective. Yet transforming the way we have been accustomed to doing things requires a common understanding of the need to adapt to the changes, decisiveness to deal with the situation, and patience and perseverance to undertake this work.<\/p>\n

I assume that each of us now has a sense of urgency, thinking that we cannot just continue with business as usual.<\/p>\n

It is about time for us followers of the path to make a resolve for a fresh start with a shared understanding of urgency so as to be able to respond to the changes in society. This was part of the reason this meeting was originally scheduled in April.<\/p>\n

(continued on the next page<\/a>)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In Anticipation of the \u201cThree Years, One Thousand Days\u201d Season Leading Up to the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama<\/strong><\/p>\n

In October 2016\u2014when the 130th Anniversary of Oyasama was conducted\u2014a meeting was held for heads of directly supervised churches and dioceses to discuss the future of the path. Regarding the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama as the next milestone, the participants in the meeting were called on to carry out activities with a shared sense of purpose over the next ten years. In particular, we decided to make a fresh start by encouraging reflection on the way we followed the path and by promoting our basic practices of faith such as making repayment on a daily basis for the blessings we received.<\/p>\n

It has been four years since that time. We have six years left before the next milestone. This means that the \u201cthree years, one thousand days\u201d season will begin in three years. Today\u2019s meeting was originally planned to be held in April to serve as a reminder of that, so that all of us could begin preparations to enable all followers of the path to rise up together in three years. My hope was that the entire Tenrikyo community would embark on the pre-anniversary season with a shared understanding.<\/p>\n

In the concluding year of the \u201cthree years, one thousand days\u201d season that led up to the 130th Anniversary of Oyasama, many directly supervised churches and church affiliation\u2013based groups added liveliness and momentum to the pre-anniversary activities by taking it upon themselves to strive to bring first-timers to the Besseki lectures, thereby creating a positive sense of competition. So long as we set clear goals and make a commitment to achieve them, we will be blessed with tangible results.<\/p>\n

If we build and maintain a similar level of momentum and carry out our activities in a proactive and spirited manner throughout the \u201cthree years, one thousand days\u201d season, we can achieve tremendous results that will serve as a springboard for the path to grow vigorously. Besides, if we can maintain the momentum for three years instead of one, it gives the kind of Yoboku who might be initially hesitant to participate more of a chance to join in the activities of the season and grow spiritually with other Yoboku.<\/p>\n

To create such momentum, it is a prerequisite that all of us here have a strong sense of purpose and convey Oyasama\u2019s intention in withdrawing from physical life clearly to others as we make preparations in advance for spirited pre-anniversary activities.<\/p>\n

This meeting had to be postponed from April due to the coronavirus pandemic. As the situation became worse and worse, I came to realize that we could not respond to the urging of God unless we took this knot into consideration when we pondered and decided what course of action to take. That is why the meeting is being held today.<\/p>\n

In order for us to come closer to the realization of the Joyous Life so desired by God the Parent, we must lay a firm foundation that will allow the younger generation of the path to follow the path of single-hearted salvation with a strong sense of pride and confidence. The roles and responsibilities that we must fulfill are therefore huge as we cannot afford to postpone addressing the downward trend. In this regard, I would like to ask for your understanding and cooperation in preparing for making a fresh start.<\/p>\n

(continued on the next page<\/a>)<\/p>\n


\nMaking Knots a Springboard for Further Progress<\/strong><\/p>\n

After conducting the 130th Anniversary of Oyasama, we faced great knots one after another. Three years ago on July 26, the Kanrodai\u2014the center of the faith\u2014was knocked down. I will never forget the sight of the Kanrodai with only its bottom two sections remaining. In the following year, the Shinbashira, who has been taking a leading role as the core and a parent of the path, received a sign in the form of illness. These difficult situations were repeated manifestations of God\u2019s stern instruction and urging.<\/p>\n

Since then, we have prayed for the blessing of the Shinbashira\u2019s recovery while exerting further efforts in our respective roles and positions, believing that we will surely be blessed if we carry out the activities of single-hearted salvation in an even more proactive and spirited manner.<\/p>\n

However, we encountered the knot of novel coronavirus, which left us no other choice but to cancel almost all of our activities. There was no direct ban on performing the service at the Main Sanctuary or regional churches, but we had to ask followers to refrain from attending the services.<\/p>\n

At that point, I realized that, although we pondered what we were urged to do through these occurrences, we might have totally misunderstood the meaning of God the Parent\u2019s urging. This reminded me of the knot that arose in 1887.<\/p>\n

At that time, Oyasama requested our predecessors to resolve to perform the Service exactly as taught by Her. They fully understood Her intention, but they asked Her for an alternative means to respond to Her intention out of fear that the performance of the Service would cause Her trouble, for performing the Service meant rebelling against the authorities. I realized that I was following their mindset of pursuing an alternative means to handle the situation.<\/p>\n

In view of a prolonged pandemic of the coronavirus and other several major knots in recent years, I feel that we are repeatedly taught that \u201cto resolve [our] minds is primary\u201d just as our predecessors were instructed by God the Parent through the dialogue that took place during the knot of 1887.<\/p>\n

A Divine Direction said:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sah, sah, because Tsukihi exists, the world exists. Because the world exists, things exist. Because things exist, your bodies exist. Because your bodies exist, law exists. Although the law exists, to resolve your minds is primary.<\/p>\n

Osashizu, January 13, 1887<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

We are indeed fortunate because it is not as if the teachings are being distorted or the performance of the Service is being banned. It is important for us to do our best to perform our duties however we can by following the Divine Model. Let us first and foremost implement the teaching \u201cSave others\u201d straightforwardly in our day-to-day lives. Let us lean on the everliving Oyasama as we pray for the full recovery of the Shinbashira as well as seek to make the knots that are shown to us a springboard for the further progress of the path. Let us therefore firmly settle in our mind a shared understanding of our purpose and once again make a firm resolve. In so doing, let us address the downward trend and overcome anxiety about the future of the path. It is not easy to achieve results within a short period of time, but I want to see the current situation as a chance to make a turnaround. This must be part of what we are being urged to do as well. I have no intention of rejecting or criticizing the way we carried out our work in the past. It is necessary to honestly evaluate what we have done but, at this point, making a commitment to move forward is more important.<\/p>\n

(continued on the next page<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Toward the 150th Anniversary of Oyasama and the 200th Anniversary of Tenrikyo<\/strong><\/p>\n

What I would like to ask today is that we set a common goal for the Tenrikyo community in order to bring about a turnaround as we start afresh in unity of mind.<\/p>\n

It goes without saying that, even if we set a goal today, we cannot see the results tomorrow. This is the path where we can receive the true blessings by making a steady and constant effort and dedicating our sincerity.<\/p>\n

In 2036, 16 years from now, we will observe the 150th Anniversary of Oyasama, and in the year after that, 2037, we will observe the 200th Anniversary of Tenrikyo. As we move toward these significant milestones, we need to ponder over what we should do and to implement it so that we can show Oyasama the progress we will achieve by making one another ever more spirited on the journey of single-hearted salvation, thereby having Her become spirited. My hope is that all our churches move toward this goal. As a matter of course, having a common goal does not mean everyone will do the same thing. Church Headquarters will announce concrete goals and plans, but each church is expected to find its own ways to carry out the work of single-hearted salvation.<\/p>\n

I will be in my mid-70s by the time of the anniversaries. Some of you here today are even older than I, but it does not matter how old we will become. The important thing is how each church entrusted to us will be and who\u2014including head minister\u2019s family members and followers\u2014will be gathering at our churches at that time. All we need to do is share the awareness of this issue with younger generations, set a common goal with them, and exert our utmost sincerity to fulfill our roles.<\/p>\n

Given 16 or 17 years of proper care and upbringing, babies born today will grow up and reach the age for attending the Besseki lectures. They will be able to understand Oyasama\u2019s teachings, settle them in their minds, and implement them. If we become aware of the importance of these years to come and resolve to exert layer upon layer of efforts in unity of mind, we will certainly be shown the blessings of tangible results.<\/p>\n

Before these anniversaries, we will observe the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama in five and a half years. Regarding that as our next milestone, let us begin our efforts by getting rid of negativity in our minds. It is important to take a medium- and long-term perspective.<\/p>\n

(continued on the next page<\/a>)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Settling the Mind to Respond to the Divine Intention<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now I would like to elaborate on the idea of setting a common goal in relation to an anniversary of Oyasama.<\/p>\n

The lunar calendar date of January 26, 1887, when Oyasama withdrew from physical life to hasten universal salvation, represents one of the most significant knots of the path. By receiving the truth of the day of origin of the anniversaries, we set aside a period of time for a decisive effort to conduct our activities more intensively than normal times so as to advance our spiritual growth. This is what the pre-anniversary seasons are about and why we work decisively for three years, one thousand days.<\/p>\n

The 60th Anniversary of Oyasama was observed five months after the end of World War II. In anticipation of the 70th Anniversary, the plans and goals for the construction of the Oyasato-yakata building-complex were announced as part of the project to bring about the Home of the Parent in a concrete manner. Amid the growing momentum for reconstruction in Japan after the war, the construction at the Home of the Parent continued to make progress and helped to enrich the pre-anniversary activities for the 80th and 90th Anniversaries of Oyasama. During the pre-anniversary season that led up to the Centennial Anniversary of Oyasama, the construction of the East and West Worship Halls was announced. The \u201cmaterial construction\u201d proceeded in pace with \u201cspiritual construction.\u201d In the conviction that their dedication to the Home of the Parent would become the basis for receiving the blessings for progress in their activities of single-hearted salvation, many Yoboku devoted themselves to the construction and engaged in missionary and salvation work in high spirits. Male followers, including the members of the Young Men\u2019s Association, physically took part in the construction whereas those who belonged to the Women\u2019s Association helped with the construction from behind the scenes by providing support such as by doing laundry. There were also some others who helped with the construction financially. Followers were well aware of their roles and assumed their responsibilities, thereby receiving the blessings of tangible results one after another including the completion of the buildings and the achievement of an upward trend in the development of the Tenrikyo community. With the completion of the construction of the East and West Worship Halls\u2014which are actual parts of the Main Sanctuary\u2014all followers felt a great sense of accomplishment and joy and became spirited.<\/p>\n

Back then, Oyasama\u2019s anniversaries were observed during the period of the 24 days between January 26 and February 18. Followers\u2019 pilgrimages to Jiba were enthusiastically conducted, and the Home of the Parent was indeed lively, for pilgrims stayed longer than now in Jiba.<\/p>\n

During the pre-anniversary season leading up to the 110th Anniversary of Oyasama, each follower was instructed to set aside a period of time for a decisive effort and give thought to how to prepare for the anniversary, thereby proactively implementing the preparations. There were some construction projects underway at the Home of the Parent, but it was no longer realistic to mobilize many followers for the construction as in the past because mechanization reduced the need for manual labor at the construction sites. It was necessary to seek alternative ways to conduct activities for the pre-anniversary season. This was also one of the consequences of the changes in society.<\/p>\n

However, I can understand now that because we had gained a great sense of fulfillment from participating in the material construction until the Centennial Anniversary, it must not have been easy to change the focus of the activities. Also, the observance period of 24 days for Oyasama\u2019s anniversaries was shortened to one day only. This was another change that followers had difficulty adjusting to. Conducting a group pilgrimage to Jiba during the period of 24 days was by itself regarded as part of the pre-anniversary activities, and returning to Jiba brought great joy to the pilgrims. With the observance period being only one day, it became difficult to arrange group pilgrimages to Jiba. There must have been a profound intention behind these changes but, to be honest with you, we had difficulty perceiving the intention.<\/p>\n

Looking back on those decades, it is safe to say that the construction of the Home of the Parent and pilgrimages to Jiba had gradually become the main activities for the pre-anniversary seasons from around the end of World War II and remained so until the Centennial Anniversary of Oyasama. Then, as the Tenrikyo community embarked on another 100 years after reaching the significant juncture that marked the Centennial, all churches and followers were encouraged to proactively ponder and implement what they could do during the \u201cthree years, one thousand days\u201d season in their decisive efforts to engage in single-hearted salvation, thereby enriching their faith-based activities and making progress in their spiritual growth. This is what I understand about the guidance we were given, and I think we have since been guided in the same manner.<\/p>\n

Honestly speaking, however, without any construction work or any observance period\u2013related group pilgrimages to become enthusiastic about, we were at a loss as to how to conduct our pre-anniversary activities. I think we gradually lost our awareness of even the weighty significance of the seasons leading up to Oyasama\u2019s anniversaries as we observed the 110th and 120th Anniversaries of Oyasama.<\/p>\n

Some head ministers often say to me, \u201cEveryone can become spirited and exert the utmost strength if Church Headquarters sets forth an ambitious common goal for the entire Tenrikyo community.\u201d However, I cannot agree with the idea, which I think misses the point. It is indeed beyond our imagination how significant events and periods coincide with one another. The season surrounding the Centennial Anniversary coincided with a major transition in Japanese society. I believe that this must have occurred through the guidance of God the Parent.<\/p>\n

We should return our thoughts to a series of events in 1887 shown in the Divine Model\u2014the day of origin of Oyasama\u2019s anniversaries\u2014and ponder as if we were there.<\/p>\n

We are indeed very fortunate that the everliving Oyasama is continuing to work for us. What is most important for us is to settle our minds and seek to respond to Her parental love that continues to guide us. This will in turn bring peace of mind to Her.<\/p>\n

(continued on the next page<\/a>)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Transforming Negativity in the Mind into Positivity<\/strong><\/p>\n

Next, I would like to talk about the need to make appropriate adjustments to certain aspects of Tenrikyo\u2019s church system. As one of the adjustments, we are in the process of having the medo<\/em> (symbol of worship) of inactive churches returned to Jiba. As a possible next step, we are consulting with directly supervised churches about integrating the truth of church names. This is probably the first time in the history of Tenrikyo that something like this is being undertaken. In order to move forward into the future, we are discussing the issue of churches that are finding it difficult to carry out their activities or maintain themselves, with a view to integrating those churches into churches with which they are affiliated. The medo<\/em> of the churches being integrated will be returned to Jiba. The purpose of this undertaking is to bring together and integrate those churches\u2019 strengths\u2014which are currently spread out\u2014so that their head ministers\u2019 families and their Yoboku and followers can conduct their activities without worry or anxiety as they move forward along the path spiritedly far into the future.<\/p>\n

All Tenrikyo churches have a history that includes the efforts and achievements of their founders and of others who worked with them. Given this, it is entirely understandable that the members of churches whose medo<\/em> is being returned and whose truth of a church name is being integrated could not bear to see this happening. However, if we take an honest look at the actual state of our churches, we cannot simply ignore the current situation surrounding the medo<\/em> of some churches\u2014a situation for which we feel terribly sorry when we think about our predecessors\u2019 efforts\u2014or the lack of spiritedness of those belonging to those churches. I would like to suggest that we regard the integration of the truth of church names as involving adding the history of all the efforts and achievements of the church being integrated to the history of the church into which it is being integrated so that everyone belonging to these churches can follow the path together from this point on.<\/p>\n

Churches that are eager to make a fresh start and strive toward the blessings of the fruit of their work of single-hearted salvation will undoubtedly do their utmost in this regard. Some other churches will probably be inspired by such churches to redouble their efforts, as well. Spiritedness in the mind and a clear goal to work toward would certainly make it possible to put forth the kind of efforts that would be accepted by God. To move forward, we need to transform the negativity in our minds into positivity and join our efforts together. I very much hope that we make a decisive change in the way we follow the path with the aim of starting anew at this juncture.<\/p>\n

(continued on the next page<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Toward Churches That Implement Salvation Work<\/strong><\/p>\n

Earlier, I mentioned the 150th Anniversary of Oyasama and the 200th Anniversary of Tenrikyo as a possible timeframe for fresh endeavors. I have proposed that we do everything we can to show Oyasama a new level of our spiritedness as we move toward the dual anniversaries. However, who should do what and what should we be like in order to bring joy to Oyasama? It is most important for us to think about and envision what we would like the Tenrikyo community to look like when the anniversaries come.<\/p>\n

We can start by thinking about exactly who will be at our churches in 16 or 17 years. What sort of people may have become part of our church communities by that time? What sort of problems and challenges in society will our churches be addressing? We can begin by giving thought to these questions.<\/p>\n

Often churches set the goal of having a sufficient number of people to perform the service as soon as possible. This goal has to do with appearance. It is, of course, an important goal of a church but, in the end, such a goal cannot be achieved unless the church works to make sure that its members actually engage in salvation work. The ultimate goal of a Tenrikyo church is single-hearted salvation. It involves helping people in society who are facing difficulties and challenges. In fact, all activities of the path are interconnected when considered from the point of view of salvation work.<\/p>\n

The purpose of nurturing young people and children in Tenrikyo is to help them grow into those who will contribute to single-hearted salvation, not particularly into those who will help manage and maintain our churches. The latter is a side result, not the intended outcome. Tenrikyo\u2019s nurturing of people should not be inward-looking but outward-looking. At present, however, almost all our activities, not just those related to nurturing young people, seem to be inward-looking. In fact, even the effort to spread the teachings\u2014which may appear to be outward-looking\u2014often seems to be inward-looking. Since everything is static now during the pandemic, we have a perfect opportunity to go back to the drawing board and make a fresh start.<\/p>\n

Every church is different in terms of its locality\u2019s characteristics and features, as well as its history and present activities, not to mention the specific people and age groups involved in its church community. There is no need for all churches\u2014or, for that matter, for all local Tenrikyo communities, whether based in regions or districts\u2014to conduct exactly the same activities, which would entail ignoring the differences such as those I have mentioned. It is true that it is important for different church affiliations and different local Tenrikyo communities to cooperate together, reach out to and give encouragement to one another, and be aware of one another\u2019s activities and efforts. Given that there is only one Tenrikyo community from the point of view of society at large, it is necessary, at times, for all of us to carry out activities involving the entire Tenrikyo community so that society can see that we are moving forward in unity of mind. In the sense that we are all devoting our efforts to single-hearted salvation, all of us who are following the path are connected by one common activity. However, it goes without saying that we are carrying out different activities in terms of the specific efforts we make to help people with health conditions and other challenges.<\/p>\n

Even now, there still are many Tenrikyo churches that are lively and thriving. This suggests that there are ways in which our churches can conduct their activities effectively. It is likely that successful churches are carrying out their salvation work in a way that is matched to the needs of the world. If we look around us, we see many in society today who are facing challenges and are desperately seeking help. We ought to pay attention and do what we can to give help where it is needed most. There must be many ways in which our churches can build on their strengths.<\/p>\n

As our practice of administering the Sazuke indicates, salvation work always involves someone we try to help. We would do well to pay more attention to the world around us to become aware of the challenges facing people nearby, and we should learn about the nature of their challenges and difficulties. We ought to reach out to the people we have noticed, making it our priority to help save them. As for explaining the teachings to them, it can wait until after the initial stage. I believe that conducting our activities while focusing on the needs of people facing challenges\u2014without prioritizing what we think they need\u2014will, ultimately, increase our churches\u2019 strength to do salvation work.<\/p>\n

Another thing worth bringing up is that none of our churches has the capacity to accomplish everything on their own. However, if you look at churches that are carrying out their activities in a way that is lively, I think you notice that their activities have their own particular characteristics. For instance, some churches are focusing on the Boys and Girls Association activities, which are intended for children but which help these churches reach out to the children\u2019s parents as well. On the other hand, some churches are paying particular attention to the elderly. Again, some churches are focusing on parents and children, as well as husbands and wives. Some churches are conducting activities aimed at helping their local communities in some way. Some churches are trying to help people who are socially maladjusted or those who have committed crime. There are also churches where some members have taken an interest in some specific medical conditions or social issues, perhaps as a result of their personal encounters with them, and have studied those areas. It seems that these people have gained a certain level of expertise in their particular areas and are able to help those facing such challenges. Through efforts and endeavors such as these, many churches seem to be playing active roles in the work of single-hearted salvation.<\/p>\n

Please do not misunderstand what I am saying here. Paying attention to society and studying some specific areas does not mean studying something professionally or undergoing professional training in some field. Rather, what I am suggesting is that we can engage in salvation work in a way that focuses on certain areas and gain experience in those areas. We do not need to become experts in specific areas; rather, we should try to acquire knowledge that we need in order to do what we do as experts in salvation work. Our role is to perform salvation work. When we need specialized knowledge of a certain area, we can ask experts in that area. Conversely, experts often show respect to the perspective and spirituality offered in the path as they seek, for example, to help their patients recover.<\/p>\n

Exactly what sort of church do we want our churches to be? What sort of activities do we need to conduct if our churches are to become that sort of church? I would like to see answers to these questions explored from various points of view. Although today\u2019s talk is rather abstract, I believe that, if our individual churches set clear goals for themselves and come up with concrete and easy-to-understand plans for how to implement the teachings in daily life to achieve their goals, they will be able to enrich their church substance. Then these churches will not only be able to gain acceptance and understanding from the wider community but also receive requests for advice and help. This can lead to new people joining the church communities and being saved. As these people grow spiritually, they can then, in turn, start to play a role in salvation work by helping others with challenges familiar to them by building on their own experience of being saved. If, in this way, similar causalities bring people together to create a positive cycle, that will be a wonderful blessing. I would encourage you to work toward that sort of church where such joy of salvation flows forth.<\/p>\n

The dual anniversaries are only 16 or 17 years away. It is important, first of all, to transform our outlook and achieve a new level of spiritedness with which to work toward the anniversaries. It does not matter if what you do is small; it is spiritedness that counts. What is important is how we are going to near the Joyous Life as we move toward the future. This will require both young people\u2019s spirited strength and older people\u2019s solid capability to provide care and guidance.<\/p>\n

(continued on the next page<\/a>)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Need for Each Church to Shine More Brightly<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is one more request I would like to make. It concerns the truth of churches. As we continue into the future, I believe we need to put greater emphasis on each individual church from now on when we think about the activities of the path. That is to say, each church, I think, needs to shine more brightly. To people in the local community where a church is located, this church represents Tenrikyo. To its followers, the church is the focal point that connects them to faith; it is everything to them. We read in the Divine Directions:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The truth of Church Headquarters and the truth of the churches: these are a single breath. Unless you settle this unity in mind, Heaven cannot work.<\/p>\n

Osashizu, December 13, 1906<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

This passage indicates that every Tenrikyo church has very great significance since its truth and the truth of Jiba are \u201ca single breath.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are many overseas regions from where people may or may not be able to make one pilgrimage to Jiba in a whole lifetime. Churches in such regions are also churches that have truth that is \u201ca single breath\u201d with the truth of Jiba. Those churches, in particular, would do well to take pride in being what they are.<\/p>\n

The same applies to churches in this country. The permission to establish churches in different regions was given in order to provide facilities to promote single-hearted salvation. When a crucial moment is at hand, people may not be able to make a pilgrimage to Jiba immediately, but they can immediately visit a local church to offer prayers if there is one nearby. Again, despite wishing to make daily pilgrimages to Jiba, most people find themselves faced with the fact that physically it is very far away. A regional church\u2019s major significance is to provide a center for salvation work and a place for daily visits. Followers whose churches are far away should be able to find a church nearby since there is at least one Tenrikyo church in any region in this country. Even if they do not belong to their local church, they are able to make daily pilgrimages to Jiba through that church in a spiritual sense; this is possible wherever they are in the country. All regional churches are connected to Jiba as \u201ca single breath\u201d through Jiba\u2019s permission for their establishment; therefore, Yoboku and other followers in different regions are able to stay connected to the truth of Jiba so long as they remain connected to their local churches.<\/p>\n

If general Yoboku and followers, who are not church head ministers, cannot easily return to Jiba, all they need to do is visit their local churches as frequently as they can, and this makes it indispensable for head ministers to strive to dedicate the truth of their sincerity to ensuring that the truth of their churches and the truth of Jiba are indeed \u201ca single breath.\u201d<\/p>\n

It goes without saying that the outward appearance of churches, such as their size, does not matter at all. In the sense of being the only Tenrikyo church in its particular locality, every church is equal, whether it is a grand church or a branch church. Anyone can receive the truth of Jiba by visiting any Tenrikyo church, and this significance of our churches\u2019 existence needs to shine through more brightly. I would like to ask all churches to strive in this regard so that they can confidently share this significance with people.<\/p>\n

(continued on the next page<\/a>)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Opportunity to Make a Decisive Change<\/strong><\/p>\n

With only two and a half years remaining before the start of the \u201cthree years, one thousand days\u201d activities that lead up to the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama, those of us here today must take this opportunity to ponder what we should do to make headway. Let us discuss the pending issues and concerns we have so that we can make up our minds to decisively work on them.<\/p>\n

If we neglect to acknowledge the current situation properly and let it continue, the future outcomes of our actions and stance of our minds would remain the same as before. That is to say, we would not be able to stem the downward trend. What is needed is the opportunity and resolve to make a decisive change. The first thing for us to do is settle the mind to respond to God the Parent and Oyasama. So long as we settle our minds and follow the path, we can look forward to what lies ahead because we never know who may join our endeavors or what may happen to bring about a turnaround.<\/p>\n

Our concrete goals and action plans should not be expressed in abstract terms, such as engaging in hinokishin<\/em>, sprinkling the fragrance of the teachings, or devoting ourselves to the path. We need to think about specific people for whom we conduct salvation work or set concrete goals for our daily lives so as to make genuine progress on the path. I know this is not easy to do, but we have no other choice if we want to make real headway. Our journey may include milestones such as the installation of new church head ministers, major construction projects, and anniversaries of churches. We should take these milestones as opportunities to help everyone become spirited in anticipation of the seasons. Without making efforts to allow buds to sprout from knots, we cannot receive the blessings we seek. Please be aware of this point.<\/p>\n

(continued on the next page<\/a>)<\/p>\n


\nPrepare to Seize the Moment to Start Anew<\/strong><\/p>\n

The coronavirus pandemic will still last for some time, but it will not last forever. I am sure that the time will come for us to be able to resume our activities. Currently, we are not able to hold any events or activities in the ways that we used to. We cannot, for instance, visit hospitals or followers\u2019 homes to do salvation work. Our churches have to restrict attendance at the services and refrain from using the traditional methods of missionary work. However, we can always find a way if we use our ingenuity. There must be a way to conduct missionary and salvation work that is appropriate. It is vital to nurture our minds to be able to promptly respond when the time comes to make a fresh start. Let us make preparations from now so that the Tenrikyo community will be ready by then, with every follower having a clear understanding of our common goal.<\/p>\n

Firmly and steadily carrying out whatever we can now, let us start our preparations in a way that will allow us to seize the moment when it comes. No matter how the times change, let us walk on the path of spiritual growth in a way that will enable us to bring joy and peace of mind to the everliving Oyasama\u2014who is working even now for us\u2014while always following Her as our model at any time.<\/p>\n

Now is the critical time for us followers of the path. Let us pull ourselves together and settle our minds by following the guidance of Oyasama. Let those of us who are assembled here today unite our minds. We can certainly overcome the current challenge if we can genuinely bring our minds and strengths together. If we can have a bud sprout from this knot through our efforts, it will certainly benefit us as well as those in the younger generation. Now is not the time for us to come up with excuses or try to meet this challenge by solely relying on human thinking but is rather a season in which we must decisively settle our minds to make a fresh start by relying on Oyasama.<\/p>\n

I appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Thank you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On August 27, Director-in-Chief of Administrative Affairs Zensuke Nakata gave a talk on the future course of the path at a meeting attended by resident staff members of Church Headquarters, heads of directly supervised churches, heads of dioceses, members of the Assembly, and committee members of Tenrikyo associations. The meeting\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":[],"class_list":["post-8218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\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