Tenrikyo facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Tenrikyo is a religion that believes in one God. It was founded in Japan in the 19th century by Miki Nakayama, a Japanese woman who heard instructions from God. Believers of Tenrikyo call her "Oyasama", which means the "Great Parent", because she acts as a parent to all people. In Tenrikyo, God is called "Oyagami", which means "God the Parent".

The goal of Tenrikyo is for all people to live a joyous life. Oyasama stated that the way to save yourself is by saving others. In other words, to be truly happy you must make other people happy.

Today, Tenrikyo is centered in Tenri City in central Japan. There is a general hospital, a college, three schools, and a central temple there. Once a month, there is a big ritual in this central city and many people come from all over the country to pray. There are two million believers of Tenrikyo in Japan and around the world.

Images for kids

Tenrikyo Church Headquarters, Tenri, Nara
Frame from a Tenrikyo manga. The translation of the text is roughly, "Just being alive makes me happy! What a waste it would be not to show some initiative!"
Instruments used to perform Otsutome
Tenrikyo service performers wearing traditional montsuki after a monthly service.
A Yoboku administering the Sazuke on a follower.
A typical in-house shrine

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Tenrikyo Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.