Tenrikyo facts for kids
Tenrikyo (pronounced Ten-ree-kyo) is a Japanese religion that started in the 1800s. It was founded by a woman named Nakayama Miki, who her followers call "Oyasama." People who follow Tenrikyo believe that God, known as "Tsukihi," "Tenri-Ō-no-Mikoto," or "Oyagamisama (God the Parent)," shared divine messages through Miki Nakayama.
A main goal in Tenrikyo is to live the Joyous Life. This means being kind and helpful to others, and doing good deeds. Followers call these good deeds `hinokishin`.
Today, the main center for Tenrikyo is in Tenri, Nara, Japan. There are many churches in Japan and around the world. Over 2 million people follow Tenrikyo worldwide.
Contents
What Tenrikyo Followers Believe
The main goal for Tenrikyo followers is to build a special pillar called the Kanrodai. This pillar is in a place called the Jiba, which they believe is where the world began. They also perform a special dance ritual called the Kagura around the Kanrodai. They believe this will bring happiness and salvation to everyone.
Going to the Jiba is like returning to your true home. That's why you might see "okaeri nasai" (meaning 'welcome home') in Tenri City.
Other important ideas in Tenrikyo include:
- Joyous Acceptance (Tanno): This means having a positive attitude even when things are difficult or you are sick.
- Juzen-no-Shugo: These are ten principles that helped create the world. They work together in pairs and are always active in the universe.
Living a Joyous Life
The Joyous Life in Tenrikyo means being kind and not being selfish, angry, or proud. Negative feelings are not called "sins" but "dust" that can be cleaned from your mind. You can sweep away this "dust" by doing `hinokishin` and praying.
`Hinokishin` is doing good deeds willingly. You do it because you are thankful for your body and for God's help, not to show off.
Your Body: A Borrowed Gift
A basic teaching in Tenrikyo is `kashimono-karimono`, which means "a thing lent, a thing borrowed." This refers to your body. Tenrikyo followers believe their minds are their own, but their bodies are a gift from God.
Understanding God
The sacred name for the one God and creator of the universe in Tenrikyo is `Tenri-Ō-no-Mikoto`. This God created humans so they could live happily and share in that joy. Since your body is borrowed, but your mind is your own, Tenrikyo believes God is not all-powerful in every way.
Other spiritual beings are seen as tools created by `Tenri-Ō-no-Mikoto`.
Tenrikyo teaches that `Tenri-Ō-no-Mikoto` has four main roles:
- The God who became known in the world.
- The creator of the world and people.
- The one who keeps everything alive and protected.
- The savior who wants to help all people.
Miki Nakayama taught about God in different ways to her followers:
- Kami (Spirit/God): This was a familiar word for spirits in Japan. Oyasama explained this God was different, calling it "God of Origin" and "God in Truth."
- Tsukihi (Moon-Sun): The moon and sun show how God works. Just as they give light and warmth to everyone, God's help is fair and constant.
- Oya (Parent): This shows God's loving relationship with humans, like a parent with children. God wants to guide and help people live happily, not just command them. This "Parent" is both like a father and a mother.
Followers often call God "Oyagamisama" (God the Parent). They use the name "Tenri-O-no-Mikoto" when praying or worshipping.
Causality: What Goes Around Comes Around
How Actions Affect Your Future
In Tenrikyo, the idea of `innen` (causality) is similar to the idea of karma found in other religions like Buddhism. It means that your actions and intentions (causes) affect your future (effects). Good actions lead to good things, and bad actions lead to difficulties. It's like the saying, "every seed sown will sprout."
Causality also includes the idea of rebirth. When a person dies, their mind stops working. But their soul, through a process called `denaoshi` (making a fresh start), gets a new body from God. Even though the reborn person doesn't remember their past life, their actions and thoughts from previous lives affect their new life.
However, Tenrikyo's view is different from Buddhism in some ways. Tenrikyo believes in one creator God (God the Parent). Also, Tenrikyo's goal is to live the Joyous Life in this world, not to escape this life for a different afterlife.
The "Original Causality"
A key idea in Tenrikyo is "original causality" (`moto no innen`). This means that God the Parent created humans so they could live the Joyous Life and share in God's happiness. Tenrikyo teaches that eventually, everyone will live this Joyous Life. This process is slowly happening with God's help.
"Individual Causality"
Individual causality means that God helps each person realize their own part in the original plan. Sometimes, suffering can be a way for God to guide people. It helps them think about their actions and change their hearts to work towards the Joyous Life.
In Tenrikyo, suffering is not seen as a punishment. Instead, it's a sign from God to encourage you to reflect and change. This leads to `tanno` (joyous acceptance). `Tanno` means accepting your situation and seeing God's love in everything that happens. It helps you become stronger and more determined to live joyfully every day. It's about keeping a positive mindset, no matter what happens around you.
"Three Causalties"
There are also "three causalities" (`san innen`) that explain how Tenrikyo's teachings began. These are like promises God made when creating humans.
- Causality of the Soul of Oyasama: This means Miki Nakayama had the soul of the first mother at creation.
- Causality of the Residence: The Nakayama home, where the Tenrikyo Church Headquarters now stands, is believed to be where humankind was first created.
- Causality of the Promised Time: October 26, 1838, the day God became known through Miki Nakayama, was the special time when God's promise was fulfilled.
Important Writings
Sacred Books
Tenrikyo has three main sacred books: the `Ofudesaki`, `Mikagura-uta`, and `Osashizu`.
- The `Ofudesaki` means "Tip of the Writing Brush." It is the most important Tenrikyo scripture. It's a collection of 1,711 poems written by Miki Nakayama between 1869 and 1882.
- The `Mikagura-uta` means "The Songs for the Service." These are the words for the `Service`, a central religious ritual in Tenrikyo. During the Service, these songs are sung with dance and music, all created by Nakayama.
- The `Osashizu` means "Divine Directions." It's a written record of messages given by Izo Iburi, one of Miki Nakayama's first followers. It contains about 20,000 "divine directions" from 1887 to 1907.
These books guide followers. The `Ofudesaki` shares the main ideas of the faith. The `Mikagura-uta` comes alive through singing and dancing in the Service. The `Osashizu` gives clear rules for how followers should act.
Other Important Texts
There are also other important texts that help explain the scriptures. These are used to teach students and followers of Tenrikyo. They are required for students in Tenrikyo's training programs.
- `The Doctrine of Tenrikyo` explains the basic teachings.
- `The Life of Oyasama, Foundress of Tenrikyo` tells the story of Miki Nakayama's life.
- `Anecdotes of Oyasama, Foundress of Tenrikyo` is a collection of stories about Nakayama, passed down by her first followers.
How Tenrikyo is Organized
Tenrikyo is made up of many different groups. These groups work together but have different jobs. They include large churches, disaster relief teams, hospitals, universities, museums, libraries, and various schools.
Tenri Judo is a famous style of Judo that has produced many champions. There are also other sports and arts groups within Tenrikyo.
History of Tenrikyo
In Tenrikyo tradition, Miki Nakayama was chosen by God in 1838. This happened after her son and husband became very ill. A Buddhist monk was called to help, and when he left, Nakayama was possessed by God (`Tenri-O-no-Mikoto`). God asked that Nakayama be given to God as a "shrine." Her husband agreed three days later.
Miki Nakayama's messages were also supported by Izo Iburi, an early follower. He answered questions and gave "timely talks." His role was called `Honseki`. His messages were written down in the `Osashizu`. After Izo's death, another woman continued some of this role, but the official `Honseki` position no longer exists in Tenrikyo.
Tenrikyo was officially recognized as a branch of Shinto in Japan between 1908 and 1945. During this time, Tenrikyo was the first new religion in Japan to do social work. They opened an orphanage, a public nursery, and a school for the blind.
Today, Tenrikyo is separate from Shinto and Buddhism. However, it still uses many traditional Japanese religious practices. For example, some objects used in Tenrikyo services, like `hassoku` and `sanpo`, were traditionally used in Japanese rituals.
Important Dates
- 1798, April 18: Miki Nakayama was born.
- 1838, December 12: God was revealed to Nakayama.
- 1854: Nakayama began to offer the Grant for Safe Childbirth and gained her first followers.
- 1866: The first parts of the `Ofudesaki` appeared.
- 1887, January 26: Miki Nakayama passed away.
- 1908: Tenrikyo was officially recognized in Japan.
Religious Services
Tenrikyo uses traditional musical instruments in its `otsutome` (service). These include wooden clappers (`hyoshigi`), cymbals (`chanpon`), a small gong (`surigane`), a large drum (`taiko`), a shoulder drum (`tsuzumi`), a bamboo flute (`fue`), `shamisen`, `kokyū`, and `koto`. These instruments play music from the `Mikagura-uta`, which includes music, dances, and songs created by Nakayama.
Traditionally, some instruments were played by men and others by women. Now, both men and women can play all instruments.
Daily Services
The `Otsutome`, or daily service, includes a seated prayer and sometimes a dance. It is done twice a day, in the morning and evening. The times change with the sunrise and sunset.
Instruments used in the daily service are the `hyoshigi`, `chanpon`, `surigane`, `taiko`, and `kazutori` (a counter). The `hyoshigi` is usually played by the head minister.
You don't have to be in a church to do the daily service. You can do it anywhere, as long as you face the Jiba, which is considered the "home of the parent."
The purpose of the daily service is to "sweep away" the "Eight Mental Dusts" from your mind.
Hinokishin: Helping Others with a Joyful Heart
`Hinokishin` is a spontaneous action done out of gratitude and joy. It's about being thankful for your body, which you "borrow" from God. You do `Hinokishin` to help others and bring them joy, without expecting anything in return. It can be anything from helping someone to simply smiling to brighten their day.
Common `Hinokishin` activities include cleaning public bathrooms or parks. Doing tasks that others don't want to do is seen as a sincere act in God's eyes.
`Hinokishin` helps "sweep" away the "mental dusts" that build up in your mind. These "Eight Mental Dusts" are:
- `Miserliness` (being stingy)
- `Covetousness` (wanting what others have)
- `Hatred`
- `Self-love` (being too focused on yourself)
- `Grudge-bearing` (holding onto anger)
- `Anger`
- `Greed`
- `Arrogance` (being overly proud)
Groups like the Tenrikyo Young Men's Association and Tenrikyo Women's Association do public service activities. Taking part in these groups is also considered `Hinokishin`.
Monthly Services
The `Tsukinamisai`, or monthly service, is a full performance of the `Mikagura-uta`. This service is for the salvation of the world. Many churches hold monthly services on the third Sunday of each month. The main service at the Jiba is on the 26th of every month. This date is special because Tenrikyo began on October 26, 1838.
All the instruments mentioned earlier are used in the monthly service. There are also dancers (three men and three women) and a singer. Performers wear traditional `montsuki` kimono.
Divine Grant of Sazuke: A Healing Prayer
The Divine Grant of `Sazuke` is a healing prayer. You can receive it after attending nine special lectures. Once you receive it, you are called a `Yoboku` (useful timber). The `Sazuke` is given to people who are sick, asking for God's blessings for them to get better.
For healing to happen, both the person giving the `Sazuke` and the person receiving it need to sincerely clean their minds of "mental dust." When both minds are pure, blessings can be received through the `Yoboku`. It is taught that if God accepts the sincerity of both people, a wonderful healing will occur. This involves the sick person understanding the "mental dusts" and Tenrikyo's teachings to improve their mind.
Tenrikyo Around the World
Tenrikyo has grown outside Japan, especially in Southeast Asia and America. Tenrikyo has centers in many countries, including:
- Argentina: Buenos Aires
- Australia: Brisbane, Melbourne
- Brazil: Bauru, Recife
- Canada: Vancouver
- China: Hong Kong
- Colombia: Cali, Bogotá, Medellín
- France: Paris
- Mexico: Mexico City
- Philippines: Makati, Manila, Laguna
- Taiwan: Taipei
- Thailand: Bangkok
- United Kingdom: Leeds, London
- United States: Hawaii, Los Angeles, Seattle, New York City, San Francisco
Well-Known Followers
- Avram Davidson – American writer
- Ayaka Hirahara – Japanese pop singer
- Naoki Matsuyo – Japanese soccer player
- Ronnie Nyogetsu Reishin Seldin – Japanese `shakuhachi` player
See also
In Spanish: Tenrikyō para niños
- Religion in Japan
- Tenri University
