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Tenrikyo

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Tenrikyo is a Japanese new religion with a unique spiritual worldview.

Tenrikyomeiji
Tenrikyomeiji

It originated from the teachings of Miki Nakayama, a 19th-century woman known to followers as Oyasama. Followers believe that the God of Origin, or Tenri-O-no-Mikoto, revealed divine intent through her. The central aim of the faith is to promote the "Joyous Life." This is a state of living characterized by charity and mindfulness.

Tenrikyo manga
Tenrikyo manga

To achieve this, followers strive to avoid negative tendencies like greed, anger, and arrogance. These tendencies are not viewed as sins, but rather as "dust" that can be swept away from the mind.

The religion's theology centers on the relationship between the creator and humanity. Tenri-O-no-Mikoto is described through four specific properties. First, God is the one who became openly revealed in the world. Second, God is the creator of the universe and all humankind. Third, God is the sustainer and protector of all life. Finally, God is the savior who intends to save all people.

Administering the Sazuke
Administering the Sazuke

Followers often refer to God as "Oyagamisama" or "Tsukihi." This name connects the divine to the sun and the moon. Just as the sun and moon provide impartial light, God's providence is seen as constant and fair.

One of the most fundamental concepts in Tenrikyo is the idea of "a thing lent, a thing borrowed."

Montsuki
Montsuki

This refers to the relationship between the human body and the soul. Followers believe that the human body is a thing lent by God. In contrast, the mind is considered the only thing that is truly one's own. While people have control over their minds, they do not have complete control over their physical bodies. This ontology shapes how followers approach health, suffering, and personal responsibility.

Tenrikyo also teaches a specific understanding of causality, which is similar to the concept of karma. It uses the metaphor that "every seed sown will sprout." This means that an individual's intentions and actions act as causes that produce future effects. However, Tenrikyo's view differs from some other traditions regarding the purpose of suffering. In this faith, suffering is not viewed as a punishment or retributive justice. Instead, it is seen as a form of divine encouragement. This encouragement invites individuals to reflect on their hearts and undergo a positive change.

There are different levels of causality described in the doctrine. "Original causality" refers to the divine plan for all humanity to eventually reach the Joyous Life. "Individual causality" is the way divine providence works through a single person to realize that larger goal.

Tsukinamisai
Tsukinamisai

When facing difficulties, followers are encouraged to practice "hinokishin," which is voluntary effort performed out of gratitude. They also seek a state of "kanji," or satisfaction. This involves recognizing parental love in all events rather than simply resigning oneself to circumstances.

The spiritual geography of Tenrikyo is centered on a specific location called the Jiba. The Jiba is considered the "axis mundi," or the center of the world, and the origin of earthly creation. The ultimate spiritual goal involves the construction of the Kanrodai, a divinely ordained pillar located at the Jiba. Followers perform the Kagura ritual around this pillar to help bring about the salvation of all human beings. Because the Jiba is seen as the place of original conception, a pilgrimage there is known as a "return to origin."

Tenrikyo homeshrine
Tenrikyo homeshrine

This connection is so strong that the greeting "welcome home" is common in Tenri City.

Today, Tenrikyo is a significant global religious movement. It has approximately 1.75 million followers in Japan. It is estimated that there are over 2 million followers worldwide. The religion maintains a large organizational structure, including the Tenrikyo Church Headquarters. This headquarters supports 16,833 locally managed churches across Japan. Through these churches and various community organizations, the faith continues to promote its teachings of joy and service to others.

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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Tenrikyo manga.jpg
Tenrikyo manga.jpg
File:Tenrikyomeiji.png
Tenrikyomeiji.png
File:Tsukinamisai.jpg
Tsukinamisai.jpg
File:Montsuki.jpg
Montsuki.jpg
File:Administering the Sazuke.jpg
Administering the Sazuke.jpg
File:Tenrikyo homeshrine.JPG
Tenrikyo homeshrine.JPG
File:天理教台北安樂教會.jpg
天理教台北安樂教會.jpg
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