This is Tenrikyo Kawaramachi Grand Church, the first Tenrikyo church in Kyoto, which was established in 1888. It has more than two hundred subordinate churches and mission stations, both in Japan and overseas, in countries such as the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Korea, Germany, and Peru.
1.Introduction
Tenrikyo is a religion revealed by God the Parent in 1838. Its headquarters is located in the city of Tenri, Nara Prefecture.
2.God the Parent and the Joyous Life
We believe in God the Parent (Tenri-O-no-Mikoto), enshrined at the central altar. God the Parent is the original and true God, who not only created human beings and the world, but has also nurtured and protected us ever since. The central teaching of God the Parent is to realize the Joyous Life in this world, where all people, as God's children, live harmoniously by helping one another.
3.Oyasama, the Foundress / Tsutome, the Service
The right-hand altar is dedicated to Miki Nakayama, the Foundress of Tenrikyo. We call her Oyasama, our beloved Parent. She taught us the teachings of God the Parent and set an example of the Joyous Life by demonstrating it in her own life. In front of you are five musical instruments. They are used when we perform Tsutome (the Sacred Service), a ritual of prayer for universal salvation. This Service was taught by Oyasama herself.
4.The Memorials
The two altars on your left-hand side are dedicated to the memories of the deceased followers. The memories of our ancestors are enshrined here.
5.How to Make a Prayer
If you don't mind, I would like you to join me in a prayer for world peace and the happiness of all people.
In Tenrikyo, you clap four times before beginning your prayer, and another four times after ending it. This is repeated for God the Parent, for Oyasama, and for the memorials, respectively.
6.Pray Together
First, let us pray to God the Parent. Thank you. Then, to Oyasama, the Foundress. Thank you. Finally, to the memorials. Thank you. I truly appreciate your prayer for world peace and the happiness of all humankind.
