#tenrikyo

[khepri-ra]

[tenrikyofollower]

Where does Tenrikyo draw positivity from? Part 1

I am on social media a lot and often times I see a lot of these positive or wholesome messages that I see often align with the Tenrikyo Teachings. Of course all religions want to be associated with positivity and wholesomeness, so I think it's important to consider where that comes from within the teachings. I believe that Tenrikyo acknowledges the bad and hard things in life, but how we learn to accept and move on from them is what may separate Tenrikyo from other religions.

First and foremost the teaching of "A thing lent, a thing borrowed" comes to mind. It teaches us that our bodies are not our own, rather it is borrowed from God the Parent and that we do not have control of the inner workings of our bodies and believe that it is through the blessings of God the Parent that we breath, digest food, and perform other functions that maintain our bodies. These are things out of our control and therefore it is a blessing to us. So it should not be taken for granted.

The source of a Tenrikyo follower's happiness could solely be by the healthy body they have. You can imagine those who have experienced being completely disabled or without normal function of their bodies feeling elated when they recover these basic functions. Tenrikyo followers are often taught and reminded that even we must not forget appreciating God the Parent for these blessings. Even followers that are sick or disadvantage will be able to find joys in their life because they find happiness by realizing that despite their shortcomings. There are other things they find that make their lives bearable such as family and friends.

I think by having this core believe ingrained in our day-to-day lives, it would always be a reliable source of positivity.

Positivity can be seen as superficial or overly optimistic, but Tenrikyo has more teachings that help us find joy no matter the circumstance. The more you learn the Teachings and the more you mature spiritually, the easier it is to find that joy which is how Tenrikyo can be associated with positive messages.

There are more teachings that emphasize this point but will require a lot more writing so I will continue this as a series.

[mangxakorado]

"Only when your joy brings joy to others, can it be called true joy. If you enjoy yourselves while causing others to suffer, this cannot be called true joy."

- Osashizu, December 11, 1897

[divinum-pacis]

Tenrikyo clergy from the 1930s.

[khepri-ra]

East Asian Monotheism

[tenrikyofollower]

What is Tenrikyo's view on those who commit suicide?

[a tumblr user] Hello, this might be an odd question but: do you think you could let me know, or refer me to a source, that would tell me Tenrikyo's view on those who commit suicide? The reason is I am a fan of an anime which features shinigami characters who are people who suicided, and I am writing a comparative religions analysis about it because, that's how I enjoy appreciating cartoons :) Thank you, or, if not, that's totally fine too and sorry for having disturbed you.

[a tumblr user] oh -- forgot to add -- I'm asking you because i found nothing by google search, which was odd!

tenrikyofollower I'm really sorry, I hardly use tumblr, so I didn't notice you sending me a message.

What is Tenrikyo's view on those who commit suicide?

Tenrikyo has a teaching: "a thing lent, a thing borrowed" (kashimono karimono), which teaches us that our bodies are lent to us by God the Parent and what keeps us alive is God the Parent's workings. God the Parent's intention of creating human beings was to see us live the "Joyous Life." The Joyous Life refers to the way of life where we help one another in gratitude to God the Parent for the blessings of being kept alive.

Suicide is a very sensitive subject and there is a very broad range of reasons for suicide. Some are suffering from mental illnesses such as depression or others who are slowly dying with a slim chance of recovery. I think that whenever one person makes a decision to commit suicide, it can be based on varying things. As a Tenrikyo follower, I believe in assisted suicide (well, it's not really suicide since a doctor performs it), but I truly believe that it is for the sake of making those around them happier rather than watching their lives deteriorate and become a burden, and therefore align with the teachings of "a thing lent, a thing borrowed."

[divinum-pacis]

Intro to Tenrikyo

Followers of Tenrikyo believe that from 1838 God the Parent (Tenri-O-no-mikoto) began to reveal himself through Nakayama Miki, a farmer’s wife who was declared to be the Shrine of God and “Oyasama,” meaning “Parent.” God the Parent conveyed through Oyasama the promise that, following rebirths, humans will eventually experience an age in which everyone will enjoy the “joyous life;” suffering is due to causation (innen, or karmic fate). 

The path to the “joyous life” is to express gratitude for the life loaned to us by God, to understand that all people are brothers and sisters, and to detach ourselves from negative “dusts,” such as envy or hate that settle in our minds and cause selfishness. Oyasama embodied the path by giving away her family’s wealth and impoverishing herself. 

God the Parent later revealed that a location within the historical heartland of Japan is the center of the universe; this place, now within the city of Tenri in Nara, is where God the Parent resides, and it was here that humanity was created. Today, it is a place of pilgrimage, and it is venerated with sacred dance. Oyasama’s male descendants now lead the religion.

Source: 30-Second Religion by editor Russell Re Manning. 2017. Print. Pg. 132.

[divinum-pacis]

What is Meant by 'The Joyous Life' in Tenrikyo Beliefs?

Tenrikyo is a newer religious movement that began in 19th century Japan. Discover how its followers strive for the 'Joyous Life' through their beliefs.