Joyous Fragrance

2011-10-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

Tenrikyo survey

I am posting a copy of the notice from the Future Path Advisory Group regarding an online survery.
This is your chance to anonymously voice your opinions regarding your Tenrikyo church.
Please take a few minutes to take the survey. Also, please pass this along to your friends.
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Attention Tenrikyo North America!! Please tell us what you think!

We are happy to announce the offering of our first ever Tenrikyo survey for the North America diocese, your opportunity to express your views regarding our Tenrikyo programs and services. Please note that this survey is completely confidential and anonymous. It only takes 10 mins! We ask for your open and honest responses, so we can improve our programs and services and bring value to you.

To take the Tenrikyo survey online, please follow the link below.
For English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/tenrikyo_survey_Eng <https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/tenrikyo_survey_Eng>
For Japanese: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/tenrikyo_survey_Jpn<https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/tenrikyo_survey_Jpn>

This survey is also perfect for those family/friends who may no longer be so active in church! Please feel free to forward these links along.

Thank you for taking this survey and sharing with us your views!
Sincerely,
Tenrikyo Future Path Advisory Group

March 11, 2011 Earthquake & Tsunami Relief

2011-03-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

In response to the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami that hit North Eastern Japan on March 11, Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in America has set up a Disaster Relief Fund. The funds will be used to directly donate funds, goods, and to support rescue activities for those impacted by this disaster.

If you wish to send a donation to this fund, checks should be made payable to:

"Tenrikyo LA Fujinkai"

Please add "Japan Disaster Relief" to your check.

The address is:

Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in America

LA Fujinkai

2727 East First Street

Los Angeles, CA 90033

*Please note that previously, checks were to be written out to the Mission Headquarters, but as of March 20, the LA Fujinkai will be taking care of the donations until the end of the year.

Tenrikyo Hawaii Convention

2011-02-18T02:07:00.001-08:00

Surely by now, people know about the Hawaii Convention happening on Labor Day weekend this May. This is a follow-up to the Tenri Forum that was held in Jiba in 2006. Please follow the link to find out more.

How to contribute to our community

2009-01-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

With three kids ages 5 and a half, three, and 5 months, I really don't have the time to blog. I don't even check my mail every day any more.

However, my hopes of making a change have not disappeared.

My question now is: How can the Tenrikyo Church in America contribute to the community?

Anyone?

120th Anniversary of Oyasama

2006-01-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

Happy 120th Anniversary of Oyasama!
Did you check out the live view camera aimed at Church Headquarters? Kay and I did while the Service was going on. Pretty exciting! That link, by the way, is:
http://www.tenrikyo.or.jp/cam/view1.html
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Have you planned anything special for your spiritual maturity this year yet? This is a perfect time to do something to nurture your faith.

I have decided to attend the Head Ministers Qualification Course One from April 27 to May 15 after my group pilgrimage with the ladies for Oyasama's birthday and Women's Association Convention. That class is going to be in Japanese (the English one in June). A friend said she would pay for my HMQC 1 if I took notes for her and kept her company!

So this will be exciting for me to learn more about the teachings, and on top of that, my kids get to experience Tenri Day Care Center. It is going to be so fun for Akira who will be turning 3 in Jiba. Hopefully, he will pick up good habits (like sharing, taking a nap, and going potty on his own!) at the Day Care, and learn a lot of Japanese. It will also be nice because my family will get a chance to see both Akira and Riki. (I always joke with my parents that they have to come visit the States, or the next time they see Akira, he'll be growing a mustache!)
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Another very important and exciting thing this year is the TENRI FORUM (July 15-17)!!
There is a new link up for a survey to see what people are interested in. Please take a moment to fill out this simple survey and show the committee your support! They are working really hard to make this a really great Forum.
http://www.mahoroba.ne.jp/~kaigaibu/cgi-bin/form/survey.html

If you are participating in the International Hinokishin Corp (July 18-24) or taking your kids to the Children's Pilgrimage, please make sure you come a little early to take part in the Forum (day care will be provided, but you must request for it).

Reverends Jiro Morishita, Marlon Okazaki, Kenneth Hasegawa and John Lewis are some people who will be speaking at the Forum. (Chi ching! I think that just increased some participants!) There will also be people from Europe, Australia, and every other continent other than Antarctica! It is not so often that we get a chance to share our views of Tenrikyo with such people, so please join us!!
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For those of you who were in Jiba on the 26th, please share your experience!

Latest info on Tenri Forum 2006

2005-09-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Well, the Dendocho Food Bazaar is only a few days away, and once that's over, the end of the year approaches very quickly.

Have you made plans to return to Jiba next year? If you've taken a look at the Tenri Jiho newspaper, you'll see there's a lot going on in Jiba in anticipation of Oyasama's Anniversary. It's going to be an exciting year!

For English speakers, it will be an especially important year, because an English-only forum is taking place for the very first time in Jiba. For those of you that already know, I'm talking about the Tenri Forum 2006, which will be held July 15-17. Right after that is the International Hinokishin Corps, and after that is the Children's Pilgrimage. So, this is a great time to take your whole family back to the Home of the Parent and reenergize!

Please take a look at the updated web page on the Tenri Forum.

Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund

2005-09-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in America has set up a Fund for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Checks can be made out to:
Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters - Hurricane Katrina

Address:
2727 East First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033
U.S.A.

We are all asked to "pray for all those unfortunate people who were in the path of the disastrous hurricane and hope for their quick return to normalcy."

Let us all ponder what God's message is in yet another natural disaster and take action!

LOGO AND SLOGAN CONTEST WINNERS

2005-07-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

The selection of the winning logo and slogan was conducted on June 28, 2006 in Jiba, and was decided by a panel of 20 steering committee members. Each panel member chose their top three entries and points were awarded accordingly. A total of 29 entries were submitted from the North America and Canada Diocese, out of which 15 were from TSA.

The first-place entry was created by Fred Hasegawa (N.C. Church, West Sacramento), the second-place entry by Moses Nakao (Pearl Church, HI), and the third-place entry was created by Lumi Sakakura (Hon’ai Atlanta Church, Marietta, GA). The winning logo was supposed to be presented on a poster on Dendocho July monthly service day, but this has been postponed to August. However, I have been given the go to post the logos on the internet.

Many thanks to all of you who participated in the Logo and Slogan Contest!!

Winning logo and slogan by Fred Hasegawa (NC Church, West Sacramento)

2nd place entry by Moses Nakao (Pearl Church, HI)

3rd place entry by Lumi Sakakura (Hon’ai Atlanta Church, Marietta, GA)

Tenri Forum 2006 Logo and Slogan Contest

2005-05-15T03:13:00.000-07:00

Test your artistic and verbal skills
Design a logo and/or slogan that will be used on posters, pamphlets and other media such as T-shirts, to promote Tenri Forum 2006.
See http://tenri-forum-2006.blogspot.com/ for specific guidelines.

*What is Tenri Forum 2006??*
It is a 3-day event to be held on July 15-17, 2006, in Jiba. People from all over the world will discuss IN ENGLISH, many topics about Tenrikyo that have constantly come up in private circles but never before in a formal setting. It will be an opportunity to take a good look at Tenrikyo as it stands now, and think of ways that we can really bring out its strengths so that we, as members of the Tenrikyo church, can contribute to the society at large.
More information on Tenri Forum 2006

*All Entries Welcome*
Anyone can submit an entry. Multiple entries welcome. Artistic works do not have to be done by computer. Attach your name and phone number (or email address) on your entry so we can contact you! Descriptions of your artwork are not necessary but may be attached as an option. All entries will be mailed to the Tenri Forum steering committee in Japan, and shall not be returned

*Deadline*
Dendocho June Monthly Service (June 19)
Please bring in person or mail to:
Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in America
2727 East First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033

For entries from outside the United States, please contact me for more information.
hiroko@onemain.com

*Announcement of winner*
The winning logo and slogan will be announced by actually appearing on a poster on Dendocho July Monthly Service day (July 17)!
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I hope this will raise the awareness of the Forum. Please forward information on the Forum to all your English-speaking friends and about the contest to all your artistic contacts.

I’m submitting several entries myself.
Good luck!

Heads up for upcoming contest

2005-05-11T00:26:00.000-07:00

OK, for all of you who are artistically and/or verbally talented:
There is going to be a logo and slogan contest held by the Tenri Forum 2006 PR committee. Read up on what the Forum is about so you can get a head start.
http://www.tenrikyo.or.jp/kaiden/newsletter/index.html
More details to follow.

TENRIKYO LYON WEB PAGE:

2005-02-17T21:01:00.000-08:00

My brother-in-law, Shin, found this guy, Masato Fujiwara, who has his own Tenrikyo webpage in Lyon. He has been writing about his interpretations of the Mikagura Uta, Songs for the Service.

His home page is in Japanese and French only. Good luck!

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/tenrikyolyon/japonais/nihongo.html
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/tenrikyolyon/

How to wire donations to Tenrikyo Tsunami Relief Fund

2005-01-20T22:25:00.000-08:00

The Mission Headquarters in America has a donation box for the Tsunami fund. They will be collecting donations till February, after which they will wire the funds to Tenrikyo Network for Mutual Help.

To make a donation,

Checks should be written out to:
Tenrikyo Mission HQ in America
Note:
Tsunami Relief Fund

Address:
Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in America
2727 East 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033

If for some reason you are not able to bring or send your donations to the Mission Headquarters, please refer to:
How to wire donations to Tenrikyo Tsunami Relief Fund
http://wire-donations-to-t-net.blogspot.com/

Tsunami - How can we help? <-- click here

2005-01-04T05:25:00.000-08:00

I have put up a new posting about how we can make donations for the Tsunami relief efforts.
Please click on the title, and it will take you there. Or, you can copy and paste this:
http://tenrikyo-tsunami-relief-fund.blogspot.com/

- for Sri Lanka (Karla's story)
- Tenrikyo International Network for Mutual Help
- other organizations

"Basis for a Teaching" <-- click to view this page

2004-12-14T23:55:00.001-08:00

John said that my enlightenment story could be a "basis for a teaching." He and I have started a new conversation regarding this. Please take a look and add your comments.
http://basis-for-a-teaching.blogspot.com/

Conversations with John <-- click to view this page

2004-12-14T02:37:00.000-08:00

My blog entries are getting too long, so I have made another page.

John has some interesting topics to talk about, so please visit
http://conversations-with-john.blogspot.com/

The first entry is about the Sazuke of the Fan.

My Enlightenment

2004-12-13T02:18:00.000-08:00

In talking (well, writing,) about my “enlightenment,” I think I would have to explain a whole lot of frustration that came before that. If you are interested in reading through all of that, here it goes!

MY UPBRINGING
I was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, to the first Tenrikyo missionaries sent there by the Church Headquarters. More precisely, my father was sent in 1966, and later married my mother, who joined him in 1969. My two younger sisters and I were raised in the Tenrikyo Nepal Mission Post in much the same way as children in churches are. Morning starts with the service, we would come home for school in time for evening service, and when monthly service came, we were essential players of the instruments.

As do many children growing up in a church, I questioned my faith constantly. First of all, we were practically the only Tenrikyo family that I knew of in the whole country, much less my school. I felt that what my parents were doing was a good thing, but I wished I were not different from my friends who were mostly Christian, Buddhist, or Jewish. It was embarrassing to have friends come spend the night. They would be scared of the drums that would wake them up in the morning, and no one, including my parents, could really explain anything we were doing. Though I practiced the faith, I didn’t know enough of the Teachings to be able to explain it.

I remember getting into an argument with my friend in the 2nd grade regarding whether or not angels existed. Unable to come to an agreement, we decided that we would never argue about religion again.

TRYING TO DIG UP THE ROOT
When it came to whether I was Tenrikyo or not, I don’t think I ever questioned that. There was never a time in my life that I thought I was not a follower of the Tenrikyo faith. But sure, there were times I didn’t pray and there were times I wished I weren’t Tenrikyo. I wanted some kind of proof that this was the “real thing.” I wanted God to answer my prayers or show me some kind of sign that there really was a God. I wanted to know that this religion was not something my parents made up.

I think what kept me from abandoning Tenrikyo was my parents’ absolute piety. Also, my parents often administered the Sazuke, of which, I was a total believer. My mother also encouraged me to study the faith through various venues. She cited the Ofudesaki:

I shall let you dig up the root of this world's origin. If you have the strength, do your best to dig it up. (Ofudesaki V:85)

So, putting aside all the other stuff that I didn’t understand, I decided that I would just continue to believe, regardless of whether I understood it or not, and tried to answer my questions as I went.

ENLIGHTENMENT CAN OCCUR IN SEVERAL STAGES
In my last year in Tenri High School, I was thinking of studying Biotechnology in college. My parents wanted me to go to Tenri University and study religion. My mother told me that she regretted not having had the opportunity to study Tenrikyo theology more deeply (she was a Chinese major at Tenri U). It would have helped her greatly in her missionary work.

I felt like a rail was laid in front of me and I had no choice but to trod down that road. Eventually, I would become an interpreter for Church Headquarters, just like Lois Uchida. That seemed to be my father’s dream. That didn’t seem like a bad idea, but I wanted to follow my heart and do what I pleased for the time being. I wasn’t ready to be completely immersed in Tenrikyo.

That summer, I visited my parents in Nepal for a few weeks. I went wherever my parents would take me and did whatever they did. One of which was to dance the 12 Songs of the Teodori. In so doing, I came across the following verse:

I never compel you to go forth,
Until you determine your own minds.
(Songs for the Service IX:6)

I was shaking and almost in tears as I sang this song and danced to it. I felt like God knew exactly how I felt, and was letting me know that it was OK.

MISUNDERSTANDING CLEARED
One of the misunderstandings that I had that was clouding my feelings toward our faith, was the question of the Memorial Shrine. When I belonged to SATOM (Students Association for Tenrikyo Overseas Mission) in my days in Tenri University, Rev. Ichise of Hawaii came to talk to our group. We were told to write questions for him before hand, which he would address after his talk. I asked, “Why do we pray to the Memorial Shrine?” To this, he answered, “We don’t. We offer our respects.” He sounded cold and blunt, and rather disgusted at this immature question, but I didn’t mind at all. He had answered a question that had been bugging me for a long time – ever since I had to explain to my Christian friends who came over to my house, what the three shrines stood for. Because of my lack of knowledge, I think I said that they were three different gods, at which time, my friends said something like, “There is only one God, and therefore this is not a real religion.”

ASK QUESTIONS TO CLEAR UP YOUR DOUBTS
I think it’s very, very important to ask questions about Tenrikyo if one has any. I find that quite often, people who say they don’t like Tenrikyo don't know enough about it. Or, they think they know, but actually have a lot of misunderstandings. Also, the more one is able to do the service, the more one has experienced the miracle of the Sazuke, the more likely they are to have a positive view of Tenrikyo. These are some of the things I found out through a survey I took, in order to write my graduation thesis for the Religious Department at Tenri University.

HOW MUCH MORE OF THIS DO I HAVE TO READ?!
Well, these are some of the stages I went through before I experienced the big bang. The bang that woke me up. The experience that made my faith unshakable. Are you ready?

MY ENLIGHTENMENT
For about a year prior to the year 2000, I had been asking myself and Oyasama everyday, “When am I going to get married? Why is my youngest sister already married and I’m not? What is wrong with me?!” I was tired of being single at age 30, but my parents didn’t seem to like any of the guys that I had dated. They were looking for a person with whom I could devote myself to Tenrikyo, and better yet, overseas where I could use my language skills to the fullest.

I went on a few dates with this guy whom I thought my parents would like. In my prayer to Oyasama one day I said, “Though this is the first time I am actually verbalizing this, I have always known that I would spend the rest of my life for the Path and especially in the Overseas Mission. I am going to ask this guy where this relationship is going, and if he is at all interested, I am willing to spend the rest of my life with him to serve You. If he isn’t interested, I will marry whomever my parents or anyone introduces to me so long as I can serve You to the best of my ability.” – I was taking a big gamble.

The guy’s answer was, “I’m sorry.” Feeling like a total loser, I cried for three nights. On the third day, I received a phone call from Rev. Akio Inoue asking me to come to his office. After talking about acid rain and so on for a while, he said, “Do you know Marlon Okazaki?” “Yes (he’s one of the coolest young and gungho head ministers in America. He’s also one of the oldest bachelors in America. Hee hee!).” He then said, “Well, you are not to communicate with him by phone, email, or otherwise. This is a serious matter that involves both families.”

I was shocked. It was only then that I realize that Oyasama had shown me a clear answer to the pledge that I had made three days ago. The guy said, “No,” and three days later, someone was introducing me to a prospective suitor!! It was unbelievable.

Things went very smoothly after that. Both parents were happy, our friends and co-workers were happy. Up until then, it seemed as though I had always been swimming upstream in a cold river; so much resistance around me, trying to wash me away. Then, suddenly the current changed, and it seemed as though we were being swept away by a warm flow that carried us in the direction that we wanted to go to; happiness and joy.

Once I unclenched my hands and gave God what I had – sincerity, God showed me the way.

This is the story of my amazing and joyful enlightenment. This is why I have no doubt that Oyasama is always listening to us; that God is there, always looking over us with warm loving care.

THIS IS THE REST OF THE STORY,
JUST TO MAKE IT INTERESTING…
I scrambled to try and remember what kind of person he was. I had played tennis with him and a few others when I made a brief visit to LA in May ’96. Later that year, he came to Jiba for a translation conference, and I ran errands for him making copies and stepped on his back when he got stressed out. Whenever Marlon returned to Jiba, he would bring a bag of pistachios and leave it in our English Translation room. Even if we didn’t see him, we’d know he had been there.

A month went by, and though I did email one of his sisters, I kept my word about not communicating with him personally. July 24, 2000 was the date we were to meet officially at Rev. Inoue’s home. I was nervous about our meeting and what it would feel like, going from acquaintances to possibly husband and wife. He came in with his trademark blue happi and a great smile, greeting me with a friendly, “Hi, Hiroko.” That was the moment I fell in love with the man who had been my sister’s friend’s brother, and the author of “The Otefuri Guide” — the “ pistachio man.”

The next time I met him was in October of that year, when we got engaged, and in January of the next year, we were married. The total number of days that we were together before we got married was about 30. Basically, we got married without knowing much about each other. I’m not really sure how Marlon was able to come to the decision, but I was just so dumbstruck that Oyasama had shown me the way, that I was absolutely sure about marrying him.

People are brought together by causality, and with husband and wife, this seems to be especially strong. After we got married and I had a chance to get to know Marlon and his family in more depth, it just made so much sense that we married each other. I am truly blessed to have experienced such joy through this marriage.

MY THOUGHTS ON ENGLIGHTENMENT
Throughout my life, I had been asking God for some kind of sign that would tell me God was really there, “Hit me with lightening! Make me fall down these stairs! Whatever it takes, show me that You are there!”

It seems that many in our faith have been drawn to the Path through a cure from illness. They had an opportunity to witness God’s workings, and it was especially meaningful to them because they were healed from something that was really tormenting them.

As in my case, however, God’s message doesn’t always have to be painful. God wishes for our happiness; that we live the Joyous Life. If we but ask and keep our eyes and hearts open, we can see God’s message in anything. It could be a breeze rustling in the trees or a butterfly taking flight during a young man’s funeral. It’s a matter of who witnesses these events and what significance it has for them.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
OK, now that I’ve finished writing my BOOK *yikes!*
…it’s your turn to share your story.

Lively communication in Europe

2004-12-09T01:11:00.000-08:00

Nozomu (Itakura, secretary at Mission Headquarters in America) told me that there is a Mr. Fukaya in Germany who is very active in involving the Tenrikyo community in Europe via the internet. I asked Rev. Matsui of Europe Mission Center if he knew how I could join the discussion. He said that Mr. Fukaya might be visiting his Center soon, and he would ask him about it when he sees him.

Also, he said, "A Japanese missionary in France has been managing a website where he comments on the teachings, and it is thought provoking, too."

Anybody know about these websites? I'd like to participate!

Feel free to sign in as Anonymous

2004-12-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

It has been brought to my attention that it's quite a hassle to sign in before posting a message.
Please feel free to post a message as "Anonymous." By doing so, I think you can bypass all the signing up you have to do otherwise. At the end of your message, you can type in your name if you want. And of course, you can leave it anonymous.
Anything that will make it easier for people to say things!!

Support for Mothers Group

2004-12-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

A new group has been started with the support of LA Women's Association. This group is primarily for, but not exclusive of, mothers of young children. We had our first meeting on Feb. 12 with 10 people attending. After opening our meeting with a "Mother's Prayer," we had a great time sharing our experiences, asking one another questions, laughing a lot and crying some, too. The meeting is run in English with Japanese interpretation when necessary.
We hold our meetings in the Women’s Association Room, and LA Women's Association helps us with childcare services whenever they can, so mothers can relax and enjoy their time. We meet twice a month to exchange information about how to raise our children. 1) Dendocho service day from 1:30pm and 2) Tuesday after the 4th Sunday of the month at 9:30 am. On Dendocho service days, some preteens and early-teens have been very helpful in babysitting, as the grownups are quite busy.
Some of the topics of discussion in the past have included: weaning (stop breast feeding) baby, sex education in the US, how to get spouse to help with childcare, how to get child to eat vegetables, balancing work and the home, being married to non-Tenrikyo spouses, and raising 3rd generation Tenrikyo children.
This group is open to anyone who wants to participate regardless of faith. However, there are many times when we end up talking about our faith, as it is so central to a lot of us who participate. It is a good opportunity — and a non-threatening way — to learn from others how faith can be incorporated in our everyday lives. Every time we have our meeting, people walk away refreshed, energized, and even educated. In this sense, I hope this Group will be able to reach out to mothers in our community, non-practicing children of church members, as well as those who have distanced themselves from church for whatever reason.
There are many mothers out there who don’t have relatives to rely on for help, don’t have friends since they moved, or don’t know who to talk to just to let off some steam. And then there are mothers who seem to be doing perfectly fine, but in actuality, are quite burnt out from childrearing coupled with other stresses in life. We hope that spouses and family will be cooperative with moms and let them take some time to do something for themselves. When moms are refreshed, things will run a lot smoother at home!
For more information, please contact:

Hiroko Okazaki at (323) 664-1654 or hiroko@onemain.com

Mothers’ Prayer

Thank you, God, for entrusting us with our children.
Help us in their safekeeping.
Let us be warm and strong and guide them to their full potential.
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This is the same article that appeared in the October issue of VOICES.l

Thanks for comments

2004-12-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your comments Robin and Marlon. I'm having a little trouble with my software, and I'm unable to post comments, so I decided to post a new page. Sigh...

Yeah, an email reminder would be nice. Who do we give our email addresses to so we can get reminders before major church functions? Anyone know?

Hirokoo

Seminar 2004 [Part 3: my thoughts on the Seminar]

2004-11-30T23:35:00.000-08:00

I attended the Seminar 2004 that was held at Dendocho last Saturday, Nov. 27.

I have explained the 2-part seminar in:
Seminar 2004 [Part 1: my notes from the lecture]
Seminar 2004 [Part 2: my notes from the role-play activity]

The English group of the Seminar was attended by about 24 people. The age of the participants ranged from 15 to late 60s. I was very happy to see the younger people, but a little disappointed that there weren’t more people.

One of the points that were brought up was that the PR could have been better. We could have utilized the email lists that Joshiseinen, TYMANA, and OSA have.

PR is something that I have been thinking about for quite sometime. Also, there has to be a place where Tenrikyo people can communicate. So, I decided to put up a blog and see if people will read and use it. I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep putting new information up, but I thought I’d at least start it. If I flop, someone else can make another blog.

Please feel free to write any kind of comment. Let’s get some lively talk going!

Seminar 2004 [Part 2: my notes from the role-play activity]

2004-11-30T23:34:00.000-08:00

I attended the Seminar 2004 that was held at Dendocho last Saturday, Nov. 27.

I would like to share my notes from the role-play activity. Please feel free to add anything in the “comment” section below.

After the 1-hour lecture, Q&A, and lunch, we had a role-play session in the afternoon
Before the role-play, we got in to groups of 6 and talked about our experiences of doing missionary work.
Then, in groups of three, we took turns being the missionary, the person who is talking to the missionary, and the observer. We role-played situations with co-workers, someone needing help (ill or having troubles with something), significant other, and good friend. The observer gave comments on what was good and what needed to be improved. We took turns doing different roles.

Seminar 2004 [Part 1: my notes from the lecture]

2004-11-30T23:11:00.000-08:00

I attended the Seminar 2004 that was held at Dendocho last Saturday, Nov. 27.

It was a lecture and role-play activity regarding how to “Sprinkle the Fragrance of the Teachings.” It started from 10 am and went till 3:30pm. I would like to share my notes from the 1-hour lecture, which are in no sense complete. Please feel free to add anything in the “comment” section below

Marlon Okazaki (head minister, Hollywood Church) was the lecturer. He pointed out some basic points we should keep in mind in order to do missionary work. I will list them below.

Have confidence in your faith.
Let people know you are Tenrikyo.

For people who have never heard of Tenrikyo, these are some basic tenets of our Teachings that we could talk about:
1) The reason for our creation, which was the Joyous Life
2) Our concept of salvation
It is to be on this earth in this life time
Our mind is a gift – be free and full of joy
3) The body is a thing lent by God

Depending on the situation and questions raised, the following are some things you could talk about:
Oyasama said the Teachings are to bring joy to others. Be careful what Teachings you reveal to whom in what situation. Sometimes the truth hurts.
Causality is caused by accumulated dust of the mind, which makes a stain. This is hard to remove. Dust is easier to remove, so don’t let it accumulate.
The difference between Karma and causality (innen)
Karma is destiny, or fate. This cannot be changed.
Causality can be changed. In order to erase it, one must have the mind of joyous acceptance.

To a person who is sick, preaching the 8 mental dusts may depress them if presented in an accusing manner. But sweeping dust and causality can help one get better, so it is a matter of how this teaching is presented.

God does not punish, but leads us to a the Joyous Life by divine guidance.

The 8 mental dusts. An easy way to remember them is to think of two main groups; the anger and greed group. They get progressively wordse:
Anger ‡ Hatred‡ Grudge-bearing
Greed‡ Covetousness‡ Miserliness
Then, there are:
Self-love and Arrogance

Another important thing is to learn about other faiths. You will be able to appreciate Oyasama Teachings. Also, you will be able to find ways to talk to others if you know where they are coming from.

Study the Truth of Origin. Remember that the story is a metaphor to explain the unexplainable.
Before, and during the actual missionary work:
Live by the Teachings
Listen to others, ask questions (when people feel heard, they are more willing to listen)
Find a connection (sport, or any other common interest)
Be humble (if you don’t know something, admit it)

Carry a Tenrikyo business card