What is Tenrikyo in a Nutshell?

What Are The Proper and Improper Uses of the Mind?

Following Her Divine Model, Oyasama taught us about the proper uses of the mind—such as being sincere, joyful, humble, and considerate of others. These mental attitudes create harmony and allow us to align with God’s intention. Improper uses of the mind, on the other hand, cause us to stray from the path and prevent us from reaching the Joyous Life. God, our ever-loving Parent, helps guide us by providing physical manifestations—such as illness or suffering—when we misuse our minds. These are not punishments but signs of divine love, meant to awaken reflection and help us return to the right path.

Tenrikyo teaches the principle of Innen, or causality, which explains that our current experiences are shaped by our past thoughts and behaviors, either in this life or previous ones. Unlike fatalistic interpretations of karma, Innen is always presented as an opportunity for spiritual growth, supported by God’s active and compassionate guidance.

Proper uses of the mind include sincerity, gratitude, helping others, humility, and maintaining a joyful heart. Improper uses include miserliness, covetousness, hatred, self-love, grudge-bearing, anger, greed, and arrogance.

The Salvation Service and Sacred Practices

Oyasama also taught us the Salvation Service and how to perform it, offering it as a tool to unite us in spirit and action as we work together to help others progress toward the Joyous Life. The Service includes many elements, one of which is to help us recenter and purify our minds—something essential to our spiritual efforts. Members at churches like the Tenrikyo North Honolulu Church gather each morning and evening to perform this aspect of the Service.

Whenever appropriate, we also perform the Sazuke, akin to “faith healing”—another sacred gift from Oyasama to help bring comfort and healing to those who are suffering.

Hinokishin: Joyful Service

An important expression of Tenrikyo faith is Hinokishin—joyful and spontaneous acts of selfless service. These are daily opportunities to express gratitude for God’s blessings and to contribute to the happiness and well-being of others. In doing so, we participate in creating the Joyous Life, not just for ourselves, but for all people.

At the Tenrikyo North Honolulu Church, members regularly engage in hinokishin through community clean-ups, volunteering at local food banks, supporting elderly neighbors, and maintaining the church grounds. These acts of service strengthen our spiritual practice while contributing to the well-being of our Hawaii community.

As mentioned above, God “lends” us physical bodies to help us work toward the Joyous Life. These bodies are only temporarily entrusted to us. The divine plan is for us to use them for this purpose while they are lent to us, and eventually return them to God, so we may be reborn and continue our efforts. Throughout this journey, God remains intimately involved—guiding, nurturing, and rejoicing with us every step of the way.

Tenrikyo in the Heart of the Pacific: Hawaii

The story of Tenrikyo in Hawaii is deeply intertwined with the journey of Japanese immigrants who arrived in the islands seeking new opportunities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These early settlers brought with them not only their labor and dreams but also their faith, including the teachings of Tenrikyo.

Early Beginnings

Tenrikyo took root in Hawaii during the early 1900s, as Japanese immigrant communities established themselves across the islands. For many families working in the sugar cane and pineapple plantations, Tenrikyo provided spiritual comfort, community support, and a connection to their homeland during challenging times of adaptation to a new land.

The Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters of Hawaii

The establishment of the Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters of Hawaii (Dendocho) marked a significant milestone in organizing and supporting Tenrikyo activities throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The Dendocho has served as the central coordinating body for Tenrikyo churches in Hawaii, providing spiritual guidance, educational programs, and fostering connections between local churches and the Jiba in Tenri, Japan.

Reverend Kaneki Honda and the North Honolulu Church

The Tenrikyo North Honolulu Church was founded through the dedication of Reverend Kaneki Honda, who recognized the need for a spiritual home for Tenrikyo followers in the Honolulu area. Under his leadership, the church became not only a place of worship but also a community center where families could gather, celebrate their heritage, and support one another through life’s challenges.

A Living Faith in Multicultural Hawaii

Today, Tenrikyo in Hawaii continues to thrive as a vibrant expression of faith that honors its Japanese roots while embracing Hawaii’s unique multicultural spirit. The church welcomes people of all backgrounds, reflecting the Aloha spirit and Tenrikyo’s universal message that all humanity are children of God the Parent.

Members of the Tenrikyo North Honolulu Church participate in interfaith activities, cultural exchanges, and community service projects that bridge different cultures and traditions. Through practices like hinokishin, the Salvation Service, and the Sazuke, Hawaii’s Tenrikyo community continues the mission Oyasama set forth—helping all people move toward the Joyous Life.