Tenrikyo Core Doctrines & Concepts (Kashimono‑Karimono, Mental Dusts, Causality, “Thing Lent / Borrowed,” Etc.)
The faith of Tenrikyo offers a unique framework for understanding human life, the human body, and the human mind in relation to a compassionate creator. At the heart of its doctrine are ideas that may initially appear unfamiliar, but once understood, they point toward a practical, lived spirituality rooted in community, kindness, and mutual understanding.
In this article, we will explore several of the key teachings of Tenrikyo: the teaching of kashimono-karimono (“a thing lent, a thing borrowed”), the doctrine of mental dusts, the principle of causality, and how these relate to the joyous life that Tenrikyō’s teachings invite us to live. We will also explore how human beings, in both their bodily and spiritual aspects, fit into this vision.
The Teaching of “A Thing Lent, A Thing Borrowed”
One of the most distinctive sayings in Tenrikyō is the expression that the human body is “a thing lent, a thing borrowed” (貸し物・借り物, kashimono-karimono). This teaching presents a foundational view of human life, the human body, and our relationship to the divine.
In Tenrikyō’s tradition, the human body is regarded as having been “lent by God the Parent.” The mind, by contrast, is the individual’s own. This means: the physical body is given, sustained, and governed by divine providence. The mind is the arena of conscious choice, of attitudes, of intentions. Because the body is a gift and a trust, there is an implied responsibility. This includes:
- How one uses the mind
- How one treats one’s body
- How one treats others and the world
Because of this stance, Tenrikyo’s tradition emphasises the idea that human life is not simply one’s own possession. Instead, each person stands in relation to the entire universe, to all life forms, and to God’s intention. Through this lens, the body belongs to “the entire universe,” as part of the divine creation.
When followers reflect that their body is lent and borrowed, they are encouraged to adopt a spirit of gratitude, humility, and service. The mind, being truly one’s own, becomes the locus of freedom—but also of accountability. This teaching supports the idea of a joyous life: living in harmony with the purpose for which we were created.
Mental Dusts: The Condition of the Mind
Linked closely to the above is the doctrine of mental dusts. In Tenrikyo, the human mind is considered originally clear and pure. But it can become clouded by attitudes or actions that go against the divine intention for human beings. These “dust” accumulate and interfere with the flow of God’s providence into the body and into one’s life.
Dust is a potent metaphor: just as fine particles accumulate on a surface and eventually hamper visibility or clarity, so too the mind can accumulate mental dust. It’s like subtle, seemingly harmless habits, attitudes, or self-centredness that gradually obscure our awareness and gratitude.
The eight mental dusts
The teachings list eight specific dusts of the mind:
- Miserliness
- Covetousness
- Hatred
- Self-love
- Grudge-bearing
- Anger
- Greed
- Arrogance
The doctrine of mental dusts emphasises that when the mind is clouded, even the human body (which is a thing lent) experiences disturbances. In turn, illnesses or troubles are often interpreted not as mere random mishaps but as signs: “the dust of the mind has accumulated, obstructing divine providence.”
Thus, one of the practical tasks of the believer is the “sweeping” of the mind. It is to become aware of dust, repent, change one’s attitudes, and thereby restore clarity. God is said to act as the broom by which the mind is cleaned.
From a human life standpoint, this doctrine invites self-reflection, humility, service, connection to others, and a posture of gratitude. It frames the journey toward the joyous life not as mere passive acceptance but as active cultivation of one’s mind, body, and relationships.
Causality: Original, Individual, and the Pattern of Life
Another pillar of Tenrikyo’s doctrine is the idea of causality (因縁, innen). While this bears some resemblance to karmic belief, Tenrikyo’s understanding has distinct nuances.
1. Original Causality
Original causality refers to the foundational promise of God the Parent: that human beings were created so that they might live a joyous life, share in joy, and help one another to live it. This is not simply about individual reward or punishment, but about the unfolding of a divine intention.
2. Individual Causality
Individual causality describes how each person’s life and experiences relate to that original purpose. It frames suffering, troubles, and the conditions of one’s life not as arbitrary punishments, but as part of a process through which God’s providence invites a change of heart, reflection, and cooperation for the joyous life.
In other words, when difficulties arise, they may be understood as opportunities. The metaphor used is “every seed sown will sprout.” The emphasis is not on guilt or blame, but on recognition, acceptance (in the sense of joyous acceptance – tannō), and movement forward.
3. Rebirth and Fresh Start
Tenrikyo also teaches denaoshi (出直し, “fresh start” or “passing away for rebirth”). Although one passes away in the body, the soul can be reborn into a new body lent by God the Parent, and causal force carries forward even while conscious memory may not.
This view means that life is not isolated, but interconnected. Past lives, present choices, and future potential all matter. The teaching offers both accountability and hope: accountability in how one uses the mind and body; hope in the possibility of change and cooperation with God’s intention for a joyful life.
Practical Implication
For followers of Tenrikyo, recognizing causality means:
- When I experience illness or misfortune, I pause and reflect on the mind I have used (have I accumulated dust?).
- I adopt an attitude of joyous acceptance, not resignation, but trust in God’s parental love and intention.
- I take voluntary effort (hinokishin) and service to others, thereby living out the body-lent teaching and cooperating with providence.
- I commit to change, letting go of attachments, grievances, and self-love that obscure my mind.
How These Teachings Relate to Human Life, Human Body & Human Mind
Because the body is seen as lent by God the Parent, Tenrikyo gives special significance to how the body is treated. The doctrine of the ten aspects of God’s providence links the human body and the natural world. For example, digestive, respiratory functions, and natural phenomena like water and wind are all part of the same divine providence. The body is cared for not merely as a vehicle but as the gift of God.
The Mind as the Arena of Freedom
While the body is lent, the human mind is fully one’s own. This gives freedom but also responsibility. Using the mind in accord with God’s intention means: listening rather than lording, serving rather than exploiting, loving rather than resenting. When the mind accumulates dust, the clarity of one’s purpose and the flow of divine providence suffer.
Joyous Life: The End Goal
The term joyous life (陽気ぐらし) is central. It describes the ideal state where human beings live together in harmony, in gratitude, sharing in God’s joy, and helping one another. When the mind is clear, the body is respectful of the gift, relationships are genuine, and the entire universe is seen as interconnected. The teachings laid out above all converge on this vision.
Humble Service and Mutual Aid
Because one’s body is lent and borrowed, service to others becomes a natural expression of gratitude. The teachings encourage the community of followers to support one another, to listen without judgment (a topic that ties into your community-building goal). When the mind is clear of dust, one is free to engage in selfless acts, which both express and deepen the joyous life.
Supporting Concepts: Life Forms, Seed Sown, New Body
Tenrikyo looks at the pattern of life much like planting and harvesting. The “seed sown” metaphor shows up in causality: intentions and actions are like seeds; they sprout into life outcomes. One’s present condition has roots in past seeds. This includes previous lives and life forms—though one may not remember them.
Moreover, when a person passes away, the soul is given a “new body” lent by God the Parent. Memory of previous lives may be lost, but the causal force (one’s seeds) continues. The individual has an opportunity to begin anew: to live differently, with awareness of dust and purpose for the joyous life. This thus situates human life within a broader cosmic rhythm, one that transcends a single lifetime but remains rooted in the present, in mind, and in body.
Why These Doctrines Matter for You
You may ask: Why should these teachings matter in day-to-day life? Here are a few reasons:
- They offer a coherent framework for understanding troubles, illness, or relational conflict not as random or unjust, but as signals—inviting reflection, change, growth.
- They place equal emphasis on mind and body: not only spiritual or psychological but also physical, social, relational.
- They affirm the dignity and interconnectedness of human beings: we are more than individuals; we are part of the entire universe.
- They encourage active contribution: your life matters; your mind matters; your service matters.
- They support the vision of a joyous life: not some distant reward; it is a present possibility, lived through kindness, sharing, gratitude.
How the Teachings Align with Mutual Aid & Community (for Your Group)
Since your focus is on building a safe community where people feel comfortable being vulnerable and authentic, the Tenrikyō doctrines provide a strong foundation:
- The idea that the body is lent and the mind is one’s own supports mutual aid: we don’t primarily give to earn, we give because our life was given.
- The doctrine of mental dusts invites honest peer-to-peer sharing: my mind is not perfect, I have dust, I’m working on it. That invites vulnerability without a therapy label.
- The teaching of causality invites mature reflection on life’s challenges (toxic work environment, caregiving stress, life in transition) without labeling or pathologizing.
- The joyous life vision supports your brand goal: building community in a safe space, respectful communication, kindness, and mutual aid.
The Tenrikyo Tradition in Action: Church Headquarters, Overseas Department, Young Men’s & Women’s Associations
The core doctrines we’ve reviewed are expressed through the organisational and cultural life of Tenrikyo. For instance:
- The Tenrikyo Church Headquarters in Tenri, Japan, stands as the mission headquarters for the faith tradition and teaches these doctrines widely.
- The Tenrikyo Overseas Department supports mission work in places such as Singapore, South Korea, and the United States (US Headquarters).
- The Tenrikyo Young Men’s Association and the Tenrikyō Women’s Association mobilise volunteers in service, mutual aid, and community building as expressions of the “body lent, body borrowed” mindset.
- The sense of a worldwide community shows that the joyous life and these teachings are not confined to one country but are for “all human beings” as intended by God the Parent.
Walk With Us Toward the Joyous Life
The core doctrines of Tenrikyo do not belong to a distant past. They offer today a framework for meaningful living: for recognizing the gift of life, engaging the freedom of the mind responsibly, embracing daily service, and building genuine community. Whether one is facing the stress of caregiving, navigating a toxic work environment, or simply longing for connection, these teachings invite you into a lived spirituality grounded in compassion, clarity, and mutual aid.
If you are exploring community, support, or personal reflection, you might find in Tenrikyo’s tradition both a heritage and a practical pathway. Your body is indeed a thing lent, your mind is your own: how will you engage it? What dust will you sweep away? What seed will you sow? The joyous life is not an abstraction. It is available now, through kindness, listening, and shared journey.
If these teachings resonate and you’d like a warm, safe place to practice them with others, we’d be honored to meet you. Get in touch with us and let us know how we can help you take your next step toward a Joyous Life.
