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(Summary)

I was on a mission tour to Hawaii in August to attend the installation service.

I had opportunities to speak with various people, and one of them was a male in his 80s who is still working actively as a full-time employee. He has always been loved and trusted by his company president, who asks him to continue working to this day.

As I continue to listen to him, there is one thing that he has been continuing to do for decades. That is to come to the office, before others do, and clean up the office. He has also been cleaning the bathroom for decades.

When I said to him “You are accumulating virtue.” But he replied to me, “I’m not cleaning the toilet for the benefit of myself. I’m doing it for those who use the bathroom, and I'm just trying to make the bathroom as clean as possible.”

After talking to him, I remembered the Anecdotes of Oyasama, number 144, “The Virtue Which Reaches Heaven.”

Chusaburo Koda was ordered by a jailor to clean the toilets when he was detained with Oyasama in Nara prison. When Koda said to Oyasama “I think I am serving God whatever I do. So, I am very happy.” Then Oyasama told him, “You are right. If you do something with gratitude, no matter how hard or unpleasant it may be, your virtue will reach heaven. Virtue which is accepted by God will be turned into joy. But no matter how hard or trying the work that you do may be, if you do it complaining, ‘How hard it is, How I hate it,’ the complaints will also reach heaven and be returned to you in kind.”

In your daily lives, you may be shown various ways to perform in service of others with thoughts beginning to appear, “Let me do this here” or “Let me do that this way,” to accumulate virture.

As you sow seeds of sincerity in helping save others, this may be God the Parent guiding you to be in service of others, saying, “How about you try it?” If it is something that will help save others, you can accept God’s direction with a positive attitude and this will progress you on the path toward spiritual maturity.

Let us all strive to spiritually mature as Yoboku who cheerfully accept these calls from God to be of service of others.

(Summary)

We are now walking the path, united in minds, toward the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama. I am sure each Yoboku or church is working hard by setting goals or making spiritual resolutions.

In the Honjima Grand Church Goals for Spiritual Maturity, it says, “Let us be thankful for our daily blessings.”

Also, in Ofudesaki, we read,

This universe is the body of God.
Ponder this in all matters.
(Ofudesaki III:40, 135)

All human bodies are things lent by God.
With what thought are you using them?
(Ofudesaki III:41)

According to the Ofudesaki commentary, “Everything in this world is made by God, and this whole universe is the body of God. Thus, the human beings were not created by our own power. We borrow the things made by God the Parent, and with God’s blessings, we live in this world between the earth and the sky, which is the bosom of God the Parent.”

Further, we read in Ofudesaki:

So long as you remain unknowing that the body is
a thing borrowed, you can understand nothing at all.
(Ofudesaki III:137)

This verse teaches us that unless we do not start off by knowing that we borrow our bodies from God the Parent, we will not be able to understand the truth of the human creation or realize how thankful we are to be able to live in the bosom of God the Parent.

When we are sick or in trouble, we ask God the Parent for help, and when the problem is resolved, we give thanks to God. Such visible blessings are easy to feel and understand.　

However, when things are going as usual, or when things are going smoothly, it is easy to forget “God’s blessings.” In other words, it is easy to forget the blessings we are constantly receiving and that we need to repay God for them.

Therefore, since the teachings of “a thing lent, a thing borrowed” is the foundation of the teachings of the path, we should reconfirm it in our mind many times, not only in times of illness and troubles, but also in everyday life when nothing is going on, so that we can always be grateful for the blessing that we are allowed to use our bodies as we wish. I think it is important to make regular efforts to recognize blessings as blessings so that we can always have a thankful mind for all that we are blessed with.

In his book “Nevertheless, I am grateful,” Rev. Zentaro Fukaya, the head minister of Kawaramachi Grand Church, mentions an anecdote about their first head minister, Rev. Genjiro Fukaya, and writes about the importance of “reframing.”

When Rev. Genjiro Fukaya was a blacksmith, he fell and hit his head so hard that a bump developed on his forehead. At that time, Rev. Genjiro said, “Ouch, ouch, I’m grateful.” When the people around him asked him what he was grateful for, he replied, “I am grateful that I can feel pain.

Because we are human, whether we have faith or not, painful things are painful, and an anguishing experience brings us anguish. We are saddened by something sad. However, the important thing is to reframe the experience and be able to think, “nevertheless, I’m grateful.”

So first and foremost, let us think that it can be “grateful.” I think it is okay to think what we can be grateful for. What can we be thankful for? In the end, after thinking about the divine intention of God the Parent and Oyasama, we will always reach at vast “parental love” to “save humankind.” I think we can truly feel grateful for it.

In our daily lives, many things occur from something big to something small. When it is something in favor for you, you don’t really think too much about it but if not, many feelings such as complaints and dissatisfaction, come up.

Whatever occurrences there is, there is the divine intention of God the Parent to “save children.” If you think about it, I am pretty sure you will be able to find something you can be grateful for, and you will be able to advance one day at a time. By doing so, I think we will be able to bring joy to Oyasama.

(Summary)

On June 29th, we conducted the 50th Memorial Service for the late grand church board member Rev. Takeshi Katayama, 50th Memorial Service for the late Mrs. Teru Katayama, 10th Memorial Service for the late Rev. Hiroji Katayama, and 1-year Memorial Service for the late Rev. Hajime Katayama.

Rev. Takeshi Katayama was the younger brother of our 3rd grand church head minister Rev. Toshitsugu Katayama. He and his wife Teru had six children: four sons and two daughters. The two daughters married into Tenrikyo families of other churches. Of their four sons, the second and third sons married into other non-Honjima Tenrikyo churches.

Rev. Hajime Katayama, who was the eldest child of the couple, always spoke of his dream about gathering all the children and grandchildren of Takeshi and Teru at Honjima Grand Church. Tadaaki Katayama, who had served as the chief mourner at Rev. Hajime Katayama’s funeral, made this dream come true at his father’s Memorial Service. On the day of the Service, an amazing 81 family members and relatives got together at Honjima.

After the Services at the Memorial Shrine, a luncheon was held in the assembly hall. Everyone talked and reminisced, and at the very end, although it was a memorial, everyone got into a circle and danced the “Honjima Ondo” in typical Honjima fashion. The relatives probably didn’t know the dance, but they watched and copied others. Furthermore, we danced to the Kagawa Prefecture folk song “Ichigo Maita” to close the gathering.

I heard a few days later that a very small child, Rev. Takeshi’s great-great-grandchild, who loves Anpanman, was singing and dancing the “Ichigo Maita” instead of the Anpanman song after returning from the memorial services. Her parents and grandparents were greatly surprised.

Since the Anpanman song is easy to learn and there are many videos of it, it is very popular among children. How is it, then, that the child started to dance the “Ichigo Maita?” It must be because there was some mysterious atmosphere that impressed this great-great-grandchild.

The former Shinbashira, when speaking about the mission of churches, mentioned that that they should be, “The model of the Joyous Life in each country and locale and emit such an atmosphere there.” To emit the atmosphere and become a model.

When I think about it, we had all gotten into a circle and there was a person in the middle who served as the model, and we all copied that person as we danced, but from a child’s point of view, the child’s parents, grandfather, grandmother, uncles and aunties, all regardless of age danced joyously and seemed to be having fun. This atmosphere, riding on the “Ichigo Maita” folk song must have been relayed to the child.

Regardless of generations or positions, with the same goal of the construction of the Joyous Life World, let us strive on this path.

Thank you again, for your efforts this month.

(Summary)

I believe the July monthly service was completed joyously and spiritedly with the grand church head minister and his wife as a core.

I feel very sorry that I have not been able to return to Honjima for quite some time.

The last time I returned to Jiba was five years ago in October, 2019. Until then I used to go back a couple of times a year. This is the first time ever for me not to be able to return to Japan since I migrated to America.

I may have mentioned this before but the reason is because I lost consciousness many times due to changes in the air pressure on a plane. Recently, I also feel dizzy. I have been seeing an ENT specialist, however, the cause remains unknown. Since then, I hesitate to get on an airplane.

Since I was appointed to deliver the sermon by the grand church head minister, the monthly service sermon this month will be delivered as pre-recorded.

In July, Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba will take place and Honjima Fife and Drum Corps will have a summer training camp and will do a musical dedication performance. I believe many people here are former members of Fife and Drum Corps. Therefore, today, I would like talk about Honjima Fife and Drum Corps. I would like to ask for your kind attention.

When the Fife and Drum Corps was established in the early 1960s. The only music sheet the Corps had was the theme song of the Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba for that year, which was published by the Boys and Girls Association Headquarters.

To play the theme song, fife had a lot of high notes, and it was a high-level arrangement with a series of eighth and sixteenth notes. It was difficult to make sounds and it was difficult for the younger elementary school students and it was also challenging for children and instructors to memorize the song.

One instructor told children just to “air-play” the instrument. Practicing the fife was very challenging for both the instructors and the children.

During such times, “Elementary March” was composed.

The melody is simple and it is easy to play. Since the music is easy to memorize, it was easy for instructors to teach and they didn’t have to yell at the members anymore. Ultimately it was a song that cheered up everybody including the younger elementary school children.

When the arrangements to this song was completed, the director of our Fife and Drum Corps, Rev. Hajime Katayama said, “This will do! And the title is just that,” giving his seal of approval. That gave me some relief and that day he reported to Rev. Noboru Katayama and requested that the minister who were assigned to the grand church’s sanctuary duty to place the music sheets on the offering stand and give a prayer. Unfortunately, I don’t exactly remember who the minister was, but he told me, “When you make a prayer to God, it’s important to give an offering as well.”

Next, with a focus on the accordion, I arranged the song title, “Officer’s cadet,” and after that, with a drum arrangement, I completed, “RYG.”

“RYG” is symbolic of America and from a movie soundtrack, that features a drum march and was a fan favorite.

Also, with the design of an eagle on the corps flag, just completed, this coincided to the time when we were discussing the eagle as a symbol of Honjima Fife and Drum Corps. This is also when the term, “eagle member” for the members who were mainly in the 9th grade, was derived.

The training camps were tough, but we can’t forget when the instructors and the members came together and enjoyed the beach activities at Yagama Beach.

During that time, there were some instructors who were enjoying themselves while there were some children who were sitting by themselves. Rev. Noboru Katayama, said loudly, “Watch all the kids closely!” Wherever we were, the kids were the number one priority.

Traveling from Honjima to Tenri by bus, it would take roughly seven to eight hours. It must have been really hard on both the drivers and the children.

Rev. Noboru would take some eagle members with him in a Jeep, and holding a flag, they would make up some hand signals or write messages on cardboard, communicating to those who were riding on the buses that we would be taking the next rest area, or we would be taking a lunch break. He did that to keep the children happy, not feeling bored.

In Tenri, we made our way from the old Honjima Followers’ Dormitory location to the main sanctuary along the Hondori shopping arcade, bringing joy and surprise to the people there. Every year, the people in the Hondori would look forward to the Honjima Fife and Drums Corp marching through.

Especially on the first day, we marched down the Tenri Hondori shopping arcade and lined up in front of the South Worship Hall before moving to the Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba Main Office. With the eagle member head at the front, he greeted cheerfully, “We, the Honjima Fife and Drum Corps have just returned to Jiba with a total of (number) members!” We received applause from everyone at the Children’s Pilgrimage Main Office and those nearby. At the time, no other groups made such a greeting, so I believe it left a strong impression on everyone.

At that time, there was no Fife and Drum On-Parade, so the groups of the day would gather in front of the South Worship Hall, did a musical dedication performance, and after the evening service, there would be enjoyable activities at the Tenri Poolside show. I feel this was probably the highlight for the children.

On the north side of the 50-meter pool, multiple groups who wished to perform played together, but the Honjima Fife and Drum Corps, with more than 200 members, performed alone. When the spotlight hit the Honjima Fife and Drum Corps, who were dressed in stylish uniforms for that time, you could hear a murmur of “wow” from the audience. The performance was carried out, with the Corps director, Rev. Hajime Katayama, who was illuminated by the spotlight, as the conductor.

Back then, since there were no video cameras like today, there were people who followed us with microphones to record us.

We also received words of praise and advice from Mr. Kiyoshi Yano, the conductor of the Tenri High School Brass Band.

After finishing the events at Jiba, we returned to Honjima where fun activities such as a campfire were planned in front of the grand church worship hall.

At the party after the general meeting, an abundant menu of food was prepared that delighted the children. The sight of the children with wide eyes, eagerly searching for their favorite dishes and happily eating them with big smiles, still comes to mind.

It was a look that showed they had returned to being children, who completely forgot about the grueling marching practice, musical instrument practice, and strict discipline they had endured in the heat.

Rev. Noboru Katayama gave detailed instructions in advance at the instructors’ meeting, such as to talk to children as much as possible and not waste time talking to each other instead.

When the camp ended and the children returned to their respective areas, some of the children were seen in tears as they said, "See you again.”

On August 5, 1969, the Fife and Drum Corps performed in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Parade. In November of the same year, they performed in Shimizu City and Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture. They also performed several times at the Kobe City Carnival in May, and held the "Nioigake Parade" in Kokura city, Karatsu city and Aichi-cho, where Honkyu Branch Church is located. Rev. Noboru carefully expanded his network with people so that the Fife and Drum Corps could perform at various events.

On August 3 and 4, 1970, the Corps performed twice each day at the Osaka Expo. Unfortunately, I was exhausted and now well at that time, so I stayed back at the Honsetsu Branch Church. I cannot remember how I returned to Honjima from Osaka. I only remember our summer activity that year was very challenging for me.

Now that I am in the United States, I watch the heroic Honjima Fife and Drum Corps on YouTube with fond memories. It is a wonderful parade, with everyone’s feet firmly lifted and the fife sounding good.

also watch the video of the kickoff event at the followers’ dormitory. I can see how hard all the instructors worked for this.

I also read an article in the Honjima Newsletter about the women's association "MOMO no Kai," doing hinokishin where they sewed patches on to the corps uniforms.

Although the patches look good on the corps members’ uniforms, it is a very time-consuming task. I am sure they sew them on with the hope that the children will be happy and energetically. It touches my heart just to think of it.

In a Divine Direction, we are taught:

I want all of you to have a mind, a kind and gentle heart. There is nothing more delightful than this.
Osashizu: July 3, 1900 (Trial translation for this script)

A kind and gentle heart can be interpreted in many ways, and I believe it also includes compassion.

I believe that the hinokishin of everyone who supports the Honjima Fife and Drum Corps is exactly in line with this Divine Direction.

I wish the Honjima Fife and Drum Corps continued success in the future and sincerely thank everyone for their sincerity.

(Summary)

As of June, we have reached the halfway point of the “three years a thousand days” effort toward the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama.

As we approach the second half, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on our journey so far and share my thoughts. I hope this reflection will serve as a reference for our future steps.

Firstly, the activities for this anniversary are not about receiving grand goals set by the Church Headquarters. It is about each individual thinking for themselves, establishing resolutions according to their respective positions and circumstances, and carrying them out. This is a distinctive feature.

Looking back on the first half, let us examine whether we have spiritually grown through the execution of these resolutions and how we have progressed.

Regarding the execution of our resolutions, if they were good, to continue in the last half, and if there are areas that need adjustment or aspects for reflection, I believe it is necessary to make specific changes as we continue into the second half.

Next, it is about understanding that “Oyasama is everliving.” Are we truly feeling that Oyasama is everliving as we walk the path?

Are we returning to Jiba with the sincere intention to greet Oyasama?

The Main Sanctuary and the Foundress’ Sanctuary are connected by corridors to facilitate ease of movement, allowing us to walk between them. At the Foundress’ Sanctuary, Oyasama eagerly awaits our return, rejoicing as She welcomes Her children back, saying “I’ve been waiting, I’ve been waiting.”

Next, let’s strive to become “someone who others feel they can consult when they face difficulties.” This is what it means to be a Yoboku who Oyasama can readily utilize. To achieve this, we must always be considerate, caring, and attentive.

Thus, especially when we have our own worries (including those related to our own church or family members), let us focus on caring for our followers and others.

In this context, “caring” does not mean worrying in advance, but rather sharing our hearts with others.

We should pray daily to Oyasama for the salvation of others. Communicate that sentiment to them. It is important to create an understanding between hearts.

Additionally, it is crucial to repeatedly put in action and verbally express this caring. By consciously repeating these actions, it will gradually become a natural part of our daily lives.

Let us remember and learn from the special talk by the guest lecturer at the “Gathering to Promote Salvation Work by the Church Head Ministers and Their Spouses.”