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What is the Shinbashira?"Shinbashira" is a term originally used in construction and means a "central pillar." It harmonizes and coordinates a building's different parts and their varying functions besides providing the core of support for the building. This pillar is indispensable for the building. Oyasama likened the work of world salvation to construction and, in the course of teaching the followers to advance this work, She used the term "Shinbashira" to refer to the person who was to settle matters within the Tenrikyo community. In this context, this term indicates the roles of serving as the core of those who have faith in Oyasama's teachings and unerringly leading them along the path of single-heartedness with God. The Shinbashira is indispensable for world salvation. Truly, the hastening in the mind of God is to put in the central pillar quickly. Ofudesaki III:8 If only the pillar is firmly established, the whole world will truly settle. Ofudesaki III:13 Sweeping the innermost heart of everyone in the world, God is hastening to show the central pillar. Ofudesaki III:51 At this time, after purifying the water, I desire quickly to take in the Shinbashira, who is to settle matters within. Ofudesaki III:56 If only the central pillar is quickly put in, everything will be settled firmly forever. Ofudesaki III:67
When did Oyasama decide who should be the Shin-bashira?Oyasama mentioned the Shinbashira for the first time in 1866, when Oharu, Oyasama's third daughter, gave birth to her third child. Before the baby was born and the gender was known, She named the baby, saying, "The child to be called Shinnosuke is destined to be the Shinbashira." She predicted that the baby was a boy and also that he would serve as "the core of the path." To become the Shinbashira in this Residence is based on one truth, a causality that comes from even before his birth. I called him the Shinbashira before he was born, but I taught you this before. Osashizu, April 20, 1890 When Shinnosuke grew up, he was adopted into the Residence of Origin and later became the first Shinbashira. After Oyasama withdrew from physical life, he played a central role in the path as Tenrikyo went through many difficulties such as suppression resulting from a directive issued by the Home Ministry. He built a firm foundation that has resulted in the present flourishing of the path.
How does the truth of the Honseki differ from that of the Shinbashira?The Shinbashira, who is at the center of the community of followers, works to unite their minds and lead them to single-heartedness with God in order to realize the world of the Joyous Life in accordance with the intention of the everliving Oyasama. The term "Honseki" originally meant the place where the truth of the Sazuke was bestowed when God's words announcing its bestowal were delivered. After Oyasama withdrew from physical life, the truth of the Sazuke started to be bestowed upon request through Izo Iburi, who was appointed by Oyasama to serve as the Honseki--which is to say, to bestow the truth of the Sazuke--by virtue of the Grant of Divine Utterance he had earlier received from Her. Thereafter, Izo was often called the "Honseki." Oyasama also referred to Izo Iburi as a "workplace for brocade." That meant that Oyasama, who had withdrawn from physical life, was borrowing Izo's mouth to convey God the Parent's intention. Thus, the Honseki is different from the Shinbashira in terms of positions and roles.
What is the relationship between Oyasama and the Shinbashira?It was through Oyasama as the Shrine that God the Parent became openly revealed in the world out of the single-hearted parental love for humankind. Therefore, we may say that Oyasama is Tsukihi on earth and that She is God the Parent in this world. Oyasama remains forever at the Residence of Origin, even though She withdrew from physical life, and is working to save all people throughout the world. She settled the first Shinbashira as the center of the path of single-hearted salvation when She was still physically present. She did this before he was born. Thus, the truth of the Shinbashira was not based on human reasoning but comes directly from Oyasama. Through the Shinbashira, the everliving Oyasama conveys Her intention and works. For example, the truth of the Sazuke is granted by the everliving Oyasama through the Shinbashira. Thus, the Shinbashira guides followers on behalf of the everliving Oyasama. Sah, sah, one word from the Shinbashira rather than a thousand words spoken by others. Nobody would be unwilling to implement the Shinbashira's word. Until now, however, everyone has been so inhibited that his word has not been effective. If you implement dedication in mind each day, I never need to say anything to you. Osashizu, May 26, 1906
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