Building the world of the Joyous Life, so desired by God the Parent, is often referred to by the metaphor of construction, which involves laying the foundation, erecting pillars, assembling the other parts of the structure, and working on the interior. Thus Tenrikyo uses such construction-related terms as "central pillar" (shinbashira), "wood master" (arakitoryo), and "useful timber" (yoboku), referring to those who take part in the construction of the Joyous Life World.

Tenrikyo's construction of buildings--whether in the Home of the Parent, where the Jiba is, or at the level of local churches--is not undertaken merely for the sake of constructing buildings. The Jiba is the fundamental source of world salvation, which refers to the realization (or building) of the Joyous Life World, and local churches are established by receiving the truth of the Jiba. Material construction is designed to help advance the building of a new world.

During the 1864 construction of the Place for the Service, which was Tenrikyo's first construction, Oyasama told Her followers that what was being built was a place where the Service, which would save the world, was to be performed and where God's teachings were to be conveyed to those who would assemble in adoration of God. In addition, She said that, since that building was to be a residence of God, the followers should not work on it out of a sense of social obligation or out of any desire to keep up appearances. Rather, they were to build it by joining their sincere efforts. Moreover, the construction was intended to help them bring their minds into accord with God's intention.

Such buildings--whether they are constructed at the level of the Home of the Parent or local churches--are to be rebuilt to accommodate the changing needs of the congregation. They may, therefore, be regarded as temporary facilities. From this perspective, construction may be undertaken repeatedly as time goes by. Tenrikyo's construction is, thus, often referred to as "endless construction." It is also called "joyous construction" because it is meant to aid in bringing to fruition God's intention for humankind to live the Joyous Life. Further, it is sometimes called "salvation construction" and "wondrous construction" since those who devote their sincere efforts to it will be able to bask in wondrous salvation.