"Sowing Seeds of Sincerity" (Fusekomi)

It is common knowledge that, just as planted seeds are bound to sprout and grow in due course unless they happen to be dug up by birds for example, so are good deeds sure to lead to happiness when the time comes, though perhaps not immediately.

The Mikagura-uta teaches:

As this Residence is the field of God,
Every seed sown here will sprout.

VII:8

Followers come to the Residence to sow seeds of sincerity, and the expression under discussion here is used to refer to that practice. Moreover, the term "Residence" in the above verse--besides its obvious meaning--denotes the followers' world of faith at large, where they are in the constant company of God the Parent and Oyasama. In a broad sense, therefore, exerting their sincerity in carrying out the work of salvation as part of their life of faith is also referred to as "sowing seeds of sincerity" although it may not produce immediate, tangible results. This expression tells us that, if one wishes to obtain flowers and fruits, one must sow and plant their seeds.

The Divine Directions use the expression "sowing seeds of sincerity" only in reference to the Honseki, Izo Iburi (cf. Osashizu, August 14, 1897; May 9, 1898).

(This article was first published in the December 2002 issue of TENRIKYO.)