"Health Disorder" (Mijo)

Although the term "mijo" is used in the sense of either the "body" or "disorders of health," the present article focuses on the latter usage.

In Tenrikyo, any difficulty that happens in our lives may be referred to as a jijo or "trouble," and health disorders are the kind of jijo that is centered on one's health. The Mikagura-uta says:

Suffering comes from your own mind.
So you should reproach yourself.

Though illness is so trying,
No one has ever known its origin.

Until this time all of you equally
Have been ignorant of the origin of illness.

This time, it has been revealed.
The origin of illness lies in your own mind.

X:7-10

These verses teach that the cause of illness lies in the mind. On the basis of this teaching, Tenrikyo tries to help those suffering from illness develop knowledge and understanding regarding their illness. It is also because of this teaching that Ikoi-no-Ie Hospital, managed by Tenri Yorozu-sodansho Foundation, includes not only the Medical Treatment Department but also the Religious Guidance Department, through which Tenrikyo ministers provide spiritual guidance for those who wish to receive it.

(This article was first published in the May 2006 issue of TENRIKYO.)