This term is used extensively both in the Scriptures and in Tenrikyo authors' writings on the teachings. It sometimes appears in its adjectival form "true."

One frequent pattern involves the term being followed by material that explains what the term is referring to. We read, for example:

Until now, there has been no one who knows the truth of God's free and unlimited workings.

Ofudesaki V:12

Unless the sweeping is thoroughly accomplished, you will not understand the truth of My heart.

Ofudesaki V:28

I have not spoken yet about the truth of those things that came after I began this world.

Ofudesaki V:33

The Ofudesaki contains many other examples of this pattern. Let us cite a few more while limiting ourselves to the phrases concerned.

the truth of such free and unlimited workings (VII: 38)

the truth of the mind of Tsukihi (VI:9)

the truth of My heart (V:28)

Other Ofudesaki examples include verses VI:42, 124, and VIII:21.

When used adjectivally in this Scripture, the term in question not only signifies "genuine" or "not erroneous or false" but carries the meaning of "ultimate" or "absolute," as may be inferred from what follows it. We find phrases such as:

the true Divine Record (X:93)

true salvation (XIII:112)

the true path (VI:4, VIII:14)

Two expressions in the Ofudesaki that merit particular attention are "true sincerity" and "real truth." An instance of the former is "the mind's true sincerity" (IV:51). Other instances are found in verses VII:102 and X:35. The expression "real truth"--which appears in such verses as VI:25, VIII:22, XI:9, 75, and XII:141--means the "truth of the real or true origin," which is also referred to by the abbreviated phrase "real origin" or "true origin" as in the following verses:

You must clearly understand the truth concerning the real origin of this world.

Ofudesaki XII:139

Until now, no matter what I had told you, you have not been able to see anything.

Even until now, all things have already appeared, but you have not known their true origin.

Ofudesaki VIII:56-57

Various things occur as a result of God's making painstaking efforts to encourage people to engage in self-reflection, which may lead to true sincerity. Yet those who are unaware of this point fail to perceive God's intention behind things that are happening, let alone engage in self-reflection. That is why God offers to teach the truth of the real or true origin. If they awaken to the truth behind all occurrences by drawing on the teachings that convey this truth, they will be able to settle their minds in true sincerity and live a life grounded in that truth, as indicated in the following verses:

Hereafter, when I have taught you the truth of all things,

Then, I shall show you God's free and unlimited workings in all matters.

When God in Truth begins to work, the minds of all in the world will be purified.

Ofudesaki V:47-49

This time, I shall teach the truth of all matters and hasten to save you.

Ofudesaki X:15

Everything in this universe is all by Tsukihi. All human bodies are things lent by Tsukihi.

If this truth is known all over the world, no one will remain selfish or greedy.

If only My mind is truly understood, there will be nothing fearful or dangerous.

Ofudesaki VI:120-122

As implied in these verses, what the truth is has been conveyed through God's teachings including the "Story of the Divine Record." What is important is to make a personal effort to try to put the teachings into practice through, for example, "joyous acceptance" and "hinokishin" in the course of daily life, so that one may understand and awaken to the truth and perceive God's intention.

Lastly, we may note in passing that the Ofudesaki contains some verses where the word "core" could be regarded as a synonym for "truth."

Though you are saying that this world is the world of God, you do not know the core of all matters.

I shall truly manifest this core. When you see it, be convinced, all of you.

Ofudesaki XII:158-159