The word jijo often accompanies mijo (body/illness; see previous entry) in a phrase often rendered in English as "illness and other troubles."

The general usage of jijo refers to a set of circumstances, situation, or the condition and state of things. In Tenrikyo, the term is used to refer to all matters that involve an individual.

Jijo potentially refers to any stage in life such as childhood, school, employment, and marriage. There are also countless things that affect us such as our living environment, family/neighborhood situation, social developments, world events, and natural disasters. In short, jijo refers to all matters that appear and influence us, including the sources of our delight, anger, sorrow, and pleasure.

Needless to say, the jijo or matters we are shown in our lives are provided to us by God the Parent in the same manner in which the body is lent to us and blessed with God the Parent's protection. We must have appreciation each day for the profound protection God the Parent provides for us both within and outside our body in our daily matters or situations.

There are many cases in which the word jijo is simply used to refer to "troubles" such as a family dispute, an unfavorable development at work, or an accident. An example of this usage is a phrase such as "I was shown a trouble" (jijo o misete itadaita).

Further, there are times when the term implies a wider meaning, including afflictions shown on the body as well. There are many places where phrases such as "a trouble perceived as an illness" (mijo no tokoro jijo) appear in the Divine Directions. In January 1887, when the completion of the Service was urged to the point where Oyasama's body momentarily became cold, we were taught, "If there are no difficulties (jijo), the mind cannot be truly set."