A Path Conforming to the Law
(Obo no michi)

by Yoshikazu Fukaya

The Tenrikyo Church traces its beginning to the establishment of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters in Tokyo in April 1888. After experiencing the knot of having the First Anniversary of Oyasama stopped in the middle by police interference (on March 8, 1888, or January 26 according to the lunar calendar), leading followers were compelled to request permission from God the Parent to legally establish a church that would enable people to gather in peace of mind and perform the Service exactly as Oyasama had taught them. God gave them permission as follows:

Your thoughts are the same as Mine. I shall lead you.

Osashizu, March 9, 1888

Although they anticipated extreme difficulties as they filed the necessary paperwork with Tokyo Prefecture, they were blessed with God the Parent's vivid protection and received approval from the prefecture's governor. Since this new means of proceeding forward as a "church" took the form of pursuing a legally established course, it is referred to as "a path conforming to the law."

While it may be referred to as "a path conforming to the law," this does not mean that God the Parent opened a path that was to be followed based on the ways of the world. We are rather taught quite clearly that while the path took a course that may have conformed to worldly laws, it was nevertheless important to thoroughly maintain single-heartedness with God.

First of all, while Tenrikyo Church Headquarters was recognized by Tokyo Prefecture, God sought to hasten its relocation to Jiba. Followers abandoned their human thinking and apprehension, submitting in the necessary paperwork. With the Inauguration Service commemorating the relocation of Church Headquarters to Jiba held on the lunar calendar date of October 26, Church Headquarters was endowed with the truth of Jiba, and permission to establish regional branch churches was finally granted. While the regional churches to which most of us are connected presently fall under religious corporation laws, these churches have their significance not because they are recognized by government or district offices. Our churches are precious in the sense that they received sanction from Jiba at their establishment and that they are supported by the truth of Jiba.

God the Parent has instructed us: "While I have permitted churches to exist according to the laws of the world, it will not do for you to become completely swept away by the laws and common practices of the world at large. While, in form, the path you are on may conform to legal circumstances, it is vital to carry out all church matters thoroughly based on the single truth that led Me to begin things from where there was no form. It is the lifeblood of the path to base all church matters on this truth, My intention, and the Divine Model of Oyasama" (see Osashizu, May 30, 1899).

Regardless of how much property a church possesses or how magnificent its building is considered to be, it cannot be called a true Tenrikyo church if no one goes there. Or, even if people do assemble, it will not do for them to lack the spirit of single-heartedness with God and single-hearted salvation as a result of turning to human thinking and relying on business projects or financial pursuits. One could say that the lifeblood of churches of the path is to base all matters on God the Parent's intention, be thoroughly single-hearted with God, implement the Divine Model of Oyasama by striving to sprinkle the fragrance, engage in salvation work, and spiritedly perform the service.