Tenrikyo Young Men's Association--whose members are between the ages of sixteen and forty--was founded in October 1918. The basis of the association's beginnings is said to have been "the insuppressible fervor of young men filled with the ambition to bring the Joyous Life World to realization" (Z. Nakayama 1997, 14), and the aim of the association is to "strengthen the solidarity of young men of Tenrikyo and promote their activities as Arakitoryo, pioneers of the path" (Rule 3). The term "Arakitoryo," which describes the ideal of this association's members, occurs in verse XII:8 of the Mikagura-uta, The Songs for the Service:

When you go into the mountains,
Take with you the wood master [arakitoryo]!

As with the "wood master" in this verse, one aspect of the mission of this association's members as Arakitoryo is to venture outward, taking advantage of their vitality and enthusiasm to spread the teachings ever more widely in the spirit of pioneers who go into unexplored regions to open a way. The other aspect is to turn inward, inquiring deeply into the teachings as seekers after truth and pioneering the uncultivated fields of their individual faith.

To measure up to this Arakitoryo ideal, the Young Men's Association endeavors to plan and conduct its activities in accordance with the "Guiding Principles of Arakitoryo, Pioneers of the Path." These principles are:

1. We Arakitoryo shall dedicate ourselves spiritedly to single-hearted salvation and be the vanguard of world salvation.

2. We Arakitoryo shall sow seeds of sincerity at Jiba so that we may receive the blessings of the Parent.

3. We Arakitoryo shall keep the Divine Model in mind at all times and live with a mind that will bring joy to Oyasama (TYMA 1997, i).

Activities organized by the association headquarters include its annual convention held at Church Headquarters on October 27, seminars on the overseas mission, meetings for heads of chapters, and Arakitoryo seminars. This association also manages the Oyasato Construction Young Men's Hinokishin Corps, in which members participate for one month at a time, staying together at this corps' dormitory. First organized in January 1954 when the construction of the Oyasato-yakata building-complex commenced, the Hinokishin Corps offers opportunities for the members to sow seeds of sincerity at Jiba and make spiritual growth by offering selfless labor during the day and studying and discussing the teachings together in the evenings. Staying at the Home of the Parent is also thought to help the corps members to come into touch with the parental love of Oyasama.

In keeping with its tradition of the pioneer spirit, this association has always dedicated its efforts to the overseas mission. Thus in 1925 the Young Men's Association established Tenri School of Foreign Languages (forerunner of Tenri University) and Tenri Central Library to help educate young people who would go overseas to spread the teachings ever more widely. In 1968, this association commemorated its 50th anniversary by sending missionary groups to Southeast Asia and a caravan of young men to visit twenty-nine countries on the Eurasian Continent, in addition to sponsoring students to study abroad. Over the years, this association has sent its members to other countries and regions as well to take the lead in spreading the teachings.

Another aspect of the association is the regional and chapter-based activities, which typically include hinokishin activities (e.g., cleaning public facilities), meetings to study the teachings and talk things over with one another, and efforts to convey the teachings to people in local communities. By participating in these activities the members can join together in inquiring ever more deeply into the teachings and encourage one another to take a more positive stance in sharing their faith with others.

Through the association's publications such as Arakitoryo and Taimo--as well as through meetings, conventions, and other activities--the members are constantly reminded of the founding spirit of the association and the importance of working in a unity of mind.