Category: Monthly Sermon

Good morning and Aloha.  I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to attend the November Monthly Service here at Pearl Church and thank you for your kind and sincere offerings. And I would like to thank those who have joined us on the live streaming today as well as joining our morning and evening services. Thank you very much. I am sure God the Parent and Oyasama is really happy to see you all here today and to have performed the service with joy and in high spirits!

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Let share a funny story: My cheerful friend posted on Facebook that she tested negative for coronavirus.  I commented, “Really? Normally you’re so positive!”

Your Words Have Power!
For the past 3 months uppermost in everyone’s mind is the Coronavirus Pandemic and the Presidential Election.
The election is over and now Joe Biden is the new President of the US. Those of us who wanted him to win are happy and those of us who wanted the other candidate to win are probably unhappy.  Whoever wins, it shouldn’t matter if our faith is strong.

But now that the election is over, the nation is focused on the pandemic and the economy.

As of November 1 the world has almost 47Mil cases and 1,200,000 deaths.  With 34Mil recovered and 12 Mil still infected. There’s a 7-day moving average of 500K new cases daily and 6,500 deaths.

The US has 9,500,000 cases, 236k deaths, 6Mil recovered and 3Mil still infected.
The US new cases 7-day average is 82,700 and is increasing. The US new deaths 7-day average is 851 and is increasing with the last 3 days averaging over 1,000 deaths.

No matter who is president, the coronavirus pandemic will still be with us for a long time. So it’s up to us how we are going to help control the virus. Of course, wearing face masks, maintaining our social distance and washing our hands are important, but even more important is how we as Tenrikyo followers must take advantage of this important opportunity to not only keep our strong faith but also to spread the joy of faith to those around us. Our faith, our positive attitudes and the power of our words.

One of the Tenrikyo ministers on the mainland shared an encounter with someone who moved to San Francisco from New York who always stood in line to purchase a cup of coffee.  She noticed all the customers make a cheerful greeting during their transaction.  She felt it was a waste of time and didn’t bother.  She felt guilty about it because she was the only one not saying anything. So one day she started saying, “Hi, how are you?” She felt such joy that it transformed her.  Just a few words changed her whole outlook on life.

On this earth, there is a wide variety of living creatures.  From reptiles to the gigantic whales.  Among the many animals, humans are the only ones with language.  This is a wonderful gift that God gave us to live happily, peacefully and help each other.  However, there is a proverb that says, “Words can be the source of great harm.”  Sometimes without us realizing it, just a word can break up a relationship.

• A single word can lead to a squabble
• A single word can help people make up with each other.
• A single word can hurt our feelings.
• A single word can make us laugh.
• A single word can make us cry.
• A single word can express love.
• Cherishing a single word.  Enriching a single word.

Many times we forget what we have said, but we get hurt by what someone else said to us and we start holding grudges against that person and say we will never forget that word that person said.  It seems like we easily forget what we say to others, but we remember those bad things that people say to us.  Just a few words can break or destroy a good relationship.

In the Ofudesaki, it says:

Listen carefully: whatever you may say or think,
or wherever you may say or think, V: 87

I shall give a return just as you deserve.
Beware, all of you, for God may withdraw! V: 88

Explanation: No matter how far away you think you might be, whether in a deep forest or the other side of a large ocean…no matter what we say or think, God the Parent will give a return exactly as we say or think.  When our words or thoughts are not in accord to God’s will, God may withdraw at once. No matter what we say or think, will come back to us accordingly.

Choice of words:
As we learn of Oyasama’s 50-year Divine Model, Oyasama always said, “that is good, that is good.”  Always saying appreciative words.

In the Anecdotes of Oyasama #21

That’s All to the Good

Five years from the time Chushichi Yamanaka had embraced the faith, a heavy rain had fallen continuously for many days. The river overflowed here and there, rice fields were washed out and houses were carried away. Chushichi suffered heavy losses. A landslide on his mountain property buried many large trees. Also, his rice fields of approximately ninety ares* were washed out.

People in his village had been deriding Chushichi’s faith and immediately seized the opportunity to heap all sorts of abuses on him, saying,

“Look at him! What a fool he is? Stupid one!”
 Feeling chagrined at what the villagers said, Chushichi visited Oyasama in the Residence and explained the situation to Her. Oyasama told him:

“Sah, sah, that’s all to the good. That’s all to the good. Now that your goods have been carried away to the bottom of the sea, it will come to good in the future. You may wonder why your fields and hills were washed out in spite of your faith, but you must accept the situation with a heart of gratitude. You must do so. That will come to good in the future.”

There are Four Kinds of Speech That Lead to Happiness

In Tenrikyo when we worship, we clap our hands four times, and I personally interpret this to mean that there are four kinds of speech that leads to happiness. The clapping of our hands can be likened to two people coming face-to-face and, from this, I think that there are four kinds of speech that can bring happiness to each other. (In Japanese, the number four is “shi,” and the action of coming face to face is “awase.” The combination of these two words, shiawase, can mean “happiness.”) An appropriate English translation might be “Four Ways to Meet.”

In Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) the Japanese word “kotodama” refers to the Japanese belief that mystical powers dwell in words and names.  The meaning includes “the soul and power of language. Whatever we say or think will come back to us.

The four kinds of speech at will lead to happiness are:

1. The first kind is greetings. Giving a greeting is a first step in building good relationships: “Good morning,” “Hi, how are you?”.
2. The second kind is words of appreciation, for example, “Thank you,” “I appreciate that.”
3. The third kind is apology. We would do well to make a genuine apology when we are wrong. Although it may be difficult to admit our own fault or mistake, let us say words of apology from our heart, which helps keep our mind humble. “I’m sorry.”
4. The last one is words of request. Ever since we were born, all of us have been cared for, loved, and helped by others. There is no way anyone could live alone. That is one reason why we need to ask for help from other people. “Could you help me.”

I would like all of us to realize the Joyous Life through using these four kinds of speech that lead to happiness in our relationships, starting with people close to us such as family.

Language or speech is a precious gift given to us. If we do not speak at all, speech cannot serve as nourishment in our life. If we remain silent, we cannot make our intention clear to others. It is important to make full use of our ability to speak so that our words will enrich our daily life while ensuring that we can live in joy and harmony, helping one another in all matters.

After 10 months, the coronavirus pandemic is still raging around us especially here in the U.S. Let us not miss the opportunity to reflect on the importance and power of our words and resolve to say a few simple words of greeting and gratitude to the people around us. Take the initiative to live your happy life and ultimately the joyous life for all!

Pre-service talk: As most of you know the novel coronavirus is spreading throughout the world, let us take this time of performing the monthly service to give thanks for our relatively good health, pray for those infected with this disease and that a cure and vaccine can be developed as soon as possible. This monthly service is the service for universal salvation, let us put our hearts together in unity of mind to pray for the Joyous Life, not only for ourselves, but for everyone in the world.

Post Service Sermon

Good morning and Aloha! I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to attend the March Service here at Pearl Church and thank you for your kind and sincere offerings.  I am sure God the Parent and Oyasama is really happy to see you all here today and to have performed the service with joy and in high spirits!

 As I mentioned at the start of the service, the novel coronavirus also known as COVID 19, is rapidly spreading throughout the world.  Originating in Wuhan, China the disease has spread to 84 countries with over 100,000 cases increasing by an average of 1500 new cases every day.

 There was a shortage of face masks due to widespread hoarding. And even in Hawaii the Governor was saying to be prepared by storing 2 weeks supply of food and essentials.  The next day there was panic buying of water and toilet paper.  I went to Costco on the following Saturday to buy toilet paper just in case.  There was a lot of traffic and a lot of people buying toilet paper.  By the time I got to the toilet paper area, it was all gone!

 The whole city of Wuhan with a population of 11 million and 15 other cities in Hubei province are quarantined, meaning that no one can go in or out of the city and the whole province of Hubei

 Taeko’s portion

 What is God’s intention behind the Corona virus pandemic?

About 200 years ago during Oyasama’s physical presence there was a cholera epidemic in Japan in which 100,000 people died.

 And about 100 years ago there was the Spanish flu pandemic in which 30 million people died.

 And early this year the novel coronavirus is spreading all over the world.

 In the Ofudesaki 

The world is saying that it is cholera,
but it is Tsukihi informing you of the regret.

Ofudesaki XIV: 22

 This means that God is showing us a great regret, in God’s eyes.  If you think of it as an illness it’s a shallow way of thinking.

Whatever is done, is done by Tsukihi.
Whatever happens, know that it is not an illness.

Ofudesaki XIV: 20

“No matter what happens,” whatever epidemic, this is what God is showing us.  Whatever kind of bodily disorder, it is not an illness.  This is nothing but the parental love of God in which God wants to lead us toward the Joyous Life.

Whatever I do to the body,
it is not an illness but the care of Tsukihi.

XIV: 21

 This is how God is correcting how we use our mind. 

Because the world does not know this truth,
everyone sinks only deeper into . 

XIV: 26 

This Truth,” is the purpose of human creation. God wants to see us helping each other, live a happy life and God share in that becoming joyful in seeing us live happily.

 Because we human beings do not know of God’s purpose in our creation, we become depressed.

 In the present Coronavirus pandemic, people are fearful of becoming infected.

 In the Ofudesaki we read: 

With you humans, also, your children are dear to you.
Think of this and ponder, please.

XIV: 34

We all love our children. God the sParent loves all human beings in the same way. 

Day after day, the concern of the Parent
is only about the means to save you.

XIV: 35

 Because God loves us so much, God is always trying to help us all. God always wants us to be happy and live joyously. Then what does God the Parent want us to do to become happy and live joyously? 

 In seeking the answer to this question, we must become open and obedient to what God is trying to teach us.  We need to become obedient in putting into practice the words of God.

If we close our minds and reject the Teaching, then it’s going to be difficult to be saved.

So God shows us through our sickness and problems to improve our use of mind.

It’s just a personal experience story but our daughter, Annabella at about 10 years old used to deliver the Hawaii Hochi Japanese language newspaper every day.  So every day after school, she delivered this newspaper.  We were telling her to put the helmet on when she rides her bike on her deliveries, especially during the late afternoon busy traffic time.  She wasn’t obedient and didn’t want to wear her helmet because it was inconvenient and it didn’t look good.  As parents we were so concerned about her safety that we told her strongly that she couldn’t ride her bike if she didn’t wear her helmet.  So reluctantly she started to wear it.  A few days later, a neighbor called to say that our daughter had a little accident. Apparently she made a sudden stop going down a steep slope causing her to go over the front of the bike injuring her little finger which was at a 90 degree angle to her hand.  Needless to say I was so shocked to see our little daughter’s finger in such an unnatural position!  We took her to emergency and the doctor said that there were no broken bones so he simply forced her finger back into position. Needless to say, it wasn’t painless! He said that she would be alright in a few weeks. I’m sure we were blessed with God the Parent’s protection.  After coming home from the emergency room, we found a small rock embedded at the top of Annabella’s helmet and told Annabella that this rock could have injured her head if she didn’t wear her helmet.  It was a good lesson in safety and listening to your parents.

Through this coronavirus, God is sending us a strong message… that we are approaching a dangerous situation in our human thinking and actions. When we look at the world today with pollution in the environment, wars and conflict, we need to reflect on our daily use of mind and make positive efforts to get rid of our selfish thinking.  How can we get rid of our self-centered thinking?  It is through the Service for universal salvation.  Are we going to be obedient in making efforts to perform the service or are we going to reject it? The choice is up to us.

Whatever may happen, there will be nothing to fear,
depending on your mind of sincerity.

XIV: 49

Good morning. I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to attend the July Monthly Service here at Pearl Church and thank you for your kind and sincere offerings. I am sure God the Parent and Oyasama is really happy to see you all here today and to have performed the service with joy and in high spirits!

Last Monday on July 4th, we enjoyed the annual Tenrikyo Picnic at Kapiolani Park. Thank you for your hinokishin and participation.

We would like to observe a moment of silence for our departed friend and member of Pearl Church, the Late Mrs. Hilda Kono, who passed away on June 16, 2017. She was very devout in her faith and enjoyed coming to our monthly services. We will miss her support, her faith and her smiling face.

GLOBAL WARMING

Don’t you think the climate has changed over the years?

• Compared to my childhood days, about 50 years ago, there are now more hot and muggy days than before. In those days, December through March had a lot of rain. There was so much rain that there weren’t many tourists during that time.
• In Japan, during the days around Oyasama’s birthday on April 18th, the cherry blossoms bloomed at this time about 20 – 30 years ago. But now it’s getting warmer earlier. So now they are blooming in the middle of March. Recently during my Jiba Pilgrimage in April the cherry blossoms are already gone.
• During this past 2 or 3 years we’ve been getting extremely high record breaking temperatures on the U.S. mainland such as Texas, Arizona and Nevada. In Hawaii also, we’re getting more days with temperatures 90 degrees or more.
• Most of you have probably heard of “King Tides” inundating our beaches in Honolulu. This has never happened before.
• In the South Pacific 5 islands have disappeared due to rising sea levels.

CAUSE

Human-caused global warming occurs when human activity introduces too much of certain types of gas into the atmosphere. Human activity is mostly burning fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, oil, coal, deforestation and animal agriculture. After carbon dioxide, methane is the second most common greenhouse gas, but methane has 86 times more impact in trapping radiation. It comes from mining, extracting and leaking of natural gas, animal agriculture such as raising cattle and the use of landfills. Animal agriculture accounts for 51% of global warming. From Cowspiracy documentary video.

The United Nations have recognized these causes and have met to agree on actions to be taken to reduce greenhouse gases in the Kyoto Accord and the Paris Agreement. Recently on June 1st of this year, the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Agreement.

Ｗe can look at the basic teachings such as in the Ofudesaki:

This universe is the body of God.
Ponder this in all matters. III: 40

Also in the Ofudesaki, XIII: 43

All of you throughout the world are brother and sisters.
There should be no one called an outsider.

God the Parent created us human beings to see us live a joyous life by helping each other. This is the purpose of creation.

The climate change has been making life difficult for the war refugees and the poor people on the planet. Refugees living in tents are exposed to extreme weather. Poor people living in extremely hot or extremely cold conditions are most likely to suffer or die.

People who live by farming or fishing are experiencing hardships caused by extreme weather and overfishing. Since the advanced nations that are releasing most of the greenhouse gases we among the advance nations should take more responsibility in reducing greenhouse gases. God has provided such a bountiful earth. However, we humans are polluting and damaging the environment which is causing droughts, wild forest fires and extreme abnormal weather. These are causing crisis situations in the world.

Pope Francis of the Catholic Church made a statement in regards to climate change. This is just a summary: “Caring for the environment is a matter of common and universal duty and responsibility especially in light the present ecological crisis. Every creature depends on the earth’s ecology that provides air, food, water and basic resources. These shared resources are easily exploited when we fail to recognize the interconnected nature of God’s creation. Since all beings are interdependent on the resources of the planet, common effort is required to preserve God’s gift to us.”

Due to the irresponsible use of the land, climate change is occurring and we need to take responsibility to reduce global warming.

What can we do to reduce global warming?

• Use resources wisely, such as water, electricity, gas and cars.
• Use eco bags instead of receiving the bags provided by the store.
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth, soaping in the shower or washing your hands.
• Recycle cans and bottles
• Turn off the lights when leaving your room.
• Combine your car trips whenever possible to conserve fuel. Walk or use the bus when you can.
• Let’s go green by planting trees in your yard.
• Pull out the plug or turn off the power strip when not in use.
• Most importantly since animal agriculture accounts for 51% of global warming we should reduce or eliminate meat from our diet.

These small efforts done individually may not make an impact, but the combined effort of many people will definitely make a difference.

In the Anecdotes of Oyasama,

#138 YOU MUST TREASURE THINGS

While in jail, Oyasama had a scrap of writing paper brought in and She made twisted paper strings out of it. With it, She wove a net basket to carry a sake bottle. It was very strong and beautifully made. When She left the jail to return home, She gave it to Gisaburo Nakata, saying:

“You must treasure things. You must make good use of everything. Everything is a gift from God. Now, keep this as your family treasure.”

As you can see Oyasama believed in recycling and making good use of things. She said, “Everything is a gift from God.” I believe this means that we need to take care of the Earth and protect the Earth. Although some people don’t believe it, global warming is happening and we must take action to stop global warming regardless of what the government is doing. Perhaps what US President did in regards to withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is a wakeup call for everyone to pay attention this problem and do what we can to reduce global warming.

Announcements

1. The annual Tenrikyo Picnic was held last Tuesday at Kapiolani Park. For those who went, thank you for your hinokishin in preparation and clean up!
2. Marika Higa will be serving as counselor for Kaigai Shohi which is the Overseas B & G Hinokishin Corps in Jiba this summer. We wish her a meaningful, fun and safe trip.
3. The MHQ monthly service will be held this coming Sunday on July 16.
4. The annual Tenrikyo bazaar is coming up on Sunday, August 27. And we’d like to ask for everyone’s support in selling presale scrips and prep hinokishin and helping at the bazaar.
5. Everyone please welcome the three students for the Hawaii One-Month Spiritual Development Course from Mission HQ: Louise Akamine, Yukie Minami and Sean Rodan. Sean is Dan Rodan’s son.