Good morning. I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to attend the October Grand Service here at Pearl Church and thank you for your kind and sincere offerings. I am sure God the Parent and Oyasama are really happy to see you all here today and to have performed the service with joy and in high spirits!
Today’s service is called the October Grand Service, instead of monthly service because it is the month that Tenrikyo began, October 26, 1838, 173 years ago.
“I am God of Origin, God in Truth. There is causality in this Residence. At this time I have descended here to save all humankind. I wish to receive Miki as the Shrine of God.”
These were the first words declared by God the Parent, Tenri-O-no-Mikoto, through the mouth of Oyasama, Miki Nakayama.
Miki’s family was greatly startled by the unexpected revelation. Using every possible argument, they refused God’s request, but God the Parent remained steadfast. Finally, forsaking all self-centered human thoughts and concerns of inconvenience to the family, they replied that they would comply with God’s request. That day, October 26, 1838, marks the beginning of Tenrikyo. That is why this month’s service is called the October Grand Service, rather than monthly service.