Vol. 22 # 12
Practice of Faith
Let's consider the Konko Faith in relation to the teachings of Konko Daijin.
Regarding the practice of faith, Konko Daijin taught that we need to develop full spiritual awareness of the fact that we live in the midst of Kami’s blessings. In addition, we need to direct our hearts toward Kami wherever and whenever we might be, as described in the teachings below:
“Practicing faith means you direct your heart toward Kami. Though you are surrounded by divine virtue, you won’t receive blessings unless you have faith.” [GI: Ichimura, Mitsugoro Vol. 1: 10.1]
“Going to worship Kami only to give requests is not practicing faith. You can oftentimes practice faith without worshipping Kami at a church.” [GI: Yamamoto, Sadajiro: 28.3]
Konko Daijin emphasized the importance of exercising our hearts in practicing faith as has been shown in the following messages:
“Whether or not you receive divine blessings depends on your heart. Reform your heart, then you can reap infinite divine blessings.” [GII: Aoyama, Kin’emon: 3.1]
“We believe in the Parent Kami of the Universe. We should develop a heart as broad as the Universe.” [GIII: Jinkyu Kyogoroku/ed.Kataoka, Jiro: 8.1]
“If people lose their belief in, ‘On this very day pray with a single heart. Divine blessings are within your own heart,’ the world will be in turmoil. The glory of Kami and the glory of parents will be gone.” [GI: Ichimura, Mitsugoro Vol.1: 11.1]
Konko Daijin also referred to the spiritual eye to identify truth in the following messages:
“If you follow the Konko Faith, you should cast aside your physical eyes and open and see through your spiritual eyes.” [GIII: Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo Honbu:P2:8]
“You must polish the gem in your heart while practicing faith.” [GIII: Shinkun/ed.Konkokyo Honbu:P2: 21]
“‘Now, hear the sound of Tenchi opening, and be awakened,’ said Konko Daijin.” [GII: Kunieda, Sangoro: 12.1]
In regard to our attitude in getting involved in the Konko faith, Konko Daijin stated as follows:
“Practicing faith on your own won’t bring divine blessings, but practicing faith with the support of Kami will.” [GI: Shimamura, Hachitaro: 39.1]
“He who believes in Kami receives pleasure in everything he does. Serving at the church is a pleasure, merchandising and farming are also pleasures. Everyone between Heaven and Earth is delightfully and gratefully receiving pleasures.” [GII: Kondo, Fujimori: 22.1]
In essence, Konko Daijin used the expression “Shinjin ni naru” rather than “Shinjin suru” in recognition of the nature of getting involved in the practice of faith. The spirituality of “Shinjin suru” implies practicing faith only for personal gains and benefits, without being aware of Kami’s wishes and will. While the spirituality of “Shinjin ni naru” implies a person’s action reflecting Kami’s wishes and will. Konko Daijin clarified the final destination of faith in directing one’s heart to Kami in the following message:
“The word shinjin (faith) is not written with the kanji characters for belief and heart. I write it with the kanji characters for kami and man.” [GI: Kondo, Fujimori: 66.1]
Konko Daijin’s goal was to become unified and identified as one with Kami.
Faith Practice and Divine Blessings
Konko Daijin related the practice of faith to receiving divine blessings as follows:
“Even if you don’t practice faith, you have already received divine blessings.’” [GI: Ichimura, Mitsugoro Vol. 1: 2.1]
In this manner, Konko Daijin pointed out that Tenchi Kane No Kami bestows universal blessings to all of humanity.
He also spoke about the blessings we can enjoy only through our involvement in the practice of faith.
“Practice faith and receive divine blessings.” [GIII: Konko Kyoso Gorikai. Konkokyo Honbu: 8.1]
As for the blessings we can enjoy through our practice of faith, Konko Daijin stated:
“People talk about great blessings, but blessings are merely the shadows cast by the sincerity of each person. Therefore, if you show great sincerity towards Kami, you can receive great blessings. You cannot receive great divine blessings with little sincerity. The shadow cast by sincerity will follow the shape of sincerity.” [GIII: Jinkyu Kyogoroku/ed. Kataoka, Jiro: 21.1]
Konko Daijin pointed out that it is the way a person directs his or her heart to Kami that defines the scope of the blessings a person can manifest.
The blessings we wish to acquire may include concern for our issues in life, such as family welfare, recovery from illnesses, family prosperity, and so forth. For those who came to seek answers for their issues, it was crucial for them to get what they wished for. Konko Daijin responded that they would receive blessings for their concerns. Besides the many tangible blessings people want for their personal concerns, Konko Daijin reminded people that there are other types of divine blessings which can be appreciated only through their spiritual eye. These blessings can be acquired only through their sincere practice of faith.
“When practicing faith, there are more blessings which cannot be seen than those which can be seen. The blessings you unknowingly receive number more than the blessings you knowingly receive. If you think about it, you will come to realize the many divine blessings that you have received. ” [GII:Tsugawa, Haruo:14.1]
Konko Daijin taught that divine blessings we wish to get from Kami do not necessarily come in the form we expect.
“Divine blessings are not limited to just having one's wishes granted. For some people, death is a divine blessing. Others are saved from death through divine blessings. Since everything in this world is governed by Kami, people should always depend on the Parent Kami.” [GIII:Jinkyu Kyogoroku/ed. Kataoka, Jiro:35.1]
The blessings Kami grants to us can go beyond the scope of human perception. By seeking faith, Konko Daijin was able to identify such blessings.
To a person, Konko Daijin shared his vision of actualizing his global aspirations by saying;
“While you concern yourself with only trivial things, I am aspiring for blessings which will completely embrace the world with Faith.” [GII: Kunieda, Sangoro: 11.1]
Konko Daijin also shared his thoughts about the intangible nature of divine blessings as shown in the following messages:
“Be single-hearted and practice faith with a true heart. You will be blessed with virtue.” [GII: Fujii, Kichi: 2.1]
“Faith is without a goal. This means there are endless goals to attain.” [GI: Ichimura, Mitsugoro Vol.1: 9.1]
The phrase “without a goal” implies that practicing faith does not serve as a means to achieve or accomplish any specific objectives we may have. Through advancing our faith-oriented life, we are to accumulate divine virtue. The message represents a spiritual life in which a person finds joy and gratefulness in conscious awareness of Kami’s presence in his or her day-to-day living. Thus, Konko Daijin showed us that there is no limit to the extent of the blessings we can enjoy and the depths to which we can pursue our faith.
News from the Southern California churches
The 2023 KCNA Conference Committee meeting will be held on Saturday, December 10 at 10 am at the Konko Church of Gardena. We look forward to seeing you there.
Konko Church of Gardena
Morning Service, Cleaning, and Shinto-kai meeting
On Sunday, December 4, the morning service will be held at 9 am. After the service, everyone will clean the inside and outside of the church. After lunch, we will have a Shinto-kai meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting.
December Sunday Service
The December Sunday Service will be held on December 11 at 10 am. We are very grateful to be able to hold this service with everyone. In addition, if you would like your picture taken for the Gardena church directory, please find Mr. Akira Sato at the end of the service.
From Farmer to Founder Study Group
The study group will not meet for the next few months due to scheduling conflicts. The next meeting date will be announced in a future newsletter.
Year End Appreciation Service and Mochitsuki
The Year End Appreciation Service and Mochitsuki will be held on Sunday, December 18 at 9 am. Let us express our appreciation for the blessings we received in 2022 and renew our hearts for the upcoming new year.
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