January 2026 Voice of the Divine Parent
- Rev. Nobuharu Uzunoe
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Vol. 26# 1
Dear everyone, Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! 🎉
May each moment be joyful and bright. ✨
Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year! 🎊
Rev. Nobuharu Uzunoe
In the Konko faith, Kami is the source of all life, the origin of all things that exist, and the one who bestows a soul upon humanity and guides them. Kami has infinite compassion which never stops cherishing people. This year, let us continue to receive mediation of Ikigami Konko Daijin and communicate with the Divine Parent of the Universe.
The following poem was written by Rev. Matsutaro Yasutake, the first Head Minister of the Amagi Church who I respect very much. I have always used his poems as a guide for my faith. I will begin introducing one of his poems each month.
Daily Self-Reflection |
「日にあらた 日に新たにと 神幸に 生かされてこそ 今日の身もあれ」 |
“Each day anew, each day anew, through divine grace, I am given life, and thus I exist today." |
In the teachings of Konko Daijin, it is said, "There are people between Heaven and Earth. Heaven is the father, and Earth is the mother. Humans, plants, and other living things live on Earth through the blessings they receive from Heaven."[GI Ishihara Ginzo 1] It is also said, “Living day by day is faith.” When we wake up in the morning, let us be aware of the existence of life and recognize the joy of waking up. Even if your day begins amidst suffering, we can become aware that today starts anew with Kami.
Rev. Nobuharu Uzunoe
Rev. Mitsuo Tamai - Grandma Carrying a Bag - continued from December
Konko Daijin has said, "This person's path can be opened with just one umbrella." While I do not know how everyone interprets this teaching, I will share my thoughts.
The teaching suggests that, just as the old monks opened a path while wearing black robes, it is not necessary to have large buildings or magnificent facilities to spread teachings. A single umbrella is sufficient to shield one from the rain and wind. However, this alone does not fully capture the true meaning of this teaching.
The meaning of “One Umbrella”
Interpreting "one umbrella" as a single-minded faith is a good thing, but it can also lead to a situation where one becomes so focused that they lose sight of their surroundings. Everyone might think that being devoted is a positive trait. However, it is essential to reflect on the content of that devotion.
There is a genuine passion for progressing along the path, and then there is a fervor that resembles an illness, where one is merely "feverish." When in a state of fever, things do not come to fruition.
The importance of Faith
The phrase "single-minded faith" is wonderful, but interpreting "one umbrella" solely as single-minded faith does not constitute a complete understanding. When we consider that Kami has opened the path just for me, a sense of gratitude arises. If we continue our devotion with this mindset, I truly believe that the path will surely open.
The Teachings of the Mentor
In a conversation with my mentor, I asked about fate. When I asked if fate existed, my mentor replied, "Fate is predetermined, but Kami has prepared a happy fate for each of us."
Kami is trying to provide a happy fate upon us, but if we fail to recognize Kami’s call in order to forge our own destiny, we may misunderstand its true meaning.
Summary
It is important to entrust ourselves to Kami and continue our faith with a peace of mind until we can reach the fate that Kami has prepared for us. This is not just someone else's matter; I encourage all of you to stay positive and continue your faith. If there is anyone thinking of giving up along the way, it is crucial to persevere.
To be continued in the next issue.
Exercises for the Mind/Heart/Spirit |
021 Doing the dishes |
After a meal, it often feels like a hassle to wash dishes. How about trying to wash them with the intention of polishing your mind? While expressing gratitude for the meal you received and appreciating the pots and dishes you've used, wash them carefully. If you keep this up, you might find yourself enjoying the process before you know it. |
Daily Calendar |
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Day 11. |
"The light of the sun shining down is a blessing, the rain that falls is also a blessing, all humans live and are sustained within these blessings." "Whether our wishes come true or not, it is in the heart that believes everything is within Kami's divine will, that Kami will soon show us blessings." "What we think is good is also a blessing, and what we think is bad is also a blessing." |
Konko Church of Gardena and Los Angeles Announcements
New Year’s Service
The New Year's Day ceremony will be held on Thursday, January 1 at 9:00 a.m. Let us pray for good health and well-being in the new year, express our gratitude, and pray for a successful year ahead. After the ceremony, let us celebrate with sacred sake and traditional New Year's dishes such as ozōni (rice cake soup) and osechi (feast to wish for good health in the new year). Please feel free to invite your family and friends to join us.
Morning service and Shinto-kai meeting
On Sunday, January 4, we will be holding a morning service and the Gardena Church Shinto-kai meeting at 9:00 a.m. At the meeting, we will discuss the church's activities and budget plans for the 2026 fiscal year. There will not be a cleanup.
January Monthly Service and New Year's Party
The Monthly Service and New Year's party will be held on Sunday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. Please join us for a potluck and a White Elephant gift exchange. Bring your favorite dish or a gift to share. We encourage you to invite your family and friends to join us in this gathering. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Gardena Church Work Committee Study Group
GCWC will be held on Sunday, January 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please note that GCWC will now be held on the fourth Sunday of every month.
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