Vol. 22 # 7
Konko Daijin’s teaches that all people are the beloved children of Kami. "Kami’s beloved child" is not a so-called divine child, but encompasses all human beings. The following teaching clearly expresses that.
“Since Tenchi Kane No Kami is the parent Kami of this world, all people who live between Heaven and Earth are the children of Tenchi Kane No Kami regardless of whether they practice this Faith or not” (VU39). Let's take a look at what it means to be "Kami’s beloved child".
1. People live under the love and protection of Kami.
Human beings have life,
All people receive a part of Kami, and thus are an integral part of the Universe,
All people live amidst the divine blessings of Kami,
If people do not receive divine blessings, then Kami will not be happy.
2. People can make themselves aware of the workings of Kami.
Since people are an integral part of the Universe, we have the potential to perceive Kami. We can thus prepare ourselves through faith practice to realize this potential.
“Though people call Konko Daijin an ikigami, Konko Daijin is not the only one. All people who come to the Mediation Hall are Kami’s children. To be an ikigami is to have Kami born within you. Konko Daijin was the first to receive divine blessings. Everyone can receive divine blessings in the same way” (VU362).
As beloved children of Kami, we can manifest the workings of Kami by living according to the wishes of Kami. Cultivating the Kami within us is the path to becoming an ikigami (living kami).
3. People can reveal the workings of Kami to others.
Having a heart of Kami means having a heart of compassion and the desire to help others.
People have the potential to relieve human suffering and save others with Kami’s help. By doing so, we can save people, society, and the world, not just ourselves. “To be human is to help others. When people suffer from sickness or disaster, they are saved by Kami and other people. Be aware that saving people in distress is to be human and practice faith” (VU49).
Moreover, “you should also follow what Kami says, and practice faith in Kami sincerely and wholeheartedly to receive divine blessings. Save others and you will be allowed to become a kami.” (VU363).
Although Kami is always a part of us, it requires an effort to manifest the true heart of Kami. The suffering of people is not just a human problem, because “If people are not saved, Kami cannot be happy”.
As believers in this faith, we are aware of being the beloved children of Kami and living amidst the blessings of Kami. It is our responsibility to share our experiences of these blessings and to help and guide others.
Announcements From the Konko Church of Gardena
Morning Service, Cleanup, and Shinto-kai Meeting
The morning service will begin at 9:00 am on July 3rd After praying, let's clean up the inside and outside of the church together. After lunch, the Shinto-kai meeting will be held. Everyone is welcomed to attend.
July Sunday Service
The July Sunday Service will be held at 10 am on Sunday the 10th. This Sunday service will be held in the Mediation Hall. The church hall and chairs will be completely disinfected. Those who worship should disinfect their hands. If you have a fever or cough, please refrain from attending and worship in your own home.
Gardena Church Work Committee (GCWC)
The June GCWC workshop will be held from 10 am to 2 pm on Sunday the 17th. If you would like to attend the meeting, please let us know.
Group Discussion of From Farmer to Founder
The Konko Daijin biography study group at Gardena Church is a unique opportunity to learn more about the Founder's faith development and cultural practices at that time, as well as to develop one's own faith and practice. Please join us after service and lunch on Sunday, July 10, as we continue to discuss the biography of Konko Daijin. We will continue discussion of Chapter 2, More Than a Farmer, which covers the period from the Founder's life-threatening illness at age 42, the revelations from Konjin, and the deepening relationship between Konko Daijin (then Bunji) and Kane no Kami. We will cover the second half of Chapter 2 (around page 32). Please bring questions, thoughts or experiences to the meeting. It's never too late to join the discussion. We hope you’ll join us next time!
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