Vol. 22 # 6
Absolute Faith
Do you really believe in Tenchi Kane no Kami? Most believers will answer, “Of course I believe.” So how much do you believe? All of us will likely fall within a range from “I turn to Kami during times of suffering,” to “I trust my entire life to Kami.” I would like to introduce Konko Daijin’s understanding of Kami, which was discussed at the Gardena Church GCWC Faith Workshop the other day.
Konko Daijin taught me, "Tenchi Kane No Kami sees everything in the Universe at a glance. Kami bestows divine blessings equally. However, divine blessings will slip away if your container to receive them is not good. If you want to receive divine virtue fully, you must have a heart that trusts Kami wholeheartedly. What does this mean? It means having a heart that is even able to accept death." [GIII:Jinkyu Kyogoroku/ed. Kataoka, Jiro:19.1]
The meaning of “trust Kami” is when “there is no way to do it and we leave things to Kami.” In other words, “a heart that truly trusts Kami”. Konko Daijin said to trust Kami from the bottom of your heart, so much so that you “leave life and death to Kami.” Through total trust, you realize that you have nothing, and only have life thanks to Kami. When we achieve total trust in Kami, we acknowledge that our power, thoughts, and experiences stem from our relationship with Kami. That’s why we must try to rely on Kami. In this way, Kami is born in your heart, and a life of living with Kami begins.
The Divine Reminder says,
“Through Ikigami Konko Daijin, to Tenchi Kane No Kami, pray sincerely with all your heart. Be one with Kami. Kami’s blessings begin within hearts grateful and caring, in harmony and joy. Look to Kami always, Now, and forever, on this very day, pray. The divine favor depends upon one’s own heart, on this day pray.”
I would like to share a story about Konko Ieyoshi (Konko Shijin), the fifth son of Konko Daijin and the second Konko-sama.
In July 1859, when Ieyoshi was 6 years old, he recovered from a serious illness. He said, “My parents prayed whole-heartedly to Kami for me.” From this young age, he became very faithful.
One cold winter night, Konko Daijin sent Ieyoshi on an errand to a town about 20 miles away. It was cloudy, so he asked Konko Daijin if he should bring his umbrella. Konko Daijin answered, “You do not need an umbrella,” so he left without it. After traveling about three miles, it started to rain. A tea shop owner offered to lend him an umbrella, but he politely declined saying, “My father told me I do not need an umbrella today,” and kept going. After he finished his work and began to return home, it started to rain harder. Again, he was offered umbrellas, but each time he politely declined.
By the time he arrived home, he was dripping wet. When Ieyoshi related what happened, Konko Daijin was happily impressed with Ieyoshi’s faithful heart.
When Ieyoshi took off his wet coat, his inner clothes were dry.
Konko Daijin knew that it would rain along the way, so why did he say, “You don’t have to bring an umbrella?” Why did Ieyoshi refuse the kindness of people when it began raining?
Instead of giving priority to his own convenience, Iyeyoshi put the words of Konko Daijin first. Whether you think they’re good or bad, follow the words of Konko Daijin. This is an example of “trusting Kami completely.”
Announcements From the Konko Church of Gardena
Morning Service, Cleanup, and Shinto-kai Meeting
The morning service will begin at 9:00 am on June 5th. 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.
June Sunday Service
The June Sunday Service will be held at 10 am on Sunday the 12th. This Sunday service will be held in the Mediation Hall. The church hall and chairs will be completely disinfected. Those who worship should wear a mask, disinfect their hands, and maintain distance from other attendees. 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 the19th. If you would like to attend the meeting, please let us know.
Group Discussion of From Farmer to Founder
Please join us after service and lunch on Sunday, June 12, as we continue to discuss the biography of Konko Daijin. We will continue discussion of Chapter 2, More Than a Farmer. Much transpired in this important period of Konko Daijin’s life, beginning with his life-threatening illness at age 42. This marked the start of his relationship with Tenchi Kane no Kami. So, if you missed our April meeting, you’re in luck! During our monthly one-hour discussions, participants discuss events in the Founder’s life and the cultural context in which many events occurred. For this session, please reread Chapter 2 and bring any questions, thoughts or ideas you may have. We look forward to another lively discussion!
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