Vol. 23 # 5
Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony
It is the season when new life sprouts in which we can sense the life between heaven and earth. On May 14th, we will be holding the Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony at the Gardena Church Service Hall. Please invite friends and acquaintances and join us for this ceremony.
Konko Daijin explained, “Because Heaven and Earth are alive, all people are able to live.” VU2 The fundamental reason why all things, including human beings, is alive is that heaven and earth is also alive. In other words, it can be said that the “life of heaven and earth” is the source of the “life” of all things.
A branch and a leaf of a tree is able to live because the entire tree is alive. This portrays that the life of heaven and earth is the source of life of all things. Similarly, the life source of humans is provided by heaven and earth indicating that our lives are connected. Furthermore, human beings live by incorporating this life source into their own lives.
If we were to only focus on a single branch or a single leaf, we would not be able to identify the entire system of a whole tree. Likewise, if we focus on ourselves or the human centered world, we would overlook the connection to our life source from heaven and earth. We must perceive ourselves living within the workings of life of heaven and earth. Thus, our understanding of the life source of all things would manifest just as Konko Daijin saw the concrete form of heaven and earth and the various developments of life within the universe. Konko Daijin expressed that Kami represents “unlimited life” and is the source of life for humans.
The Divine Parent requested Konko Daijin to start Mediation between Kami and people and expressed, “There are many people who are troubled. A person like you who has sincere and conscientious faith in Kami should help them through Mediation. Kami will be fulfilled and people will be saved. Kami exists because of people, and people exist because of Kami. Everyone will become forever prosperous through the relationship of mutual reliance between Kami and people.”
The Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony is a service to express our gratitude for the vast blessings that we have received and to pray for the ability to rely on, communicate, and to entrust all things to the Divine Parent.
As we prepare for the service, let us realize the Divine Parent's wishes, awaken kami in our hearts, and through prayer, dialogue, and action, let us contribute to manifest the blessings of others, ourselves, and to humanity in our daily lives.
Kami (The Divine Parent of the Universe)
Teaching of Konko Daijin (Voice of The Universe)
1 - All people live between heaven and the earth. Heaven is like a father and the earth is like a mother. People, plants, and other living things live on the earth through the blessings they receive from the Universe. Heaven is like a father and Earth is like a mother.
I Ishihara Ginzo I
2 - The Universe sustains lives continuously. Because the Universe is alive, all people are able to live.
III Jinkyu Kyogoroku 104
3 - Tenchi Kane No Kami, the Divine Parent of the Universe, has always existed. Kami is always bestowing blessings on all of humanity. Even those who don't practice faith receive Kami's blessings. It is essential to have a heart like Kami.
III Konko Kyoso Gorikai 7-1, 2
7 - Although Kami cannot be seen, we you are constantly living within the midst of Kami. The whole world is Kami’s sacred place of worship.
III Konko Kyoso Gorikai 6
9 - Kami does not dwell in a shrine, but dwells in a truly sincere heart. With this kind of heart, you will receive divine blessings.
II Fukushima Gihe'e I0
14 - Tenchi Kane No Kami has endured since the existence of the Universe, for millions of years. Other kamis come and go.
I Shimamura Hachitaro 1
18 - Everyone around the world is a child of Kami. The world is filled with Kami’s blessings. Not having these blessings is like not having any air. Thus, without divine blessings, people cannot live, not even for a minute.
II Sato Mitsujiro 14-3
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Morning service, Cleanup, and Shinto-kai meeting
The morning service will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 7. After praying, let us clean the inside and outside of the church together. After lunch, the Shinto-kai meeting will be held. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony
We will be holding the Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony on Sunday, May 14 at 10AM at the Gardena Church Service Hall.
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