May 2025 Voice of the Divine Parent

Vol. 25# 5

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Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony

It is the season where new life is sprouting in the fields and mountains, and we can feel the life of heaven and earth within us.  On May 11 at 10:00 a.m., the Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony for the Gardena and Los Angeles Churches will be held at the Gardena Church Service Hall. Please join us with your family, friends, and acquaintances.　

Konko Daijin taught, "Because heaven and earth are alive, all human beings can live as well." The fundamental reason why all things, including humans, can live is that the Universe is alive. In other words, the "life of heaven and earth" can be said to be the source of "life" of all things. For example, each branch and leaf of a tree can be alive because the entire tree is alive. It would be similar to this relationship.

Humans live by incorporating the life of heaven and earth into their own life. The life of heaven and earth is not different from our own, that is, our life is a part of heaven and earth.

Children's Day

May 5 is Children’s Day and once again this year, various events suitable for children will be held across the country. While some families usually take their children on picnics or hikes, some churches may organize festivals. Women’s groups and youth associations may also host entertainment events for them.

Children’s Day is a national holiday established by law as a day to respect children's rights, wish for their true happiness and prosperity, and express gratitude to mothers.

"Silver, gold, and jewels—no matter how precious, they cannot compare to the greatest treasure of all: one's own child."

This is a famous poem by the Manyo poet, Yamanoue Okura, which expresses the pure love a parent has for their child. Since ancient times, people have said that "children must be raised with great care." However, there are times when, despite our affection for them, children are sacrificed for the convenience of adults.

Dogs and cats nurture their young by licking them which is an instinctual behavior. As primates, humans also have a natural affection for their children.

Exercises for the Mind/Heart/Spirit

013 Where does your home's water come from?

When you turn on a tap, water comes out as a matter of course. But let's try to imagine where that water came from. Washroom → water pipe → water supply → water purification plant → river → lake → mountain stream → rainwater running off leaves... What kind of journey has the water you now hold in your hand traveled? Give thanks to the water and say, "You've come a long way."

Konko Church of Gardena and Los Angeles Announcements

Morning Service and Shinto-kai meeting

On Sunday, May 4, we will be holding a morning prayer at 9:00 am. After praying, let’s clean the inside and outside of the church. The Shinto-Kai meeting will follow the cleanup.  If you are interested, please join us.

Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony

On Sunday, May 11, from 10:00 a.m., we will be holding the Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony at the Gardena Church Service Hall. Please join us with your family, friends, and acquaintances.