May 2026 Voice of the Divine Parent
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Vol. 26# 5
Invitation to the Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony
Greetings to all.
You are warmly invited to attend the Joint Grand Ceremony of the Konko Churches of Los Angeles and Gardena on May 10 at 10:00 a.m. in honor of the Divine Parent of the Universe (Tenchi Kane no Kami).
Tenchi Kane no Kami is the Kami who sustains and nurtures Heaven, Earth, and all life living between them. The sunlight, warmth, air, water, food, and everything we receive in daily life are part of the great blessing of Tenchi Kane no Kami.
Tenchi Kane no Kami lovingly cares for each one of us, stays close to us in times of difficulty, and seeks to guide us toward salvation and fulfillment.
This Grand Ceremony is a special opportunity to offer our gratitude for the boundless workings and blessings of Tenchi Kane no Kami. It is also a time to pray so we may continue to live together with Kami, and seek a way of life that brings salvation to both ourselves and others.
We sincerely invite you and your family to join us.
It would be our great joy to share this occasion of gratitude with you.
What Is Tenchi Kane no Kami?
From Biography of Konko-Daijin (Japanese Edition):
Epilogue—From the Teachings of Konko-Daijin
The Workings of Kami
Konko Daijin perceived the workings of Kami in the ceaseless daily movements of Heaven and Earth - movements that distinguish between day and night, the ebb and flow of the tides, and the changing of the seasons. From Heaven, limitless blessings such as—light, heat, air, water—are poured out impartially upon all things, and Earth receives them, providing a dwelling place for all things, bringing forth and nurturing life, and purifying waste and impurities.
Receiving these blessings, countless lives are born, flourish, and pass away within Heaven and Earth. Through light, heat, air, water, and food, Heaven and Earth also become the very substance of living beings. Even inanimate objects possess significance and fulfill a specific role as constituents of Heaven and Earth. Konko Daijin understood that the fundamental force which enables Heaven and Earth to exist as is, is the working of Kami.
Konko Daijin further taught that Kami is unwavering and boundless- manifesting as Heaven and Earth which move in an orderly way, endure eternally throughout time, and whose workings pervade all things without distinction.
In the following examples, Konko Daijin explained Kami’s limitless blessings extend everywhere throughout Heaven and Earth:
“Human beings live between Heaven and Earth. That is, Heaven is the father and Earth is the mother. Human beings, as well as grasses and trees, all live on this earth by receiving the blessings of Heaven and Earth.”
“The blessings of the Divine Parent of the Universe fill the whole world. Without those blessings, it would be the same as having no air; human beings could not live even for a moment.”
“Though invisible to the eye, it is as though we are passing through the midst of Kami. Whether one is working in the fields or walking along the road, the worship hall of the Divine Parent of the Universe is the whole world.”
Regarding the unchanging work of Kami, Konko Daijin taught:
“The Divine Parent of the Universe has existed from long ago, not any time in-between. Heaven and Earth is not a passing fad. Something which is not a fad will not end.”
And because Tenchi Kane no Kami is the Kami of Heaven and Earth, Konko Daijin also taught:
“Although various deities increase year by year, the Divine Parent of the Universe is the one and only Kami for tens of millions of years as long as Heaven and Earth exist.”
“The Divine Parent of the Universe is the Kami among kamis.”
Furthermore, he taught that Heaven and Earth themselves are the manifestation of the workings of Kami:
“The sacred body of the Divine Parent of the Universe is Heaven and Earth. Kami does not dwell in a shrine.”
If one sees with true clarity, one can perceive the divine blessings in each and everything within the workings of Kami. And since life is given by Heaven and Earth, and the lives of human beings and all things are connected to the life of Heaven and Earth, he taught:
“Heaven and Earth are everlasting. Because Heaven and Earth are alive, all human beings are able to live.”
However, what Konko Daijin imparted with deep understanding about the Divine Parent of the Universe did not end there. Ever since Konko Daijin encountered Kami, he perceived Kami as a deity who ceaselessly and actively engages with human beings with definite intention. Kami is the one who balances and harmonizes human ideas, guides the way people live each day, and works to save them from suffering. From 1873, Konko Daijin received everything that occurred as the intention and manifestation of Kami’s will.
Kami’s will is portrayed in the following:
“Kami intends to save and help human beings and has no other purpose than this. Therefore, nothing that happens in a person’s life is ever done in vain. Have faith. In the end, all will become blessings.”
Kami’s love for all people is expressed in the following teachings:
“If one is human, then when one sees someone who suffering, one naturally feels, ‘How sorrowful—if only I could do something.’ The heart of Kami is this single feeling of ‘endearment.’”
“The heart that feels this sense of endearment is in itself, Kami.”
Using the relationship between parent and child as an analogy, he taught about Kami and human beings in the following way:
“Tenchi Kane no Kami is the Parent Kami of human beings. How could Kami let his beloved children suffer? When you have your own children, you will understand.”
Because Kami is like a human parent, he also said:
“Ask anything of Kami. It is Kami’s role to be relied upon.”
Moreover, because Kami unwaveringly wishes for the salvation of human beings and seeks to embrace all people without reservation, Kami is one who ceaselessly supports human beings and works to assist them amidst their hardships.
“If human beings do not receive blessings, neither Kami nor Konko Daijin is happy. If human beings suffer, then Kami’s purpose remains unfulfilled. If humanity cannot sustain itself, then neither can Kami nor Konko Daijin.”
“Have faith and receive blessings.” This is the very nature of the Divine Parent of the Universe.
With a gentle, rounded heart |
“Do not recall what has already passed and become angry.” When we dwell on unpleasant memories, we may blame others or regret what happened. That is why we should cherish the joys of the present moment and look forward to what lies ahead. “Let us rejoice in the present.” |
Exercises for the Mind/Heart/Spirit |
25 Don't complain about the weather |
When you check the weather forecast and see rain or extreme heat or cold, it's easy to want to voice your dissatisfaction. However, that is similar to imposing our own convenience on the natural order of the universe, which is beyond our control. Instead, we should simply accept and adapt to the circumstances set by nature. Now, what clothes are suitable for today's weather? |
Daily Renewal of the Heart Poem by Rev. Matsutaro Yasutake (Founder of Amagi Church) |
Receiving the teachings as a mirror, I reflect upon my own reflection, Day after day, night after night. 「み教おしえをかがみと おのが姿すがたをば うつしてぞみむ 日ひごと夜よごとに」 |
Rev. Matsutaro Yasutake expressed his own spiritual precepts in a tanka poem. He regarded his own conduct as a mirror of his own teachings, resolving to reflect on himself daily. Additionally, by taking the teachings as a model, he intended to continue self-observation and self-cultivation day and night.
In the following guiding principles, the common thread is refining the heart, with only slight differences in nuance.
Upholding the teachings as a mirror to reflect upon one’s daily life—an ethical stance and determination to self-cultivate.
Taking the teachings as a model, continuing day and night to reflect one’s own conduct—an enacted practice.
The common conclusion is a poetic expression advocating a life dedicated to self-refinement focusing firmly on faith. It evokes an intent reminiscent of the faith discourse of Rev. Takahashi Masao, a pioneer minister, who said “look, look closely, look at yourself.”
By reciting this tanka, it provides an opportunity to reexamine ourselves. How about you—would you reflect upon this poem in the mirror of your own faith and practice daily?
Announcements from the Konko Church of Gardena
Morning service, cleanup, & Shinto-Kai meeting
On May 3, at 9:00 a.m., we will hold the morning service. After the morning service, let us clean the inside and outside of the church and purify our hearts. The Shinto-Kai meeting will be held after the cleanup. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Board Meeting
On May 3, after the Shinto-Kai Meeting, a Board meeting will be held. All board members are requested to attend.
Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony
The Konko Church of Gardena will observe the Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony on May 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the service hall. Please invite your family and friends.
Gardena Church Work Committee Study Group
GCWC will be held on May 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Announcements from the Konko Church of Los Angeles
Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony
The Konko Church of Los Angeles will observe the Divine Parent of the Universe Grand Ceremony on May 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gardena Church Service Hall. Please invite your family and friends to attend.
Church Cleanup and Maintenance
A thorough cleaning of the church residence and the surrounding exterior areas will be conducted on May 16 and 17. We sincerely hope that you will be able to participate. After the cleaning, we will proceed with painting the walls. Gradual improvement is seen within the interior and exterior of the church; the day we can hold ceremonies at the church is drawing near. We ask for your continued prayer and kind assistance.
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