November 2026 Voice of the Divine Parent

2 days ago

6 min read

Vol. 26# 11

Ikigami Konko Daijin Grand Ceremony

The Konko Church of Gardena and the Konko Church of Los Angeles will hold a joint Ikigami Konko Daijin Grand Ceremony on November 8 at 10:00 a.m.

The Ikigami Konko Daijin Grand Ceremony is a memorial service to honor the virtuous life of our Founder, who completed his work on October 10, 1883. It is also an occasion for us to receive once again the everlasting Ikigami Konko Daijin mediation that was manifested by the Founder. Through this Ceremony, we pray that we too may manifest this divine work in our own lives.

Please make arrangements for this day and invite your family or friends to join you on your visit to the Grand Ceremony.

In September 1883, the Founder received a divine revelation: “Be at ease knowing that despite your passing, your role of saving people will continue. Your virtue will be manifested throughout the world.”

Then on October 10, on the very day of “Konko Daijin Grand Ceremony,” in which the Founder had been serving in accordance with Kami’s will, he completed his physical service in this world.

As he had taught, “When my body is gone, I will go where I am asked and help the believers.” True to that teaching, the mediation of Ikigami Konko Daijin—continuing for all eternity—has continued through generations. Likewise, churches all over the world continue their mediation —keeping the Founder’s sacred sanctuary in spirit— they continue to manifest the works of Konko Daijin’s teachings and spread the joy of salvation found through this path.

As the Founder demonstrated throughout his entire life, we too are living within Kami’s grace and compassion, able to share Kami’s heart and manifest Kami’s will. With renewed hearts, we would like to take part in the Ikigami Konko Daijin Grand Ceremony.

And by embracing the Founder’s earnest desire “to be of service toward world peace and the salvation of humanity”, we sincerely look forward to proceeding with our devotional life even more wholeheartedly, with spirited faith from here onward.

Ikigami Konko Daijin

This is the name bestowed by Kami upon the Founder Konko Daijin -a designation that reflects his way of life and his activities, which indicates the mutual support between Kami and people. The practice of the Konko faith cannot be considered without Ikigami Konko Daijin, but in particular, it refers to his role in serving as an intermediary between Kami and people. Through Ikigami Konko Daijin, Kami is manifested; and through this manifestation of Kami, Ikigami Konko Daijin’s work holds meaning.

The Divine Revelation

“Through Konko Daijin’s Mediation, Kami, as well as people, will be fulfilled. Kami exists because of people, and people exist because of Kami. Parents pray for their children and children pray for their parents. Like Heaven and Earth, with mutual Interaction “aiyo kakeyo”, pray for one another.”

Through the Mediation of Ikigami Konko Daijin, we are able to connect with Kami and live a prosperous life. This teaching shows that human salvation becomes Kami’s source of joy. By fully realizing this, we would like to express our gratitude for the benevolence of Ikigami Konko Daijin.

With a gentle, rounded heart

“Human beings, as well as plants and trees, all live on earth by receiving heavenly blessings.”

“When we become aware that we are sustained by Kami, don’t you think we can feel Kami’s great love?”

“I am who I am today because of Kami.”

Exercises for the Mind/Heart/Spirit

031 Examine how you use your hands

The way you care for others is reflected in the way you use your hands.

When handing something to someone, holding your palm up is called 'sasage-mochi' (offering), while holding it down is called 'sazuke-mochi' (giving).

Whether you use both hands or just one hand makes a significant difference in impression. Be mindful today of how you typically use your hands.

Daily Renewal of the Heart

Poem by Rev. Matsutaro Yasutake (Founder of Amagi Church)

「祈るにもお礼とお詫びを厚くして心しずかにすがれとぞ思う」

inoru ni mo orei to owabi o atsuku shite kokoro shizuka ni sugare to zo omou

When you pray, express deep gratitude and apologies, with a calm and peaceful heart, maintain total trust and rely on Kami.

This tanka poem conveys the following meaning: when offering a prayer, do not focus on requests; rather, begin by centering your heart with gratitude and sincere apologies, and pray quietly with a composed mind. Then, seek Kami with genuine devotion and complete reliance.

“When you pray” (祈るにも)
Focus on how you pray and the attitude of your heart.
“Express deep gratitude and apologies” (お礼とお詫びを厚くして)
Before praying for anything else:
- say “thank you” (gratitude),
- and “I’m sorry” (apology),
“With a calm, peaceful heart” (心しづかに)
Pray with a calm mind, free from the disturbances of emotion and impatience.
“Maintain total trust and rely on Kami” (すがれとぞ思う)
Prayer is not just a “formality.” It should include complete trust and real desire to rely on Kami.
Praying to Kami isn’t only about making requests.
- Build your prayer on gratitude and repentance, then approach Kami calmly and with true seriousness.

Words to know when your heart feels like it’s about to break.

When you’re tired, rest properly.
Coming to a standstill isn’t the same as being lazy.
It’s a time to protect your mind and body so you can start walking again.
It’s okay to have days when you cannot do anything.
It’s okay to have days when you cannot feel positive.
No matter what condition you’re in, your essential worth doesn’t change at all.
Even if you’re slower than someone else, even if you can’t endure someone’s expectations, the road you’ve walked so far isn’t something you should have to defend.
You don’t have to measure your happiness by someone else’s standards.
You have your own pace.
You have your own way of living.
Please don’t look at yourself for not doing well and think, “I’m not good enough.” That’s the worst thing you could do.
There are days when you don’t move forward the way you want, and days you feel like you fail.
Still, you live each day—worrying and doubting, questioning and wandering, and challenging your life again today.
To have failed means you tried to move forward.
When your heart feels like it’s breaking, it’s proof that you’ve been living today with real seriousness so don’t think you’re worthless.
You’re challenging yourself again today.

Announcements from the Konko Church of Gardena

Morning service, Cleanup, and Shinto-Kai meeting

On Sunday, November 1, we will hold the morning prayer at 9:00 a.m. After the cleanup, 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. Note: Daylight Savings time ends.

Ikigami Konko Daijin Grand Ceremony

On Sunday, November 8, we will be holding the Ikigami Konko Daijin Grand Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. We look forward to seeing you with your family and friends.

For this year’s Grand Ceremony, we are honored to invite Reverend Stephanie Brick, she from the Toronto Church, to serve as our special guest speaker.

We warmly invite you to attend and to share this meaningful occasion with your family and friends. We look forward to welcoming you.

Gardena Church Work Committee Study Group

On Sunday, November 22, GCWC will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please contact Rev. Uzunoe if you are interested in joining this group.

Morning service, Cleanup, and Shinto-Kai meeting

Due to upcoming events, we will hold the December morning service on Sunday, November 29, at 9:00 a.m. After the cleanup, 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 of Directors News

For nominations of candidates to fill the vacancy on the Board of Directors, only one person was nominated, therefore no election will be necessary this year.

Announcements from the Konko Church of Los Angeles