September 2026 Voice of the Divine Parent
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Vol. 26# 9
Autumn Memorial Service
On September 13, the Autumn Memorial Service for both Gardena and Los Angeles Churches will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Gardena Church Worship Hall. This memorial service honors the successive Spiritual Leaders of Konko-kyo, as well as the following figures from the Gardena Church: the first Head Minister Isao Goto and his wife, the second Head Minister Shiro Takeda, and the third Head Minister Sadako Takeda; and from the Los Angeles Church: the first Head Minister Toshitsugu Kandori and his wife, the second Head Minister Taiichi Tsuyuki and his wife, and the third Head Minister Yoshihisa Tsuyuki.
We invite you and your family to participate in the service to honor the virtuous legacies of the Reijin (honored spirits)—including those who served in the development of the Church, fellow believers, and the distant ancestors of your families. This service is an opportunity to express our gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us all: receiving the wish of Tenchi Kane no Kami, the Mediation of Ikigami Konko Daijin, and a way of life that conforms with the principles of heaven and earth.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the passing of Sadako Takeda, the third Head Minister of the Gardena Church. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her ministry, carrying on the work after the passing of the first Head Minister, Isao Goto, and his wife, Tomoyo, as well as succeeding her husband, Shiro, in his duties. She faithfully upheld the teachings of the first Head Minister and his wife—often reminding us that "Kami comes first in all things"—and earnestly prayed to Kami for the wishes of the followers, making their concerns her own. She studied the teachings from the Voice of the Universe with great zeal and guided us in our faith. Let us reflect upon her contributions and offer our heartfelt gratitude.
Please write the names and dates of passing of your family's ancestors or other spirits with whom you have a connection in the enclosed Reijinbo (Register of Spirits) and bring it with you to church.
Commemorating 100 years of the Konko propagation in North America
Good morning, everyone.
Congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the Konko propagation in North America! A little over one hundred years ago, many Japanese people moved to North America. Among them were many who had faith in Konko Daijin. They shared their faith in Konko Daijin’s teachings and began holding gatherings. This year marks the centennial, one hundred years since those first faith gatherings began.
After that, the Mamichi-Kai was formed. Dedicated worship halls were established, and through the hard work of the pioneers and earlier believers, churches were built in many regions—eventually leading to the formation of the Konko Churches of North America.
We are here today because of the faith of so many believers and the dedication of our pioneers. I truly feel deep gratitude. Thank you very much.
As we have reached the 100th Anniversary of the KCNA propagation, I have found myself remembering something that was taught to me long ago by our fourth Konkokyo Kyoshu, Rev. Kagamitaro Konko.
It was when I was young—when, after much effort, I was finally able to attend worship at the Konkokyo Headquarters. At the enclosed mediation seat, Konko-sama was seated. I stepped forward right away and received guidance through his mediation.
When I said, “Konko-sama, I have returned safely. Thank you very much,” He kindly welcomed me and said, “Welcome back. I’m glad you were able to worship.”
At that time, Konko-sama gave me many teachings. Among them, he told me the following:
“Right now, in Kyushu, people are making a big commotion about ‘100 years! 100 years!’ but you must not forget the origin. The origin of this Path is the Founder, Konko Daijin, and the Mediation of Konko Daijin with Kami’s guidance. If you lose sight of that, then the true meaning of the 100th anniversary will be lost.”
At the time, I could not immediately understand why Konko-sama had given me such words. However, they never left my heart.
Now, as we welcome the 100th anniversary of the Konko Churches of North America propagation, those words have returned to me.“Even if you shout about ‘one hundred years’ and ‘a memorial festival,’ you must not set aside the origin of the Path.”
Our Founder, Konko Daijin desired to reveal Kami’s work beyond his life which was described in the following words, “I cannot become one with Kami unless I leave this world. Just as Kami does not have a form or shape, I will not be visible after I die.”
This revelation refers to Konko Daijin’s death and his becoming one with Kami. Kami wished for Konko Daijin to continue saving people as he had been throughout his lifetime, even after his death.
This was revealed through Kami’s revelation, “Ikigami Konko Daijin will live and work forever as a kami. This will also be the eternal virtue of Ikigami Konko Daijin.”
Konko Daijin passed away 163 years ago. And today, one hundred years after the North America propagation, can we truly see the eternal work that Kami and Konko Daijin desired? Can we really say that Kami’s work is fully manifested?
I do not think so.
The manifestation of Kami’s work was made possible by the hardships of the pioneers and the earlier believers. The situation is different today. What could be the reason?
I would like to reflect on the meaning of Mediation by Ikigami Konko Daijin.
First, Mediation is not merely a tool for solving people’s problems. In reality, however, there are times when its original purpose can become unclear. From a human perspective, Mediation can appear as a process where someone in a difficult situation relies on the Mediator for a solution—and as a result, a wish is granted once the matter is resolved.
That is why there is a risk of misinterpreting the purpose of Mediation as nothing more than “resolving human difficulties.”
There is a difference between Kami’s wish and a person’s wish.
Kami’s wish is to convey the fundamental principle of the faith.
A person’s wish is to seek relief from real-life hardship.
Because of this difference, Mediation works to fill the gap between Kami and people.
If Mediation becomes a one-way process, then it could no longer be considered true Mediation. It becomes nothing more than a place where people seek favors—turning to Kami only when they are in trouble.
Kami conveyed the following to Konko Daijin:
“Instruct the devoted worshipper to establish a shrine of Konko Daijin where Kami’s teachings may be taught. Konko Daijin, do not say, ‘I will pray for you.’ Instead, tell them, ‘I will mediate your request to Kami.’”
Then explain this meaning clearly: Those who have relied on Konko Daijin’s prayers should begin praying directly to Kami through Konko Daijin’s Mediation. Divine blessings lie within one’s own heart.
At the same time, let them receive guidance and teachings from Kami as conveyed through Konko Daijin.
In this way, let them be assured that blessings will be received with those who act in accordance with those teachings.
So, today, we would like to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the KCNA propagation together with everyone. At the same time, we must also remember the “origin” and work diligently toward the path in which Kami and people come together through mutual interaction.
By truly considering what the “origin” is—and by taking action to manifest it—the significance of the 100th anniversary will become evident.
Let us all continue to receive blessings as we move forward in our faith together.
Congratulations to you all.
By Rev. Nobuharu Uzunoe
With a gentle, rounded heart |
“If we fertilize the roots of a tree, even its branches flourish. If we honor our ancestors and parents, they will grant us prosperity. We, too, originate from our parents and ancestors. By honoring our roots, we are guided along a secure path that will extend to our children and grandchildren. We must cherish our ancestors and parents.” |
Exercises for the Mind/Heart/Spirit |
029 Cleanse Your Heart |
We can see dust in a room, but not the “dust” in our hearts- like irritation, stress, or anger. Ask, “Please help me have a peaceful heart today,” and Kamisama will clear that dust away. Keep both your room and your heart clean. |
Daily Renewal of the Heart Poem by Rev. Matsutaro Yasutake (Founder of Amagi Church) |
“Following the path of Ikigami Konko Daijin, I seek to understand the depths of the divine heart- the heart of Kami of heaven and earth." 生神の 道をたどりて 天地(あめつち)の 神の心の 奥がたづねむ |
“Ikigami” refers to Ikigami Konko Daijin and the “path” refers to his teachings. “Following the path” conveys an attitude of seeking and practicing those teachings. “Heaven and earth” refers to its vastness, fundamental nature, and blessings. The “heart of Kami” indicates that Kami regards people as Kami’s beloved children and the heart that feels affection is, in itself, Kami. The phrase “seek to understand the depths” conveys an intention to discover the core, fundamental principle, and the true meaning of Kami. The poem connects the practice of faith- following the path of Ikigami Konko Daijin- with a quest to explore the “depths of the divine heart” of Kami who created heaven and earth.
Announcements from the Konko Church of Gardena
Morning Service, cleanup, and Shinto-Kai meeting
On Sunday, September 6, at 9:00 a.m., we will hold the morning service. After the service, let us clean the inside and outside of the church in preparation for the Memorial Service and purify our hearts. The Shinto-Kai meeting will be held after the cleanup. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Autumn Memorial Service
On Sunday, September 13, we will be holding the Autumn Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. Please bring your favorite dish to share at the potluck following the service. In the Register of Spirits attached below, please fill in the age and date of passing of your ancestors and mail it or submit it by the day of the ceremony.
Board of Directors 2027 Nominations
Nominations are now open for one seat on the 2027 Board of Directors. Please submit your nomination to Sue Nakayama by October 11. The slate of nominees will be posted in the November newsletter, and voting is tentatively scheduled to take place after the December Monthly Service.
Chicken Teriyaki Sale
The Gardena Church Shinto-Kai will be hosting a Chicken Teriyaki Sale on Sunday, September 20. If you are interested, please complete the attached order form and submit it by Monday, September 14. If available, please join us for preparations on the day of the Chicken Teriyaki Sale. We look forward to seeing you and we appreciate your support.
Announcements from the Konko Church of Los Angeles
Autumn Memorial Service
The Autumn Memorial Service will be held jointly with Gardena Church on Sunday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. Please bring your favorite dish to share at the potluck following the service. All families and individuals are warmly invited to attend.
Information about Mr. Akira Sato
Mr. Akira Sato is currently in summer practicum training at the Konkokyo Tsuruminato Church. He is involved in various church duties (go-yō). Specifically, he participates not only in morning and evening prayers but also joins the Kyōreikai “Let’s Talk About Our Faith” group where he shares his experience regarding his faith.
Comments