Teaching of Tenrikyo

Scriptures and Official Doctrinal Publications

Scriptures

The Ofudesaki, the Mikagura-uta, and the Osashizu are called the "Three Scriptures" - books of revelations which contain God the Parent's direct teachings. The Tenrikyo teachings are based on these Scriptures.

The Ofudesaki (The Tip of the Writing Brush)

The Ofudesaki was written by Oyasama, the Shrine of God who personally took up Her writing brush to record the teachings. It comprises 1,711 verses divided into seventeen parts. It presents the Tenrikyo teachings in their entirety, and its main object is to hasten the completion of the Service

The Mikagura-uta (The Songs for the Service)

The Mikagura-uta was taught personally by Oyasama as the songs to accompany the Service. It consists of five sessions: the first three sections are for the Kagura Service and the latter two for the Dance with Hand Movements (section four being the Eight Verses of the Yorozuyo and section five the Twelve Songs). Since the Service is practiced regularly by followers, the Mikagura-uta is probably the most familiar of the Three Scriptures, the one with which they become most imitate.

The Mikagura-uta is accompanied by hand movements, and its last section is composed in the form of counting songs.

The Osashizu (The Divine Directions)

The Osashizu is the collected transcriptions of God the Parent's verbal directions given through Oyasama and the Honseki*. These directions fall into two groups: "timely directions" and "directions in response to inquiries". "Timely directions" are talks that were given by God the Parent at times deemed by God to be appropriate to reveal the intention of God. "Directions in response to inquiries" are those given in response to human inquiries.

* The Honseki was Izo Iburi, who was given the position of revealing Divine Directions and bestowing the Sazuke.

Official Doctrinal Publications

The Doctrine of Tenrikyo

The Doctrine of Tenrikyo, published in 1949, was compiled by Church Headquarters on the basis of the Three Scriptures. It is a guide to aid us in understanding the teachings unerringly and provides us with a point of reference for our life of faith. Comprised of ten chapters, it is divided into two parts. Part one is a concise exposition of the Tenrikyo teachings. Part two is a description of how one practices the teachings in a life of faith.

The Life of Oyasama, Foundress of Tenrikyo - Manuscript Edition

The Life of Oyasama is the only authorized biography of Miki Nakayama, the Foundress of Tenrikyo. It was published by Church Headquarters in 1956 on the basis of the Ofudesaki and historical evidence. It serves as a guide to following the path of the Divine Model of Oyasama.

Anecdotes of Oyasama, the Foundress of Tenrikyo - Manuscript Edition

Whereas The Life of Oyasama was compiled with the primary emphasis on clarifying the position of Oyasama, Anecdotes of Oyasama contains 200 anecdotes that help us feel closer to Oyasama, who guides us with parental love. It was published in 1976.

from Yoboku's Guide to Tenrikyo, translated by Tenrikyo Overseas Department