In Tenrikyo, “divine parenthood” springs from the belief that the one God—often called Oyagami, or “Parent Deity”—is not a distant force but a loving mother and father rolled into one. This Parent’s love is boundless and unconditional: every human life is a precious child in the divine household. Rather than issuing edicts from on high, Oyagami reaches out like a parent offering a comforting embrace, guiding each person toward a life filled with joy and mutual care.

Key points of Tenrikyo’s divine parenthood:

• Universal Kinship: All people are siblings under the same divine roof. From birth onward, each soul is embraced by Oyagami’s nurturing heart.
• Unconditional Love: Just as a mother attends to a child’s wounds, Oyagami’s providence heals suffering—whether it’s illness or emotional distress—through gratitude, prayer (the Sazuke), and acts of charity.
• Joyous Life as Family Ideal: Divine parenthood sets the stage for the “Joyous Life,” where every action flows from caring for one another. Community service, shared laughter at festivals in Tenri City or around the globe, and simple acts like lending a shoulder to lean on all mirror parental care.
• Continuous Guidance: Scriptures such as the Ofudesaki describe God’s patient instruction—no scolding, just gentle correction—encouraging a change of mindset rather than punishment.

In today’s world, with headlines often dominated by division and stress, Tenrikyo’s emphasis on a caring, hands-on Parent Deity feels like a breath of fresh air. Like a wise parent helping a child cross a busy street, Oyagami provides clear moral signposts—encouraging honest work, gratitude, and empathy. Wherever Tenrikyo communities gather—in Tokyo, São Paulo or Nairobi—they weave this parental love into every interaction, reminding everyone that under Oyagami’s roof, no one stands alone.