A spirit of siblinghood under one Divine Parent makes interfaith gatherings feel like old friends catching up. Tenrikyo’s “Joyous Life” ideal doesn’t stop at doctrinal lines—it naturally spills into conversations with Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and other faith communities. Rather than debate who’s right, followers often highlight shared longings for peace, compassion and service.

Across Japan and beyond, Tenrikyo centers have co-hosted service-oriented events—known as hinokishin—with local churches, mosques and temples. In busy urban neighborhoods, volunteers in matching happi coats can be spotted cleaning parks or preparing meals alongside neighbors of different faiths. These small acts speak louder than theological arguments, building bridges one broomstroke at a time.

On the global stage, Tenrikyo representatives joined the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 2023, sharing how joyous practice uplifts mental health and community resilience. Digital roundtables sprung up during the pandemic, too: an online “Joy & Gratitude” session in 2021 brought together voices from Hindu, Jain and Sikh traditions, each reflecting on gratitude as spiritual currency.

Dialogue often takes an experiential turn. Rather than merely swapping scriptures, participants might learn the simple hand movements of the Hinokishin ritual or taste sekihō-ryōri (gracious food) after a shared blessing. These moments, where hands reach out in service and bowls are passed with a nod of respect, dissolve barriers faster than any lecture.

Current trends—like the United Nations’ Alliance of Civilizations’ push for youth-led interfaith action—have found Tenrikyo youth groups stepping up with projects that plant vegetable gardens on school rooftops, partnering with Muslim and Christian classmates. It’s a tangible reminder that, whatever the creed, everyone thrives when kindness is in full bloom.