Tenrikyo paints the bond between people and the natural world as a familial harmony under God the Parent’s care. Nature isn’t a backdrop but a living gift—water, grains and sunlight are called the “three fundamental blessings,” poured out freely so life can thrive. When rain falls just right or rice ripens, it’s not luck; it’s divine providence at work.

Rather than seeing humans as conquerors of Earth, Tenrikyo urges a partnership. Misguided actions—selfishness, greed or indifference—are likened to muddying clear water: both distort a pure, life-giving flow. Natural disasters or shortages become wake-up calls, reminding everyone to check their own “dusts” of thought and attitude. Turning one’s heart back to gratitude clears the way for true harmony.

Practical caring for the environment—hinokishin—goes beyond recycling bins. It’s volunteering to plant trees, cleaning riverbanks, or restoring a local park. Such acts aren’t “just a drop in the bucket”; they reflect sincere thanks for God’s provisions. Around the globe, Tenrikyo communities join hands on World Environment Day and support reforestation efforts in places feeling the pinch of climate change, from Southeast Asia’s monsoon forests to drought-stricken fields in California.

Daily life also carries these lessons. Harvest festivals and in-home gatherings become moments to express joy and respect toward nature’s rhythms. Children learn early that watering potted plants or feeding backyard birds isn’t chores—it’s giving back to the Divine Parent. As climate headlines grow more urgent, this age-old teaching rings ever truer: a joyful life blooms only when humans and nature walk hand in hand, each looking out for the other.