Hinokishin is spontaneous action that expresses our gratitude for God the Parent’s providence. Anyone–whether rich or poor, young or old–can do hinokishin so long as the mind of sincerity is present. In the Doctrine of Tenrikyo, we are taught: “As our perception of the divine blessings in every event grows keener day by day, our gratitude to God the Parent comes to be expressed in our attitude and in our actions. This is taught by God the Parent as hinokishin”. Hinokishin, therefore, refers to our daily actions that are an outpouring of joy, and it can take any form. Whatever actions we perform joyously and spiritedly with gratitude to God may be considered as hinokishin.

“All Tenrikyo Hinokishin Day” is observed in Japan on 29 April (“Day of Showa” holiday) every year. We are taught that this is a special day in which we, followers living in the same community, come together at a designated time and place to combine our hinokishin efforts in unity of mind, and, by outpouring our joy and gratitude, show our local community how wonderful this path is and how precious God’s providence is.“