We call the Foundress of Tenrikyo, Miki Nakayama, “Oyasama”. The term not only indicates Her position as the Parent (Oya) of the Teaching, but also conveys that She is the Parent (Oya) who tenderly watches over us and gently guides us. Thus, we call Her “Oyasama” with a sense of respect as well as closeness. (“Sama” is a Japanese honorific suffix)
On 26th October 1838 when She was 41 years old, Oyasama became the “Shrine of Tsukihi” based on the promise made in the beginning of origin. Since she became the Shrine, for fifty years, Oyasama not only conveyed the will of God the Parent to us human beings but also demonstrated the “model” of single-hearted salvation through Her own example. The course of Oyasama’s life after She became the Shrine of God is called the “path of the Divine Model”, and we adore Oyasama as the “Parent of the Divine Model”.
On 26th January 1887, She withdrew from physical life to urge the spiritual growth of the children, all human beings. Although we cannot see Her physically, She remains everliving at the Residence of Origin and continues to work for world salvation, now as ever before, and leads us human beings to the Joyous Life.