Tenrikyo-Ofudesaki - Checking My Vocabulary - "Service"
"Service"
-
This term has a number of meanings and as far as I can tell they are all
currently being used in various ways among the three interpretations of the way
to return the mind to its origin so I will list them all before declaring my
preferred definition, which is the one that I use throughout this site.
1. The occupation or status of a servant; as placed out as service. 2. Performance of labor for the benefit of another, or at another's command. 3. Duty done or required; office. 4. Spiritual serving as shown by obedience, good works and love; as, dedicated to the service of God. 5. An official religious duty performed; as, a burial or marriage service. 6. Conduct contributing to the advantage of another; as public service, service to a cause. 7. A musical portion of a liturgy or ritual. 8. Act or means of supplying some general demand, as in some kind of public utility. 9. To perform services of repair, maintenance, installation etc. for or upon.
My preference is for my own understanding of "Services" as used in the context of the Poems. In my view it is a freely given public works project that all are invited to join into with the expressed purpose of working to prepare the mind for awakening to the truth of its origin. It is also noteworthy that the "Services", "Works" are intended to be performed joyously. The image of children playing at a picnic on a hillside with musical accompaniment is provided as a guide to that intention.
Years ago I traveled to Japan just to learn the "Service", the performance of which is so prominently featured and hastened in the Poems. That journey paid off for me but I now know that the "Services" or "Work" can be performed by anyone, anywhere at any time; even now in this time and place.