Like all Tenrikyo members believe, I believe that God descended from heaven to save human beings. In the first verse of the Ofudesaki, God tells us what we need to understand and share with the world to do this. We need to understand the heart (mune), and share this information to the world. Many Tenrikyo members do understand karma (innen) and reincarnation, but do not understand how it operates. Many believe that it is God that rewards or punishes us for our behavior; but with this belief, we are more likely to believe that God can forgive us for our sins by praying, and confessing our evil actions. This belief will more likely continue their indiscretions until they become aware that they are closer to death as they reach their golden age. They may believe that at this point in their life, by praying, God can forgive them?
It is my firm belief that God descended from heaven to help them understand their own heart (mune). Please see the diagram. When the person understands the heart, it will be more likely that he or she will not be able to cause sufferings to others, because he or she will be held accountable without exception. This is like natural law or God’s law. God tells us that we see people acting good and evil today, and we also see joy and suffering in the world, but we do not see any relationships. If we understand the heart, we will understand cause and effect or what we sow, we reap. How would one be able to abuse others, especially children or women when we understand this concept of the heart?
We as Tenrikyo member have much more information, but if we do not understand what God wants us to convey to the world, we are like any other religion. In the Ofudesaki, God tells us point blank what we need to understand. Then God gives us specific instructions on how to spread this truth. God throughout the Ofudesaki, is preparing the early followers to help spread the teachings to the world. The following is from song 11 of the mikagura-uta:
Until this time, everyone
Did not understand the heart. What regret.
This year accompanied by the Fertilizer (Joyous Service),
Many people we cultivated and brought in (new members).
Heaven's Truths, in Healing the Body 