Most of us have wondered why our religion does not grow. Why does God tell us we do not understand the mune or heart in the first verse of the Ofudesaki?  Could it be that our lack of understanding of the heart is preventing us from spreading God’s teaching to the world?  Song 11 of the Mikagura-uta may give the answer to the question why our religion does not grow.  I will summarize song 11 below:

Forgetting greed, we spread the teachings. This becomes most important for the Joyous Service to be effective in bringing new members to our places of worship. Forever continues this spreading of God’s truths. This is a contribution (hinokishin) if it occurs.  The truth from the residence, you dig it up and carry it to another location to spread the teachings.  Until this time, everyone did not understand the heart. What regret! This year accompanied by the Joyous Service (fertilizer), many people we cultivated and brought to our places of worship. How delightful, how grateful!

Song 11 is interesting in that it gives us instructions on how to bring new members to be saved. It tells us that we need to spread the truth of the heart if we are to save others.