Wedding Prayers and Blessings

One of the main characteristics of Tenrikyo belief is that it is purported to be based on the "direct" revelation of God, Tenri-O-no-Mikoto, through founder Miki Nakayama (who is referred to as Oyasama by Tenrikyo adherents). This idea of a direct revelation is expressed in Scripture that God had become "openly revealed" through Oyasama as God's "Shrine." Although Tenrikyo accepts the validity of other religious faiths as "nine-tenths of the complete teachings," Oyasama's revelation is said to comprise the "final teaching" that will allow human beings accomplish the purpose of creation.

History

The Tenrikyo worldview includes belief in "rebirth," which may be compared to ideas concerning reincarnation in Hinduism and Buddhism to some degree. Yet it must be mentioned that the terms "reincarnation" or "afterlife" are not usually used by Tenrikyo adherents. The Tenrikyo worldview does not include beliefs in realms other than the living world, i.e., there is no belief in heaven(s) or hell(s).
When a person passes away, the spirit of the person is said to be "embraced" by God until he or she is ready to be reborn. When a baby is born into a Tenrikyo family, there is sometimes speculation who the baby might be. Things such as birthmarks or similar traits (such as a laugh) with deceased family members can take on a deeper significance. Further, at weddings, it is sometimes said that the bride is "returning" to the family she belongs to through the marriage.
Everyone is said to be reborn except Oyasama. Her status is considered special; she is considered to be "everliving."
Tenrikyo followers use the Japanese term denaoshi (come again, make a fresh start) when someone passes away.

The Prayer