Returning to Jiba (ojiba gaeri) is an important practice for Tenrikyo followers.
God the Parent beckons us to come to the original home, the Home of the Parent (Oyasato), in the Scriptures:
“Now that you are calling the name of God, / Come forth quickly to the original home!” (Mikagura-uta IX:10)
“When you find good masters, / Quickly bring them to this original home!” (Mikagura-uta XII:4)
“This is the Residence of Origin, where I created human beings; I have taught this daily. This is also the Home of the Parent, the Home of the Parent, where I created human beings. I shall bring them all back here.” (Osashizu, February 2, 1899)
To learn about the significance of Jiba, see Jiba and Kanrodai.
Tenrikyo followers try to make an effort to return to Jiba on a regular basis. Obviously this is more of a logistical and financial challenge for overseas followers. Some may only have the opportunity to go to Jiba once in their lifetimes. Others may return once every decade, during years when a major anniversary of Oyasama is celebrated. Still others make a resolution to return once a year, usually to attend the Monthly Service at Jiba or the Children’s Pilgrimage, which I will describe briefly.
In the 1950’s, an program called Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba (kodomo ojiba gaeri) was started as a way to introduce children to Jiba. Today, the program is a ten day festival held annually during the summer months of July and August. The program offers activities for all ages of children. Some are devotional hinokishin activities such as serving cold tea to visitors, carrying earth (tsuchimochi), and playing in fife and drum corps during the parade. Some are recreational activities such as pool swimming, “Children’s Olympics,” and a variety of carnival games.
Tenrikyo Explained 