Tenrikyo presents the bond between human beings and nature as an intimate unity grounded in God the Parent (Oyagami), the creator and sustainer of all existence. The natural world is described as the very “body of God,” so that earth, water, wind, and all phenomena are not merely background to human life but direct expressions of divine activity. Human bodies themselves are taught to be “a thing lent, a thing borrowed” from God, underscoring that life is lived entirely through what is entrusted by the divine. From this perspective, humans, animals, plants, and the wider environment all share a common origin and are held together in the embrace of God’s parental love.

Because life depends moment by moment on God’s providence working through nature—sunlight, air, food, and the intricate web of living systems—Tenrikyo encourages a posture of deep gratitude toward both God and the natural environment. To exploit or carelessly damage nature is not simply poor stewardship; it is treated as a form of disrespect toward God’s own body and a disruption of the divinely intended harmony. The tradition therefore stresses living in harmony with nature, using resources in a moderate and responsible way, and avoiding wasteful or selfish behavior. Such an attitude is not merely ethical but spiritual, an expression of faith and thankfulness.

Within this framework, the ideal of the “Joyous Life” (yoki gurashi) extends beyond human society to include a right relationship with the natural world. Joy is understood to arise when humans recognize their dependence on divine blessings, cooperate with one another, and live in balanced interaction with their surroundings. Practices such as voluntary service (hinokishin) are seen as concrete ways of expressing gratitude to God the Parent, and this service naturally includes caring for the environment. By aligning thoughts, actions, and daily habits with this vision of mutual dependence and reverence, Tenrikyo teaches that humans participate in restoring and maintaining the harmony that God intends for all creation.