3,376
edits
Changes
brought paragraph on MKU to opening text
The '''Service''' (''Tsutome'') refers to the central rite in [[Tenrikyo]] and, along with the [[Sazuke]], considered as one of the two main components of what is called the "[[path of single-hearted salvation]]."<ref name="D"/>
The Tsutome consists of dancing to the accompaniment of singing and nine [[musical instruments]]. The Songs accompanying the Tsutome is referred to as the [[Mikagura-uta]] (''The Songs for the Service''), one of the [[Three Scriptures]] of Tenrikyo.
== Analysis of the word "Tsutome" ==
The Tsutome is conducted with the Jiba-Kanrodai at center every 26th of the month as either a [[Grand Service]] or [[Monthly Service]] of [[Tenrikyo Church Headquarters]]. (The Tsutome is also conducted on New Year's Day and April 18 as the [[Oyasama Birth Celebration Service]].)<ref name="Fukaya"/>
While the Service also includes foot movements, the dance itself is referred to as "''Tsutome no te''" (literally, the hand [movements] of the Service), "(''o-'')''tefuri''" (hand gestures/movements), or "[[Teodori]]" (literally, "hand dance" but officially rendered in English as "the Dance with Hand Movements"). Due to the fact the hand movements of the Tsutome are considered as physical expressions of the content and meaning of the Songs, the act of dancing and making these hand movements are referred to as "dancing/gesturing the truth."
