SEICHO-NO-IE REPUBLIC OF CHINA JOINT SEMINAR FOR COLLEGE, PROFESSIONAL AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Study of Correct Love and
Environmental Protection
FIRST-TIMERS ACCOUNT FOR NEARLY 50 PERCENT
Study of Environmental Protection and Correct Love
Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China Joint Spiritual Training Seminar for College, Professional and High School Students was held from July 13 to 15 at the Fuxing Youth Center in Taoyuan. The number of participants was 44, including 21 first-timers (47.7%).
The Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China Missionary Area, which sponsored the Seminar, attributed the reason for nearly 50-percent participation by first-timers to the promotional activity that was done individually by phone to the children of members. Rev. Masashi Shindo (Ordained Minister, Vice Chief of the Youth and Young Adult Association) was dispatched from the International Headquarters as a lecturer. Rev. Masanori Morita (Ordained Minister, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China) and Rev. Borhorng Chen (Assistant Minister) also provided guidance.
The texts used were Chinese translations of Volume 1 Kiseki o Shozuru Jisso Tetsugaku (Truth of Life Philosophy That Produces Miracles) by Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi and Shinko ni yoru Heiwa no Michi (Realizing Peace by Faith) by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi. Rev. Morita provided an explanation of Shinsokan, while Rev. Shindo gave three lectures, including “Is God True Existence?” and the closing lecture.
The Seminar program also included Mind Purification Ceremony and an outdoor workshop. “Marriage and Romantic Love” was taken up as a theme for the first time. Along this line Rev. Shindo lectured under the title, “The Truth of Yin/Yang Harmony, Romantic Love and Marriage” and talked about the relationship between man and woman from the viewpoint of the truth. During the Q&A session, many candid questions were asked.
In addition, printed on the promotional flyers for the Seminar to awaken environmental protection awareness theme was a specific suggestion to bring personal chopsticks and cups. As a result, 80 percent of the participants brought their own chopsticks and cups. There was also a group discussion on the theme, “What Can We Do to Protect the Earth?” Participants presented their resolve to eliminate excessive wrapping and meat eating.
Remarks by Rev. Masanori Morita, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China
“In February of this year a Youth Spiritual Training Seminar Leaders Workshop was held for the first time to improve the quality and skills of management committee members. This helped improve the management of the Seminar. We took up ‘romantic love’ for the first time and gave today’s youth an opportunity to think about ‘correct marriage.’ Many questions were asked during the Q&A session. I believe that this first attempt was a success.”
Comment by Pei jun Sheh, Freshman in College
“The Seminar was rich in content. I was able to study the Truth deeply and experienced many things. Especially, during the Mind Purification Ceremony on the second day, my personal problem disappeared and I felt that forgiving others is the first step to liberate myself. I was happy to meet wonderful children of God.”