THE FIRST SEICHO-NO-IE LECTURE MEETING HELD IN ROMANIA
Rev.Otsuka (the center of the front)
and Mr.Amatto (to his left)
“Sundial Way of Life”
On May 3, a Seicho-No-Ie lecture meeting was held at a public facility in Bucharest, the capital of Romania in eastern Europe. This was the first Seicho-No-Ie lecture meeting in that country and was attended by 25 people.
According to Rev. Yuji Otsuka (Ordained Minister stationed in Europe), Romania’s entry into EU in January 2007 made it possible to have contact with people in that country. He sent E-mail to Mr. Amatto Zaharia, who attended the Youth and Young Adult Association National Convention as well as spiritual training seminars in Japan in 1993 and asked about the possibility of holding a lecture meeting.
The attendees were coaches and students of the Romania Martial Arts Association, where Mr. Amatto Zaharia is the representative. To all the attendees this was the first introduction to Seicho-No-Ie.
Rev. Otsuka lectured in English under the theme, “The Sundial Way of Life.” Mr. Zaharia provided Romanian interpretation.
Rev. Otsuka used the English pamphlet which introduces the teachings and history of Seicho-No-Ie (published by the United States Missionary Headquarters). Using a projector, he explained the teachings, “Only God-Created perfect world exists,” “All phenomena are manifestations of only mind,” and “All religions emanate from one universal God.” He also explained and led a practice of Shinsokan and asked them to help in environmental protection.
A couple, a Romanian man and his Japanese wife, commented, “By studying this teaching, we would like to live a bright and good life!”; and “The practice of Shinsokan, which was my first experience, gave me peace of mind. I would like to have time to pray for my family’s happiness.”
Mr. Zaharia remarked,
“I was happy to hear my friends and students express their wish to continue the study of this teaching in the future.”
Rev. Otsuka remarked,
“Mr. Zaharia told me of his determination to gather more attendees next time.’ To answer his enthusiasm I would like to provide continuous support and try to hold another lecture meeting in Romania in the future.”