READERS’ MEETINGS HELD IN INDONESIA AND THAILAND
Study of Sundial Way of Life and the Faith in the World of Only Goodness
Joint Readers’ Meetings were held in Indonesia and Thailand from August 3 to 5. The number of attendees totaled 11.
Rev. Teruo Nishitani (Assistant Minister, Chief of Asia, Europe and Oceania Section, International Department) was dispatched from the International Headquarters as a lecturer.
In Indonesia, a joint Readers’ Meeting (representative: Mrs. Toshiko Daudd) was held on August 3 at the Crystal Hotel in Jakarta and was attended by seven people: six Japanese and one Indonesian. One was a newcomer.
In Thailand, a Readers’ Meeting was held on August 5 at the home of Mr. Hirotaka Miyamura in Bangkok, the representative of the Joint Readers’ Meeting. Four people attended, including one first-timer.
In both countries, the texts used were Bosatsu wa Nani o Nasubekika (What Should Holy Missioners Do?) by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi/Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, and Hidokeishugi towa Nanika (What Is the Sundial Way of Life?) by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi. The content of the Meetings was almost the same in both countries.
In the morning lecture, “The World of Only Goodness,” Rev. Nishitani stressed that no matter what may happen to us in the phenomenal world, behind it exists the world of only goodness. In the afternoon lecture, “Let’s Spread the Sundial Way of Life,” he explained the sundial way of life that looks at the bright side of things, while introducing his own experiences. He also introduced the Readers’ Meetings in different parts of the world by showing their pictures on the PC screen.
The program also included a Q&A session, laughing practice, and the mutual worship period. In Jakarta, an Ancestor Memorial Service was held. In Bangkok, there was a recitation that man is perfect and harmonious.
An Indonesian male attendee commented, “Since the teaching is wonderful, let’s hold the Readers’ Meeting more often.” Mrs. Kazuko Miyamura (wife of Mr. Miyamura) commented, “Recently we did not hold the Readers’ Meeting regularly, but I would like to continue holding it.”
Rev. Nishitani remarked,
“Recently the Readers’ Meetings were not held regularly in these countries because, in Indonesia, members were affected by the flood and dispersed; and in Thailand, a devout member has returned to Japan. Since Readers’ Meetings are essential in propagating to new people, I would like to provide support from both the material and mental sides and encourage them to hold them regularly.”