The 45th International Spiritual Training Seminar held in Canada for the first time in two years
The 45th International Spiritual Training Seminar (English) was held from October 3 to 5 at the Cliff Hills Community in Ontario, Canada. The number of participants was 28, including 9 first-timers. The breakdown of the participants by country/state was 22 for Canada, and 6 for the U.S.A. (4 for New York, 1 for California, and 1 for Michigan).
According to the International Spiritual Training Center, this Seminar was held with the objective of helping newcomers as well as repeaters to understand Seicho-No-Ie’s fundamental teaching more deeply, with a special emphasis on an explanation and practice of the breathing technique of Shinsokan. During the Seminar no-meat diet was served.
The lecturers included Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara (Ordained Minister, Chairperson of the International Spiritual Training Center), Rev. Toshiro Kobayashi (Ordained Minister, Chief of Toronto Misionary Area), Rev. Leslie Iwatani (Ordained Minister), and Rev. Hiei Ando (National Ordained Minister).
Rev. Teshigawara gave three lectures, including “The Law of the Mind and the Power of Words,” using the English versions of Seimei no Jisso (Truth of Life), volumes 1 and 7, and other publications. She talked about the sundial way of life, that helps create a good fate by looking at the bright side of things, as well as the significance and objective of the International Peace by Faith Movement.
There were also lectures by the other Ordained Ministers, including “Seicho-No-Ie Is Wonderful,” “Gratitude Is the Key to Happiness,” and “Let’s Protect Our Earth.” The participants deepened their understanding of the teaching that all religions emanate from one universal God and studied about the close connection among environment, natural resources and peace, as well as environmental protection activities which individuals or groups can carry out.
The Seminar program also included an explanation and practice of Mind Purification Ceremony, Ancestor Memorial Service, candle service, and a group discussion on Shinsokan.
Comments received from the participants included: “It was a meaningful and fulfilling weekend. I would like to participate in the next Seminar, too”; and “I believe that I can continue to practice Shinsokan and enjoy it.”
Remarks by Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara,
Chairperson of the International Spiritual Ttraining Center
“I appreciate the fact that under the guidance of Rev. Kobayashi, Chief of Toronto Missionary Area, the leaders and followers in Canada cooperated in promoting and managing the Seminar. The participants included people of many nationalities: Japanese Canadians, Pakistani, Chinese, Spanish, and Brazilians. I hope that the Seminar will help unite the leaders and followers in Canada more strongly and that the Movement will grow further.”