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Seicho-No-Ie News

International Spiritual Training Seminar held in Northern California for the First Time in 10 Years


Mind Purification Ceremony held via the Internet

From February 13 to 15, the 46th International Spiritual Training Seminar was held at the Sheraton Presenton Hotel in Presenton City, California. The number of participants was 52, including 17 first-timers (33%).

According to the International Spiritual Training Center, since the participants’ background varied widely—more than 30 percent first-timers and a wide range of age groups from middle school students to elderly people—the study centered around Seicho-No-Ie’s fundamental teachings and the correct way to perform Shinsokan,

The breakdown of the participants by state/country was; 45 for California, 3 for Washington, 1 for New York, 1 for Canada, and 1 for Japan.

The lecturers included Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara (Ordained Minister, Chairperson of the International Spiritual Training Center), Rev. Mario Kawakami (Ordained Minister, Vice Bishop of the United States Missionary Headquarters); Rev. Masayo Tsuruta (Ordained Minister, Chief of Northern California Missionary Area); and Rev. Bruce Mallery (Ordained Minister, Chief of New York Missionary Area).

Rev. Teshigawara, who took the lead in the guidance, gave three lectures: “The True Image, or the Reality of the God-created World, and Phenomena,” “Importance of Forgiveness,” and “How Was Seicho-No-Ie Born?” She used, as her texts, Seimei no Jisso (Truth of Life), Volumes 1 and 7 by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi, and Jinsei no Tobira o Hiraku (Open the Doors of Your Life), Volumes 1-4 by Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, and other publications. She talked about the importance of distinguishing between the True Image and phenomena and also stressed that love deepens even more by forgiving others as well as oneself.

The Seminar program also included a workshop on Shinsokan, where the participants separated into four groups; a Q&A session; an explanation and practice of Shinsokan Meditation; and a candle service.

According to the International Spiritual Training Center, there was concern about the holding of the Mind Purification Ceremony, because the hotel, where the Seminar was held, did not approve of the use of fire for burning the paper on which one writes down his/her thoughts for the Ceremony. However, the Center set up a fireplace in the office of a leader near the hotel and showed live images of the incineration via Skype on the Internet. That made it possible to hold the Ceremony as planned.

Comments received from the participants included: “I was able to gain peace of mind. I believe that I can mend the relationship with my wife”; and “I was filled with joy in my soul. I would like to propagate in my area.”

Remarks by Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Chairperson of the International Spiritual Training Center

“We were able to conduct the Seminar in a very creative way by using the Internet. A participant from Texas decided to create a place in his area to propagate Seicho-No-Ie teachings. The attitude of the youths during the Seminar was wonderful and I am hopeful that they will become leaders in the future. I was glad that the leaders and members in the Northern California Missionary Area were happy that the Seminar was held there after many years. When I saw the participants leaving the Seminar with broad smiles, I renewed my determination for the future propagation.”