International Spiritual Training Seminar held in New York for the First Time in Three Years
Leaders Study Basic Teachings and Deepen Communication with One Another
The 47th International Spiritual Training Seminar was held from May 8 to 10 at the Passionist Spiritual Center in Bronx, New York. The number of participants was 27, including 7 first-timers.
According to the International Spiritual Training Center, the focus of the study was the study of the sundial way of life and practice of the three important religious practices. The participants were leaders of Readers’ Meetings held in English, Portuguese and Japanese mainly in the State of New York. It was a great opportunity to mingle and talk with other leaders. Between programs, they deepened communications with one another and exchanged e-mail addresses. This is expected to help bring about a new development in Readers’ Meetings and other events in the future.
The lecturers included Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara (Ordained Minister, Chairperson of the International Spiritual Training Center), Rev. Bruce Mallery (Ordained Minister, Chief of New York Missionary Area), Rev. Hiei Ando (National Ordained Minister), and Rev. Hideki Takao (Assistant Minister, International Spiritual Training Center).
Rev. Teshigawara gave four lectures, including “The Law of the Mind and the Power of Words,” as well as the closing remarks. She lectured on the importance of forgiving, praising and being grateful for not only others but oneself. She also talked about the International Peace by Faith Movement being promoted by the members around the world under the guidance of the President, Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, and its mission.
Other lecturers lectured on “Seicho-No-Ie’s View of God and the Teaching that All Religions Emanate from One Universal God,” “Gratitude Is the Key to Happiness” and so forth. There were also Shinsokan for Mutual Prayer, Mind Purification Ceremony, a group discussion and candle service.
Rev. Takao, a staffer of the International Spiritual Training Center, who became an Assistant Minister in March of this year, gave two lectures in English for the first time, including “Let’s Protect the Environment.” He commented, “Seeing the participants’ earnest attitude, I lectured with a deep prayer that I convey the teachings correctly.”
Comments from the participants included: “I was able to deepen my self-confidence”; and “I want to daily practice the three important religious practices even more earnestly than before.”
Remarkd by Rev. Toshiko Teshigawara, Chairperson of the International Spiritual Training Center
“This was the first International Spiritual Training Seminar held in New York in three years. I was concerned about the news of the spreading swine flu, but the participants did not seem to worry about it at all. They were filled with joy. The first-time participants expressed their determination to propagate the teachings. I was especially happy that Rev. Takao, who was introduced to the teachings in North America and has been studying the teachings as a staffer at the International Spiritual Training Center, lectured for the first time. I have a high expectation for his good work as a lecturer in the future.”