Leaders' Workshop and Truth Realization Seminar held in Vancouver and Toronto, Canada
From mid-October to early November of last year, a Leaders’ Workshop (English) and a Truth Realization Seminar (English) were held in Vancouver and Toronto, Canada. The number of attendees totaled 114, which was an increase of 30 percent (27 people) over the last time.
From the International Headquarters, Rev. Dean Takao Makinodan (Ordained Minister, Chief of Translation Section, International Department) was dispatched to Vancouver, and Rev. Toshiko May (Ordained Minster, Chief of North American Section, same Department) was dispatched to Toronto. They provided guidance together with Rev. Toshiro Kobayashi (Ordained Minister stationed in Canada, Chief of Toronto Missionary Area).
In Vancouver, a Leaders’ Workshop was held on October 17 at the Seicho-No-Ie Vancouver Center (17 attendees), and on the evening of the same day, a Japanese-language Truth Study Class was held (16 attendees). On October 18 a One-Day Truth Realization Seminar was held (30 attendees). The number of attendees totaled 63.
Rev. Makinodan, who guided these events, touched upon the natural world view of world religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism and explained the elements in these religions which are similar to Seicho-No-Ie’s Environment Policy. At the One-Day Truth Realization Seminar, he guided with Rev. Kobayashi on a life of gratitude and sundial way of life.
In Toronto, Rev. May guided a Leaders’ Workshop at the Seicho-No-Ie Toronto Center on October 31 (15 attendees), and a Truth Realization Seminar on the evening of the same day and on November 1 (total of 36 attendees). The number of attendees totaled 51.
According to the Canada Missionary Area, the Leaders’ Workshop was open to Propagators and Regional Lecturers only, since its objective was to raise their awareness as leaders. The program of the Truth Realization Seminar also included Shinsokan for Mutual Prayer, in addition to lectures. In Toronto, Seicho-No-Ie Canada, Inc.’s board of directors meeting was held in the presence of Reverends Kobayashi and May. Canada’s “Regional Lecturers’ and Propagators’ Rules (Proposal)” were discussed.
Rev. Makinodan remarked, “The attendees had a strong desire to know the teachings more deeply. I believe that it is necessary from now on to provide an adequate number of translated books and materials.” Rev. May commented, “I would like to continue to provide support in a concrete manner, so that the leaders and followers in Canada can do good work.”
Rev. Kobayashi remarked, “Thanks to the guidance of the two lecturers, the attendees were filled with joy of knowing the wonderfulness of the teachings and faith. I will do my best to expand their joy in both areas, work hard at propagation and hold a lecturers’ examination as soon as possible.”