Youth Spiritual Training Seminar held in the Republic of China to Deepen Faith and Energize Activities
The Second Republic of China Youth Spiritual Training Seminar was held from February 18 to 20 at the Chengquighu Youth Center in Taizhuang. The number of participants was 63, which was an increase of 13 people (26%) over the previous time.
This Spiritual Training Seminar began to be held from last year in order to energize the activities of young people. This time, in holding the Seminar, last October’s Workshop for the Development of Leaders held in Japan was in mind.
Rev. Yasuhiro Kudo (Ordained Minister, Youth and Young Adult Association Administration Section, Organizational Movement Department) was dispatched from the International Headquarters. He guided together with Rev. Masanori Morita (Ordained Minister, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China) and Rev. Chen Bor Horng (Ordained Minister). The texts used included Seimei no Jisso (Truth of Life), Volumes 1 and 7 by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi and Shinko ni yoru Heiwa no Michi (Realizing Peace by Faith) by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi.
Rev. Kudo gave three lectures, including “What Is the True Faith?” Rev. Morita gave two lectures, including “Seicho-No-Ie’s Basic Teachings.” Rev. Chen lectured, making reference to his religious experiences. He also served as an interpreter for Rev. Kudo.
The Seminar program also included Mind Purification Ceremony and Shinsokan for Mutual Prayer. In the closing lecture, the environmental protection need was stressed and there was time to experience the possible use of the Internet by communicating with the International Headquarters’ Youth and Young Adult Association Administration Section via a Web camera.
Comments received from the participants included: “I was able to realize that the Truth has no national boundary”; and “I learned a great deal. I received a lot of inspiration.”
Rev. Kudo commented, “The participants were earnest students throughout the Seminar. I felt that their heightened energy will not fade but help drive the activities in the future. In order to encourage the participants to become leaders, it is important to continue holding Youth Spiritual Training Seminars and also horizontally, build bonds among members by using the Internet.”
REMARKS BY REV. MASANORI MORITA, BISHOP OF SEICHO-NO-IE REPUBLIC OF CHINA
“This time, the Seminar program had a more practical content, such as holding a discussion session by area of residence in order to energize Youth Readers’ Meetings. There were people who decided to attend Readers’ Meetings and others who want to start a Youth Readers’ Meeting. I believe that we are making progress step by step to nurture the awareness of young leaders.