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Seicho-No-Ie News

50th Anniversary Spiritual Training Seminar Held in the Republic of China under the theme, “Gratitude and Progress”

Draws 285 People

In the Republic of China (Taiwan), the 50th Anniversary Divinity Development Spiritual Training Seminar was held from May 20 to 23 at a branch office of the Republic of China Communications Training Center in Banqiao. The number of participants was 285, including three people from Hong Kong and sixty-eight newcomers.

First held in 1990, this Spiritual Training Seminar has been held a few times a year since then. This Seminar marked the 50th one. In the past the Seminar lasted for three days (two nights) but this time it was extended to four days (three nights) for the first time.

Rev. Shoichi Makino (Ordained Minister, Chief of Materials and Records Section, Missionary Affairs and Lecturers’ Department) was dispatched from the International Headquarters as a lecturer. He provided guidance with Chinese interpretation, together with Rev. Masanori Morita (Ordained Minister, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China) and Rev. Chen Borhorng (Ordained Minister) and other Regional Lecturers.

The theme of the Seminar was “Gratitude and Progress.” The texts used included Chinese translations of Shinko ni yoru Heiwa no Michi (Realizing Peace by Faith) by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi and Kiseki o Shozuru Jisso Tetsugaku (True Image Philosophy that Produces Miracles), Part 1 by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi. Rev. Makino gave three lectures: “Forgiving Sin,” “Living Four Immeasurable Minds,” and “What Should Holy Missioners Do?” In his lecture, “Living Four Immeasurable Minds,” Rev. Makino explained that the mission of one’s life is to practice God’s love and Buddha’s Four Immeasurable Minds to not only human beings but to the natural world, including animals, plants, and mineral.

Rev. Morita gave lectures, “Spiritual Training Seminars That Bring Out Life Energy” and “On Memorializing the Souls of Aborted Children.” He also gave the closing lecture, “For a New Journey.” In his closing lecture, he called upon the participants to continue to live a pure faith-life after the Seminar and asked them to spread the importance of worshiping life to many people.

Comments from the participants included: “I learned that to release attachment is love. I had been depressed because my marriage engagement was cancelled. But I came to forgive my ex-fiance, be grateful and pray for her happiness.”

Rev. Makino commented, “I thought that the management centered around the middle-aged group was excellent. I felt that this was thanks to the guidance of Rev. Morita and other leaders. I expect further growth of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China.”

Remarks by Rev. Masanori Morita, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie republic of China

“Since we extended the Seminar to four days (3 overnights), we were able to give more Regional Lecturers a chance to help and more people to present their testimonials. It turned out to be a substantial and moving seminar filled with joy. From now on I would like to invite newcomers to Readers’ Meetings and other events and ask them to become members of the Holy Mission Fellowship.”