The 27th Republic of Korea Youth Spiritual Training Seminar
On the Themes of Power of Words and Environment
The 27th Republic of Korea Youth Spiritual Training Seminar was held from August 12 to 14 at a youth training center. The number of participants was 67, including 20 first-timers.
Rev. Tadahiro Shibata (Assistant Minister, Youth and Young Adult Association Administrative Office, Organizational Movement Department) was dispatched from the International Headquarters. He provided guidance together with Rev. Jeong Hee Kim (Assistant Minister, Chairman of Kwang Myong Hoy) and Rev. Jeong Ho Kim (Assistant Minister, Vice Chairman of Kwang Myong Hoy).
This Spiritual Training Seminar is held every year for elementary, intermediate and high school students. Rev. Shibata guided intermediate and high school students, while Rev. Jeong Hee Kim guided elementary school students. They lectured at separate sites. There were three study themes for the Seminar: (1) affirm one’s child-of-God infinite potential, (2) understand the power of words and decide to use good words, and (3) gain an understanding of various problems of the environment, resources and peace. There was a workshop for each topic to deepen an understanding of the themes.
Using the Korean version of Seikatsu Dokuhon (Readings for Daily Life) by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi as his text, Rev. Shibata gave five lectures. During Workshop 4 held on August 14, “Realizing World Peace—Peace from Your First Step,” he explained the fact that Seicho-No-Ie teaches grand harmony as well as the current state of the earth’s environment. Subsequently, there was an active exchange of opinions by group regarding what each individual can do for environmental protection.
The Seminar program also included a practice of Shinsokan, Mind Purification Ceremony, and an athletic meet called “Infinite Ability Contest.” Comments received from the participants included: “I would like to practice Shinsokan at home, too”; and “When I return home, I want everyone to see a reborn me.”
Rev. Shibata commented, “The staff of Kwang Myong Hoy are joining forces in developing youth. I sensed great potential for the future. I believe that by holding events for youth regularly to develop leaders and lecturers, the development of the youth and young people in Korea will improve even more.”
Remarks by Rev. Jeong Hee Kim, Chairman of Kwang Myong Hoy
“The participants’ earnest attitude during the Seminar was deeply moving. I was also impressed by how Rev. Shibata went around among the participants during the events and gained their confidence. From now on I would like to devise concrete measures for holding Youth Readers’ Meetings regularly.”