Readers’ Meeting Held in Sydney, Australia
Theme Includes Islam and Environmental Issue
In Australia, a Seicho-No-Ie Readers’ Meeting (English) was held at the Vibe North Sydney Hotel on September 10 and was attended by 14 people, including 2 newcomers.
The attendees were 7 Brazilians, 2 English, 1 Colombian, 1 Peruvian, and 3 Japanese.
Despite the absence of Regional Lecturers in Australia, followers cooperate with one another and hold a Readers’ Meeting every month, where they take turns and read Seicho-No-Ie publications. Two newcomers came after learning about the Readers’ Meeting on the Facebook managed by a follower, which posts information about Seicho-No-Ie’s activities in Australia and so forth.
Dispatched from the International Headquarters was Rev. Tetsuya Abe (Ordained Minister, Assistant Chief of Lecturers’ Section, Missionary Affairs and Lecturers’ Department), who can guide directly in English. The texts used included the English version of Seimei no Jisso (Truth of Life), Vol. 7 by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi, and Shokan Zakkan Part 18 (Random Thoughts, Part 18) by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi.
Rev. Abe gave two lectures. In the first lecture, “Gratitude Is the Key to Happiness” he explained the teachings, “only God is the True Image” and “all phenomena are manifestations of only mind.” He emphasized that the purpose of life is to bring out the wonderfulness of the True Image world in the phenomenal world.”
In the second lecture, “Let’s Spread Joy Throughout the World,” Rev. Abe lectured on the teaching, “all religions emanate from one universal God.” He provided explanations on why we need to study Islam’s teachings in the present age and what it means to deal with the environmental problem from a religious point of view.
The program also included a testimonial presentation, a Q&A session, and laughing practice. At the end of the Meeting there was a practice of the basic Shinsokan followed by the Prayer for World Peace.
Comments from the attendees included: “I was glad that a wide range of topics were covered”; and “The lectures were easy to understand. I gained a good understanding of why Seicho-No-Ie studies the Islamic teachings and deals with the environmental problem.”
Rev. Abe commented, “The attendees listened to the lectures intently and actively asked questions during the Q&A session. I was impressed with their earnest attitude. I hope that the Movement will expand further in Australia.”