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Seicho-No-Ie News

The 53rd International Spiritual Training Seminar Held in Chicago for the First Time

The 53rd International Spiritual Training Seminar (English) was held from September 16 to 18 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. The number of participants was 28, including nine first-timers.

In the Chicago area, Readers’ Meetings are held once or twice a month through the cooperation of about 20 followers. Held at the strong request of the followers, this was the first International Spiritual Training Seminar held there. The breakdown of the participants by geographical area was 10 for Illinois, 4 for New Jersey, 5 for New York, 4 for California, 2 for Hawaii, 1 for Washington, and 2 for Brazil.

The lecturers were Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara (Ordained Minister, Chairperson of the International Spiritual Training Center), Rev. Mario Kawakami (Ordained Minister, Chief of Southern California Missionary Area), Rev. Bruce Mallery (Ordained Minister, Chief of New York Missionary Area), and Rev. Hideki Takao (Assistant Minister, International Spiritual Training Center). There were 11 lectures, including the one on Seicho-No-Ie’s basic teachings. The lecture on the second day, “In Order to Save the Earth” by Rev. Kawakami explained the reason why Seicho-No-Ie deals with the environmental problem.

Rev. Teshigawara lectured on the title, “Let’s Practice the Sundial Way of Life,” using Taiyo wa Itsumo Kagayaiteiru (The Sun Is Always Shining) by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi. It was followed by an art postcard, Efuto making workshop.

The Seminar program also included a practice of Shinsokan, Mind Purification Ceremony, Ancestor Memorial Service, and a testimonial presentation.

Comments received from the participants included: “It was a good opportunity to think about how I live and relate to other people”; and “The lectures made me want to spread the teaching more actively.”

Remarks by Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Chairperson of International Spiritual Training Center

“Mrs. Sumiko Watahiro, Chicago area’s representative, and other followers learned the global expanse of Seicho-No-Ie at this Spiritual Training Seminar. They felt hopeful and encouraged about the propagation in the Chicago area in the years to come and were pleased. The leaders in Chicago and the Regional Lecturers from other areas joined forces in managing the Seminar, so there was a warm atmosphere from beginning to end. I was told that the two first-timers have started to attend the Readers’ Meeting in the area. I hope that the Movement will further expand in Chicago.”