Third Youth Spiritual Training Seminar Held in the Republic of China on the Theme of Sundial Way of Life and Environmental Protection
The Third Republic of China Youth Spiritual Training Seminar was held from October 8 to 10 at the Kaohsiung Missionary Center in the Republic of China (Taiwan). The number of participants was 36, including 24 first-timers.
Rev. Yasuo Yoshishiba (Ordained Minister, Chief of Public Relations, Editing Section; Publications and Public Relations Department) was dispatched from the International Headquarters as a lecturer. He guided the Seminar together with Rev. Masanori Morita (Ordained Minister, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China) and Rev. Chen Bor Horng (Ordained Minister, Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China Missionary Center). The texts used included Book for Young People by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi, and Shinko ni yoru Heiwa no Michi (Realizing Peace by Faith) by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi.
Rev. Yoshishiba gave four lectures. Before and after each lecture there was a period for a group discussion and so forth to help the participants think about the theme on their own. In the lecture on the second day, “Let’s Live the Sundial Way of Life,” Rev. Yoshishiba explained that if one sees only the bright side of things and uses words of joy, joy will be enhanced. In the discussion session, the participants praised one another as well as themselves.
In the lecture on the third day, “The Way to Live with Nature,” Rev. Yoshishiba introduced the volunteer work which was carried out by Japan’s Youth and Young Adult Association members for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and also their environmental protection activities, while using images at times. The participants exchanged opinions on the theme, “What We Can Do.” Rev. Yoshishiba later stressed that it is important to start doing whatever one can do for the environment, even if it is only the efforts of a single person.
The Seminar program also included Mind Purification Ceremony and Shinsokan for Mutual Prayer. The participants’ comments included “I would like to realize God’s will and live each day happily.”
Rev. Yoshishiba commented, “On the third day many wonderful opinions were voiced, including, ‘I would like to use everything in the universe with gratitude’; and ‘I would like to send the victims of the great earthquake warm words with drawings and poems and encourage them.” It was clear that they wished to give love. To grow such love in their heart, opportunities to express love are necessary, such as the regular holding of youth Readers’ Meetings and volunteer activities.”
Remarks by Rev. Masanori Morita, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China
“Since we tried hard to make the program appealing, there was more interaction and active participation among the participants. I would like to continue to work hard to help youth study the Truth at spiritual training seminars, so that the Readers’ Meetings and other activities will be energized.”