The 17th Seicho-No-Ie Portuguese Spiritual Training Seminar
Pledge to Practice the Sundial Way of Life
The 17th Seicho-No-Ie Portuguese Spiritual Training Seminar sponsored by the Seicho-No-Ie Headquarters was held at the Tobitakyu Spiritual Training Center in Chofu City, Tokyo from August 11 to 13. The number of participants was 192. They were originally from Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Japan. The number of first-timers was 38 (19.8%).
The Seminar was guided by five Ordained/Assistant Ministers, including Rev. Tatsufumi Yukishima (Ordained Minister, Chief of International Department), and Rev. Harumi Kinoshita (Assistant Minister, Chief of Central and South American Section, International Department). The texts used included Hidokeishugi towa Nanika (What Is the Sundial Way of Life?) by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, and Shosetsu Shinsokan (A Detailed Explanation of Shinsokan) by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi.
On the second day of the Seminar, a video entitled “Words of Encouragement” by Rev. Yoshio Mukai, Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Latin America, and Rev. Marie Murakami, Chairperson of the Brazil Missionary Headquarters, was shown. In his concluding lecture on the third day, Rev. Yukishima gave a detailed explanation of the Four Immeasurable Minds. It was followed by “Shinsokan to practice the Four Immeasurable Minds.” It was the first time to practice this Shinsokan at this Seminar.
At present, the Brazilians living in Japan are faced with a difficult employment situation. The lecture on the Sundial Way of Life and the Laughing Contest held for the first time gave encouragement to the participants. Comments from the participants included: “I learned to be grateful for ordinary things”; “The teaching gave me moral support”; and “I would like to give more love.”
Remarks by Rev. Tatsufumi Yukishima, Chief of International Department
“The members had looked forward to this once-a-year Spiritual Training Seminar, and more people than expected participated. We pledged to practice the Sundial Way of Life. I believe that it turned out to be a joyous Seminar.”