Leadership Truth Realization Seminars and Japanese-Language Truth Study Classes Held in Vancouver and Toronto, Canada
In Canada, Leadership (Leaders) Truth Realization Seminars (English) and Japanese-language Truth Study Classes were held in Vancouver and Toronto from the end of October to early November of last year. Rev. Toshiko May (Ordained Minister, Chief of North American Section, International Department) was dispatched from the International Headquarters as a lecturer. She provided guidance together with Rev. Yoshiharu Taka (Ordained Minister), who assumed the post of the Chief of Toronto Missionary Area/Resident Ordained Minister in Canada last September.
In the Vancouver area, two events were held at the Seicho-No-Ie Vancouver Center: a Leadership Truth Realization Seminar (19 attendees) on October 26 and 27, 2012 and a Japanese-language Truth Study Class (17 attendees) on October 27. Also, in Toronto two events took place at the Seicho-No-Ie Toronto Center: a Leadership Truth Realization Seminar (22 attendees) on November 3 and 4, 2012 and a Japanese-language Study Class (24 attendees) on November 4.
At the Truth Realization Seminars both in Vancouver and Toronto, explanations were provided to help the attendees deepen their understanding of the basic tenets of the Seicho-No-Ie teachings and enable them to practice the three important religious practices and Ancestor Memorial Service on their own. They also studied the significance of the “Movement that Grows with Nature.” Rev. Taka led the Ancestor Memorial Service, using the International Spiritual Training Seminar method for the first time to adapt to the local culture. Instead of incense burning, they offered flowers. It was well received by the attendees.
At the Study Classes there were lectures, including “The Sundial Way of Life and the Power of Words.” The attendees studied the basic tenets of the Seicho-No-Ie’s faith life.
In the Toronto Missionary Area, the Readers’ Meeting had not been held for some time, but in December, 2012 a Japanese-language Readers’ Meeting was newly launched in Oakville, Ontario. In Miswsissauga, Ontario the Portuguese-language Readers’ Meeting was re-started for the first time in four months, making the number of Readers’ Meeting sites two. The local followers have an increased awareness.
Rev. May commented, “The followers showed stronger enthusiasm for propagation in Canada under the new Chief of Missionary Area. I hope for further progress in Canada.”
Remarks by Rev. Yoshiharu Taka, Chief of Toronto Missionary Area, Resident Ordained Minister in Canada
“At both events, we had a lot of discussion time, so that we could actively exchange opinions. I felt a positive response. From now on, I would like to guide to improve the Study Class for Regional Lecturers and Propagators and develop leaders, so that the Movement in Canada can be promoted powerfully.”