The 56th International Spiritual Training Seminar Held in Northern California
In the U.S.A. the 56th International Spiritual Training Seminar was held from February 15 to 17 at the Mercy Center in Burlingame City, California. The number of participants was 37, including eight first-timers.
The lecturers were Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara (Ordained Minister, Chairperson of International Spiritual Training Center), Rev. Masayo Tsuruta (Ordained Minister, Chief of Northern California Missionary Area), Rev. Bruce Mallery (National Ordained Minister), and Rev. Hideki Takao (Assistant Minister, International Spiritual Training Center). The Seminar program included 13 lectures, such as "Gratitude Is the Key to Happiness," Mind Purification Ceremony, Ancestor Memorial Service, Shinsokan for Mutual Prayer, and a picture envelope drawing workshop.
In his lecture, "The Movement that Grows with Nature/ 'Office in the Forest,'" Rev. Takao explained in detail the significance of the International Headquarters' move to the "Office in the Forest," using slides.
This was followed by a presentation of actual cases of individuals' environmental activities, including "I keep down the use of cooling and heating unit with the window films that insulate heat"; and "I try to pick up empty cans, sell them for a recycling purpose and donate all the money from it to the Northern California Truth of Life Center." It was also announced that the Northern Missionary Area is preparing to install a solar electric generator. The presentation helped raise the participants' awareness about environmental protection.
Among the first-timers was a minister of the Unity Church, to which Seicho-No-Ie has a deep connection. He commented, "I have attended many workshops in the past. This is the first time that I participated in such a beautiful and wonderful event as this one. I felt deeply moved." Comments from other participants included: "I would like to convey the Seicho-No-Ie teaching to my family"; and "I have decided to spread this wonderful teaching through the monthly magazines."
Remarks by Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Chairperson of International Spiritual Training Center
"The Spiritual Training Seminar was filled with an atmosphere of harmony during the entire time and the participants seemed to feel that 'God is guiding the Spiritual Training Seminar.'" They felt joy and happiness. They seemed a little sad to leave. A nice air resonated afterward. From now on I will continue to fulfill the mission of the International Spiritual Training Center truthfully."