UK Centre, located in Wembley Park in north-west London, held its third monthly weekend seminar on March 22 and 23. Intended for anyone interested in Tenrikyo and, in particular, those who have previously attended the Joyous Life Lecture, the weekend seminar was launched in January as part of UK Centre’s activities organized to help prepare for the 120th Anniversary of Oyasama.
In order to provide a small and personalized class setting that allows participants to receive the full benefit of each lesson, the seminar accepts only four students at a time. There were three participants in January, four in February, and two in March.
Each session begins at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday and ends at 4:00 P.M. the next day. The program includes a video presentation, discussion sessions, the morning and evening services, three lectures, and the practice of the dance and musical instruments for the service. Serving as instructors are heads of local mission stations as well as UK Centre Head Tomoharu Matsui. Other staff are available to care for participants’ children.
The seminar seems to be drawing a positive response from its participants. Says Centre Head Matsui: “While eating and staying together in the same facility, the students were able to develop a closeness with their fellow classmates as well as instructors, which allowed for friendly and lively discussions. Some participants were particularly pleased with the opportunity to study some of the basic teachings that are ordinarily not covered in detail.”