The Overseas Seminar for Successors, sponsored by Tenrikyo Overseas Department, has now started. In late September, a total of 181 participants attended the seminar at venues in the U.S., South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The seminar is scheduled to be held in 28 countries and regions altogether by September next year.
Although the dates and program of the overseas seminar are geared toward specific local circumstances, it follows a format similar to that of the Seminar for Successors in Jiba. Mainly intended for successors of the path between the ages of 20 and 40, it seeks to provide opportunities for them to develop their abilities to lead a life of faith joyously and spiritedly every day so that they can make steady progress in their spiritual growth that leads to the Joyous Life.
The U.S. Venues
On September 23 and 24, the seminar was held at the Mission Headquarters in America and was attended by 34 participants.
During the seminar, Rev. Robert Satoru Kokuryo, head minister of Tenrikyo Granville Church, delivered the third lecture, “The Path of Single-hearted Salvation.” “It is important to begin by making personal efforts to nurture our mind in the course of our lives,” he said. “We should find joy in our own lives and then share it with others around us, which is how we can sprinkle the fragrance of the teachings.”
Among the participants was Ms. Lena Turner, who is a Yoboku belonging to Los Angeles Central Church. She said: “I regret not having attended more church activities. From now on I will make every effort to set a good example as a successor of the path. By attending this seminar, I have been able to gain confidence that there is no need to hesitate about conveying the teachings.”
Mr. Grant Hisao, a Yoboku belonging to Maui Church in Hawaii and currently living in the state of Wisconsin, reflected: “I am grateful for the opportunity to engage in deep conversations with friends of the path in our class discussions. There are a number of people around me who have no hesitation in stating that they believe in no religion. I want to continue to learn the teachings so that I can talk with them while basing myself on this faith.”
Other Venues
Between September 22 and 24, the Overseas Seminar for Successors was held in South Korea. Held at the mission headquarters, it drew 102 participants. In addition, the seminar took place at the Mission Headquarters in Taiwan on September 23 and 24, drawing 35 participants, and at the Mission Center in Hong Kong on September 24 with 10 participants.