Students Training Course Attracts 518 College Students

Tenrikyo Church Headquarters sponsored the College Division of the Students Training Course from March 3 through 9 at the Home of the Parent, drawing 518 university, junior college, and technical school students from all over the country. Participants spent the week seeking the path through various programs. They learned the basic teachings as well as the attitude befitting followers of the path by attending lectures on various topics. On the 4th and 5th, students were provided with several elective practice sessions for the Dance with Hand Movements, flute, small drum, koto, shamisen, kokyu, and Service ritual. In addition, an introductory course was also provided for students with little knowledge of the teachings. The highlight of the week-long course came on the 7th, when the participants went to Osaka and Nara to sprinkle the fragrance of the teachings. Giving roadside speeches and spreading the name of God, they were able to share their joy of faith with passersby. On the 8th, some of them attended a Besseki lecture while others engaged in hinokishin. The course ended on the 9th when all 518 participants received certificates of completion. Tsukasa Taniguchi, who participated in the course for the first time, said that he could feel Oyasama’s presence while he was sprinkling the fragrance of the teachings. When his group was walking through the streets spreading the name of God, most of his group’s members had opportunities to administer the Sazuke, the Divine Grant, to passersby. Tsukasa was moved as he watched them sincerely praying for the salvation of others. At the same time, his heart was filled with a warm feeling. He realized then that Oyasama was actually present and staying close to him.