Between September 3 and 8, the Mission Center in Colombia held the 7th Colombia Seminar with 16 participants including some from the neighboring country of Panama.
The seminar—which started three years ago to expand and enhance the center’s nurturing program, which had previously comprised Tenrikyo Introduction Course and One Day Course—is designed to help followers in the region to acquire a deeper understanding of the teachings.
The seminar consists mainly of the service practice, hinokishin (selfless and thankful action), and lectures on The Doctrine of Tenrikyo and The Life of Oyasama, Foundress of Tenrikyo. Due to the recent increase in the number of repeat participants, for the first time the seminar included an advanced course in The Life of Oyasama, whereby the participants were able to study all its ten chapters deeply. In addition, the service dance classes were offered at beginners and intermediate levels to cater to different needs, so that everyone could practice based on their level.
Rev. Naotaro Shimizu, head of the mission center, said: “We were able to organize the advanced course in The Life of Oyasama partly due to the instructors having studied the teachings in more depth. To make the seminar ever more productive, we intend to further emphasize nurturing the instructors.” The 8th seminar is planned to take place from March 4 to 9 next year.