After the war, Japan was under the control of the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Allied Forces. Dr. Taniguchi taught that the reason for Japan’s defeat was because they started the war. “If Japan had not begun the war, there would have been no defeat. The Japanese people were conceited, arrogant, and against the will of God,” he said. This message also appears in the divine messages. However, Japanese society was heading in the direction where all the traditional values were denied. There prevailed a nihilistic way of thinking in the Japanese society.
Dr. Taniguchi was really disappointed with the situation and established the “Seicho-No-Ie Shakai Jigyodan,” or SNI Community Service Administration (CSA) to encourage the Japanese people and save them from the devastation of the lost war. Unfortunately the plan itself didn’t work due to the reason I will explain, but there was a wonderful by-product. There was a section in the SNI CSA titled, “Translation of Western literature and documents” to show the general public that SNI is teaching the universal truth. One of the young men who was impressed with the plan and was accepted to work at SNI Headquarters was Mr. Seicho Arachi. His enthusiasm, humbleness, and intelligence impressed Dr. Taniguchi. Eventually, Mr. Arachi got married to Dr. Taniguchi’s daughter and became Rev. Seicho Taniguchi in accordance with the will of God. In the Seicho-No-Ie 40-year history book, Mrs.Teruko Taniguchi recalled that the advent of Seicho Arachi was truly meaningful not only to the Taniguchi family but also to Seicho-No-Ie,.
Since Dr. Taniguchi wrote many articles to manifest his love of Japan, he was temporarily expelled from a public position by GHQ. This is why SNI CSA didn’t work well. However, he could keep on teaching without any title. After his expulsion ended, he could freely preach the central truths through publications and grand lectures. Through his lectures and writings, he provided spiritual awareness, improved people’s destinies and environments, and also taught that all correct religions emanate from one universal
God. He actively communicated with global religious leaders and even met the Pope when he went to Europe. He traveled outside of Japan three times during his lifetime to convey his messages.
However in those days in Japan, as a reaction to losing the war, public opinion was against traditional values including the emperor system, self-hatred historical view was taught in schools, and leftist ideology was spreading. It was Dr. Taniguchi who challenged those trends and encouraged the Japanese people by teaching, “You are a child of God. You don’t have to feel inferior. There are many priceless assets among Japanese traditions. Shintoism has nothing to do with militarism (Note: Shintoism was considered a cause of war),” and so on. This movement was named a movement to manifest the True Image of Japan and continued until Dr. Taniguchi passed away.
Dr. Taniguchi’s wholehearted and tireless efforts had a great impact on various fields of endeavor including politics, business, industry, and religion, and the Japanese people gained confidence in general.
In this way, Dr. Taniguchi focused on disseminating the central truths such as “Man is a child of God,” “Our mind and environment are reflections of our mind,” “All religions emanate from one universal God,” while contributing to solving urgent issues which appeared during his time. A movement to manifest the True Image of Japan was a long-term important issue during Dr. Taniguchi’s life.
(To be continued)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Address(6/15)_4
As we have learned, while Dr. Taniguchi taught and emphasized the basic teachings, he also devoted himself and the SNI organizations to improving the state of society. I would like to ask you to recognize that we promote our movement not because this world is so bad or worsening, but because truth itself is so wonderful and fabulous. If we see evil and impress it in our mind, evil will appear according to the law of mind. We are honored to be given such a wonderful truth from God, therefore, we should share it with as many people as possible rather than monopolize it. Please remember that Rev. Hattori didn’t aim at healing people’s diseases. He only felt sympathy for those suffering from illness, saw their True Image, and talked about the teachings. As a result, it was the disease that ran away and disappeared. This is a very important point, which Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi often pointed out.
Nowadays, the environment, peace and war, and Islam are pressing issues about which people of the world need to unite and work hand in hand. This is why Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President of SNI, and the SNI worldwide organizations, take these issues seriously and focus on the central truths. This is perfectly in tune with the path adopted by Dr. Taniguchi.
In this way, Dr. Taniguchi continued to preach the truth for 55 years until he passed away on June 17, 1985.
In 1992 I joined SNI International Headquarters in Tokyo. Since then, I have repeatedly taught that we need to think about what the center of our movement should be. Namely, it is the will of God and the will of Dr. Taniguchi, and to convey His will should be our foremost priority. Before all employees at the Headquarters start their daily work, they offer a prayer such as: “Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi and Mrs. Teruko Taniguchi guide us and all humankind from a high spiritual world.”
This attitude comes from Rev. Seicho Taniguchi and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi. Rev. Masanobu mentioned in his address at Dr. Taniguchi’s 20th Memorial Service as follows:
It has been 20 years since Dr. Taniguchi passed away, however, I’ve never felt that he has passed away. When I practice Shinsokan Meditation, and read the Holy Sutra and “the Recitation of Truth” in the morning at home, read his books at the work place, or come to the Main Temple in Nagasaki, I feel Dr. Taniguchi’s ideas filling and permeating the atmosphere. When I visit “Okutsuki,” or Dr. and Mrs. Taniguchi’s grave, I feel I can see and talk to him.
In 2005, I was honored to be assigned to give a presentation at the Special Conference held in Japan. The audience consisted of all ordained and assistant ministers, and the President of the Regional Lecturers Society in each Missionary Area in Japan. Rev. Masanobu very kindly gave me his attention and guidance for my article and presentation. When Rev. Masanobu and the presenters had a meeting for the conference, he repeatedly stated Dr. Taniguchi taught this way or that way. I thought there is no one in the world who reads Dr. Taniguchi’s books or who respects Dr. Taniguchi more than Rev. Masanobu.
Rev. Teshigawara mentioned that whenever she offers a new proposal, Rev. Masanobu asks her, “What are the grounds for your proposal? How did Dr. Taniguchi write about that?” If Rev. Teshigawara could not answer the questions, Rev. Masanobu would instruct her to read Dr. Taniguchi’s writings and look for the grounds.
Through her experience, Rev. Teshigawara often tells us ministers as follows:
The main thing that Rev. Masanobu is thinking and focusing on is how we can apply Dr. Taniguchi’s teachings in this day and age. He doesn’t mind how he, himself, is criticized or evaluated. He only wants to bequeath Dr. Taniguchi’s teachings to the next generation and to as many people as possible and contribute to Dr. Taniguchi’s dream of world peace.
On this important day, I am very grateful to have this opportunity to remember how Dr. Taniguchi dedicated himself to the world, and confirm that his teachings have been perfectly passed on to his successors, the center of our movement. So let us move forward cheerfully and enthusiastically in our movement as a family of SNI International and SNI, Inc.
Thank you very much for your kind attention. Thank you very much.
(End)
Nowadays, the environment, peace and war, and Islam are pressing issues about which people of the world need to unite and work hand in hand. This is why Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President of SNI, and the SNI worldwide organizations, take these issues seriously and focus on the central truths. This is perfectly in tune with the path adopted by Dr. Taniguchi.
In this way, Dr. Taniguchi continued to preach the truth for 55 years until he passed away on June 17, 1985.
In 1992 I joined SNI International Headquarters in Tokyo. Since then, I have repeatedly taught that we need to think about what the center of our movement should be. Namely, it is the will of God and the will of Dr. Taniguchi, and to convey His will should be our foremost priority. Before all employees at the Headquarters start their daily work, they offer a prayer such as: “Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi and Mrs. Teruko Taniguchi guide us and all humankind from a high spiritual world.”
This attitude comes from Rev. Seicho Taniguchi and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi. Rev. Masanobu mentioned in his address at Dr. Taniguchi’s 20th Memorial Service as follows:
It has been 20 years since Dr. Taniguchi passed away, however, I’ve never felt that he has passed away. When I practice Shinsokan Meditation, and read the Holy Sutra and “the Recitation of Truth” in the morning at home, read his books at the work place, or come to the Main Temple in Nagasaki, I feel Dr. Taniguchi’s ideas filling and permeating the atmosphere. When I visit “Okutsuki,” or Dr. and Mrs. Taniguchi’s grave, I feel I can see and talk to him.
In 2005, I was honored to be assigned to give a presentation at the Special Conference held in Japan. The audience consisted of all ordained and assistant ministers, and the President of the Regional Lecturers Society in each Missionary Area in Japan. Rev. Masanobu very kindly gave me his attention and guidance for my article and presentation. When Rev. Masanobu and the presenters had a meeting for the conference, he repeatedly stated Dr. Taniguchi taught this way or that way. I thought there is no one in the world who reads Dr. Taniguchi’s books or who respects Dr. Taniguchi more than Rev. Masanobu.
Rev. Teshigawara mentioned that whenever she offers a new proposal, Rev. Masanobu asks her, “What are the grounds for your proposal? How did Dr. Taniguchi write about that?” If Rev. Teshigawara could not answer the questions, Rev. Masanobu would instruct her to read Dr. Taniguchi’s writings and look for the grounds.
Through her experience, Rev. Teshigawara often tells us ministers as follows:
The main thing that Rev. Masanobu is thinking and focusing on is how we can apply Dr. Taniguchi’s teachings in this day and age. He doesn’t mind how he, himself, is criticized or evaluated. He only wants to bequeath Dr. Taniguchi’s teachings to the next generation and to as many people as possible and contribute to Dr. Taniguchi’s dream of world peace.
On this important day, I am very grateful to have this opportunity to remember how Dr. Taniguchi dedicated himself to the world, and confirm that his teachings have been perfectly passed on to his successors, the center of our movement. So let us move forward cheerfully and enthusiastically in our movement as a family of SNI International and SNI, Inc.
Thank you very much for your kind attention. Thank you very much.
(End)
Monday, June 02, 2008
2008 June Message
Thank you very much, everyone. Living here in Hawaii, I sometimes discover the unexpected. I didn't know until I came here that I could experience the four seasons in tropical Hawaii. I never expected the mornings and nights to be cool in the summer and the days short in the winter.
Through my everyday life, I am often overwhelmed by the beauty and magnificence of nature. Among my favorite views are the mountains as seen from the intersection between Kahekili and Likelike Highways, the sea from Kualoa beach which is a ten-minute drive from my home, and the splendid rainbows that can be seen here and there. Without living here, I would not be able to appreciate nature to the fullest. I appreciate God for giving me this opportunity.
"Change" is a very important principle for the world of natural growth. Through change, we can savor our life and increase our joy and happiness of living. Conversely, it is only natural that things which do not change will decline or be eliminated. Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi taught as follows in his book, For Young People, “Running water does not become stale: water that stagnates putrefies.” (p. 36)
In Seicho-No-Ie we consider "change as a chance." When change occurs, we will see person “A” who considers it a good opportunity to grow and person “B” who thinks it uncomfortable or undesirable. It goes without saying which person will progress. Of course, there are things that should never change. The teaching "Man is a child of God" never changes. However, the way to worship God is a peripheral aspect that can be changed according to people, time, and place. Practicing this is in line with the will of God.
I believe all of you readers of this newsletter understand this matter clearly; I would like to ask you to take it as a springboard for SNI Hawaii Missionary Area's further development and do your best both in seeking the Truth and propagating the teachings.
In the midst of writing this message, I went to a bank near Matlock Center, where the following words on a white board caught my eyes : “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” As I left the bank, I felt this message by Andre Gide, French Nobel Prize winner in literature, fits our situation well.
Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi always had a dream and showed us how to live the Seicho-No-Ie way of life. And this "path" on how to live the SNI way of life in this day and age is being shown by Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, President of Seicho-No-Ie, and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President of Seicho-No-Ie.
One of the important teachings that Dr. Taniguchi showed us throughout his entire life is not to speak ill of others. (See Truth of Life, Vol 7, Chapter 4) It also includes not to harbor ill thoughts of others in your mind. I believe you are always smiling, seeing the positive side of others, and praising and blessing those points. The more you practice this principle in your life, the happier you yourself will become and that pleases those around you. It is a good advertisement for Seicho-No-Ie. When those who praise and bless each other come to our Services, the atmosphere of our Services will be cheerful and bright, so that even the man-off-the-street will want to come and join us.
We will observe the 23rd Memorial Service for Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi at Jisso Center on June 15th. We invite you all to attend. Thank you very much.
Through my everyday life, I am often overwhelmed by the beauty and magnificence of nature. Among my favorite views are the mountains as seen from the intersection between Kahekili and Likelike Highways, the sea from Kualoa beach which is a ten-minute drive from my home, and the splendid rainbows that can be seen here and there. Without living here, I would not be able to appreciate nature to the fullest. I appreciate God for giving me this opportunity.
"Change" is a very important principle for the world of natural growth. Through change, we can savor our life and increase our joy and happiness of living. Conversely, it is only natural that things which do not change will decline or be eliminated. Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi taught as follows in his book, For Young People, “Running water does not become stale: water that stagnates putrefies.” (p. 36)
In Seicho-No-Ie we consider "change as a chance." When change occurs, we will see person “A” who considers it a good opportunity to grow and person “B” who thinks it uncomfortable or undesirable. It goes without saying which person will progress. Of course, there are things that should never change. The teaching "Man is a child of God" never changes. However, the way to worship God is a peripheral aspect that can be changed according to people, time, and place. Practicing this is in line with the will of God.
I believe all of you readers of this newsletter understand this matter clearly; I would like to ask you to take it as a springboard for SNI Hawaii Missionary Area's further development and do your best both in seeking the Truth and propagating the teachings.
In the midst of writing this message, I went to a bank near Matlock Center, where the following words on a white board caught my eyes : “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” As I left the bank, I felt this message by Andre Gide, French Nobel Prize winner in literature, fits our situation well.
Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi always had a dream and showed us how to live the Seicho-No-Ie way of life. And this "path" on how to live the SNI way of life in this day and age is being shown by Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, President of Seicho-No-Ie, and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President of Seicho-No-Ie.
One of the important teachings that Dr. Taniguchi showed us throughout his entire life is not to speak ill of others. (See Truth of Life, Vol 7, Chapter 4) It also includes not to harbor ill thoughts of others in your mind. I believe you are always smiling, seeing the positive side of others, and praising and blessing those points. The more you practice this principle in your life, the happier you yourself will become and that pleases those around you. It is a good advertisement for Seicho-No-Ie. When those who praise and bless each other come to our Services, the atmosphere of our Services will be cheerful and bright, so that even the man-off-the-street will want to come and join us.
We will observe the 23rd Memorial Service for Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi at Jisso Center on June 15th. We invite you all to attend. Thank you very much.
Friday, May 02, 2008
2008 May Message
May Message
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief, SNI Hawaii Missionary Area
Thank you very much, everyone. As I practice Shinsokan Meditation every morning and meditate on the happiness of all of you who live the will of God and convey the love of God in your daily lives, a sense of gratitude and joy bubbles up from the bottom of my heart. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for your dedication.
This month I have a very important announcement.
Effective June 1, 2008, we will eliminate the practice of "two deep bows, two hand claps, and one halfway bow" and substitute the following brief prayer when we worship God at Sunday Services, Spiritual Training Seminars, Truth Realization Seminars, meetings, etc. in the Hawaii Missionary Area.
Let us worship the Great Universal Life,
which dwells in each one of us.
We are all children of God, and as such
we are already endowed with all divine
attributes.
We are all children of the same one and only
God, and this truly makes us brothers
and sisters.
Thank you very much.
Let me explain the reasons for this change.
The International Peace by Faith Movement was launched in 1993 and it clearly stated that what Seicho-No-Ie aims for in today's world is "world peace," and that world peace is not achieved through political power nor a check and balance with nuclear weapons, but realized through "faith" in the absolute God. In addition, as an "international movement," it considers various measures to propose and carry out various plans for the movement in each country in a unified and organized manner.
However, the purpose and spirit of the International Peace by Faith Movement does not differ from the Humanity Enlightenment Movement which Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi initiated in 1930. In today's movement all SNI leaders and members worldwide as well as SNI International Headquarters are promoting the application of the teachings taught by Dr. Taniguchi to our current society. I sometimes receive a question saying, "I don't like today's movement because it doesn't seem to be in line with Dr. Taniguchi’s teachings." I must say this is a complete misunderstanding. It is the current movement that enlivens the teachings for today’s world situation. Please think of it as manifesting the will of Dr. Taniguchi. It is clearly written in "REALIZING PEACE BY FAITH" by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi on pages 40 to 48. If you are interested in this booklet, please contact the Office.
Having launched the International Peace by Faith Movement, which shows that Seicho-No-Ie teaches that all religions emanate from one universal God, it was decided to review the rituals and ceremonies originating in the Japanese culture and to look for a new form suited to the culture and customs overseas. As a result, "THE FUNDAMENTAL THINKING ON CEREMONIES IN SEICHO-NO-IE" was fully discussed and determined by the U.S. leaders and approved at the Top Level Meeting at International Headquarters in 1994.
Based on that decision, new ceremonies and rituals, which were also discussed and determined by non-Japanese leaders, were adopted at the International Spiritual Training Seminars (ISTS) that started in August 1995. As the ISTSs were held at each Missionary Area in North America, the new rituals and ceremonies started to be used at seminars and events held in English in each Missionary Area.
The way to worship God by "two bows, two hand claps, and one halfway bow" is a Shinto tradition born in the Japanese culture. Seicho-No-Ie in Japan adopted this way to worship God NOT because it is the Seicho-No-Ie way BUT because it is comfortable with almost all Japanese whether they be Christians or Buddhists.
It is a very important change to help newcomers feel comfortable in attending our events, being aligned with other Missionary Areas in the United States, and manifesting the teaching that all religions emanate from one universal God in our rituals and ceremonies.
Your deep understanding and cooperation is highly appreciated to move our movement forward in the Hawaii Missionary Area.
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief, SNI Hawaii Missionary Area
Thank you very much, everyone. As I practice Shinsokan Meditation every morning and meditate on the happiness of all of you who live the will of God and convey the love of God in your daily lives, a sense of gratitude and joy bubbles up from the bottom of my heart. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for your dedication.
This month I have a very important announcement.
Effective June 1, 2008, we will eliminate the practice of "two deep bows, two hand claps, and one halfway bow" and substitute the following brief prayer when we worship God at Sunday Services, Spiritual Training Seminars, Truth Realization Seminars, meetings, etc. in the Hawaii Missionary Area.
Let us worship the Great Universal Life,
which dwells in each one of us.
We are all children of God, and as such
we are already endowed with all divine
attributes.
We are all children of the same one and only
God, and this truly makes us brothers
and sisters.
Thank you very much.
Let me explain the reasons for this change.
The International Peace by Faith Movement was launched in 1993 and it clearly stated that what Seicho-No-Ie aims for in today's world is "world peace," and that world peace is not achieved through political power nor a check and balance with nuclear weapons, but realized through "faith" in the absolute God. In addition, as an "international movement," it considers various measures to propose and carry out various plans for the movement in each country in a unified and organized manner.
However, the purpose and spirit of the International Peace by Faith Movement does not differ from the Humanity Enlightenment Movement which Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi initiated in 1930. In today's movement all SNI leaders and members worldwide as well as SNI International Headquarters are promoting the application of the teachings taught by Dr. Taniguchi to our current society. I sometimes receive a question saying, "I don't like today's movement because it doesn't seem to be in line with Dr. Taniguchi’s teachings." I must say this is a complete misunderstanding. It is the current movement that enlivens the teachings for today’s world situation. Please think of it as manifesting the will of Dr. Taniguchi. It is clearly written in "REALIZING PEACE BY FAITH" by Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi on pages 40 to 48. If you are interested in this booklet, please contact the Office.
Having launched the International Peace by Faith Movement, which shows that Seicho-No-Ie teaches that all religions emanate from one universal God, it was decided to review the rituals and ceremonies originating in the Japanese culture and to look for a new form suited to the culture and customs overseas. As a result, "THE FUNDAMENTAL THINKING ON CEREMONIES IN SEICHO-NO-IE" was fully discussed and determined by the U.S. leaders and approved at the Top Level Meeting at International Headquarters in 1994.
Based on that decision, new ceremonies and rituals, which were also discussed and determined by non-Japanese leaders, were adopted at the International Spiritual Training Seminars (ISTS) that started in August 1995. As the ISTSs were held at each Missionary Area in North America, the new rituals and ceremonies started to be used at seminars and events held in English in each Missionary Area.
The way to worship God by "two bows, two hand claps, and one halfway bow" is a Shinto tradition born in the Japanese culture. Seicho-No-Ie in Japan adopted this way to worship God NOT because it is the Seicho-No-Ie way BUT because it is comfortable with almost all Japanese whether they be Christians or Buddhists.
It is a very important change to help newcomers feel comfortable in attending our events, being aligned with other Missionary Areas in the United States, and manifesting the teaching that all religions emanate from one universal God in our rituals and ceremonies.
Your deep understanding and cooperation is highly appreciated to move our movement forward in the Hawaii Missionary Area.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
2008 April Message
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief, Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Missionary Area
Shouldn't we always maintain a bright mind? Let us be kind to others. Let us be grateful to the work at present before us. Let us believe that this work contributes to society and the world. Always do good, not so that others may see our works, but that we may live in accordance with the will of God. In addition, respect others and let us respect ourselves as well. All people are children of God. An evil or imperfect person is nowhere to be found. (Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, "Messages of Wisdom and Love," p. 83)
The 44th International Spiritual Training Seminar (ISTS) was held at the SNI Hawaii Jisso Center from February 22 to 24, with Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of U.S. Missionary Headquarters, Rev. Bruce Mallery, Chief of New York Missionary Area, as well as Rev. Tetsuya Abe and Rev. Leslie Iwatani of Hawaii, staff members, and 50 trainees. We had a truly inspiring and memorable time. It was an opportunity for our members to deepen their faith and get recharged for further propagational activities. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all of you who participated in the seminar and were involved in its preparation and operation. (See article on pp. 2-5)
ISTS was launched in 1995 to disseminate the Seicho-No-Ie teachings in English not only to people in the U.S. but throughout the world. It was based in New York which has a large number of people of diverse backgrounds.
For this purpose, ISTS decided to adopt new ways in rituals and ceremonies so that the average American can feel comfortable not adhering to traditional ways conducted in the respective Missionary Areas. The new procedures were discussed and adopted by ministers and leaders in this country including Rev. Leslie Iwatani, and approved at the Top Level Meeting of International Headquarters.
Since ISTS is open to all people throughout the world, three Japanese-speaking members who usually attend only Japanese seminars participated in this ISTS. Some of them thought, “It is meaningless because I cannot fully understand English” but after the seminar, they unanimously expressed their feelings as follows: "How wonderful the ISTS is. It was beyond my expectations. I will invite others from the Japanese group when we have ISTS the next time in Hawaii." One of the participants who had suffered from domestic and business problems called to tell me that things were getting better and better after the seminar.
In this way, the Spiritual Training Seminar stirs your soul and gives you an opportunity to be reborn as a child of God. God's salvation goes beyond the difference of language and customs. This is because the STS is always guided by God and all participants are children of God.
This year, it will be the 20th year since Mrs. Teruko Taniguchi passed away in April 1989. She worshiped every being as a manifestation of the life of God and Buddha. According to her daughter, Mrs. Emiko Taniguchi, President of SNI White Dove Association, Mrs. Teruko Taniguchi composed the following poem and pinned it on her kitchen wall as a reminder:
“Everything Is Precious”
Things are not just things?
They are manifestations of God's life.
Use water sparingly.
Use fire sparingly.
Do not waste even a piece of vegetable? potato, carrot or burdock.
Apologize if you crack even a small plate.
Remember to extend the life of all things, organic or inorganic.
Everything is entrusted to us by God.
(Emiko Taniguchi, Kokoro no Tabiji,
“Journey of the Mind,” pp.207-208)
April 22nd is Earth Day celebrating Earth and nature that Dr. and Mrs. Taniguchi wholeheartedly loved. The Earth is now being endangered and we are standing at the crossroads whether or not we can leave this beautiful Earth to the next generation. As religious people, let us strive to advance our movement and preserve the environment for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren under the guidance of Rev. Seicho Taniguchi and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi to realize the will of God. Thank you very much.
Acting Chief, Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Missionary Area
Shouldn't we always maintain a bright mind? Let us be kind to others. Let us be grateful to the work at present before us. Let us believe that this work contributes to society and the world. Always do good, not so that others may see our works, but that we may live in accordance with the will of God. In addition, respect others and let us respect ourselves as well. All people are children of God. An evil or imperfect person is nowhere to be found. (Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, "Messages of Wisdom and Love," p. 83)
The 44th International Spiritual Training Seminar (ISTS) was held at the SNI Hawaii Jisso Center from February 22 to 24, with Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of U.S. Missionary Headquarters, Rev. Bruce Mallery, Chief of New York Missionary Area, as well as Rev. Tetsuya Abe and Rev. Leslie Iwatani of Hawaii, staff members, and 50 trainees. We had a truly inspiring and memorable time. It was an opportunity for our members to deepen their faith and get recharged for further propagational activities. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all of you who participated in the seminar and were involved in its preparation and operation. (See article on pp. 2-5)
ISTS was launched in 1995 to disseminate the Seicho-No-Ie teachings in English not only to people in the U.S. but throughout the world. It was based in New York which has a large number of people of diverse backgrounds.
For this purpose, ISTS decided to adopt new ways in rituals and ceremonies so that the average American can feel comfortable not adhering to traditional ways conducted in the respective Missionary Areas. The new procedures were discussed and adopted by ministers and leaders in this country including Rev. Leslie Iwatani, and approved at the Top Level Meeting of International Headquarters.
Since ISTS is open to all people throughout the world, three Japanese-speaking members who usually attend only Japanese seminars participated in this ISTS. Some of them thought, “It is meaningless because I cannot fully understand English” but after the seminar, they unanimously expressed their feelings as follows: "How wonderful the ISTS is. It was beyond my expectations. I will invite others from the Japanese group when we have ISTS the next time in Hawaii." One of the participants who had suffered from domestic and business problems called to tell me that things were getting better and better after the seminar.
In this way, the Spiritual Training Seminar stirs your soul and gives you an opportunity to be reborn as a child of God. God's salvation goes beyond the difference of language and customs. This is because the STS is always guided by God and all participants are children of God.
This year, it will be the 20th year since Mrs. Teruko Taniguchi passed away in April 1989. She worshiped every being as a manifestation of the life of God and Buddha. According to her daughter, Mrs. Emiko Taniguchi, President of SNI White Dove Association, Mrs. Teruko Taniguchi composed the following poem and pinned it on her kitchen wall as a reminder:
“Everything Is Precious”
Things are not just things?
They are manifestations of God's life.
Use water sparingly.
Use fire sparingly.
Do not waste even a piece of vegetable? potato, carrot or burdock.
Apologize if you crack even a small plate.
Remember to extend the life of all things, organic or inorganic.
Everything is entrusted to us by God.
(Emiko Taniguchi, Kokoro no Tabiji,
“Journey of the Mind,” pp.207-208)
April 22nd is Earth Day celebrating Earth and nature that Dr. and Mrs. Taniguchi wholeheartedly loved. The Earth is now being endangered and we are standing at the crossroads whether or not we can leave this beautiful Earth to the next generation. As religious people, let us strive to advance our movement and preserve the environment for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren under the guidance of Rev. Seicho Taniguchi and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi to realize the will of God. Thank you very much.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
2008 March Message
Celebrating the Founding of Seicho-No-Ie
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief, Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Missionary Area
Thank you very much, everyone!
As you already know, March 1, 2008, is the 78th Anniversary of the founding of Seicho-No-Ie. I would like to celebrate this auspicious occasion with all of you and extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi and Mrs. Teruko Taniguchi who gave us the precious teachings and started our Seicho-No-Ie movement.
After being robbed of most of his possessions, Dr. Taniguchi received a revelation from God to "Stand Up Now!" and started to write the inaugural issue of "Seicho-No-Ie" magazine. Mrs. Teruko Taniguchi, wife of Dr. Taniguchi, worried about his adventurous enterprise and expressed her concern to him; however, his resolve was too firm to be changed. In the end, she pledged to wholeheartedly cooperate in his venture.
In her book, Mezameyuku Tamashii, ("Awakening Soul"), Mrs. Taniguchi mentioned the joy of founding Seicho-No-Ie from the perspective of a wife:
After he returned home from Vacuum Oil Company (where Dr. Taniguchi worked) and had dinner, it was time to write for the "Seicho-No-Ie" magazine. My physically fragile husband used to return home exhausted from work. However, without any time to relax, he devoted himself to writing until midnight. Day after day, there were severe cold nights. As many freezing cold nights continued, my husband kept on writing, laying on his stomach in bed. Whenever he was inspired, he concentrated on writing, never thinking about the cold, hunger, or the next day's work. (Partially omitted)
When I saw my husband's joyful expression after he finished writing and editing the magazine, a sense of joy and relief bubbled forth from me.
One thousand copies of the newly printed "Seicho-No-Ie" magazine?what joy! Pure white paper, clearly printed pages, and on the cover stood a strong-muscled man raising a brilliant light. Every single word was a shining word of Truth. I deeply prayed for God to answer my husband's prayer to let the life of the magazine's readers fill with spiritual joy. (Mezameyuku Tamashii, "The Awakening Soul," pp. 65-67)
Seicho-No-Ie's propagational activities initiated by Dr. and Mrs. Taniguchi now expand to about 30 countries and regions, contributing to solving the problems that people today are facing, and continue to brighten their future.
Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, President of Seicho-No-Ie, once taught as follows: The foot of a tall mountain is expansive. By the same token, it is necessary to let as many people as possible know about the existence of Seicho-No-Ie for further development of our movement.
Even though people don't know what "Seicho-No-Ie" is, letting them know the fact that Seicho-No-Ie is wonderful is a great help to us. Just letting them know the name of Seicho-No-Ie will greatly help us because "Seicho-No-Ie" means the "great universe" manifesting the "world of God."
Let's say, some may think it is fruitless to give a Truth of Life magazine to others because there's no one who will come to our service or become a member.
But that is not true. If we sow seeds, they will sprout and bear fruit. In the same way, if we tirelessly propagate the teachings to someone, the seeds of the teachings will surely sprout and yield results. We don't know when it will happen. It may be one year or ten years later, or in the next lifetime.
In November of 2007, 10 of our leaders visited about 200 neighbors to promote the Public Lecture by distributing a packet which included a Truth of Life magazine.
Just three months later, we were pleased to welcome one of the neighbors at our Matlock Center Sunday Service on February 3rd. Seeds planted will surely sprout and bear fruit.
Let us offer our sincere gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Taniguchi who gave us the teachings and propagate with joy under the guidance of Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, President of Seicho-No-Ie, and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President of Seicho-No-Ie. Thank you very much.
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief, Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Missionary Area
Thank you very much, everyone!
As you already know, March 1, 2008, is the 78th Anniversary of the founding of Seicho-No-Ie. I would like to celebrate this auspicious occasion with all of you and extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi and Mrs. Teruko Taniguchi who gave us the precious teachings and started our Seicho-No-Ie movement.
After being robbed of most of his possessions, Dr. Taniguchi received a revelation from God to "Stand Up Now!" and started to write the inaugural issue of "Seicho-No-Ie" magazine. Mrs. Teruko Taniguchi, wife of Dr. Taniguchi, worried about his adventurous enterprise and expressed her concern to him; however, his resolve was too firm to be changed. In the end, she pledged to wholeheartedly cooperate in his venture.In her book, Mezameyuku Tamashii, ("Awakening Soul"), Mrs. Taniguchi mentioned the joy of founding Seicho-No-Ie from the perspective of a wife:
After he returned home from Vacuum Oil Company (where Dr. Taniguchi worked) and had dinner, it was time to write for the "Seicho-No-Ie" magazine. My physically fragile husband used to return home exhausted from work. However, without any time to relax, he devoted himself to writing until midnight. Day after day, there were severe cold nights. As many freezing cold nights continued, my husband kept on writing, laying on his stomach in bed. Whenever he was inspired, he concentrated on writing, never thinking about the cold, hunger, or the next day's work. (Partially omitted)
When I saw my husband's joyful expression after he finished writing and editing the magazine, a sense of joy and relief bubbled forth from me.
One thousand copies of the newly printed "Seicho-No-Ie" magazine?what joy! Pure white paper, clearly printed pages, and on the cover stood a strong-muscled man raising a brilliant light. Every single word was a shining word of Truth. I deeply prayed for God to answer my husband's prayer to let the life of the magazine's readers fill with spiritual joy. (Mezameyuku Tamashii, "The Awakening Soul," pp. 65-67)
Seicho-No-Ie's propagational activities initiated by Dr. and Mrs. Taniguchi now expand to about 30 countries and regions, contributing to solving the problems that people today are facing, and continue to brighten their future.
Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, President of Seicho-No-Ie, once taught as follows: The foot of a tall mountain is expansive. By the same token, it is necessary to let as many people as possible know about the existence of Seicho-No-Ie for further development of our movement.
Even though people don't know what "Seicho-No-Ie" is, letting them know the fact that Seicho-No-Ie is wonderful is a great help to us. Just letting them know the name of Seicho-No-Ie will greatly help us because "Seicho-No-Ie" means the "great universe" manifesting the "world of God."
Let's say, some may think it is fruitless to give a Truth of Life magazine to others because there's no one who will come to our service or become a member.
But that is not true. If we sow seeds, they will sprout and bear fruit. In the same way, if we tirelessly propagate the teachings to someone, the seeds of the teachings will surely sprout and yield results. We don't know when it will happen. It may be one year or ten years later, or in the next lifetime.
In November of 2007, 10 of our leaders visited about 200 neighbors to promote the Public Lecture by distributing a packet which included a Truth of Life magazine.
Just three months later, we were pleased to welcome one of the neighbors at our Matlock Center Sunday Service on February 3rd. Seeds planted will surely sprout and bear fruit.
Let us offer our sincere gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Taniguchi who gave us the teachings and propagate with joy under the guidance of Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, President of Seicho-No-Ie, and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President of Seicho-No-Ie. Thank you very much.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
2008 February Message
Propagation Is Enjoyable!
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief, Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Missionary Area
Thank you very much, everyone.
The 44th International Spiritual Training Seminar at Jisso Center is just around the corner. Those who have not yet signed up, please don't miss this God-given opportunity! We also need and appreciate your help in the kitchen. Thank you very much.
I believe many of you have an experience or two that makes you glad to know Seicho-No-Ie. Then, who introduced you to the Seicho-No-Ie teachings? They may be your parents, siblings, relatives, friends, neighbors, acquaintances at PTA, supervisor at work, and so on; in any case, it is true that someone introduced you to Seicho-No-Ie. Beginning with Dr. and Mrs. Masaharu Taniguchi, the teachings passed through the love of many people before reaching you. It is not a coincidence that you are practicing the teachings and leading a happy life. It is attributed to the grace and love of many people; therefore, you will have a happy life by being grateful to your blessings and sharing your happiness with as many people as possible.
Since I arrived here, thanks to Mrs. Shirley Iwatani's encouragement, I am trying to distribute Truth of Life magazines at supermarkets, restaurants, banks and other places without hesitation. I am very pleased to see that most people accept the magazines with a smile. It is very different from Japan.
I would like to share with you two of my experiences in propagation.
The other day, I talked with a cashier at a nearby supermarket. Her son is now studying in Japan and lives in Matsudo. Matsudo is a city next to Nagareyama where our family lived when we were in Japan, therefore, my wife and I were very surprised to hear the name of the city from a woman who lives in Kaneohe. It is a small world! At the end of our conversation, I gave her a Truth of Life magazine. She immediately cast her eyes on the cover and found the words "Seicho-No-Ie" and pointed out toward Jisso Center, "Seicho-No-Ie? Seicho-No-Ie over there?" I answered, "Yes! I'm a Seicho-No-Ie minister. I arrived here six months ago." Then she said with a very pleasing expression, "Welcome! Welcome to Hawaii! I like this magazine. Thank you!"
In another case, when my family installed solar panels on the roof of our house in Japan in November 2006, I gave a Japanese SNI magazine to Mr. Y who installed the panels. Before and after the installation, I had opportunities to talk with him. Every time I saw him, I talked about the Seicho-No-Ie teachings and mentioned that SNI is now taking action to preserve global environment from a religious perspective.
Although I did not hear from Mr. Y after he finished the job in our house, I recently heard that he attended a Public Lecture conducted by Rev. and Mrs. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President of Seicho-No-Ie, in Chiba Prefecture and said that he wants to learn the SNI teachings more deeply by attending a Readers’ Meeting. The reason is that last year, he installed solar panels on the house of a dedicated SNI leader in Chiba. On top of that, the dedicated leader is a respresentative for White Dove Association of Chiba Missionary Area; therefore, she encouraged him to participate in the Public Lecture. I was so impressed to hear this good news.
God showed us in the Divine Message of "Life's Purification Center" revealed through Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi, "To save even one person is truly a great deed in the eyes of God." Anyone who pays attention to propagation and has courage can propagate. And there is no other joy than the joy of conveying the truth.
You who are angels of love, let us pass out Truth of Life magazines at supermarkets, banks, restaurants, and parks with courage. Surely, there is someone waiting for you because God chose you as a messenger to convey the awareness that "everyone is a child of God" and gave you the teachings before all others.
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief, Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Missionary Area
Thank you very much, everyone.
The 44th International Spiritual Training Seminar at Jisso Center is just around the corner. Those who have not yet signed up, please don't miss this God-given opportunity! We also need and appreciate your help in the kitchen. Thank you very much.
I believe many of you have an experience or two that makes you glad to know Seicho-No-Ie. Then, who introduced you to the Seicho-No-Ie teachings? They may be your parents, siblings, relatives, friends, neighbors, acquaintances at PTA, supervisor at work, and so on; in any case, it is true that someone introduced you to Seicho-No-Ie. Beginning with Dr. and Mrs. Masaharu Taniguchi, the teachings passed through the love of many people before reaching you. It is not a coincidence that you are practicing the teachings and leading a happy life. It is attributed to the grace and love of many people; therefore, you will have a happy life by being grateful to your blessings and sharing your happiness with as many people as possible.
Since I arrived here, thanks to Mrs. Shirley Iwatani's encouragement, I am trying to distribute Truth of Life magazines at supermarkets, restaurants, banks and other places without hesitation. I am very pleased to see that most people accept the magazines with a smile. It is very different from Japan.
I would like to share with you two of my experiences in propagation.
The other day, I talked with a cashier at a nearby supermarket. Her son is now studying in Japan and lives in Matsudo. Matsudo is a city next to Nagareyama where our family lived when we were in Japan, therefore, my wife and I were very surprised to hear the name of the city from a woman who lives in Kaneohe. It is a small world! At the end of our conversation, I gave her a Truth of Life magazine. She immediately cast her eyes on the cover and found the words "Seicho-No-Ie" and pointed out toward Jisso Center, "Seicho-No-Ie? Seicho-No-Ie over there?" I answered, "Yes! I'm a Seicho-No-Ie minister. I arrived here six months ago." Then she said with a very pleasing expression, "Welcome! Welcome to Hawaii! I like this magazine. Thank you!"
In another case, when my family installed solar panels on the roof of our house in Japan in November 2006, I gave a Japanese SNI magazine to Mr. Y who installed the panels. Before and after the installation, I had opportunities to talk with him. Every time I saw him, I talked about the Seicho-No-Ie teachings and mentioned that SNI is now taking action to preserve global environment from a religious perspective.
Although I did not hear from Mr. Y after he finished the job in our house, I recently heard that he attended a Public Lecture conducted by Rev. and Mrs. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President of Seicho-No-Ie, in Chiba Prefecture and said that he wants to learn the SNI teachings more deeply by attending a Readers’ Meeting. The reason is that last year, he installed solar panels on the house of a dedicated SNI leader in Chiba. On top of that, the dedicated leader is a respresentative for White Dove Association of Chiba Missionary Area; therefore, she encouraged him to participate in the Public Lecture. I was so impressed to hear this good news.
God showed us in the Divine Message of "Life's Purification Center" revealed through Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi, "To save even one person is truly a great deed in the eyes of God." Anyone who pays attention to propagation and has courage can propagate. And there is no other joy than the joy of conveying the truth.
You who are angels of love, let us pass out Truth of Life magazines at supermarkets, banks, restaurants, and parks with courage. Surely, there is someone waiting for you because God chose you as a messenger to convey the awareness that "everyone is a child of God" and gave you the teachings before all others.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2008 January Message
For a Year of Practicing the "Sundial Way of Life"
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief Hawaii Missionary Area
A Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you are having a happy and cheerful holiday season.
My family and I will spend this holiday season outside of Japan for the first time. (I am writing this article on December 13.) Since I came to Hawaii, I've often felt surprised or awakened because there are many things that I've never experienced before. In other words, I've found different ways of thinking or customs that are not familiar to me. I believe such experiences enrich me spiritually and dramatically elevate my soul. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for this wonderful opportunity and to all the leaders and members who support us.
We are going to have an International Spiritual Training Seminar from February 22 to 24 after three years. It is a great opportunity for us to be spiritually awakened and to learn to improve our daily life. The seminar will be conducted by ordained ministers including Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of United States Missionary Headquarters. Please be sure not to miss this event and to invite your relatives and friends who live out of state. We also need a kitchen staff of volunteers.
We are fortunate to have an inspiring message from Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, vice president of Seicho-No-Ie, in this newsletter. In his message, he taught us to get back to the basics of the SNI spirit, namely, the "sundial way of life." He means we should not lead a life ruled by desire by focusing on what is inefficient or lacking but lead a life of gratitude for "nature's blessings" or things "we have been given," which is the Seicho-No-Ie way of life. Please read with appreciation his message over and over again.
Based on the guidance by Rev. Taniguchi, let us be a happy family with all family members enlightened by practicing Shinsokan Meditation at least once a day. And let us practice the sundial way of life that concentrates on what is granted, blessed, and positive. And for living an eco-friendly life, I recommend you consider whether or not, whatever you are purchasing, is truly necessary. If you buy what is unnecessary, it is not only an economic burden but also increases rubbish. I've heard that a dedicated SNI member is trying to buy products with an early expiration date so that she can save them from being discarded. And if you turn on the air conditioner, set the temperature at 82 degrees. This kind of "deeds of love" seems small but in large quantities it has the power to change the world.
In the Hawaii Missionary Area, we promoted the "1000 Readings of the Holy Sutra" since January 2005. Thanks to many of our members' participation, words of truth are resounding throughout the Hawaii Missionary Area. Reading the Holy Sutra to our ancestors is highly recommended; however, I would like to end this activity because I am now preparing to begin another activity. I would like to ask for your understanding. Nevertheless, when I receive your performance chart for reading the sutra, I will compile them carefully as before.
I mentioned in the beginning that I am writing this article on December 13; come to think of it, December 13 is the day Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi received a revelation, "Stand up now!" from the Lord of Seicho-No-Ie 79 years ago. Although Dr. Taniguchi received Divine Messages such as "Matter does not exist" or "Only the True-Image World exists," he did not think he could afford to establish an organization to enlighten the world after his retirement at that time. However, when he got robbed twice, he resolved to propagate the Seicho-No-Ie way of life to the world and took immediate action.
Let us be grateful to Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi who wholeheartedly dedicated all his life to propagating the teachings, and to Rev. Seicho Taniguchi and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi who continue to give us the teachings in this modern age. And let us propagate the teachings as Dr. Taniguchi had shown us so that we can establish a true paradise. Thank you very much!
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief Hawaii Missionary Area
A Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you are having a happy and cheerful holiday season.
My family and I will spend this holiday season outside of Japan for the first time. (I am writing this article on December 13.) Since I came to Hawaii, I've often felt surprised or awakened because there are many things that I've never experienced before. In other words, I've found different ways of thinking or customs that are not familiar to me. I believe such experiences enrich me spiritually and dramatically elevate my soul. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for this wonderful opportunity and to all the leaders and members who support us.
We are going to have an International Spiritual Training Seminar from February 22 to 24 after three years. It is a great opportunity for us to be spiritually awakened and to learn to improve our daily life. The seminar will be conducted by ordained ministers including Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of United States Missionary Headquarters. Please be sure not to miss this event and to invite your relatives and friends who live out of state. We also need a kitchen staff of volunteers.
We are fortunate to have an inspiring message from Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, vice president of Seicho-No-Ie, in this newsletter. In his message, he taught us to get back to the basics of the SNI spirit, namely, the "sundial way of life." He means we should not lead a life ruled by desire by focusing on what is inefficient or lacking but lead a life of gratitude for "nature's blessings" or things "we have been given," which is the Seicho-No-Ie way of life. Please read with appreciation his message over and over again.
Based on the guidance by Rev. Taniguchi, let us be a happy family with all family members enlightened by practicing Shinsokan Meditation at least once a day. And let us practice the sundial way of life that concentrates on what is granted, blessed, and positive. And for living an eco-friendly life, I recommend you consider whether or not, whatever you are purchasing, is truly necessary. If you buy what is unnecessary, it is not only an economic burden but also increases rubbish. I've heard that a dedicated SNI member is trying to buy products with an early expiration date so that she can save them from being discarded. And if you turn on the air conditioner, set the temperature at 82 degrees. This kind of "deeds of love" seems small but in large quantities it has the power to change the world.
In the Hawaii Missionary Area, we promoted the "1000 Readings of the Holy Sutra" since January 2005. Thanks to many of our members' participation, words of truth are resounding throughout the Hawaii Missionary Area. Reading the Holy Sutra to our ancestors is highly recommended; however, I would like to end this activity because I am now preparing to begin another activity. I would like to ask for your understanding. Nevertheless, when I receive your performance chart for reading the sutra, I will compile them carefully as before.
I mentioned in the beginning that I am writing this article on December 13; come to think of it, December 13 is the day Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi received a revelation, "Stand up now!" from the Lord of Seicho-No-Ie 79 years ago. Although Dr. Taniguchi received Divine Messages such as "Matter does not exist" or "Only the True-Image World exists," he did not think he could afford to establish an organization to enlighten the world after his retirement at that time. However, when he got robbed twice, he resolved to propagate the Seicho-No-Ie way of life to the world and took immediate action.
Let us be grateful to Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi who wholeheartedly dedicated all his life to propagating the teachings, and to Rev. Seicho Taniguchi and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi who continue to give us the teachings in this modern age. And let us propagate the teachings as Dr. Taniguchi had shown us so that we can establish a true paradise. Thank you very much!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
2007 December Message
With Gratitude to the Outgoing Year
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief Hawaii Missionary Area
On Sunday, November 11, Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii held a Public Lecture at Ala Moana Hotel with Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of U.S. Missionary Headquarters, and Rev. Hiei Ando, National Ordained Minister. It was truly a successful event with 130 attendees in the morning and about 90 in the afternoon. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all concerned including attendees and staff.
Before the Public Lecture, the 15th Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Leaders’ Seminar was held at Jisso Center under the guidance of Rev. Teshigawara, Rev. Ando, Rev. Leslie Iwatani, and myself. About 30 leaders attended the seminar and deepened their awareness of one of the three pillars of the Seicho-No-Ie teachings, "All religions emanate from one universal God." The seminar basically consisted of what we had learned at the Special Conference for World Peace with Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi in New York, namely about Islam.
You can refer to other articles of those events in the Newsletter; however, I would like to mention my personal impression.
At the Leaders’ Seminar, I was in charge of the lecture titled, "Seicho-No-Ie and the Oneness of All Religions." Since Rev. Teshigawara advised me to include an introduction to Islam in my lecture, I studied very hard about Islam even though it was for a short time. By studying about Islam and listening to three other lectures at the seminar, I was reminded of the profoundness, beautifulness and mercifulness of Islam which I learned in New York from Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, vice president of SNI, and Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl, and I strongly resolved to try to be familiar with Islam as much as possible.
Regarding the Public Lecture, to our surprise and joy, we had an unexpected number of participants, including almost 40 first-timers. Publicizing in The Honolulu Advertiser was a great success; however, I believe creating an attractive flyer, including writing and improving the contents, distributing them with love, and promoting the event to our families, friends, and others also contributed to our success. In addition, a week before the Public Lecture, 10 SNI leaders visited about 200 neighbors on Matlock Ave. and distributed a packet containing a Truth of Life magazine, public lecture flyer, and good-word card. This was also very effective especially from the spiritual point of view. Of course, it goes without saying that the attendees are the greatest contributors to our events.
By the way, we only have one month left to this year. How was this year for you? By recalling what happened to you this year, you will find many happy, encouraging, and grateful things. On the other hand, you may find unhappy, sorrowful, and painful matters. Please reflect upon yourself calmly and be grateful for the positive happenings from the bottom of your heart. And also be grateful to the negative incidents by believing that they polish and train your soul, and elevate you to be a very considerate person.
For myself, it was a year filled with exciting changes. In the first half of the year, I was assigned to Hong Kong and Germany to conduct activities there, and came to Hawaii on June 1st to assume the position of Acting Chief of Hawaii Missionary Area. It seemed to be an unanticipated huge role for me; however, thanks to the love and contribution of our leaders and members, I managed to do my job without any problems so far. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Lord of Seicho-No-Ie, to Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi, Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, and all of you who have provided me with countless and priceless support in various ways.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Acting Chief Hawaii Missionary Area
On Sunday, November 11, Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii held a Public Lecture at Ala Moana Hotel with Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of U.S. Missionary Headquarters, and Rev. Hiei Ando, National Ordained Minister. It was truly a successful event with 130 attendees in the morning and about 90 in the afternoon. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all concerned including attendees and staff.
Before the Public Lecture, the 15th Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Leaders’ Seminar was held at Jisso Center under the guidance of Rev. Teshigawara, Rev. Ando, Rev. Leslie Iwatani, and myself. About 30 leaders attended the seminar and deepened their awareness of one of the three pillars of the Seicho-No-Ie teachings, "All religions emanate from one universal God." The seminar basically consisted of what we had learned at the Special Conference for World Peace with Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi in New York, namely about Islam.
You can refer to other articles of those events in the Newsletter; however, I would like to mention my personal impression.
At the Leaders’ Seminar, I was in charge of the lecture titled, "Seicho-No-Ie and the Oneness of All Religions." Since Rev. Teshigawara advised me to include an introduction to Islam in my lecture, I studied very hard about Islam even though it was for a short time. By studying about Islam and listening to three other lectures at the seminar, I was reminded of the profoundness, beautifulness and mercifulness of Islam which I learned in New York from Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, vice president of SNI, and Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl, and I strongly resolved to try to be familiar with Islam as much as possible.
Regarding the Public Lecture, to our surprise and joy, we had an unexpected number of participants, including almost 40 first-timers. Publicizing in The Honolulu Advertiser was a great success; however, I believe creating an attractive flyer, including writing and improving the contents, distributing them with love, and promoting the event to our families, friends, and others also contributed to our success. In addition, a week before the Public Lecture, 10 SNI leaders visited about 200 neighbors on Matlock Ave. and distributed a packet containing a Truth of Life magazine, public lecture flyer, and good-word card. This was also very effective especially from the spiritual point of view. Of course, it goes without saying that the attendees are the greatest contributors to our events.
By the way, we only have one month left to this year. How was this year for you? By recalling what happened to you this year, you will find many happy, encouraging, and grateful things. On the other hand, you may find unhappy, sorrowful, and painful matters. Please reflect upon yourself calmly and be grateful for the positive happenings from the bottom of your heart. And also be grateful to the negative incidents by believing that they polish and train your soul, and elevate you to be a very considerate person.
For myself, it was a year filled with exciting changes. In the first half of the year, I was assigned to Hong Kong and Germany to conduct activities there, and came to Hawaii on June 1st to assume the position of Acting Chief of Hawaii Missionary Area. It seemed to be an unanticipated huge role for me; however, thanks to the love and contribution of our leaders and members, I managed to do my job without any problems so far. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Lord of Seicho-No-Ie, to Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi, Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, and all of you who have provided me with countless and priceless support in various ways.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Friday, November 02, 2007
2007 November Message
For our beloved Earth
Rev. Tetsuya Abe,
Acting Chief Hawaii Missionary Area
With the cool morning and evening temperatures, we can feel autumn in the air. My wife and I love this season very much because of the breeze and birds cheerfully singing in the morning as we practice Shinsokan Meditation. Feeling this seasonal change and seeing a beautiful sunset over the magnificent sea, I can sense that "the Earth is alive!"
We will soon have a free Public Lecture on Sunday, November 11 at Ala Moana Hotel. Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of United States Missionary Headquarters, and Rev. Hiei Ando, National Ordained Minister, will guide us with their inspiring lectures. Please look at the attached flyer once again. Let us share the joy of learning and practicing the teachings with your families, relatives, neighbors, and friends. I am looking forward to seeing you there.
Recently, there was an announcement that this year's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Al Gore, former U.S. Vice President, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It is the second time for the Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded to persons who contributed to environmental preservation activities following Wangari Maathai of Kenya, vice minister of environment, in 2004.
In Seicho-No-Ie, Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, vice president of Seicho-No-Ie, continues to teach us that the issue of "Environment, Peace and Resources" has been closely connected for years; therefore, to realize peace by faith, we need to take action to preserve our environment from a religious perspective. Namely, we care for Earth and save energy as a manifestation of deeds of love based upon the teaching of "Be grateful to the whole universe" as stated in "Divine Message of Grand Harmony." I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi who founded the teachings, and strive to put into practice the teachings given in accordance with current situations by Rev. Seicho Taniguchi and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi.
In the Hawaii Missionary Area, we are heading in the direction of focusing on the green issue, thanks to our members’ cooperation. At the leader's seminar held at Jisso Center from August 31st to September 2nd 2007, Gary Tashiro, president of Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii, delivered a wonderful lecture on why Seicho-No-Ie is involved in ecological issues by presenting the message by Rev. Seicho Taniguchi and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi as well as the U.S. movement policy for 2007, and he introduced his family's eco-friendly actions. After his lecture, all participants who were inspired by his lecture discussed what we could do as a group and their ideas were given to Clifford Nishimura, committee chairman of environmental issues in the Missionary Area. In addition, I have heard that our friends on the neighbor islands are now participating in these activities in their own way.
We attended the in-person meetings of the SNI, Inc. Board of Directors at the New Gardena Hotel from October 12 to 14. Among the 22 participants at the meeting were Gary Tashiro, Gordon Ogi, Kevin Ichishita (SNI, Inc. Board members from Hawaii), Rev. Leslie Iwatani and myself. We discussed how to move forward in the International Peace by Faith Movement in the United States.
Rev. Teshigawara taught us in the meetings, "The more we understand the teachings of Seicho-No-Ie and deepen our realization of the truth, the more we will want to do something good for the environment. To practice the teachings and to care for the Earth are one."
How about sharing your experiences to save energy or do something friendly for the Earth? I welcome your comments. Ph: 537-6965, FAX: 524-9026, E-mail: snihi@hawaii.rr.com, Both English and Japanese are available. Thank you very much.
Rev. Tetsuya Abe,
Acting Chief Hawaii Missionary Area
With the cool morning and evening temperatures, we can feel autumn in the air. My wife and I love this season very much because of the breeze and birds cheerfully singing in the morning as we practice Shinsokan Meditation. Feeling this seasonal change and seeing a beautiful sunset over the magnificent sea, I can sense that "the Earth is alive!"
We will soon have a free Public Lecture on Sunday, November 11 at Ala Moana Hotel. Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of United States Missionary Headquarters, and Rev. Hiei Ando, National Ordained Minister, will guide us with their inspiring lectures. Please look at the attached flyer once again. Let us share the joy of learning and practicing the teachings with your families, relatives, neighbors, and friends. I am looking forward to seeing you there.
Recently, there was an announcement that this year's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Al Gore, former U.S. Vice President, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It is the second time for the Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded to persons who contributed to environmental preservation activities following Wangari Maathai of Kenya, vice minister of environment, in 2004.
In Seicho-No-Ie, Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, vice president of Seicho-No-Ie, continues to teach us that the issue of "Environment, Peace and Resources" has been closely connected for years; therefore, to realize peace by faith, we need to take action to preserve our environment from a religious perspective. Namely, we care for Earth and save energy as a manifestation of deeds of love based upon the teaching of "Be grateful to the whole universe" as stated in "Divine Message of Grand Harmony." I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi who founded the teachings, and strive to put into practice the teachings given in accordance with current situations by Rev. Seicho Taniguchi and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi.
In the Hawaii Missionary Area, we are heading in the direction of focusing on the green issue, thanks to our members’ cooperation. At the leader's seminar held at Jisso Center from August 31st to September 2nd 2007, Gary Tashiro, president of Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii, delivered a wonderful lecture on why Seicho-No-Ie is involved in ecological issues by presenting the message by Rev. Seicho Taniguchi and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi as well as the U.S. movement policy for 2007, and he introduced his family's eco-friendly actions. After his lecture, all participants who were inspired by his lecture discussed what we could do as a group and their ideas were given to Clifford Nishimura, committee chairman of environmental issues in the Missionary Area. In addition, I have heard that our friends on the neighbor islands are now participating in these activities in their own way.
We attended the in-person meetings of the SNI, Inc. Board of Directors at the New Gardena Hotel from October 12 to 14. Among the 22 participants at the meeting were Gary Tashiro, Gordon Ogi, Kevin Ichishita (SNI, Inc. Board members from Hawaii), Rev. Leslie Iwatani and myself. We discussed how to move forward in the International Peace by Faith Movement in the United States.
Rev. Teshigawara taught us in the meetings, "The more we understand the teachings of Seicho-No-Ie and deepen our realization of the truth, the more we will want to do something good for the environment. To practice the teachings and to care for the Earth are one."
How about sharing your experiences to save energy or do something friendly for the Earth? I welcome your comments. Ph: 537-6965, FAX: 524-9026, E-mail: snihi@hawaii.rr.com, Both English and Japanese are available. Thank you very much.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Training
Our household policy for child raring is not to force the child what she doesn't want. However, she is still using a diaper after her three-year-old birthday, we decided to have her take to the bathroom even though she feels annoyed. At first she couldn't pee-pee at all, my wife dared to remove her diaper but put her underpants. As a result our daughter wet her pants as expected, however, after that accident, whenever she wants to go to bathroom she came to call my wife and said that she wants to go there. She seems still to be unwilling to sit on the toilet, its success rate is increasing.
I have learned through my daughter that a new born baby has an ability to suck on something but cannot eat without learning how to do. What I saw my daughter learning various things step by step impressed me that I was raised like this way and I've been now learning one by one.
English didn't emerge from my mouth just after I arrived here and there was a chance that I stopped to say something when I wanted to say actually, but through my situation that I have to communicate with other members in English in my daily work, my English is improving little by little. I appreciate this environment.
I recalled the teaching that says "Do Your Best to Fully Utilize the Present Moment" and want to put it into practice in my daily life.
-TA
I have learned through my daughter that a new born baby has an ability to suck on something but cannot eat without learning how to do. What I saw my daughter learning various things step by step impressed me that I was raised like this way and I've been now learning one by one.
English didn't emerge from my mouth just after I arrived here and there was a chance that I stopped to say something when I wanted to say actually, but through my situation that I have to communicate with other members in English in my daily work, my English is improving little by little. I appreciate this environment.
I recalled the teaching that says "Do Your Best to Fully Utilize the Present Moment" and want to put it into practice in my daily life.
-TA
Thursday, August 02, 2007
2007 August Message
Seicho-No-Ie Is Wonderful! Let Us Express Words of Joy!
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Actind Chief, SNI Hawaii Missionary Area
It has been a month and a half since I arrived here in Hawaii. I cannot find the appropriate words to express my appreciation to you for your heartfelt hospitality and countless support that you have extended to me. On July 6, my wife and 2-year-and-10-month-old daughter happily joined me to start our new life. It is a great pleasure for us to join you to promote our movement that conveys the wonderful Seicho-No-Ie teachings here in Hawaii.
One of the things that impressed me the most since I arrived is that whomever I met kindly said, "Please tell me whatever you need" or "I want to do anything that I can to help you." This fills my heart with a deep sense of gratitude. Again, thank you very much for your kindness.
Well, as you already know, Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi, Holy Master, founded Seicho-No-Ie to enlighten our way of thinking by using the creative power of words which will lead to a happy and cheerful life and in the end realize world peace. Dr. Taniguchi taught about "Power of Words" in Truth of Life, Volume 30 as follows:
As thus mentioned, we need to pay attention to our words. The Bible says that the "Word is God and everything is created by words." In this way, it is true that the key to happiness is in our words. Therefore, it is Seicho-No-Ie's Humanity Enligtenment Movement that stresses the importance of “Words” to use and read only good words. And it lets all mankind know the power of words and to draw out their divine nature with good words.
(Seimei no Jisso "Truth of Life" Vol. 30, p. 10)
For the sake of putting the spirit of Seicho-No-Ie into practice in your daily life, "Sundial Diary" was published at end of last year (Edited by Mrs. Junko Taniguchi, Vice President of the White Dove Association, it is not yet available in English). The diary encourages you to record only what is positive and joyful, and words of gratitude.
Since keeping a diary from the beginning of this year, I feel I’ve become good at finding praiseworthy points in people and things, and in deepening my faith that whatever happens to me is only to elevate my soul. Incidentally, almost everyday I write, "May God's infinite love flows into all members in Hawaii and make them all happy and prosperous" which also gives me a great sense of joy.
So let us record only the good in our minds. And lead a joyful, cheerful and happy life. Then manifest and sincerely extend that to everyone around you! Thank you very much!
Rev. Tetsuya Abe
Actind Chief, SNI Hawaii Missionary Area
It has been a month and a half since I arrived here in Hawaii. I cannot find the appropriate words to express my appreciation to you for your heartfelt hospitality and countless support that you have extended to me. On July 6, my wife and 2-year-and-10-month-old daughter happily joined me to start our new life. It is a great pleasure for us to join you to promote our movement that conveys the wonderful Seicho-No-Ie teachings here in Hawaii.
One of the things that impressed me the most since I arrived is that whomever I met kindly said, "Please tell me whatever you need" or "I want to do anything that I can to help you." This fills my heart with a deep sense of gratitude. Again, thank you very much for your kindness.
Well, as you already know, Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi, Holy Master, founded Seicho-No-Ie to enlighten our way of thinking by using the creative power of words which will lead to a happy and cheerful life and in the end realize world peace. Dr. Taniguchi taught about "Power of Words" in Truth of Life, Volume 30 as follows:
As thus mentioned, we need to pay attention to our words. The Bible says that the "Word is God and everything is created by words." In this way, it is true that the key to happiness is in our words. Therefore, it is Seicho-No-Ie's Humanity Enligtenment Movement that stresses the importance of “Words” to use and read only good words. And it lets all mankind know the power of words and to draw out their divine nature with good words.
(Seimei no Jisso "Truth of Life" Vol. 30, p. 10)
For the sake of putting the spirit of Seicho-No-Ie into practice in your daily life, "Sundial Diary" was published at end of last year (Edited by Mrs. Junko Taniguchi, Vice President of the White Dove Association, it is not yet available in English). The diary encourages you to record only what is positive and joyful, and words of gratitude.
Since keeping a diary from the beginning of this year, I feel I’ve become good at finding praiseworthy points in people and things, and in deepening my faith that whatever happens to me is only to elevate my soul. Incidentally, almost everyday I write, "May God's infinite love flows into all members in Hawaii and make them all happy and prosperous" which also gives me a great sense of joy.
So let us record only the good in our minds. And lead a joyful, cheerful and happy life. Then manifest and sincerely extend that to everyone around you! Thank you very much!
Monday, July 02, 2007
Aloha Message!
Aloha! Mahalo Nui Loa! Thank you very much!
I am Rev. Tetsuya Abe and I have been assigned to the Hawaii Missionary Area as Acting Chief to succeed Rev. Shozo Sawa who will be retiring at the end of June.
It is my great pleasure to meet you all. I was in Hawaii in 2000 to attend the 19th International Spiritual Training Seminar at Jisso Center when I was a reporter at the Public Information Department, Seicho-No-Ie International Headquarters. It seems only yesterday that we were greeted by the bright blue sky and radiant smiles of all the members here. By participating in the seminar, I was extremely moved to share the joy of believing in the absolute Goodness of God with people of various cultural backgrounds. Then and there, I had a dream to join the movement, expanding the joy of practicing the teachings of SNI with those in the United States.
After I was transferred to the International Department in 2002, I was assigned to support leaders in Europe and South Korea, attending many seminars as the minister representing International Headquarters. I met many wonderful members at the Spiritual Training Seminars and Leaders Seminars held in South Korea and Europe, as well as Readers Meetings and Leaders Seminar in Hong Kong. At these seminars, we studied together the basic teachings of SNI such as, "Man is a child of God," "Our environment is a reflection of our mind," and "All religions emanate from one universal God" and shared the joy of practicing the teachings with the attendees. Through these experiences, I have gained an invaluable spiritual asset that encouraged me to propagate the teachings of SNI in the global arena.
Now, I am honored to join you here in Hawaii as a person responsible to promote the Humanity Enlightenment Movement-International Peace-by-Faith Movement. I would like to keep in mind the fact that the SNI movement in Hawaii has a long, valuable history and there are many distinguished senior members who have dedicated themselves. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them as well as to Rev. Shozo Sawa who has given priceless guidance and Rev. Leslie Iwatani who has long contributed to the movement here.
I will strive to develop our movement and make as many people as possible happy by deeply awakening to the basic teaching that we are children of God as taught by Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi, studying the teachings as delivered according to current situations by Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, President of SNI, and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President, and following the guidance given by Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of U.S. Missionary Headquarters.
Actually, since the day I arrived at Honolulu Airport, I have felt like I AM already an AMERICAN and a HAWAIIAN. Let us join hands and promote the International Peace-by-Faith Movement in a bright and cheerful manner. Thank you very much! Mahalo Nui Loa!
I am Rev. Tetsuya Abe and I have been assigned to the Hawaii Missionary Area as Acting Chief to succeed Rev. Shozo Sawa who will be retiring at the end of June.
It is my great pleasure to meet you all. I was in Hawaii in 2000 to attend the 19th International Spiritual Training Seminar at Jisso Center when I was a reporter at the Public Information Department, Seicho-No-Ie International Headquarters. It seems only yesterday that we were greeted by the bright blue sky and radiant smiles of all the members here. By participating in the seminar, I was extremely moved to share the joy of believing in the absolute Goodness of God with people of various cultural backgrounds. Then and there, I had a dream to join the movement, expanding the joy of practicing the teachings of SNI with those in the United States.
After I was transferred to the International Department in 2002, I was assigned to support leaders in Europe and South Korea, attending many seminars as the minister representing International Headquarters. I met many wonderful members at the Spiritual Training Seminars and Leaders Seminars held in South Korea and Europe, as well as Readers Meetings and Leaders Seminar in Hong Kong. At these seminars, we studied together the basic teachings of SNI such as, "Man is a child of God," "Our environment is a reflection of our mind," and "All religions emanate from one universal God" and shared the joy of practicing the teachings with the attendees. Through these experiences, I have gained an invaluable spiritual asset that encouraged me to propagate the teachings of SNI in the global arena.
Now, I am honored to join you here in Hawaii as a person responsible to promote the Humanity Enlightenment Movement-International Peace-by-Faith Movement. I would like to keep in mind the fact that the SNI movement in Hawaii has a long, valuable history and there are many distinguished senior members who have dedicated themselves. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them as well as to Rev. Shozo Sawa who has given priceless guidance and Rev. Leslie Iwatani who has long contributed to the movement here.
I will strive to develop our movement and make as many people as possible happy by deeply awakening to the basic teaching that we are children of God as taught by Dr. Masaharu Taniguchi, studying the teachings as delivered according to current situations by Rev. Seicho Taniguchi, President of SNI, and Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, Vice President, and following the guidance given by Rev. Yoshiko Teshigawara, Bishop of U.S. Missionary Headquarters.
Actually, since the day I arrived at Honolulu Airport, I have felt like I AM already an AMERICAN and a HAWAIIAN. Let us join hands and promote the International Peace-by-Faith Movement in a bright and cheerful manner. Thank you very much! Mahalo Nui Loa!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
I had a relatively long talk with my wife on the phone. I mainly reported her on how my work at Matlock Center, a base of propagating the teachings of Seicho-No-Ie in Hawaii, is going and also how our future life here will be going. I am now getting the picture about activities in this Missionary Area. What I can say now is all people here are kind, friendly and enthusiastic about learning the teachings of Seicho-No-Ie. Every single man and woman who I met told me like, "If you have some problem, please tell me without hesitation." I feel relieved every time I hear that. I would like to make a further effort to meet their expectation and contribute to expanding our movement that makes people happy in a real sense.
-TA
-TA
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Just Arrived!
I arrived at Honolulu airport on 10:00. I was honorly greeted by Rev. and Mrs. Shozo Sawa, Rev. and Mrs. Leslie Iwatani, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Tashiro and Mrs. Edna Nishimura. It was a first step for me to lead a new life in Hawaii. Rev. Sawa will be retired at the end of this month, therefore, I will be assigned as Acting Chief of Hawaii Missionary Area. I would like to be active and helpful to contribute to spreading the teachings of Seicho-No-Ie as much as possible.
Since Rev. Sawa is going to return to Japan on 23rd this month, he lost no time in succeeding his job and gave me some explanation on his work in a concise manner.
In the evening, I entered a Japanese restaurant where I ate curry and rice. But unfortunately it included four loafs of beef, I could not eat them. Other than that, it was satisfactory.
Last not but least, I really appreciate who support me in various ways.
Since Rev. Sawa is going to return to Japan on 23rd this month, he lost no time in succeeding his job and gave me some explanation on his work in a concise manner.
In the evening, I entered a Japanese restaurant where I ate curry and rice. But unfortunately it included four loafs of beef, I could not eat them. Other than that, it was satisfactory.
Last not but least, I really appreciate who support me in various ways.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
VISA
Today, I went to the U.S. embassy in Tokyo with my wife to be interviewed for R-1 and R-2 VISA, or a Non-immigrant visa for religious affiliated people and their family. Thefefore, we asked a nearby nursery school to take care for our 2-year-and-8-month old daughter beforehand.
However, there was an abrupt accident. The daughter got a high fever of 40 degrees centigrade yesterday and went to see our home doctor. He diagnosed her as a simple cold but since the fever was really high, the nursery school isn't supposed to accept such a sick kid. And we also cannot leave her home alone. We were really at a loss, then, my wife consulted my younger sister who worked as a public nurse by phone. She immediately lent a helping hand to search for a service available such an emergency. It is fortunate to say that such a service is accessible in Nagareyama City where we live. My sister gave my wife some information of facilitator of "Family Support," including her name and phone number.
My wife called the facilitator in no time whether someone can come home to take care of our sick kid. She was kind enough to make an effort to look for someone available, and she ended up finding a very kind elderly woman who deals with this situation. We were astonished to see that happened so smoothly and were grateful for all concerned.
Today, when we saw the woman, Mrs. Watanabe, at our home in the morning, we were impressed by her tender and mild atmosphere. Though our daughter burst into tears when my wife and I left home, but according to Mrs. Watanabe, she's stopped crying for ten minutes or so and started to play in a cheerful manner.
At the U.S. embassy, we had to wait more than an hour and half before our interview. The officer we met pointed out a lack of document, therefore, our section which is responsible for the matter started to contact with our U.S. organization to meet their demand. I've heard that when it arrives at the embassy, we are going to obtain R-1 and R-2 visa and are able to go to Hawaii as scheduled.
-TA
However, there was an abrupt accident. The daughter got a high fever of 40 degrees centigrade yesterday and went to see our home doctor. He diagnosed her as a simple cold but since the fever was really high, the nursery school isn't supposed to accept such a sick kid. And we also cannot leave her home alone. We were really at a loss, then, my wife consulted my younger sister who worked as a public nurse by phone. She immediately lent a helping hand to search for a service available such an emergency. It is fortunate to say that such a service is accessible in Nagareyama City where we live. My sister gave my wife some information of facilitator of "Family Support," including her name and phone number.
My wife called the facilitator in no time whether someone can come home to take care of our sick kid. She was kind enough to make an effort to look for someone available, and she ended up finding a very kind elderly woman who deals with this situation. We were astonished to see that happened so smoothly and were grateful for all concerned.
Today, when we saw the woman, Mrs. Watanabe, at our home in the morning, we were impressed by her tender and mild atmosphere. Though our daughter burst into tears when my wife and I left home, but according to Mrs. Watanabe, she's stopped crying for ten minutes or so and started to play in a cheerful manner.
At the U.S. embassy, we had to wait more than an hour and half before our interview. The officer we met pointed out a lack of document, therefore, our section which is responsible for the matter started to contact with our U.S. organization to meet their demand. I've heard that when it arrives at the embassy, we are going to obtain R-1 and R-2 visa and are able to go to Hawaii as scheduled.
-TA
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Religion and Me
There was an eye-catching story that tells "Religion now getting an 'A' at U.S. universities" on the May 3rd issue of International Herald Tribune. According to the article, two-third of 112,000 freshmen surveyed said they prayed and almost 80 percent believed in God. The attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 by Islamic extremists and increasing number of international students seem to be some of the reasons.
When asked why I came to believe in the religion that I trust, though it is not easy to answer in a concise manner, I will reply that the religion has a dynamic power to change your life.
I was introduce to the religion, which is called Seicho-No-Ie(SNI) or home of infinite happiness and prosperity, by my parents, but it was when I was 18 years old that I started to learn the SNI teachings with passion. Before that I considered religion as something that helps people who are not confident or independent. When I attended a spiritual training seminar in Uji temple in Japan, however, I completely change my mind toward religion; A true religion has a power to change your life in the right direction and guide you forever.
That experience in Uji was a real eye-opener that I never, ever forgot through my life. Rev. Kamino Kusumoto, elderly SNI ordained minister, who does not speak fluently but speaks words by words in a heartfelt way, shared the attendee with how he devoted all his life into the way propagating the teachings. Listening to that, I realized that I had only understood the SNI teachings superficially but rather I should put it into practice to my everyday life.
Since then, my life, fate and environment have completely changed and began my new life as giving spiritual gift to others.
One year after I joined SNI International Headquarters in 1992, the International Peace by Faith movement was launched. After being involved in a youth movement for 5 years, I was transferred to Public Informaition Department where I was in charge of International affairs. Reading reports on events held in a global arena and writing articles, my enthusiasm to the movement was bubbling up and desired to share the spiritual joy with people of all over the world by attending those events. At last I attended an International Spiritual Training Seminar held in Hawaii in 2000, where I was deeply inspired and encouraged. Then I started to learn English so as to propagate the teachings in English and am now doing that.
Before participating the spiritual training seminar at Uji temple, I never dreamed of engaging in religion or working in English. Now I am going to Hawaii to make as many people as possible by conveying the teachings. Religious faith certainly changed my life brilliantly.
-TA
When asked why I came to believe in the religion that I trust, though it is not easy to answer in a concise manner, I will reply that the religion has a dynamic power to change your life.
I was introduce to the religion, which is called Seicho-No-Ie(SNI) or home of infinite happiness and prosperity, by my parents, but it was when I was 18 years old that I started to learn the SNI teachings with passion. Before that I considered religion as something that helps people who are not confident or independent. When I attended a spiritual training seminar in Uji temple in Japan, however, I completely change my mind toward religion; A true religion has a power to change your life in the right direction and guide you forever.
That experience in Uji was a real eye-opener that I never, ever forgot through my life. Rev. Kamino Kusumoto, elderly SNI ordained minister, who does not speak fluently but speaks words by words in a heartfelt way, shared the attendee with how he devoted all his life into the way propagating the teachings. Listening to that, I realized that I had only understood the SNI teachings superficially but rather I should put it into practice to my everyday life.
Since then, my life, fate and environment have completely changed and began my new life as giving spiritual gift to others.
One year after I joined SNI International Headquarters in 1992, the International Peace by Faith movement was launched. After being involved in a youth movement for 5 years, I was transferred to Public Informaition Department where I was in charge of International affairs. Reading reports on events held in a global arena and writing articles, my enthusiasm to the movement was bubbling up and desired to share the spiritual joy with people of all over the world by attending those events. At last I attended an International Spiritual Training Seminar held in Hawaii in 2000, where I was deeply inspired and encouraged. Then I started to learn English so as to propagate the teachings in English and am now doing that.
Before participating the spiritual training seminar at Uji temple, I never dreamed of engaging in religion or working in English. Now I am going to Hawaii to make as many people as possible by conveying the teachings. Religious faith certainly changed my life brilliantly.
-TA
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Go to Hawaii
Long Time No See!
I am now assigned to go to Hawaii as Acting Chief of Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Missionary Area on the day of July 1st. It was adopted at the Seicho-No-Ie Top Level Conference held on March 7th. My wife and I are devoting ourselves to preparation for the move, because I am scheduled to go there earlier than expected though the date of departure isn't fixed.
After the decision, I became to feel that I am supported by much more people than I recognized. Some are kind enough to be pleased with my move as their own affairs, while others worry about my family members. Fortunately my wife likes to go abroad and is eager to learn English so that she can communicate with local people there, therefore, my wife, my 2-year-old daughter and I take this as an ouspicious occasion.
-TA
I am now assigned to go to Hawaii as Acting Chief of Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Missionary Area on the day of July 1st. It was adopted at the Seicho-No-Ie Top Level Conference held on March 7th. My wife and I are devoting ourselves to preparation for the move, because I am scheduled to go there earlier than expected though the date of departure isn't fixed.
After the decision, I became to feel that I am supported by much more people than I recognized. Some are kind enough to be pleased with my move as their own affairs, while others worry about my family members. Fortunately my wife likes to go abroad and is eager to learn English so that she can communicate with local people there, therefore, my wife, my 2-year-old daughter and I take this as an ouspicious occasion.
-TA
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Early Bird
What time do you usually wake up in the morning? You may say it depends on what time you go to bed. It is true.
About a dozen years ago, a Japanese woman, a prestigious environmentalist as well as a simultaneous interpreter, published a bestseller book titled, "You can do everything you want by waking up 2 o'clock in the morning." She describes herself "a common household wife" who turned into a interpreter in two years while doing child rearing. But you should not be deceived the word "common," because she has a graduate degree from Tokyo university, top-notch in Asia.
Setting aside her academic background, however, according to her book, she always goes to bed 8 o'clock in the evening and wakes up 2 o'clock in the morning. This is why she can make use of even 4 hours for her own affairs before every other family members wake up.
I was impressed by her way of living, but I cannot do the same thing. But I agree with her idea of making use of morning time. It is true that increasing numbers of companies in Japan are holding a morning in the meeting rather than in the evening. They say it helps employees work more productively.
As for me I usually wake up 5 o'clock in the morning. I spend one hour doing meditation and Seicho-No-Ie's Holy Sutra reading, which provides me with spiritual enlightenment. In other words, these make up a vital spiritual training for me that enables me to see a brighter side in my life and every man and woman as a child of God. After these conducts, I spend time keeping a diary, watching a movie with a portable DVD player in English, or studying English by using other material. Morning time is said to be compared to gold of the day, I completely agree with this notion.
-TA
About a dozen years ago, a Japanese woman, a prestigious environmentalist as well as a simultaneous interpreter, published a bestseller book titled, "You can do everything you want by waking up 2 o'clock in the morning." She describes herself "a common household wife" who turned into a interpreter in two years while doing child rearing. But you should not be deceived the word "common," because she has a graduate degree from Tokyo university, top-notch in Asia.
Setting aside her academic background, however, according to her book, she always goes to bed 8 o'clock in the evening and wakes up 2 o'clock in the morning. This is why she can make use of even 4 hours for her own affairs before every other family members wake up.
I was impressed by her way of living, but I cannot do the same thing. But I agree with her idea of making use of morning time. It is true that increasing numbers of companies in Japan are holding a morning in the meeting rather than in the evening. They say it helps employees work more productively.
As for me I usually wake up 5 o'clock in the morning. I spend one hour doing meditation and Seicho-No-Ie's Holy Sutra reading, which provides me with spiritual enlightenment. In other words, these make up a vital spiritual training for me that enables me to see a brighter side in my life and every man and woman as a child of God. After these conducts, I spend time keeping a diary, watching a movie with a portable DVD player in English, or studying English by using other material. Morning time is said to be compared to gold of the day, I completely agree with this notion.
-TA
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Intercultural Communication
In the end of last month, we had a Delegetes' Conference, at which Seicho-No-Ie movement policy for 2007 was disclosed and discussed by mainly Japanese leaders with a dozen of world leaders. As a member of the International Department of our organization, I took care of those representatives from the U.S., Brazil, South Korea, Taiwan and Germany.
After the Conference, I joined some of the members and went to a sushi restaurant. What the background of them and the languages available are as follows:
Japanese American who lives in California
---- English, Japanese(very little)
Japanese German who lives in Germany
---- German, English, Japanese(to some degree)
Korean who lives in South Korea
---- Korean, Japanese, English(listening only)
Japanese who lives in Germany
---- Japanese, English
Japanese who lives in Japan but has lived in the U.S.
for 10 years
---- Japanese, English
Japanese who has lived in Spain for study
---- Japanese, Spanish(to some degree)
And me, who lives in Japan with no experience living
abroad
---- Japanese, English...
We all enjoyed cheerfully talking about sushi and so on. Sometimes the German told us how to call a name of fish in German and some of Japanese encourage westerners raw fish. I believe it was a precious time for all of the participants.
Some say that difference is a source of conflict, but I don't think so. Through this experience, I become more confident that difference is rather a source of abundance.
-TA
After the Conference, I joined some of the members and went to a sushi restaurant. What the background of them and the languages available are as follows:
Japanese American who lives in California
---- English, Japanese(very little)
Japanese German who lives in Germany
---- German, English, Japanese(to some degree)
Korean who lives in South Korea
---- Korean, Japanese, English(listening only)
Japanese who lives in Germany
---- Japanese, English
Japanese who lives in Japan but has lived in the U.S.
for 10 years
---- Japanese, English
Japanese who has lived in Spain for study
---- Japanese, Spanish(to some degree)
And me, who lives in Japan with no experience living
abroad
---- Japanese, English...
We all enjoyed cheerfully talking about sushi and so on. Sometimes the German told us how to call a name of fish in German and some of Japanese encourage westerners raw fish. I believe it was a precious time for all of the participants.
Some say that difference is a source of conflict, but I don't think so. Through this experience, I become more confident that difference is rather a source of abundance.
-TA
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Children learn from learning Parents
I read a piece of issue on the "Asahi Shimbun," Japanese leading Newspaper, that says a child whose parents are enthusiastic with learning something tend to study hard at school. According to the writer, junior high school teacher, when listening spontaneously to conversations among students, he found that they were proud of their parents learning something. A student saying "My mother joins chorus. Her practice sometimes bothers my homework" seems to be proud of her mother, the author said. A further student showed a picture letter drawn by her mother to her company with a happy look.
The teacher introduces this story when he is consulted by some parents who gripe that, "My sons or daughters never study at home. How can I have them work hard?"
I totally agree with him. It is true that Kids want to be proud of their parents. If kids are very young, they undoubtedly imitate what their parents do. From that perspective, I really admire my 80-year-old father-in-law because he keeps studying at the University of Air and leads a vivid life.
As for my wife, while she is rearing a two-year-old daughter, she studies baby massage and the teachings of Seicho-No-Ie, which not only shows how to lead a fruitful life based on true faith but also deals with the latest issue like Climate Change or the state of the art scientific technology. I believe her behavior has a good impact on our kid's education.
Anyway, I will keep it in mind and this blog as much as possible.
-TA
The teacher introduces this story when he is consulted by some parents who gripe that, "My sons or daughters never study at home. How can I have them work hard?"
I totally agree with him. It is true that Kids want to be proud of their parents. If kids are very young, they undoubtedly imitate what their parents do. From that perspective, I really admire my 80-year-old father-in-law because he keeps studying at the University of Air and leads a vivid life.
As for my wife, while she is rearing a two-year-old daughter, she studies baby massage and the teachings of Seicho-No-Ie, which not only shows how to lead a fruitful life based on true faith but also deals with the latest issue like Climate Change or the state of the art scientific technology. I believe her behavior has a good impact on our kid's education.
Anyway, I will keep it in mind and this blog as much as possible.
-TA
Friday, February 16, 2007
An Awesome Grandma of Saga
I read a very impressive non-fiction book written by a Japanese comedian, Yoshichi Shimada. The book is "Saga no Gabai Bachan," or "An Awesome Grandma of Saga."
The author's father passed away from hibaku, or receiving nuclear radiation during World War 2 in Hiroshima when Shimada was very young. This is why his mother had to work until late night, so he was transferred to a rural town in Saga, western Japan, when he was eight years old from an educational perspective. When he had lived with his mother, though his life was hard and lonely, he led a relatively happy life except for his mother's absence during night time.
Therefore when he heard that he would move to Saga he expected to be a more comfortable life there, while felt isolated being separated from his mother. However he was astonished and shocked to find out that his awesome grandma was further needier than his mother.
What impressed me most is that the awful grandma was an extreme optimist. She once said laughing, "There are two kinds of poor in the world. One is gloomy, the other is cheerful. We're happy because we are cheerful poor. Do not worry about that because it is not recent that we've got poor but we are 'hereditary poor.'" In this way, whatever happened to her, she was never upset and took it in a very positive manner.
Another episode that strikes me is as follows:
Yoshichi: Grandma, I don't understand English at school.
Grandma: Write your answer sheet that "I am Japanese(that I don't need English)."
Y: I am also bad at History...
Grandma: Do you also hate History? Write that I don't care about the past.
(He actually wrote that way but his teacher heavily scolded him...)
Y: I need to write something about my father as my home work, but I don't remember who he is. How do you think I should do?
Grandma: Write only "I DON'T KNOW." with a big letter in the paper.
(He got a perfect score by writing that way)
Other than that, there appears lots of heartfelt community members, teachers, friends and so on.
This book has gotten extremely vogue among Japanese people because it I think speaks well for good old Japanese, which has been fading away these days. The impressions also comes across to me.
The book is written with very plain Japanese, so if you can read Japanese or want to learn Japanese and its heart and culture, I strongly recommend you to read it. It only costs 540 yen or 4.5$.
-TA
The author's father passed away from hibaku, or receiving nuclear radiation during World War 2 in Hiroshima when Shimada was very young. This is why his mother had to work until late night, so he was transferred to a rural town in Saga, western Japan, when he was eight years old from an educational perspective. When he had lived with his mother, though his life was hard and lonely, he led a relatively happy life except for his mother's absence during night time.
Therefore when he heard that he would move to Saga he expected to be a more comfortable life there, while felt isolated being separated from his mother. However he was astonished and shocked to find out that his awesome grandma was further needier than his mother.
What impressed me most is that the awful grandma was an extreme optimist. She once said laughing, "There are two kinds of poor in the world. One is gloomy, the other is cheerful. We're happy because we are cheerful poor. Do not worry about that because it is not recent that we've got poor but we are 'hereditary poor.'" In this way, whatever happened to her, she was never upset and took it in a very positive manner.
Another episode that strikes me is as follows:
Yoshichi: Grandma, I don't understand English at school.
Grandma: Write your answer sheet that "I am Japanese(that I don't need English)."
Y: I am also bad at History...
Grandma: Do you also hate History? Write that I don't care about the past.
(He actually wrote that way but his teacher heavily scolded him...)
Y: I need to write something about my father as my home work, but I don't remember who he is. How do you think I should do?
Grandma: Write only "I DON'T KNOW." with a big letter in the paper.
(He got a perfect score by writing that way)
Other than that, there appears lots of heartfelt community members, teachers, friends and so on.
This book has gotten extremely vogue among Japanese people because it I think speaks well for good old Japanese, which has been fading away these days. The impressions also comes across to me.
The book is written with very plain Japanese, so if you can read Japanese or want to learn Japanese and its heart and culture, I strongly recommend you to read it. It only costs 540 yen or 4.5$.
-TA
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Bridging the Gap
I found a very intriguing story about a Japanese group, members of which kept planting seeds in an abandoned and devastated Chinese village, on the English version of Asahi Shimbun, one of Japanese leading newspaper.
The paper features a serial of issue titled "Bridging the Gap." As you may know the relationship between Japan and China is sour mainly due I think to misunderstandings. I feel very pity of the fact that Japanese soldiers exerted kinds of atrocities on people in China during Japan-China War and we need to reflect upon those situations in a sincere manner, but there is another fact that such brutalities have been much focused on school education in China. More than that, I feel very sorry that some Japanese nationalistic legislators said what hurt Chinese people several times.
Despite that, the news reasonable and moderate citizens keep efforts to bridge the gap pleased and relieved me a lot. The project is organized by Osaka-based nonprofit organization Green Earth Network and its Chinese counterpart office in the city of Datong, Shanxi province over the past 15 years. According to the article, since Shanxi province was the location of harsh combats during the War, when 58-year-old secretary general, Kunio Takami, visited the village and planted for the first time, he was disdained and told as demon. However their continuous dedications broke the ice and started to bear beautiful fruit. The group so far "provided nearly 800,000 apricot saplings to farmers and schools, as well as instructions on how to grow the trees," the issue said.
As a result, once ravaged village was revitalized and local peoples' memories of Japanese military acts were separated from current Japanese people. In August, Takami was awarded to be an honorary citizen. Now that whenever he visits the village, he is greeted by cheers.
I am really moved by the story. Heartfelt dedications by selfless people not only revivified the land but also bridged the gap between China and Japan. Whatever difficulty I face in my life, I want to do what I can step by step. You can read whole story by the address.
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200702050124.html
-TA
The paper features a serial of issue titled "Bridging the Gap." As you may know the relationship between Japan and China is sour mainly due I think to misunderstandings. I feel very pity of the fact that Japanese soldiers exerted kinds of atrocities on people in China during Japan-China War and we need to reflect upon those situations in a sincere manner, but there is another fact that such brutalities have been much focused on school education in China. More than that, I feel very sorry that some Japanese nationalistic legislators said what hurt Chinese people several times.
Despite that, the news reasonable and moderate citizens keep efforts to bridge the gap pleased and relieved me a lot. The project is organized by Osaka-based nonprofit organization Green Earth Network and its Chinese counterpart office in the city of Datong, Shanxi province over the past 15 years. According to the article, since Shanxi province was the location of harsh combats during the War, when 58-year-old secretary general, Kunio Takami, visited the village and planted for the first time, he was disdained and told as demon. However their continuous dedications broke the ice and started to bear beautiful fruit. The group so far "provided nearly 800,000 apricot saplings to farmers and schools, as well as instructions on how to grow the trees," the issue said.
As a result, once ravaged village was revitalized and local peoples' memories of Japanese military acts were separated from current Japanese people. In August, Takami was awarded to be an honorary citizen. Now that whenever he visits the village, he is greeted by cheers.
I am really moved by the story. Heartfelt dedications by selfless people not only revivified the land but also bridged the gap between China and Japan. Whatever difficulty I face in my life, I want to do what I can step by step. You can read whole story by the address.
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200702050124.html
-TA
Monday, February 05, 2007
Biofuel Technology
The news on the report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is spreading around the world. We've already known and sensed that human activities have contributed to climate change, but this report is a final declaration for human being to be able to SURVIVE or NOT as a member upon the Earth.
More than that, we have futher news that shows even though the goal is admirable, if the steps to achieve that goal is not appropriate, the outcome will not be good. The article titled "Scientists are taking 2nd look at biofuels Dutch efforts verge on nightmare" may be an eye opener for even those environmentalists enthusiastic about promoting biofuel technology.
According to the article, increasing demand for palm oil in Europe caused devastation of Southeast Asian rain forest. Worse than that, space for the expanding palm plantations was often created by draining and burning peat land, which sent huge amounts of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. As a result, the article said, "Indonesia had quickly become the world's third-leading producer of greenhouse gases that scientists believe are responsible for global warming, ranked after the United States and China, concluded a study released in December by researchers from Wetlands International and Delft Hydraulics, both in the Netherlands." Here is an address of the issue:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/30/business/biofuel.php
I think we need to concentrate more our energies, technologies and efforts on alternative energy like wind, solar and hydrogen one.
-TA
More than that, we have futher news that shows even though the goal is admirable, if the steps to achieve that goal is not appropriate, the outcome will not be good. The article titled "Scientists are taking 2nd look at biofuels Dutch efforts verge on nightmare" may be an eye opener for even those environmentalists enthusiastic about promoting biofuel technology.
According to the article, increasing demand for palm oil in Europe caused devastation of Southeast Asian rain forest. Worse than that, space for the expanding palm plantations was often created by draining and burning peat land, which sent huge amounts of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. As a result, the article said, "Indonesia had quickly become the world's third-leading producer of greenhouse gases that scientists believe are responsible for global warming, ranked after the United States and China, concluded a study released in December by researchers from Wetlands International and Delft Hydraulics, both in the Netherlands." Here is an address of the issue:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/30/business/biofuel.php
I think we need to concentrate more our energies, technologies and efforts on alternative energy like wind, solar and hydrogen one.
-TA
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Effective Diet
Recently, my wife has successfully losed her weight by about 10 kilograms in the two years and half. But she said that there is no intention for her to slim down but she only hopes to be healthy preparing for the next pregnant, although there is yet any sign.
All she has done is an exercise of stretch, taking the dog for walk and avoiding snack as much as possible. She has eaten regular meals three times a day but prevented foods with beef, pork and poultry by religious and ecological reasons.
Actually, when she gave birth her first baby in August 2004, there was a critical accident that her placenta started to leave the fetus in the womb. Very fortunately, the baby was not damaged by that incident, but so huge was our anxiety. This is why she decided to create a healthy and sound body for a future better childbirth. She is even now keeping these efforts, so I am looking forward the following outcome.
From this fact, I learned that to set a clear goal is really efficient when it comes to realizing your dream. In addition that, if the goal comes from an unselfish desire, you may get to the objective easily.
-TA
All she has done is an exercise of stretch, taking the dog for walk and avoiding snack as much as possible. She has eaten regular meals three times a day but prevented foods with beef, pork and poultry by religious and ecological reasons.
Actually, when she gave birth her first baby in August 2004, there was a critical accident that her placenta started to leave the fetus in the womb. Very fortunately, the baby was not damaged by that incident, but so huge was our anxiety. This is why she decided to create a healthy and sound body for a future better childbirth. She is even now keeping these efforts, so I am looking forward the following outcome.
From this fact, I learned that to set a clear goal is really efficient when it comes to realizing your dream. In addition that, if the goal comes from an unselfish desire, you may get to the objective easily.
-TA
Monday, January 29, 2007
Family Reunion
My wife, a 2-year-old daughter and I went to Shizuoka to have a family reunion on Sunday.
Total of 13 family members gathered and enjoyed eating lunch, which some of them sincerely prepared, and chatting. Among of 13 were one boy and two girls of 2 years old and one 5-year-old girl, therefore, the site was filled with cheerul shoutings like a nursery. These kids were really energetic, powerful and persistently asked me to play with. I, who innately like to play with kids, amused them and myself by doing various things. I expected to have been tired at that time, but I wasn't. I suppose this is because not only I give them my energy, but they also provide me with their fresh energy.
The oldest among them was my grandfather, who was celebrated his 88 years old birthday by all participants. Incidentally, his mother, great grand mother to me and passed away about 20 years ago, had lived so long as 99 years and 10 months. We all hope him lead a sound and healthy life.
-TA
Total of 13 family members gathered and enjoyed eating lunch, which some of them sincerely prepared, and chatting. Among of 13 were one boy and two girls of 2 years old and one 5-year-old girl, therefore, the site was filled with cheerul shoutings like a nursery. These kids were really energetic, powerful and persistently asked me to play with. I, who innately like to play with kids, amused them and myself by doing various things. I expected to have been tired at that time, but I wasn't. I suppose this is because not only I give them my energy, but they also provide me with their fresh energy.
The oldest among them was my grandfather, who was celebrated his 88 years old birthday by all participants. Incidentally, his mother, great grand mother to me and passed away about 20 years ago, had lived so long as 99 years and 10 months. We all hope him lead a sound and healthy life.
-TA
Friday, January 26, 2007
State of the Union Address
US President George W. Bush delivered State of the Union Address. I could not listen and watch it, but I read the whole article on the White House's website.
I appreciated that Mr. Bush referred to environmental issues, connecting the environment to national security as a theme of importance. I strongly hope he takes this issue more seriously and put it into practice immediately. Whether what he said is true or not will depend on the kind of budget he will propose for alternative energy development.
However, I am disappointed that he reiterated his justification of his Iraq policies despite the opposition of the American public in the latest election.I accept that U.S. is in a difficult situation in Iraq whatever policy they take, but I hope they reconsider Iraq policy to a direction where international community can cooperate together.
-TA
I appreciated that Mr. Bush referred to environmental issues, connecting the environment to national security as a theme of importance. I strongly hope he takes this issue more seriously and put it into practice immediately. Whether what he said is true or not will depend on the kind of budget he will propose for alternative energy development.
However, I am disappointed that he reiterated his justification of his Iraq policies despite the opposition of the American public in the latest election.I accept that U.S. is in a difficult situation in Iraq whatever policy they take, but I hope they reconsider Iraq policy to a direction where international community can cooperate together.
-TA
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Sundial Diary
I started to keep a diary from the 1st day of the year. However, the diary is different from a common one that you only record what is good in it. You may know that a sundial only show the time when sun is shining, like this, the "Sundial Diary" should be written only the bright side of your life. It was complied under the supervision of Mrs. Junko Taniguchi, Vice President of Seicho-No-Ie White Dove Association.
It has been about three weeks since my wife and I started to write the positive sides of our life, our desire, our gratitude, and so on every day. So far, it has astonishingly been working well. By writing a positive aspect, we unconciously tend to find brigh, pleasing and grateful elements in our daily life. This brings our home happiness and harmony.
This notion is basically suggested by Dr. Masahar Taniguchi, founder of Seicho-No-Ie, over 70 years ago, this idea is I think increasingly necessary this day and age, when bad and negative news are inclined to be broadcasted by mass media.
How about trying at your home?
-TA
It has been about three weeks since my wife and I started to write the positive sides of our life, our desire, our gratitude, and so on every day. So far, it has astonishingly been working well. By writing a positive aspect, we unconciously tend to find brigh, pleasing and grateful elements in our daily life. This brings our home happiness and harmony.
This notion is basically suggested by Dr. Masahar Taniguchi, founder of Seicho-No-Ie, over 70 years ago, this idea is I think increasingly necessary this day and age, when bad and negative news are inclined to be broadcasted by mass media.
How about trying at your home?
-TA
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Business Trip to HK
I went to Hong Kong for business purposes from 12th to 15th January. This is the second visit to HK to me within a year. We had Chinese and Japanese readers' meetings, a parents' class and a workshop for executive members in this region. All lectures were delivered in Japanese with a translation into Mandarin Chinese. The main theme provided was "Global Environment Preservation Movement and our ordinary life based on a religious faith."
I am a minister of a religious organization, based on Japan spreading to about 30 countries and regions, which currently focuses on global preservation movement based on a true faith as well as preaches our religious principles. At the meetings in Hong Kong, I told them that what kind of God we believe, how we see this world and what we consume make a big difference when it comes to thinking about world peace.
According to the leaders there, especially in recent years, many many people who live in mainland China have been flooding to Hong Kong. This is why I saw quite a few Chinese people from mainlnad China in the meetings. When I asked some shop workers how to go to a subway station, all of them could not understand English. Therefore what they told me must be true. I felt this is what is Hong Kong because "dynamic change" is one its characteristic.
I am a minister of a religious organization, based on Japan spreading to about 30 countries and regions, which currently focuses on global preservation movement based on a true faith as well as preaches our religious principles. At the meetings in Hong Kong, I told them that what kind of God we believe, how we see this world and what we consume make a big difference when it comes to thinking about world peace.
According to the leaders there, especially in recent years, many many people who live in mainland China have been flooding to Hong Kong. This is why I saw quite a few Chinese people from mainlnad China in the meetings. When I asked some shop workers how to go to a subway station, all of them could not understand English. Therefore what they told me must be true. I felt this is what is Hong Kong because "dynamic change" is one its characteristic.
Friday, January 05, 2007
A Happy New Year!!
I hope you spent a sound and cheerful holiday season.
As for our famiy, my wife and I concentrated on Year End Cleaning at home, Osoji in Japanese, and welcomed the New Year with a fresh feeling. But really unfortunately, all of my family ―my wife, my daughter and I ―had a caught early this month. This is why we spent this new year holiday in the bed!
Now we all are fine. Then, I am grateful to what we can lead an ordinary life without any problem.
As for our famiy, my wife and I concentrated on Year End Cleaning at home, Osoji in Japanese, and welcomed the New Year with a fresh feeling. But really unfortunately, all of my family ―my wife, my daughter and I ―had a caught early this month. This is why we spent this new year holiday in the bed!
Now we all are fine. Then, I am grateful to what we can lead an ordinary life without any problem.
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