Meetings in North America Resumes!
Joy Overflows, and Community Ties Strengthens

March 18—Meetings in North America resumed for the first time since 2020, having the very first of 2023 in Washington D.C. As the cherry blossoms bloomed in the streets of Washington, approximately 30 people from neighboring cities and different states gathered to participate and a staff member that was there from the Florida office. Some even traveled over 5 hours on a flight to be there.  Everyone attended was filled with smiles, enjoying to see each other in person. There were people who attended these meetings for the first time, and young adults that are Yūki no Kai age group. And it appeared that there were more people who came with their spouses or along with other family members than ever before.

“Salvation Is Achieved When Lived by the Principles” Is True for All People

Shinja Kokoro no Moto Benkyōkai on the theme of family was held with English subtitles so that people who don’t speak Japanese were able to learn as well. And everyone who participated were studying the principles very seriously. “I was able to understand the principles of work from learning the principles about family.” “I learned about human greed, and I was able to find my emotional balance.” Just the fact that every person had gained their own sense of awareness that was necessary to them at the moment clearly shows how much Kami is giving us the teachings with love for each one of us.

Following Shinja Kokoro no Moto Benkyōkai was Kakari・Shinja no Tsudoi—where those participated shared their journey as a shinja; the awareness gained through learning the teachings, their experiences of putting the teachings into practice in their daily lives, and the joy they have experienced as a result of putting the teachings into practice. Everyone shared their own stories, including the non-Japanese husbands who never really raised their hands and shared their thoughts in past meetings.

One person said, “I was able to realize the importance of human interactions through the teachings. I find myself to be rather introverted, but as I continued to learn the teachings in wanting to change the way I live and deepened my understandings, I found myself involved in a volunteer work at a hospital today.”  As he happily spoke his experience, other people continued to share their stories too. Another person said, “I have studied the teachings for 40 years. And I can say I am living a very calm life right now. I am grateful that the teachings are translated into English more than ever.” Or another man said, “I started to interact with people with a mindset thinking, ‘What can I learn from this person in front of me?’ Then my views have broadened extensively.”  Or others followed by saying, “As I started to learn the teachings 15 minutes a day, the teachings have helped me with making quick decisions without going off the right way—I feel protected.”  Every person’s story was a reassuring proof that the teachings—the principles, transcend language, race, and culture.  The joy and appreciation to be part of Shinji Kyōkai as a shinja was deepened in each person’s mind.

Members in their teens and 20’s shared their feelings and thoughts as well. “I have found out that what we’re learning is not a religion, but something necessary to live our lives.” “I’ve always compared the teachings with philosophy. But as I noticed that the teachings have helped me not to be consumed by others, I can see it clearly now. I want to learn the teachings further.” The honest opinions and thoughts of the young members brought a new breeze to the other members who participated.

There was also a story shared by a mother who said that she learned the importance to put the teachings into practice from her son. Her son’s teammate was acting mean, but her son said that he won’t do the same thing back to his teammates. So, the mother asked why he thinks the way he does, and he replied, “I learned from Minori no Tsudoi that we shouldn’t do things that people do that make us feel bad.” Hearing those words from her son, she felt her son’s growth and at the same time, her son’s words made a big impact on how she wants to live. The parents as well as the children can raise each other’s kokoro simultaneously in a family environment that shares the teachings of Kami.

Kyōkai Community That Supports a Family’s Road to Salvation

One person participated with her husband who was not a registered shinja. She has always wanted her husband to join Shinji Kyōkai as a shinja, and tried to put the teachings into practice at home until this day thinking, “I should not try to change my husband. It’s me that needs to change.”  Other fellow members in the community who knew her wishes to be part of Shinji Kyōkai with her husband supported her. At times, they would give her advice based on their own experiences, or give a little push in the back. Or the male shinja in the community talked to the husband about the greatness of living by the teachings. Then after attending the Introduction to Shinji Kyōkai, the husband said, “This is good!” And as one of the kakari said to him, “Let’s learn the teachings together!” He said, “Yes.” The wife was left in disbelief for a moment, but was filled with joy and happiness soon after. The husband said, “I started to hear a lot about the teachings in our family conversations, and I just wanted to learn more. I became very curious about the teachings.”

Seeing this family’s story unfolding in the way it did, another person who has always wanted to share the teachings with her husband reflected on how she has been facing her own husband. Participating in the meeting, this person was able to talk with other members who share the similar obstacles of raising children, or the difficulty of an interracial marriage and felt much better to relate herself with other people with similar situations. And now, she is much encouraged to face her husband to fulfill her dreams one day to learn the teachings together with her husband.

It was a day of reconnecting with familiar faces for the first time in three years, and meeting some new as well. The kokoro of all the kakari had come together and deepened further too. The next meeting in Washington D.C. is in June when Kyōshu Seishisha Tomomarukō Sensei will be giving a lecture in person for Kaigai Shinja Benkyōkai—a teaching for members overseas.  “I will be bringing my family for sure.” “I want to bring this person…and that person…” –the Kyōkai community is coming together to spread the circle of salvation.