Meetings Also Resume in Vancouver, Canada!
Engage with Fellow Members; Raising Each Other’s Kokoro
April 9th, meetings in Canada resumed. Approximately 20 people gathered to participate in the meetings in the cold, wind, and rain. There were some who traveled 3 hours one-way. One couple was able to attend because luckily their ferry into Vancouver was the only one that didn’t get canceled. A staff member from Florida office also joined in with them to celebrate the joy of resuming the in-person meetings for the first time in 4 years.
Reassurance—“If I Change, the Surrounding Things Will Change Too.”
Kakari-Shinja no Tsudoi (a discussion session) was held following Shinja Kokoro no Moto Benkyōkai. These meetings are all held under a great protection of Kami. And because of that, the things that are obtained by the people participating it have a significant impact on how they live. Some said, “I was able to reflect on my way of life,” while others said, “I can be assured that you can overcome any hurdles in life if you learn the teachings.”
One participant shared her story about a recent incident at home. She started to share her story saying, “I had a water leak in my apartment the other day, and some of my neighbors were affected by it…I felt really bad.” But she continued to share how the teachings helped her to deal with the situation in a sincere way. And as a result, she became much closer to her neighbors—a bad incident turned into a friendship. Everyone who participated reassured how grateful it is to have a direction of how to live taught through the teachings.
The younger generations who attended the meeting spoke out their sense of confidence and pride to live their life with Kami. One person said, “I have recently changed my job. I was nervous working in a new environment. But with kigan, I can do my best to harmonize with any situation.” Another person said, “I am currently in a relationship with someone who’s not Japanese. And I have told my partner how the teachings have been a big part of my life.” The pure and straight kokoro of these younger generations moved the kokoro of adults who were attending. The adults reflected the need to be humble.
It was the first time to participate in these meetings for an expat from Japan, working in Canada. She said, “I felt warm and happy that everyone was so welcoming. I am so grateful to be able to interact with other members overseas.” She seemed to have already made many friends at the meeting. It is for sure, that an environment to interact with other members who are learning the teachings, is something special that would make people feel safe and secure.
One person shared that her relationship with the family started to become unpleasant during the pandemic. She shared about the awareness she gained through a consultation with a staff member and said, “As I started to kigan and let go my feelings more, things are looking much better. As I can see things in perspectives, my surroundings have changed, and I think I have a better view about my future now.” Her story helped other members see the importance how your kokoro needs to be anchored, and how a harmonious family environment is needed to experience happiness.
It was a moment to share the individual experiences living with the teachings, as well as to share the salvation that one can experience through the teachings. People wanted to share this moment even longer saying, “We need more time—I want to hear more.” “I want to share more…” But ended with a positive note to look forward to the next opportunity. A person who wasn’t so sure of continuing her membership as a shinja, listened and saw people’s joy and smiling faces, and decided to continue her journey as a shinja saying, “The teachings are there to elevate yourself. Not for others…”
Rediscovering the Joy of Being in Touch with Fellow Members
A lady brought her husband to Shinji Kyōkai no Goannai (Introduction to Shinji Kyōkai). With a huge smile on her face she said, “I am so glad my husband was able to come today.” Her kakari, who’s always been there by the couple’s side said, “This is their first step… I will continue to be in touch with them and support them.” And these words from the kakari was filled with love and hopes for the couple. While on the other hand, another person was inspired and motivated by the lady who brought her husband and said, “I realized how important it is for the family to be a shinja and for the family to learn the teachings together.” With motivation fired up, she decided to do her best to put the teachings into practice even more than ever.
“I’ve gained many awareness today.” “I reassured how grateful it is to be protected by Kami.” “We want to continue to do more of the Tsudoi (discussion sessions).” We received multiple requests to plan more meetings in the future from those who experienced the joy of reconnecting with fellow members.
Kami has taught us the meaning of chiiki (Kyōkai community) in the following Shinji:
Chiiki that Kami reveals to shinja is a place (environment) to reassure with each other the kokoro that lives with the teachings.
People can walk a life led by their unmei with a chiiki that is there to mutually recognize each other and share the joy and happiness.
Chiiki is an environment where people gather and share their experience of what it is to live with the teachings, and hone each other to reach happiness. The interaction will elevate your kokoro, as well as your family’s kokoro and the kokoro of fellow members in your chiiki. “I want to further hone our kokoro in mutual exchanges.” “I want to give back to my chiiki.”—with these feelings in mind about chiiki, this meeting in April marked a new beginning for the shinja in Canada area. Things are moving to spread the circle of salvation.
