Seminar 2004 [Part 3: my thoughts on the Seminar]

I attended the Seminar 2004 that was held at Dendocho last Saturday, Nov. 27.

I have explained the 2-part seminar in:
Seminar 2004 [Part 1: my notes from the lecture]
Seminar 2004 [Part 2: my notes from the role-play activity]

The English group of the Seminar was attended by about 24 people. The age of the participants ranged from 15 to late 60s. I was very happy to see the younger people, but a little disappointed that there weren’t more people.

One of the points that were brought up was that the PR could have been better. We could have utilized the email lists that Joshiseinen, TYMANA, and OSA have.

PR is something that I have been thinking about for quite sometime. Also, there has to be a place where Tenrikyo people can communicate. So, I decided to put up a blog and see if people will read and use it. I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep putting new information up, but I thought I’d at least start it. If I flop, someone else can make another blog.

Please feel free to write any kind of comment. Let’s get some lively talk going!

Seminar 2004 [Part 2: my notes from the role-play activity]

I attended the Seminar 2004 that was held at Dendocho last Saturday, Nov. 27.

I would like to share my notes from the role-play activity. Please feel free to add anything in the “comment” section below.

After the 1-hour lecture, Q&A, and lunch, we had a role-play session in the afternoon
Before the role-play, we got in to groups of 6 and talked about our experiences of doing missionary work.
Then, in groups of three, we took turns being the missionary, the person who is talking to the missionary, and the observer. We role-played situations with co-workers, someone needing help (ill or having troubles with something), significant other, and good friend. The observer gave comments on what was good and what needed to be improved. We took turns doing different roles.

Seminar 2004 [Part 1: my notes from the lecture]

I attended the Seminar 2004 that was held at Dendocho last Saturday, Nov. 27.

It was a lecture and role-play activity regarding how to “Sprinkle the Fragrance of the Teachings.” It started from 10 am and went till 3:30pm. I would like to share my notes from the 1-hour lecture, which are in no sense complete. Please feel free to add anything in the “comment” section below

Marlon Okazaki (head minister, Hollywood Church) was the lecturer. He pointed out some basic points we should keep in mind in order to do missionary work. I will list them below.

Have confidence in your faith.
Let people know you are Tenrikyo.

For people who have never heard of Tenrikyo, these are some basic tenets of our Teachings that we could talk about:
1) The reason for our creation, which was the Joyous Life
2) Our concept of salvation
It is to be on this earth in this life time
Our mind is a gift – be free and full of joy
3) The body is a thing lent by God

Depending on the situation and questions raised, the following are some things you could talk about:
Oyasama said the Teachings are to bring joy to others. Be careful what Teachings you reveal to whom in what situation. Sometimes the truth hurts.
Causality is caused by accumulated dust of the mind, which makes a stain. This is hard to remove. Dust is easier to remove, so don’t let it accumulate.
The difference between Karma and causality (innen)
Karma is destiny, or fate. This cannot be changed.
Causality can be changed. In order to erase it, one must have the mind of joyous acceptance.

To a person who is sick, preaching the 8 mental dusts may depress them if presented in an accusing manner. But sweeping dust and causality can help one get better, so it is a matter of how this teaching is presented.

God does not punish, but leads us to a the Joyous Life by divine guidance.

The 8 mental dusts. An easy way to remember them is to think of two main groups; the anger and greed group. They get progressively wordse:
Anger ‡ Hatred‡ Grudge-bearing
Greed‡ Covetousness‡ Miserliness
Then, there are:
Self-love and Arrogance

Another important thing is to learn about other faiths. You will be able to appreciate Oyasama Teachings. Also, you will be able to find ways to talk to others if you know where they are coming from.

Study the Truth of Origin. Remember that the story is a metaphor to explain the unexplainable.
Before, and during the actual missionary work:
Live by the Teachings
Listen to others, ask questions (when people feel heard, they are more willing to listen)
Find a connection (sport, or any other common interest)
Be humble (if you don’t know something, admit it)

Carry a Tenrikyo business card