On January 25, the 53rd Path Seekers' Seminar, sponsored by the Young Men's Association, was held in Church Headquarters' Dining Hall 2, drawing 704 participants including 594 association members. The seminar began with an address by Association Headquarters Chairman Chikara Iburi.

Honbu-in Kazuo Nagao then delivered a lecture entitled "Implementing Missionary and Salvation Work." He began by saying: "Salvation as envisaged in our teachings is previously unknown and is grounded in the Truth of Origin. This salvation prepares the way for the Joyous Life World, which we must work to realize no matter how many generations it may take." Reflecting on the missionary experience he had when he was young, Rev. Nagao said: "At the time, I thought I was earnestly devoting myself to sprinkling the fragrance of the teachings and engaging in salvation work. Yet I was only able to acquire the 'mind of saving others' in its true sense when I came to realize, through various 'knots,' how important it was to understand my own causality while working to sweep the dusts from my own mind.

He went on to say that young men have three characteristics as the privilege of youth, namely, "strength to straightforwardly pursue things," "vital energy to take action," and "rich potentialities for the future." "Taking full advantage of these characteristics," he said, "I hope that you will seek Oyasama's teachings and actually implement them in your daily life, so that you can set a convincing example for the people around you."

He then quoted the closing passage from the Shinbashira's New Year's address: "Please be fully aware of what is entailed by the roles and tasks entrusted to you and make a determined effort to serve in them, so that you may continue making progress in your spiritual growth throughout the year and thereby bring yourselves into accord with God the Parent's intention." Rev. Nagao added, "Taking these words to heart, I hope that you will convey your enthusiasm to other members through your own actions."

February 26, 2009 13:03JST