■July 10, 2019
2019 Shorinji Kempo Unity Study Session in Monterey, California, U.S.A.
Gassho
“2019 Shorinji Kempo Unity Study Session in Monterey, California, U.S.A” was held at the Gym of Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, California, U.S.A. on June 29 & 30, 2019.
There were 102 participants from 22 branches from the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Fortunately, we could invite Mr. Mitsuru Sakashita sensei (Seihanshi 7th Dan) as the Shorinji Kempo Unity International Instructor from Japan. He is a Secretary General, Religious Affairs Department, Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji.
On June 29th (Sat), 2019, the Day 1 of the study session started from the opening ceremony following the Chinkon. After that, we did warming-up and Kihon led by Sakashita sensei, and Techniques divided into 3 groups based on ranks led by Sakashita sensei and 3 WSKO instructors. All the participants enjoyed practicing techniques with various kenshi from different branches together. We had WSKO & Hokai Lecture by Sakashita sensei. He explained about “Teaching of Kongo Zen” and importance of each of us as the parts of Dharma.
In the evening, we had the Welcome Party at one of the best restaurants in Monterey with enjoyable talking and laughing very much.
On June 30th (Sun), 2019, the Day 2 also started warming-up and Kihon led by Sakashita sensei. After that, we did Technique divided into 3 groups, Hokai Lecture by Sakashita sensei, and Q&A sessions. In the Hokai lecture, Sakashita sensei explained about “Living a life based on the faith in Dharma” and emphasized that we practice Kongo Zen as “Gyo” in order to express the nature of Dharma. We could understand how important it is that we should apply what we practice into our daily life. Sakashita sensei’s teaching based on deep knowledge about the Kongo Zen and Dharma is beneficial for us and could impress all the participants.
After the closing ceremony, many participants took pictures each other while talking about reunion at the next Study Session again.
All the Monterey Branch members and volunteers are very happy to see that many of the participants could enjoy the study session with big smiles. We would like to express the greatest appreciation to the precious time and passion to participate and cooperate for Sakashita sensei, all the Branch Masters, and all the participants. Thank you very much.
Kesshu & Regards
Contributor: Kazuki Arita (Secretary General, United States Shorinji Kempo Federation)
