Messages
National Appreciation Service
April 6, 2025
Vice-President Rev. Romilson Candido
Congratulations on this Monthly Appreciation Service!
To everyone here in person and those joining us online – Happy Spring!
Today, I have the honor of representing the President of our World Messianic Church – Miroku Association in North America, Rev. Marco Negrao, who is currently at the Guarapiranga Sacred Grounds in Brazil.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support in helping to expand the Divine Light Program across North America.
The mission of our World Messianic Church, or Miroku Association, is to build Paradise on Earth — a world of Truth, Virtue, and Beauty.
And speaking of beauty, we have a very special event coming up: an Art Exhibition on May 10th.
I would now like to invite Rev. Terry to share more details.
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Pilgrimage to Japan will be from Sept. 25th to October 6th 2025
Every month we receive a message from Reverend Marco Antonio Baptista Resende asking:
Let’s study Meishu-sama’s teachings and follow Meishu-Sama’s example to recognize God’s constant presence in our lives. With this awareness, let’s dedicate ourselves to practicing faith in our daily lives.
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What are the **basic Messianic practices?
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Johrei (spiritual purification through divine energy)
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Reading Meishu-Sama’s Teachings
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Participating in services
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Guiding and helping others
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Offering donations of gratitude
Now, I would like to share a message from the President of our Izunome Kyodan in Japan Rev. Sugihara
Congratulations to everyone on this Spring Service
(…) Recently, a devastating earthquake occurred in Myanmar, and the number of casualties is increasing daily. I offer my heartfelt prayers for those who have passed away and for the fast recovery and rebuilding of the affected areas.
Despite the turbulent global situation, natural disasters, and challenging economic conditions, we are able to live each day with hope under the divine protection of God and Meishu-sama.
With deep gratitude, we reaffirm our commitment to serving in dedication to humanity.
Additionally, today, we had the honor of hearing the wonderful testimonial of Mr. Hideo Ikeda from the Kamakura Aki Johrei Center in Japan. What did you think about this amazing faith experience we just heard?
It was amazing! “(…) 12 years ago his grandchild received an extraordinary blessing. He was just one year and three months old, his grandson was accidentally run over by Ikeda’s car. Unaware that the child was behind the vehicle, Ikeda reversed, feeling something under the tires. He changed gears and drove over the same spot again. Realizing he had run over his own grandchild twice, he was overwhelmed with despair. His wife and fellow believers immediately began administering Jorei to the crying child, while Ikeda desperately prayed to Meishu-sama. The child was rushed to the emergency room. A witness later recounted seeing a whitish, fluffy light appear between the tires and the child’s body. Miraculously, the boy suffered only tire marks on his stomach and no injuries. Deeply moved and grateful, Ikeda firmly believed that Meishu-sama had intervened. Today, that grandson is healthy, has received the Ohikari, and often gives Johrei to his grandparents.
On June 7, a diagnosis of stomach cancer that had metastasized to his liver. Doctors declared the condition extremely severe, stating that his liver was completely covered with cancer and that even with immediate chemotherapy, the chances of eliminating the cancer were nearly zero. Ikeda was in shock, troubled by concerns about medical expenses and his uncertain future.
By June 20, his condition deteriorated further, with persistent pain, loss of appetite, and swelling in his abdomen and legs. Despite receiving Jorei, there was no improvement. His doctor informed his family that the cancer was terminal and that he had only one month left to live. Faced with this grim prognosis, his wife reassured him, saying, "No matter what happens, Meishu-sama will guide this purification for the best. Let’s accept this with gratitude He received Jorhei from his wife, family, and fellow believers for up to eight hours daily. Many others offered remote Jorei through focused thoughts.
On September 3, a CT scan revealed that the cancer had dissolved into liquid and significantly shrunk. His doctor was stunned.
On November 5, during a medical consultation, his doctor confirmed, "Your stomach cancer has shrunk, and your liver cancer is gone. This is a miracle. Such cases are extremely rare." This incredible turnaround in just five months reinforced his mission to share the miracle of Jorei with as many people as possible.
Teaching of Meishu-sama: "A Gracious Person" During today’s service, we studied the teaching "Being a Gracious Person." Meishu-sama emphasized the importance of this, stating: "This is surprisingly significant in life. Not only does it affect an individual's destiny, but it also has great implications for society."
He explained that when we interact with pleasant people, we, too, become pleasant, and this positive energy spreads, ultimately leading to a more harmonious society. This, in turn, reduces conflicts and crimes, creating a spiritual heaven on earth.
Please watch on you tube: Merci! by Christine Rabette. With Jan Hammenecker as the laughing guy. Short film made in Bruxelles in 2003.
Furthermore, Meishu-sama pointed out: "This requires no money, no extra effort, and can be done immediately. There is no greater blessing than this."
However, He advised that superficial politeness is not enough. True pleasantness comes from a sincere heart filled with altruistic love.
When we think of “pleasant people,” many of us imagine someone who is always smiling. In a survey by Professor Mieko Nishikawa at Nagoya University of Commerce & Business, 35% of people said their first impression of a pleasant person is someone who smiles.
A study at a well-known women’s college in the U.S. followed graduates for 30 years. It found that those who smiled in their graduation photos were much happier later in life than those who didn’t. This supports Meishu-sama’s teaching that being pleasant is closely connected to our personal destiny.
When we think of a smile, we naturally remember Meishu-sama’s warm and radiant smile. His smile has comforted us in sad times and given us strength when we needed it. It shows his deep kindness and the love of the Divine Parent. Let us follow his example and try to smile sincerely from the heart.
In the same survey, the second most common trait of a pleasant person was “someone who greets others warmly and responds to greetings,” with 24% of the votes.
Meishu-sama valued greetings deeply. He once told his close followers:
“When you see someone in the morning, greet them right away. Even if it’s more than once, that’s okay. And always reply clearly when someone greets you.”
The Power of Active Listening
The survey also showed that a common trait of an unpleasant person is “someone who only talks about themselves.”
Many of us have encountered people who dominate conversations or interrupt others. This behavior often leaves a negative impression. In contrast, we tend to feel positive toward those who truly listen to us with empathy.
I once heard an interesting story from a university hospital. Doctors who gave detailed explanations about a patient’s condition weren’t always the most appreciated. Surprisingly, some patients felt those doctors didn’t explain enough. On the other hand, doctors who spent more time listening—even if they didn’t say much—were often seen as kind and caring.
This shows that when people are in distress, what they need most is to feel heard and understood, not just to receive information. The same is true in our everyday lives. When we give advice or guidance, we should be careful not to speak too quickly. Instead, we should take time to truly listen to the other person’s heart.
“Love comes from God. So when truth, goodness, and beauty are present, love naturally gathers there.”
Let us follow Meishu-sama’s example of selfless love by studying and practicing his teachings, so we can grow more love in our hearts.
Thank you very much.
National Appreciation - Risshun Service 2025
February 2, 2025
President Rev. Marco Negrao
I would like to first express my heartfelt gratitude for your support that you continuously exercise through your dedicated participation in our daily and monthly services, be it in-person or online, as well as your consistent engagement in our practices of faith, centered on the practice of Johrei and the study of Meishu-sama’s Teachings.
I also thank you for your daily prayers to the victims of wars, natural and manmade disasters, such as those from the Los Angeles fires, and aircraft disasters in Washington DC and Philadelphia.
Today we enjoyed a gorgeous Hatsuike Ceremony. By offering this special flower arrangement to God and Meishu-sama, we ask permission to carry on the activities related to Art and Beauty throughout the year, so that we can share joy and salvation to those around us and those we are going to inspire.
We are planning an Art Exhibition, and we have updates that I’d like to ask Rev. Terry Sato to inform you about.
Today’s Teaching is an explanation Meishu-sama has written regarding the significance of Risshun.
The Educational Committee at the Sacred Grounds in Japan also wrote words to further explain about Risshun:
Risshun is the calendar time when the ecliptic longitude of the sun reaches 315°; this foretells
the coming of spring.
According to the lunar calendar, the winter season ends with Setsubun (the close of winter), and Risshun (the beginning of spring) then sets in. This is the starting point of several events of the year - Risshun, the time when the atmosphere of spring begins to fill the air.
With this season as the turning point, all things in Nature begin to change. So does man's way of life. Since ancient days in Japan various days of the year have been established as special occasions and observed annually, and as these have been noted by succeeding generations many traditions and customs have been introduced and practiced regularly.
From the spiritual viewpoint, according to the divine revelation Meishu-sama received, Risshun was the time when Miroku Omikami, Great God of Light, began to release His Direct Light.
Since then, each year on this date, His Divine Light has increased in power and radiance - in intensity.
This date is also the Divine Light Program's starting point for all of its activities throughout the next 12 months. It is this day when the release of the Divine Power is accelerated, and the Divine Plan is more conspicuously advanced toward the final goal, paradise on earth.
Each year we members of World Messianic Church recognize this significant day of Risshun as the beginning date of our work for the Divine Light Program for the next 12 months. We give thanks to God and to Meishu-sama for their Love and blessings, make a new pledge for still greater service and efforts, and ask for continued help, guidance and blessings.
In this connection, we would like you to know that as we look back into our church's history, we find that various important events which marked turning points in the Divine Light Program took place at the time of Risshun.
It was then that Meishu-sama entered his spiritual life; that the first publication of the important teachings of our church was issued; that the setting up of a new system for the church organization was made; that the construction of all the main buildings of the church, including the holy sanctuaries, was started; and that the unification program under the new system of our church - generally referred to as "The Restoration of World Messianity" - began.
Thus, as we attend the special service of Risshun held at the Mother Church, we contemplate the mystic, sublime and solemn events which have manifested each year at the time of Risshun, and we cannot but feel the profound Will of God working behind everything.
On January 29 Rev. Hayashi Nakai made his transition to the Spiritual Realm. He was 93 years old and perhaps the last surviving pioneer minister who served directly with Meishu-sama.
Last year we had a pilgrimage to the Sacred Grounds in Japan, and 16 of us had the privilege to hear Rev. Nakai’s accounts and impressions about Meishu-sama.
His aura really bathed all of us while attending his lecture at the Sunshine Hall – Nikko-den of the Hakone Sacred Grounds.
He was a young ministerial trainee when he was assigned to assist Meishu-sama, along with another one or two fellows, while Meishu-sama wrote calligraphies and Sacred Focal Points. His assignment was to pull the calligraphy that had just be written, so Meishu-sama could write a new one on the paper underneath. It was like a production line.
Meishu-sama would write these calligraphies in the evening. In one of these writing sessions, the young Nakai tried to bring a hanging lamp from the ceiling close to Meishu-sama, to make the visibility clearer. However, in the process, he ended up bumping the lamp on Meishu-sama’s head. He feared he would be scolded, but Meishu-sama just said: “Humm!”.
Yet, on another occasion, young Nakai pulled too soon the calligraphy Hikari Meishu-sama was just writing, damaging it. It not just damaged it, but the paper that was beneath it to be served as another Sacred Focal Point.
Because of that, Meishu-sama paused at length to sternly lecture young Nakai, that his lack of attention not just damaged two Ohikari, but prevented thousands and thousands of people of receiving the Divine Light of Johrei.
This sharing of Rev. Nakai was enjoyed by perhaps every pilgrimage group that visited Japan in the last twenty years or so. Because of his advanced age, Rev. Nakai was always saying that that would be the last, but he kept going, demonstrating his love, devotion and spirit of dedication.
He shared profound things about the significance of the Divine Gardens of Hakone: a Sacred Grounds planned by God and built by God.
He mentioned how the gardens in Hakone bring our five senses to life. Our eyes marvel at the beauty of the different colors of plants. We can smell the perfume of different flowers. We are also able to hear sounds more fabulous than a symphony composed by Mozart, according to him.
For example, there are four miniature waterfalls. Each one of them project water from different heights to rocks of distinct shapes. Hence, the unique sounds they make, to soothe our senses and elevate our spirits.
You can all experience these incredible sensations by joining our next pilgrimage to Japan this fall, which will be led by Rev. Romilson Candido and assisted by Rev. Guilherme de Souza and Rev. Terry Sato. Please talk to your center head for more details.
Meishu-sama encouraged those around him to honestly write about their impressions and his day-to-day. These accounts are recorded on the books “Remembering Meishu-sama”. In the near future, we are going to update the “Reminiscences about Meishu-sama”, in two volumes.
We are also going to publish “Our Daily Bread”, volumes 1 and 2, and Meishu-sama’s Teachings Volume 6.
Here are two reminiscences about Meishu-sama that I found interesting, and that I would like to share with you.
The first one is entitled “We Watched a Movie Together” by E'no Ichikawa, a Kabuki Theater Actor and Member of the Japan Academy of Arts.
What caught my attention the most during my first meeting with Meishu-Sama were the flowers that decorated the room where we gathered. He personally arranged all the floral displays in the alcove (tokonoma). Whenever he invited us, there was always one of his arrangements there.
When appreciating them, one could sense something different. The arrangement’s appearance was extremely harmonious, making us feel something out of the ordinary. I believe he was a master in the art of ikebana. Meishu-Sama was extraordinary—perhaps this was the source of the unique feeling we experienced. It was truly admirable.
As an example, I would like to share the following episode.
During a visit to the Hakone Sacred Grounds, while we were having a meal together after admiring some works of art, Meishu-Sama said to me: "Tonight, I will watch a movie with the members. Would you like to join?" To which I replied, "Yes, with pleasure!" So, we headed to the Sunshine Hall (Nikko-den).
The movie was highly critical of religions. Moreover, it was practically a satire of the Messianic Church. Even so, he showed it to the members, which shocked me. As we watched the film, Meishu-Sama laughed heartily and said: "This is great! It's so funny!"
I was deeply moved by his greatness. From a human perspective, people would normally think that a film satirizing the Messianic Church should not be shown to its followers. However, with complete tranquility, it was as if he were saying: "Look, there is also this way of viewing the Church."
His attitude was not exaggerated; it came from the most sincere sentiment. I was amazed by his generosity.
And the second reminiscence is entitled: “Meishu-Sama gave Johrei Even Inside the Train”, by a Minister.
When he lived in Tamagawa, Tokyo, Meishu-Sama frequently went to the Hibiya Movie Theater, and on several occasions, I accompanied him. We would meet at Shibuya Station and board the train.
Meishu-Sama walked very quickly, and when I commented on this, he replied, "When I walk, the path opens."
Once, as soon as we entered the movie theater, I lost sight of Meishu-Sama. Looking around, I noticed he had settled in the seventh row. He excitedly said, "My seat is free!"
When boarding the train, Meishu-Sama would enter and take his seat quickly. If there was a space of about 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) beside him, he would say, "Sit here." If I replied, "It's impossible," he would ask the person next to him to move slightly, making room for me to sit.
Even while sitting beside me in an uncomfortable position, Meishu-Sama would give Johrei at the level of my hips and once even remarked, "Your hips are purifying a lot." This demonstrates his great kindness.
Since I was very uninhibited, while receiving Johrei on the way back [from the movie theater], I would simply say "thank you" and quickly get off the train.
On a New York subway I occasionally see that kind of space between seats, but I don’t dare to ask the passenger to make room for me to sit, like Meishu-sama did. I have seen enough of New Yorkers, my fellow commuters, over-reacting for the slightest things…
But one thing during my commute that I have been able to practice is Johrei, while riding a bus and train to come to the Center from home. Sometimes the Johrei exchange happen between me and my wife, sometimes between me and my daughter, and sometimes the three of us are taking the public transportation at the same time.
This gives us an opportunity to start our days practicing the Johrei column of salvation.
With our hearts centered and aligned with Meishu-sama’s wishes, I pray that you are able to inspire those around you: family, friends, co-workers and neighbors, to join us in the movement of constructing a Paradise on this Earth, by receiving the Ohikari Sacred Focal Point and begin channeling the Divine Light of the Sacred Johrei.
Thank you very much, have a safe return to your homes, and have a joyful and successful month of engagement in our practices of faith!
National Appreciation Service
March 2, 2025
President Rev. Marco Negrao
I would like to first express my heartfelt gratitude for your support that you continuously exercise through your dedicated participation in our daily and monthly services, be it in-person or online, as well as your consistent engagement in our practices of faith, centered on the practice of Johrei and the study of Meishu-sama’s Teachings.
I am celebrating today 32 years wedding anniversary. My wedding took place at the Atami Sacred Grounds Hall of Worship. The reception that followed was attended by so many wonderful ministers, such as Rev. Watanabe and Rev. Kobayashi. One minister in particular, Rev. Masaru Hasegawa, happened to engage in missionary work in the United States in the
early 80’s, and knew Miho’s father, who was also a minister.
In his congratulatory words, Rev. Hasegawa expressed his heartfelt hopes that Miho would actively engage in the column of salvation of Art and Beauty, providing joy and entertainment to those living in North America.
His powerful words came through, as many of you know, since Miho’s artistic talents are shared with us, not just through Sangetsu Flower Arranging, but through healthy meals, calligraphy, basket weaving, origami, and etc., etc. and etc.
She and Rev. Terry, with the support of our coordinating team, are organizing a magnificent event that will take place in the second week of May. To be more specific, this art exhibition will happen from Friday evening, May 9th, extending to May 10th and 11th.
Please make your plans to attend this event. If you have your own artistic talents, please talk to Rev. Terry and Miho on how you could contribute to the event by sharing with us your artistic skills.
With this exhibition we aim to attract many people that haven’t met Meishu-sama yet. It is a great opportunity to bring people to the Center, and of course, seek opportunities to channel Johrei to them.
Today I would like to share a message that Rev. Marco Resende delivered at the Guarapiranga Sacred Grounds last year.
Following world news, we get the impression that the first three months of each year tend to be a time of intense purification: increased suffering from diseases, conflicts, torrential rains, floods, accidents, earthquakes, fires, losses, and financial setbacks, all of which generate social unrest.
From a material perspective, the causes of these occurrences are diverse. However, from a Messianic and spiritualist perspective, we know that all suffering originates from spiritual clouds—that is, the impurities generated by human thoughts, words, and actions.
According to the Teachings of Meishu-sama, tragedies are consequences of the process of dissolving and eliminating accumulated clouds in the Spiritual World.
I don't know about you, but I have the impression that these cleansing processes are becoming more intense each year, confirming what Meishu-sama teaches us. With the arrival of the Daylight Age and the intensification of God’s Light, the force of purification becomes stronger.
Despite the pain and sorrow they bring, these purifications are happening gradually. Imagine if they all came at once... Humanity would certainly not be able to endure it. Even in this aspect, we can perceive God’s profound love for His Creation.
By allowing us to purify little by little, God grants us the opportunity to awaken to our mistakes and strive to correct them, seeking to align with His Will. Fortunately or unfortunately, it is in moments of great suffering or significant challenges that we recognize human limitations and decide to seek God’s help.
We must decisively understand that this process of cleansing and purifying impurities is happening because God wishes to build Paradise on Earth—a world free from the suffering of disease, poverty, and conflict. Aware of this truth, what attitude does Meishu-sama expect from us, his disciples?
In the Teaching "Elimination of Tragedy", which we just heard, Meishu-sama makes clear the importance of the immeasurable power of God, manifested through Johrei. He stated:
“[...] The invisible power that moves the visible is the essence of faith. [...]
[...] the purifying act employed by our Church—Johrei—projects Spiritual Light directly onto the soul, awakening it instantly. That is, it transforms the person without human intervention, leaving sermons in the background.
[...] those who join our religion [...] not only do not need to worry about their own tragedies but also become qualified to eliminate the tragedies of others.”
Hearing this Teaching, I imagine… What was going through Meishu-sama’s mind when he was writing the Ohikari (Sacred Focal Point)? I believe he was preparing the Ohikari to enable people to be useful to God in saving others and building Paradise on Earth.
I believe he had a very clear image in his mind of people receiving the Ohikari and extending the hand of Johrei to save thousands of people.
I believe it was this certainty—that all members would channel Divine Light to build Paradise on Earth—that motivated Meishu-sama to write so many Ohikari. If we think about it, this was not an easy task.
Even from a physical standpoint, it was an activity that demanded a lot from his body. Every other day, Meishu-sama would write about 600 Ohikari in one hour. That’s ten per minute! He worked with incredible speed and precision, imprinting the Divine Light with his deep desire to save humanity.
Meishu-sama’s wish was for the Ohikari to be granted to as many people as possible. His Sonen, his desire to form new Johrei members was infinite, as he was convinced that by increasing the number of Johrei channels and practitioners of the Divine Writings, the power of salvation and transformation in this world would intensify.
If we allow this feeling of Meishu-sama to resonate in our hearts, we will understand that each Ohikari granted holds immeasurable importance within the Divine Plan.
Let’s reflect together. Through a single Ohikari, how many people can be saved, freed from anguish and suffering?
By channeling Divine Light through Johrei, a Messianic member becomes capable of eliminating not only their own difficulties, suffering, and tragedies but also helping to save others. Truly, the salvation of humanity is a grand endeavor, but it begins with our decision to extend salvation to the people around us.
I would like to ask you all: Is receiving the Light of God important? Was it good to encounter Meishu-sama? To know Johrei and the Teachings? Is practicing the Messianic faith also good? If all of this is good for us, wouldn’t it also be good for others? Would encountering Meishu-sama make a difference in their lives? Do you believe that a person becomes happier when they receive the Ohikari and are able to channel Divine Light to their family, friends, and others?
Since we all agree that encountering Meishu-sama, learning about Johrei, the Teachings, and the Messianic practices is something good, I ask you: In the face of the problems and tragedies afflicting the world and its people, what do we, as Messianic members, need to do?
We need to introduce people to Meishu-sama. We need to channel Johrei to them, guide them to our Church, grant them the Ohikari, and support them in practicing their faith, working to reduce the suffering in this world.
Can you imagine how much this wonderful force of salvation would grow if we doubled the number of people who channel Johrei?
I believe that, inspired by Meishu-sama’s spirit of saving this world, doubling the number of people who channel Johrei as soon as possible is the task and commitment we must take on as Johrei members.
But how are we going to double the number of Johrei practitioners? If I am a Johrei member and I guide one more member, how many members will there be? Two, right? What was one is now two. It doubled, didn’t it?
I believe that if we truly desire to receive Johrei from someone and see them happy, dedicating themselves and channeling Johrei to others, we will surely awaken in them the desire to receive the Ohikari and be useful in the Divine Work.
Do you have someone from whom you would love to receive Johrei but who does not yet have the Ohikari?
Have you told this person how much you want to receive Johrei with them? How important it is to you?
Then let’s not waste any time. Express clearly how much you want to receive Johrei with them. If we sincerely desire to see them channeling Johrei and, without attachment, think about this daily, I am sure that the right words will flow from our hearts and souls, and our feelings will reach them. The important thing is not to overcomplicate it. Just speak up.
So, shall we commit to doubling the number of Johrei channels in our families and lives?
I am sure that everyone will be able to double the number of Johrei channels because the decision you made here is already recorded in the Spiritual World. Everything is prepared, waiting only for your action.
Always remember: What moves people is our sincere desire for their happiness. So, from the depths of your hearts, wish for those close to you to receive the Ohikari, practice Johrei, and become happy.
NEW ENGLAND EXPANSION
Part 1: Mid 90’s to mid 2000’s
In the State of Connecticut, we have held throughout the years, several Johrei gatherings in members' homes, as well as commercial spaces.
Dance with Susan - Located in Fairfield, through the Johrei gatherings in this dance studio, five people became members. Two Japanese sisters received the Ohikari and told their relatives in Japan about it.
They had a nephew suffering with a severe case of atopic dermatitis, and by receiving plenty of Johrei, the boy recovered his health. Several of his relatives became members due to this miracle. One even became a Johrei minister after moving back to Japan!
In the town of Westport, Johrei gatherings were held in an organic restaurant. At one point thirty people joined us to receive the Divine Light.
In that town, which faces the Long Island Sound, we sponsored Johrei events in an esoteric bookstore, and in a natural foods store called Fountain of Youth.
One missionary there at that time, received the Divine Scroll and Meishu-sama's picture, becoming the first Home Altar in Connecticut.
Eventually, in a brand of organic supermarkets called Wild Oats, now absorbed by the Whole Foods group, in Westport as well, where some of our Johrei members used to shop, their management offered a space for community's activities.
We talked to the events manager and arranged to have few hours of Johrei available on a regular basis, plus a workshop on Sangetsu flower arranging.
Through the Sangetsu workshop, thirty-five people participated. Members and nonmembers that lived far away from the New York center, strongly felt the benefit of our event.
But the fun part was “recruiting” the supermarket shoppers. As they pushed their shopping carts into the store, they could see our open space near the entrance, with people sitting and facing each other.
As we invited them for the flowers workshop, some asked: "What are those people doing with their hands raised toward others?"
We explained what Johrei was, and some received it for the first time! An elderly lady I gave Johrei to, enjoyed receiving it. She was on her second Johrei when her daughter came agitated: "Mom, here you are! I was looking for you all over this place!". "I'm receiving Light, ok? It is wonderful, and you should receive it too! You will become more patient by it!", said the old lady.
A couple of year later, in Fairfield, another member also had the Divine Scroll and Meishu-sama's picture dedicated, making her residence another home of Light! She and her husband eventually moved to North Carolina.
That Wild Oats supermarket in Westport changed hands, and not being able to resume the Johrei gatherings there, we concentrated our expansion efforts in the members’ homes. Home gatherings were held in Greenwich, Redding, Westport, Southport and Weston.
With our regular presence in New England through homes of Light, we continue paying and acting upon that in the near future, a Johrei center will be established there as well.
Updates: through the efforts of Delva, David, and Andrew in New Haven, as of February 2025 another Ohikari Sacred Focal Point was presented there by Rev. Romilson Candido! It is the fifth Ohikari presented in the last two years through their love and commitment.
Delva, David, Ana Marie and her sister Julie joined us last year for the pilgrimage to the Sacred Grounds in Japan. They all have many positive impressions to share about the wonderful days they spent in Japan, dedicating themselves, experiencing cleansing purification, and being bathed in the Light of those sacred places.
You can all experience these incredible sensations by joining our next pilgrimage to Japan this fall, which will be led by Rev. Romilson Candido and assisted by Rev. Guilherme de Souza and Rev. Terry Sato. Please talk to your center head for more details and hurry up, as we need to estimate the number of participants in order to make the necessary reservations for lodging
and restaurants.
To conclude my message today, I would like to share a passage during my training days in Brazil. On my efforts to grow in self-confidence plus introducing people to Meishu-sama, every Saturday during my training period it was the day of going door to door according to our schedule.
My superiors wish for us trainees were that we could accomplish both, but self-confidence had an extra value in the activity.
My first day was probably the most difficult. In the neighborhood of Santa Cecilia, in Sao Paulo, there were more apartment buildings than houses. I wandered around for three hours with no courage to knock on a single place. I sat on a park bench and starred at the sky, begging for Meishu-sama’s help to give me strength.
I began to think that the other trainees would share wonderful stories. Then, I could not possibly return to the headquarters with no effort made, no story to share. As the time to return to the headquarters was nearing, I gathered whatever strength and
courage and resume my walking in search of a place that would receive my visit. I finally found a home that opened the door for me! The owner received Johrei and even bought a book on faith experiences I offered to him! When was the time to report our stories, I also realized that the majority of the trainees shared the same difficulty I had.
That single result I was able to achieve made me more confident for the subsequent door to door visits. In one of them, I read a sign on a large building which said: "Young Women's Lodging".
I rang the doorbell, hoping they wouldn't take me wrong on trying to enter those premises. A woman in her twenties answered the door, and I explained the motives for my visit. "Look, technically we are not allowed to let any man into these premises. However, there is a lady here who us bedridden, and could benefit from your prayers".
I was led to this lady’s room, while being watched closely by the eyes of the other residents there. I gave the lady a long Johrei, told her that the Johrei center was close by, and returned to the headquarters.
There, I listened to the other trainees’ report. When it was my turn to share how my day was, I mentioned I was able to channel Johrei to someone at a place called “Young Women’s Lodging”.
My minister asked, quite interested: "How old was the young woman?". "Sixty-three", I said. "Oh, very young indeed!", the minister replied laughing, with everyone else too exploding in laughter.
I was so excited that I entered another place to channel Johrei, that I didn’t even correlate the name of the place and that lady's age!
What was supposed to be one year of this activity became just six months, as all trainees were no longer experiencing difficulties. When our superiors realized that we began to actually have fun in going door-to-door, they decided to schedule more classes for our training instead.
In the course of those six-months, I was able to channel Johrei to more than a 100 people for the first time. I still have the records of those visits – their names and addresses – and these records represent a kind of treasure for me.
I don’t expect that you would do the same. Laws have also changed, and depending on where you live, going door-to-door may not even be possible. Yet, getting inspiration from Rev. Marco Resende’s message, let us seek opportunities to
channel Johrei to our family members, co-workers, neighbors and acquaintances, while having the Sonen of receiving Johrei from them, expressing clear words about our wishes that they too become participants in the construction of Paradise on Earth by receiving the Ohikari Sacred Focal Point.
With our hearts centered and aligned with Meishu-sama’s wishes, I pray that you are able to inspire those around you, that you have a safe return to your homes, and experience a joyful and successful month of engagement in our practices of faith!
National Appreciation Service
March 2024
President Rev. Marco Negrao
May I first express my heartfelt gratitude for all your support expressed through your channeling and receiving Johrei, offering donations of gratitude, guiding your family and friends to our movement, reading and practicing Meishu-sama’s Teachings, as well as attending our services both in person and online.
During our Meishu-sama’s Birthday celebration this past December, we witnessed one Ohikari presentation to Tatiana Leggiero, who was introduced to our church by her friend Rodrigo Rogatto.
Rodrigo’s mother, who is also a Johrei member in Brazil, shared her faith experience at the Johrei Center she belongs to, which I would like to share with you:
FAITH EXPERIENCE LUZIA ALVES DE OLIVEIRA
Ponta da Praia Johrei Center – SANTOS – BRAZIL
FEBRUARY 17th 2024
Luzia Alves de Oliveira has been a Johrei member for 10 years, and she works as a bank employee. At the Ponta da Praia Johrei Center, she gives service as an administration manager.
She has two children, one in the spiritual world and the other in the physical world.
In 1999, after 6 years of marriage, she became pregnant but had a miscarriage. Six months later, she became pregnant again, and her son Rodrigo was born in 2000. In 2001, she divorced.
She experienced many conflicts with her son; she herself experienced depression and insomnia, and both took many prescribed medications. On top of that, Rodrigo was diagnosed with ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which deeply concerned her.
In 2013, a friend who is a Johrei member, witnessing this whole troubling scenario, invited her to begin receiving Johrei again, as she had received it a few times back in 2004.
In January of 2014, after receiving Johrei, a member asked Luzia to channel Johrei to her. Luzia responded saying that she could not because she was just a regular attendee, not a Johrei member. The member told her that she was self-centered, wishing only to receive the Light, and asked if she would like to become a useful person.
Reflecting upon what she had heard, shortly afterwards, Luzia decided to take the membership classes and was granted the Ohikari later that same month, January 2014.
In July of 2016, she was invited to participate in the pilgrimage going to the Sacred Grounds in Japan. She felt quite reluctant, and replied that it was virtually impossible, because of her commitments to both her son and her job.
Her minister then gave her the following advice: "Fear is lack of faith, and it's not me who is inviting you, it is Meishu-sama, thus, go to Japan and see what He wants to tell you".
She accepted her minister’s words, then began preparing herself and ultimately joined the October 2016 pilgrimage, which was an unforgettable experience for her. On the first night in Japan, Luzia had a significant dream about her son who is in the spiritual realm.
He expressed significant anger towards her and pleaded for help and to be rescued. Luzia immediately began to understand more about our relationship with ancestors and further strengthened her conviction about the existence of the spiritual world.
Upon returning to Brazil, her son Rodrigo asked her to no longer require him to take medications any longer because he felt like a fool when he took them. Upon hearing these words, Luzia went to a psychiatrist to report about her son and was informed Rodrigo was in fact extremely intelligent, indeed almost a genius, and had no visible disorders. When she returned home, Luzia disposed of all the medications they had in the house.
Later in that same year, 2016, Rodrigo became a Johrei member, and with that greater harmony prevailed in their relationship.
In 2018, Rodrigo was invited to attend and play soccer at a university in the United States. In 2023, Luzia was blessed to introduce 3 people to our church. Daily, through her SONEN and prayer requests, she asked that her son may be able to find a Johrei member girl to date. It was an almost impossible SONEN, because he lived in a city where there was no Johrei Center, not even one nearby.
During the November monthly appreciation service at the Johrei Center she belongs to, while in conversation with the minister responsible for the region where she lives, she learned that Reverend Resende, president of our church in Brazil, would be going to the United States in early December.
On December 2nd, 2023, Rodrigo and an American friend, Tatiana, went to New York to participate in the dedications preceding Meishu-sama’s Birthday service there.
That day, Rev. Resende, after observing Rodrigo channeling Johrei to Tatiana, invited him to come sit and talk for a few minutes in the minister’s office. Rev. Resende asked Rodrigo if he wanted to receive Johrei from his friend, Tatiana.
Rodrigo responded that he did, and Rev. Resende told him to tell Tatiana that he had this wish. Rodrigo advised the reverend that she could not channel Johrei to him because she was not a member, and that he would address the matter to her sometime later. Rev. Resende insisted, "but don't you want to receive Johrei from her? Then say it! Ask, ask for Johrei from her, don't you want to save her?”
They were talking in Portuguese, and Tatiana, who is American, didn't understand anything they were saying. Concerned, she asked, “What is going on?” Rodrigo, a little embarrassed, told Tatiana that he actually wanted to receive Johrei from her and asked if she would like to channel Johrei to him. A beautiful smile appeared on her face and she exclaimed, “YES!”. Rodrigo, exhilarated, could not believe her response. The reverend immediately reaffirmed, "Didn't I tell you, young man?"
The next day, Tatiana received the Ohikari Sacred Focal Point, and channeled her very first Johrei to Rev. Resende. Luzia’s dream of her son finding a Johrei member girlfriend finally materialized.
After this particular Ohikari presentation, which was carried out by Rev. Resende himself, and along with the guidance he shared at the service in New York, which encouraged openly asking to receive Johrei from someone who is a non-member, the members in the United States and Canada came to understood the need to freely express to family members and friends, their desire to receive Johrei from that person.
The members in North-America became excited and started to awaken about the need of those around them to receive the Sacred Focal Point, and the minister responsible for the United States and Canada came to Brazil to be presented with many more Ohikaris, because in 1 month their inventory of Ohikaris, which typically might have lasted one year, ran out.
After receiving the Ohikari Sacred Focal Point, many miracles occurred in Tatiana’s life. Conflicts she experienced with her father dissipated; she was allowed to take care of her sick grandfather, which recovered thanks to Johrei; the various universities she had applied to for her doctorate degree, all highly competitive ones, accepted her application.
Luzia learned that to guide someone and teach them the path of salvation, we need to be humble, engage in our practices of faith, pray earnestly, entrusting everything into the hands of God and Meishu-sama, while also manifesting the desire to receive Johrei from that person who is not yet a member.
Luzia commits herself to follow the ways and pragmatism of Meishu-sama, while dedicating herself to the construction of Paradise on Earth, and guiding many people to our Johrei movement.
Luzia is very grateful to God and Meishu-sama, as well as her ancestors, her ministers, and most especially to Rev. Resende and his tireless approach, for experiencing these wonderful blessings.
This was Luzia’s faith experience, which mentions that she felt quite reluctant to think about going on a pilgrimage to Japan, replying that it was virtually impossible, because of her commitments both to her son and her job.
Her minister then gave her the following advice: "Fear is lack of faith, and it's not me who is inviting you, it's Meishu-sama, thus, go to Japan and see what He wants to tell you".
She accepted her minister’s words, began preparing herself and ultimately joined the October 2016 pilgrimage, which became an unforgettable and life-changing experience for her.
You too may wish to consider what Meishu-sama wants to tell you when you go to Japan. As we have been announcing, we have a pilgrimage going to Japan this year, with tentative dates ranging from September 25th to October 9th. Thus, make your preparations accordingly.
In today’s Teaching entitled “One Equals One Hundred”, I selected the following passages:
Suppose someone becomes a member of our movement after you have helped that person with Johrei and have carefully explained about aspects of our faith. Do not assume that the individual's faith has been firmly established at that point. You have simply led the visitor to the entranceway. You have yet to bring your guest inside the house to see its beauty and its complexities. As many of our ministers and lay leaders know from experience, only after that newcomer has begun to more fully fathom our organization and its teachings can a lasting commitment take place.
If you can lead one person to become a true believer, you have the potential to help another hundred. If each of these one hundred believers were to do the same, our membership would multiply in geometrical progression until it would reach a most magnificent number.
And also: Ours is a religion, but it encompasses much more than religious faith and doctrines. We have already made great contributions in medicine, agriculture, and the arts, and we will soon launch epic projects in other areas of culture, as well. Our goal is to see the gravely distorted purgatory that humanity lives in be replaced by the realization of an authentic Paradise on Earth. Through a religion endowed with such exceptional strength, certainly it is only natural that one believer should be able to guide one hundred more to the same faith.
Do you still remember the first Johrei you ever received?
I think everyone here may truly be grateful for the person who ultimately guided you here, or the one that gave you that first Johrei.
If today we feel joy to know Meishu-sama, is because once, back then, “there was someone who saw us, gave us Johrei and was destined to become a person of relevance regarding our happiness.”
So, wouldn’t we also want to seek to become a person of relevance for other people's happiness? Guiding and giving the gift of Johrei and Meishu-sama to them?
We cannot be aware of the ultimate impact or scope of the work that God will manifest after that first Johrei is channeled to someone or by our guiding a person to the Johrei movement.
Consequently, in preparation for our upcoming Paradise on Earth service in June, try to be attentive to your surroundings, because you may actually find someone suffering, waiting for salvation.
In fact, a suffering person’s sorrow is the manifestation of the will of their ancestors, asking that you extend a hand of salvation. If you can give that person Johrei, directing him or her to be useful to God, their ancestors will be very happy.
I wish to encourage you to set this kind of personal goal for these coming months.
These kind of opportunities amongst relatives, co-workers or neighbors do exist. And sometimes, the opportunities occur right here at the center. Whenever you come to volunteer to channel Johrei, by having this Sonen, this mental attitude of guiding someone, you may be blessed to attend to a person for the first time, or to a regular visitor who has not yet become a member, and be able to inspire him or her by asking to receive Johrei from them. In this way, you will become a person of great relevance in their lives.
There is an interesting experience regarding how the Johrei expansion in Africa occurred:
A member in Sao Paulo named Sachiko would normally carry Johrei newsletters in her purse, seeking opportunities to guide someone to our church.
Upon seeing a man walking through the streets wearing traditional African clothes, something that is an unusual scene in Sao Paulo, Sachiko decided to approach him and talk about Johrei and offer him a newsletter.
The man, named Pegado, accepted the Johrei publication, and upon returning to Africa and thoroughly reading the newsletter, decided to call the headquarters in Brazil, and asked if a minister could pay a visit to introduce Johrei to his friends in Luanda, Angola.
The minister assigned to make such a trip was Rev. Francisco Fernandes, who agreed to make the journey if Pegado would gather at least seven people who could become Johrei pioneers in the African continent.
Pegado indeed gathered his family and friends, and seven people were able to receive the Ohikari Sacred Focal Point.
Today, we have nearly 100 thousand members in 26 different African countries.
Thus, Sachiko, who had the initiative to guide someone, received the spiritual rewards of all the thousands of people who have become Johrei members, from that one she introduced to our movement: Mr. Pegado.
Something else I want to share about this member, Sachiko. One day, while serving at the reception area of her Johrei Center, she became engaged in a heated discussion with a man.
The minister overheard their discussion and came to intervene. He approached the man saying he should have more respect for Sachiko, since she was the instrument who guided the pioneer member in Angola, and that now there were thousands of members grateful for her existence.
The man didn’t think twice, and said: “Well, they should be grateful for my existence too!”.
The minister asked, “How come? Why is that so?”
The man replied, “Well, I am in fact the very person who guided Sachiko to Johrei!”
The minister became flabbergasted and had to admit that this man was also reaping the spiritual benefits of all the Ohikaris that have ever been presented in Africa!
An experience of my own, which I have written about and shared here a couple of times, is worth mentioning. In my memoirs the chapter is entitled: “Judge Not, But I Did!”
This happened in the neighborhood of the Santa Cecilia Johrei Center in Sao Paulo, sometime in the early part of 1986.
As part of my ministerial training program, every Saturday afternoon trainees were assigned to different neighborhoods to knock on doors and offer Johrei, like some other well-known religions that engage in similar activities.
Besides offering Johrei, we carried with us books that spoke of faith experiences for us to sell. I couldn’t simply give them away, or I would have to reimburse the church for the books’ cost, and certainly at that time I did not have money to spare.
The purpose of this kind of training was for us to overcome shyness and explore the potential that each individual could tap into when guiding others.
My first day involved in this kind of activity proved to be a real challenge. After almost four hours walking up and down the streets of a residential neighborhood, I was struggling emotionally due to my lack of courage – I had not even knocked on a single door. I then decided to sit on a park bench, filled with disgust and frustration by my own lack of confidence.
It dawned upon me that I would have to return to the headquarters to make reports regarding my efforts. I envisioned that every other trainee would come back with successful stories, while I would be empty-handed and embarrassed.
I gathered my strength, got up and finally knocked on a door. A man let me in to his home, accepted receiving Johrei and even purchased one of the books of faith experiences I had shown him!
That single result was essential for my subsequent door-to-door activities that took place during the following weeks. To my surprise, when sharing my reports along with the other trainees, I came to realize that virtually every one of us experienced the same difficulties that I had endured.
After my confidence level on going door to door increased and I began having more positive results, I determined to focus on buildings with inter-coms, since my assigned neighborhood had more buildings than homes. I began to look for them on purpose, as I could sometimes approach as many as forty apartments, without having to walk too much.
Fortunately, I was able to skillfully remain out of sight of receptionists and security guards at those places, before they would be able to come and shout: “No soliciting!”
On one occasion, as I was walking, I noticed not far from me on the same side of the sidewalk, a man in his early 30's that was acting crazy and speaking loudly.
I acted quickly and moved to the other side of the street, fast-walking to distance myself from that man. I was thinking, “He's going to interfere with my mission!”
A few moments later I stopped at one small building with an inter-com and began pushing buttons, asking: “Is anyone interested in receiving a prayer?”
Then to my surprise, suddenly the “crazy” man had his face adjacent to mine near the inter-comm. Someone inside the building responded to my inquiry, and I asked that person if she was interested in receiving a prayer. The crazy man, now next to me began loudly repeating: “Prayer, prayer, prayer!”
Then somebody from one of the apartments remotely opened the building’s entrance door! The man instantly grabbed my hand and pulled me with him, as he rushed up the stairs headed somewhere. I had no clue where to. I decided to go with the flow and see where this was going to lead me”.
One of the apartments on the third floor had the door partially opened. Inside there was a family waiting for him. He lived there!
When they had heard him say “prayer”, they recognized his voice and that was when they’d remotely opened the door.
There were five other people there, besides the apparently disturbed man. All of them received Johrei, including him! They even bought one of the books of faith experiences that I was carrying with me.
The man whom I had thought was going to “interfere with my mission”, actually saved my day, and I was able to submit a most positive report to my superiors.
Until today I nurture dear thoughts about this special man and his unorthodox help.
Finally, after six months of engaging in the door-to-door activities, I accomplished channeling Johrei to more than 100 people who received it for the first time. My peers also had substantial positive results. Our superiors then decided that since the door-to-door activities were no longer a major challenge, that instead it was time to focus our studies on learning the Japanese language, which in my case continues even today.
Thank you very much, have a safe return to your homes, and a joyful and successful month of engagement in our practices of faith, centered on the practice of Johrei, Meishu-sama’s Teachings, and becoming an instrument that will eventually guide one hundred people or more!
National Appreciation Service
October 2023
President Rev. Marco Negrao
I would first like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support that you continuously exercise through your dedicated participation in our daily and monthly services, whether it be in-person or online, as well as your consistent engagement in our practices of faith, which are centered on the practice of Johrei and the study of Meishu-sama’s Teachings.
Recently the world has experienced many severe natural disasters in the form of earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions, to name just a few.
I now express my gratitude to you for your prayers directed to send Light to the victims of these disasters, as well as to their families and loved ones. Let us continue praying for them, as well as to the victims of wars and other man-made disasters.
According to today’s Teaching: “Human speech also has great influence on climate and weather. Words that express negativity – lies, complaints, grumbling, abuses, etc. – form clouds in the spiritual realm.”
And so, let us give thought and reflect upon ourselves as to what extent our own negative thoughts, words and actions may actually be contributing to the many natural disasters that are occurring worldwide, and instead determine to manifest positive deeds, mindsets and speech, so that we each are doing our part to contribute to the lessening of number of catastrophes that are plaguing our planet.
October the 5th will mark the 10th year anniversary of the transition of Rev. Tetsuo Watanabe, whom I had the honor and privilege of having met. Some people present here today also had that same privilege, or at least have heard about his brilliant and extraordinary existence.
Throughout his ministerial life, Rev. Watanabe inspired thousands and thousands of people by sharing stories of the numerous significant events that impacted his life. There are two of these passages that I wish to share with you now:
A SIGNIFICANT LOSS
I married Masako Takai in 1968, and our union was to be blessed with the birth of four children. After personally experiencing numerous Johrei miracles through which I had the privilege of playing a prominent role in providing vital religious assistance to those who had given up hope for their ailments after having sought remedies traditional medical approaches, I was struck by a great loss with the sudden passing of my eldest son, Kazunori, with whom I had a very special relationship.
From his birth, I had eagerly taken on the role of caring for him in place of his mother. I so enjoyed changing his diapers, giving him baths, playing with him, singing in his presence, and even felt jealous of my wife Masako because she was able to breastfeed him, and I could not. We had an intense bond, filled with moments of relaxation and affection. He was a cheerful, communicative child who became the primary focus of my adoration.
Suddenly, in 1975, when he was four and a half years old, he developed kidney failure and was no longer able to urinate and was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. From the onset of symptoms, I channeled Johrei to him intensely. We also received visits from various missionaries who channeled Johrei to him.
My family's routine was completely disrupted by this tragic development. I devoted myself entirely to my son, resting only briefly every day and staying awake at night by his side, caring for him and channeling Johrei endlessly. My wife took care of our two younger children, as well as me and our home.
Days passed without any indications of Kazunori's recovery. Fatigue began to take its toll on all of us. Desolation persisted. I suffered, thinking that, as an instrument of God and Meishu-sama, I had been used effectively to save many people with similar illnesses, including nephrosis - who had given up after experiencing medicines failures. My goodness, I had even witnessed resurrections! Yet, I was not granted permission to heal my own beloved son. My heart was filled with devastation. It pained me to see little precious Kazunori face his suffering day after day.
The support of friends helped in every way. Every day, he always received Johrei from someone.
The days went by, and suddenly, I realized that I had already spent seventy days and nights caring for my son. Yet he showed no signs of improvement. Tired and riddled with sadness, I sought strength in Meishu-sama's teachings. One day, as I didn't yet have a home altar, I opened the book and, in distress, exclaimed aloud:
"Meishu-sama, enough! Enough of testing me! I will always be your instrument, whatever happens. If my son still has a mission on Earth, let the purification happen for as long as it needs to. But if his mission has already been fulfilled and he needs to depart to the Spiritual World, please take him soon."
An hour later, Kazunori developed a high fever. The doctor who was attending to him diagnosed pneumonia and suggested that I take him to the hospital for oxygen, as his breathing had become difficult and labored.
At the hospital, when the doctor brought the mask close to my son's face, he refused it. He removed it with his own little hands and tossed it aside. I made an effort to put the mask back on, but he insisted on taking it off. I asked:
"Kazunori, don't you want to wear it?"
He looked at me intensely, firmly denying my help, and then he passed away. It was September 13th, 1975. I was in a state of shock. Only one hour after my outpouring in front of the teachings book, Meishu-sama had already answered my plea. Kazunori's mission had come to an end. Despite the pain, I reached such an understanding.
As I had always drawn lessons from my life experiences, I had learned that everything said before God is very serious.
The next day, Kazunori was buried in Rio de Janeiro. We received huge unwavering support from fellow members. After the funeral ceremonies, we returned home, which for me was so difficult.
Takamasa, meanwhile, constantly called for his brother. He wanted to know where he was and searched the entire house.
Within me, I felt that everything I had built had crumbled. With this state of mind, I called my father to inform him of Kazunori's passing:
"Dad, you've lost your grandson!"
He listened and tried to console me:
"I'm so sorry! I've also lost three children. That's why I understand so deeply what you're going through. Through this experience, you will have gained the true qualifications of a minister. From now on, you'll be able to empathize with the pains of church members and never judge those who suffer, thinking it may be due to a lack of faith or dedication."
He spoke these words and then invited me, my wife, and children to come to Japan to attend the 50th-day memorial service for Kazunori and receive his support.
Those words from my father remained engraved in my heart. I recognized that I was being prepared to gain the feeling of compassion that I had not yet possessed.
From that point on, when I learned that someone had lost a loved one, I would cry along with them. I already knew what it felt like to lose a loved one. I wouldn't say anything; I would just cry with them to share in their sadness and offer support. And so, I often remembered the pain I had experienced on the day of my son's death. One of the priceless gifts I was given was to be able to feel others' suffering as if I were in their shoes. I reacted this way so many times that I found a way to guide my disciples and church members, by putting myself in their situation.
To those who lose a loved one, I never say "don't cry." On the contrary, I advise them to cry, remembering the good times they spent together. A person shouldn't cry out of sadness but rather shed tears of emotion and longing. This is not attachment. I always recommend shedding tears and thanking the spirit for the joy and happiness that was shared.
What one should not do at this time is wish or ask God for the spirit to return to this world. If you ask, and they return, that is attachment. But crying out of longing is absolutely acceptable. Cry as much as you want. Only time can fill the void in a person’s chest, the emptiness felt by the loss of a loved one. So, I often advise to seek doing what the deceased wanted to do if they were still alive. Do it on their behalf. This act greatly helps to save them in the Spiritual World.
When I lost my son, if a friend came to my house and simply hugged me and cried with me, they were already offering me great comfort.
I also came to understand that we should never judge anyone for the death of a person, by accusing them of not channeling enough Johrei, or saying, "if you had sent them to the hospital and they had surgery, maybe they would have survived." Blaming someone for a person's death is very wrong and should never be done. There is always a hidden reason behind appearances. Nothing happens by chance. Everything is determined by God.
I always remember Nidai-sama's guidance when she said that if a person passes away, even at a young age, it's because they have already fulfilled their mission and have received permission to die. Many people suffer because they lack this understanding and sometimes seek someone to blame for the death of a loved one. But it's good to know that no one dies before their time. Those who believe in the eternity of the soul understand that our loved ones continue to live within us. For this reason, when I achieve something, I always think that it was possible thanks to the collaboration and support of all those in the Spiritual World who continue to work with me. In those moments, I try to express my heartfelt gratitude for their actions.
Another experience shared by Rev. Watanabe is entitled:
THREE PILLARS OF THE DIVINE WORK
In January of 1974, I was appointed by the leadership of our Church in Brazil to serve in São Paulo. At that time, I left the Church in Rio de Janeiro under the responsibility of Rev. Norio Shirasawa, who, along with two other ministers: Milton Ventura and Yara Carvalho, formed three important pillars of our expansion in Rio de Janeiro.
Since his arrival in Brazil Rev. Norio had always worked by my side. He was well-known for his loyalty to me, and I appointed him to be the main person in charge of nearly fifteen thousand members and hundreds of missionaries.
Rev. Yara possessed attributes that set her apart within the Johrei community, such as her patience and tolerance. Moreover, she inspired trust and acted as a loving and dedicated minister. She lived in my house, and I considered her like my own daughter.
When structuring the Church in Rio de Janeiro, I created a dissemination center in the northern zone of the city, which encompassed twelve neighborhoods, and I appointed her to lead about a thousand Johrei members from that region, starting from a Johrei Center in the Riachuelo neighborhood. Upon learning that she would be working in this region as one of the three pillars I had prepared to care for the dissemination in Rio de Janeiro, she recorded her thoughts on November 23rd, 1974, in the pages of her diary:
Three pillars of friendship and mutual commitment. From today, our attention will be focused on creating and developing harmony. Forming a united dome, guided by this spirit, we desire and will strive to intensify it more and more, in order to transmit it to all members of the church and its attendees. With this harmony, there will be light and much protection from God and Meishu-sama, which is indispensable for the expansion of his doctrine.
I also enjoyed a deep friendship with Rev. Milton and entrusted him with various responsibilities. The first one, in 1970, was as an instructor of our doctrine. When he received his ministerial certificate, I assigned him yet another task: to assume responsibility for the dissemination of our movement in the southern zone of the city, starting from the Urca neighborhood, where he became responsible for 1,500 Johrei members. He was known to be a calm missionary who expressed his feelings in a natural way.
On March 26th, 1976, he did something that caught the attention of one of his missionaries: he gathered several personal belongings and handed them to this missionary, instructing that if something happened to him, these objects should be delivered to his wife, Celia. Rev. Milton had always had a premonition that he would die at the age of 40 and had previously mentioned it to his wife. For this reason, he was always prepared for any eventuality.
Only three days later, on the night of March 29th, the three ministers, Norio, Milton, and Yara, left Rio de Janeiro for São Paulo to attend meetings at the Central Headquarters of the Church. They were all in the same car when they were involved in a terrible car accident on the Presidente Dutra Highway.
Rev. Milton and Rev. Yara passed away at the age of 39, and Rev. Norio at the age of 32. On the morning of March 30th, 1976, the Church in Brazil awoke in mourning with the tragic news.
On the day of the death of these three ministers, I was not in Brazil, as I had departed for Japan the day before, where I would participate in meetings and the monthly service held at the Sacred Grounds. Consequently, because I was traveling, I was unaware of the tragedy.
The sad news reached Japan much faster than the plane that was transporting me there. The Japanese leaders were aware of the long journey I would have to undertake to reach the General Headquarters in Atami, so they decided to deliver the news at the airport. They arranged for a representative to wait for my arrival and then inform me of the accident that had resulted in the deaths of the three ministers.
I heard the news while waiting for my luggage. It was such a shock that I couldn't remain standing. I felt the world was collapsing within me. I could only remain seated and had no strength to stand up, unable to utter even a single word. My thoughts turned to Meishu-sama, trying to find an explanation for the events that I alone was unable to unravel, comprehend or accept. "Meishu-sama, I have always dedicated and worked, day and night, for the happiness of people. Why is this happening to me? I lost the three ministers I trained as pillars, all at once. Why?", I cried.
In that painful moment, I wished it was all just a nightmare, but reality forced me to face the facts. I felt guilty, thinking that somehow, I could have prevented this tragic accident.
My suffering seemed endless. I couldn't see the future anymore or fill the void that had opened inside me. If I had lost my arms, I might not have suffered as much. But by losing my beloved son and the three ministers who were my pillars, it was worse than losing my arms and legs. I felt that since the death of my son Kazunori, six months before this tragedy, my spirit had been prepared to cope with the pain of loss. Enveloped in massive suffering now, I sought the reason for these premature deaths.
Speculations emerged at all levels within the Church, and each person interpreted the various events as they wished. However, the interpretation that was reserved for me was to come in a special way, just a few days after the tragedy.
My schedule called for me to visit the Sacred Ground in Kyoto. As planned, I went to the Atami station, and while waiting for the train, providence manifested a chance encounter between myself and the Third Spiritual Leader, Sandai-sama.
When she saw me on the platform, she advised her assistants that she wanted to talk to me, who led me to where she was.
- "Watanabe, how are you? Are you also traveling? Where to?"
- "I'm going to Kyoto."
- "Ah! Then, let's go together. I'm also waiting for the train to Kyoto."
We boarded the train, and as we settled in, Sandai-sama asked me to sit face-to-face in front of her. She already knew of all the events and wanted to talk to me. As the supreme head of our movement, she felt that she could console me with words inspired by Meishu-sama, and said to me:
- "Watanabe, I'm so sorry. I have been very touched by what you've had been through in these past few months. Within such a short period of time, you have lost four very important people. Surely it has been so very difficult, right? However, no matter how challenging it has been, I believe these events have a profound meaning. These four people were predestined to become four vital and essential pillars to support God's work in Brazil. Certainly, without question, they will be a great support for your mission from the Spiritual World."
As I listened to Sandai-sama's words, I felt a ray of Light invading my soul, easing my heart and dispelling the guilt that had settled within me. I realized how difficult it is for human perception to grasp the grandeur of God's Plan. I understood more clearly than ever before that all events are determined by Him for our evolution.
On the way to Kyoto, I deeply reflected upon what Sandai-sama had revealed to me and grasped that perceiving, understanding and facing events, even those that seem bad, are in fact God's Will and to be recognized as opportunities for gaining spiritual strength and ultimately wisdom.
Today, I consider that which I learned through the loss of these vital pillars of the Divine Work as the greatest treasure of my life.
For those of us who still maintain a materialistic mindset, a sense of loss prevails. However, life goes on; everything happens for a reason. Nothing occurs by chance. If we think negatively, we will interpret some events as punishment and lose our faith. However, if we choose a positive attitude, there is no doubt that we can find value in each and every occurrence that we experience throughout our evolutionary process.
* * *
I consider myself a privileged person for having several encounters with Rev. Watanabe, whose aura and charisma would fill any atmosphere, and not just in our church facilities. He impressed those around him in restaurants, airplanes, etc.
I will share with you one of these personal encounters I had with him, which relates to an unscheduled stop-over that took place in New York during one of his trips.
One evening early in March of 2007, I received a call from the International Department based in Atami, Japan, saying that because of severe weather conditions, the lay-over that Rev. Watanabe would have in New York while traveling back to Japan from Brazil was extended beyond the originally scheduled four hours.
It was a snowy evening, and he and the other passengers were taken to a hotel somewhere on Long Island, as there were no vacancies for so many people in the city’s hotels.
I was given his hotel room number by his secretary and was advised to call and greet him, and check whether he needed some assistance.
And so I did, greeting him on the phone saying, "Welcome to New York, Sensei. I’m sorry your trip was interrupted because of the severe weather. Can I help you with something?"
He was silent for few seconds, and then requested, "Please call me at 6 o'clock in the morning".
He surely knew how to setup the alarm clock in his room, or to request a wakeup call from the hotel lobby, but he chose instead to give me a mission, one as simple as could be imagined.
I excitedly received his request as a special mission, although some people would see it as just something too frivolous. Yet, I prepared myself accordingly.
I woke up at 5 in the morning to take a shower, dress in a suit, put my tie on, had breakfast and then proceeded to practice my voice, "Good morning, Sensei, 6 o'clock.", "No, not good!", I thought, as my voice was a little rough – too much like someone who had just awakened, I felt I simply could not address someone as special as Rev. Watanabe in a casual or careless way.
I kept practicing, and when the time came, I called him. He thanked me and I expressed my wish that he would have a pleasant and safe journey.
I then rushed to the airport in the hopes that I might have a chance to see him. As I reached the terminal, I waited outside for the buses that would be bringing the passengers. It was really quite cold, and there had been a substantial amount of snow that had fallen the night before.
The buses from the hotel finally arrived, and all passengers got off and were directed to a particular gate. Except Rev. Watanabe was not there. "What happened?", I wondered, perplexed.
I waited for a while to see if additional buses would bring more passengers. In the meanwhile, a car came, driven by a flight attendant from Japan Airlines, bringing Rev. Watanabe.
"You are wondering what happened, right?", he asked. And then continued: "As I prepared myself and went to the hotel lobby, everyone had already gone! I guess I had misunderstood the bus departure time, and after checking the passengers list, a flight attendant noticed that I was missing. And so, she made the special trip to bring me!"
I was very certain that because Rev. Watanabe was such an extraordinary spiritual being, he was supposed to be brought to the airport also in a truly special way!
He said to me, "Well, since you are here, let's have some coffee!" "Yes!", I thought, "All the effort to try to see him at the airport has paid off!"
This would give me an opportunity to make a personal report to him on our expansion efforts to spread Meishu-sama's Light throughout North America.
Rev. Watanabe mentioned being a little hungry and suggested that he would like to eat something light, like a sandwich.
After we sat down, I ordered his sandwich, and when the food came, he noticed that in front of me, there was no glass or plate. I had decided not to order anything for myself, since I had already eaten breakfast at home.
“Here, take half of my tuna sandwich,” Reverend Watanabe told me.
It was the tastiest sandwich I had ever eaten in my life, truly, without any exaggeration. A true delicacy from the gods!
And it was just a simple tuna sandwich, from a little shop at the airport. Nothing fancy or special.
Rev. Watanabe was a true master of these small selfless practices. Those who followed him closely knew that this was not something he merely talked about during a service, but rather it was a practice that he himself always engaged in.
He was always attentive and helpful, frequently doing these practices very naturally, with the right pace, grace and elegance.
Pele was considered the king of soccer, because he was the most complete of all. In this sense, of all the ministers I have ever met, I consider Rev. Watanabe to be the Pele amongst all ministers, the most complete.
Every great minister I have known has sometimes had three or four of Rev. Watanabe's finest qualities, but none of all his virtues: spiritual strength, wisdom, friendliness, humor, spirit of giving service, elegance in the way he walked and dressed, and many other beautiful features.
While I was enjoying the exquisite tuna sandwich, he remarked about how fascinating it was that before beginning his missionary visits in April and May of that year, which were supposed to have started in Los Angeles, Meishu-sama had somehow arranged things so that he had to do this stopover in New York first!
Just being next to Rev. Watanabe inspired me with strength to continue my mission, a strength that has continued until today, and I believe, will continue for the years ahead.
* * *
As I previously announced during our last service, we will celebrate Meishu-sama’s Birthday here at our Headquarters on the first Sunday of December, the 3rd, at 11:00 am.
We have already begun our preparation for this very special service, and we will have specific prayer forms available, both online as well as in a printed format.
Through these prayer forms we have the opportunity to express our gratitude to God and Meishu-sama for all the blessings we have received in 2023, as well as for all the challenges we faced this year. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to list the names of family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and acquaintances whom we would like to inspire and guide towards our Johrei movement and its practices of faith.
Accordingly, start preparing these prayers now by writing notes that later may be included on the special prayer forms that will be accessible in the near future. Also, set aside your special donations of gratitude. I am certain Meishu-sama will be very happy with your participation, whether in-person or online.
Thank you very much, have a safe return to your homes, enjoy the beauty of the Autumn season, and have a joyful and successful month of engagement in our practices of faith!
National Annual Ancestors Service
September 3, 2023
President Rev. Marco Negrao
I would first like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support that you continuously exercise through your dedicated participation in our daily and monthly services, whether it be in-person or online, as well as your consistent engagement in our practices of faith, centered on the practice of Johrei and the study of Meishu-sama’s Teachings.
We have here with us today numerous out-of-town visitors that I would like to introduce to you:
- Rev. Guilherme de Souza, his family and members from Boston.
Welcome to our service!
* * *
The late Rev. Tetsuo Watanabe shared inspiring words during an Annual Ancestors Service in Japan, and I would like to convey some of his thoughts to you today:
He shared some feelings regarding the song “A Thousand Winds”, which is also known as “Do not stand at my grave and weep”.
The lyrics in this song are really wonderful.
“Please do not stand at my grave and weep,
I'm not there, I do not sleep
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain
I'm the gentle Autumn rain
I am a thousand winds, I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glint on snow
I am a thousand winds that blow.
Please do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there I did not die
I am the swift rush of birds in flight
I am the stars that shine at night”
The song we heard during the pine branch offering was sung by Hayley Westenra.
Sandai-sama, our Third Spiritual Leader also liked this song. On the first anniversary of the passing of Reverend Yoji Yoshioka, who was the director of the MOA Museum of Art, she recited a poem of her own. One of the stanzas of this poem reads: "One wind, among a thousand winds, brought me this morning's rain." On the day of that service, it was a little windy and also it was raining. I felt that there was an irrefutable interplay of feelings going on, since Reverend Yoshioka had spiritually paid a visit during the service in order to convey his gratitude.
Apparently, the original lyrics of “A Thousand Winds” come from a poem by the American Mary Elizabeth Frye. She wrote this poetry for a friend named Margaret Schwarzkopf. Margaret had left Germany, fleeing the Nazi regime, leaving her aged mother in her homeland. When she next received news regarding her mother, she learned that she had died, and since that moment, Margaret spent her days crying. Her greatest sadness was not being able to say goodbye at her mother's grave. Mary, wanting to revive her friend Margaret, wrote the poem included in the song “A Thousand Winds”.
Through this episode, we can better understand the meaning of the first two stanzas: “Please do not stand at my grave and weep, I'm not there, I do not sleep”.
So, we wonder, “If it's not in the grave, where is the spirit anyway?” In fact, the expression used does not mean “I have become a thousand winds”, but rather, “I am within the thousand winds”. And the poetry continues: “I am in the silence of the morning”, “I am in the flowers, in the birds and in all the things you like, so don't cry at my grave. I'm not in it. Because I didn't die..."
In the phrase, “I am in all the things you like”, the message is contained: “I am inside you, the person I love the most”, and whoever hears the lyrics of this song thinks: “So, she is still alive inside me, too”. And thanks to that understanding, they feel encouraged and comforted.
The fact that this song is so successful may correspond to the great expansion of Meishu-sama's Divine Work. This is because the countless thousands of people who love this music are really feeling the presence of their ancestors within themselves. It directs us then to become aware of our mission as “responsible guides for our ancestors”, and to commit ourselves to our practices of faith in order to receive wonderful miracles.
It is important to maintain the strong understanding that our ancestors are still alive, and also, that we wish to be utilized together with our deceased parents and all other ancestors and a great number of people, in order to be able to materialize Meishu-sama's will.
Let us become renewed individuals, much like a blank piece of paper, having this ancestor service mark a starting point from which we can learn best how to perceive messages from our ancestors. I would therefore like to tell you of the experience lived by a particular couple.
Upon marriage, this lady's husband adopted her surname to ensure the succession of her family name, and not long after they married, her mother came to live with them. However, due to her husband's job transfers, the mother-in-law had to live alone. As the years went by, she began to have difficulties in her day-to-day life due to her advanced age, and consequently the wife decided to go back to live with her mother in order to take care of her. It was then that the husband proposed: “Let's bring your mother to live with us”, and thus they all began to live under the same roof once again.
Although the wife was very grateful to her husband, over time she began to whine. This is because her husband was always in a bad mood and constantly isolated himself in the bedroom. Besides, the wife was frequently tired from having to take care of her mother, which contributed to projecting her irritability upon her husband. Although she tried to change her behavior pattern, she wasn’t able to do so. And so it was that she began to largely lose control of her emotions.
Once, when attending a monthly service, she heard the minister speak about feelings of gratitude, commenting that true faith consists of manifesting one’s gratitude daily in a concrete way, through conscious actions.
When she reported to the minister that she had made a donation of gratitude on behalf of her mother, he asked her: "Under whose name did you make this donation?" When she responded that she had done it in her own name, the minister asked: "Why didn't you do it in your husband's name?".
Not understanding the meaning of the question, she said that the mother was hers and that she was free to use the money as she pleased. The minister then advised: “Your mother is also your husband's mother, you know? Doesn't your husband work every day to support your home? I suggest that as soon as you get back home, that you begin practicing your gratitude by first apologizing to him. What do you think?”
When she heard this, she realized that she had inadvertently been asking Meishu-sama to take care of a grumpy ancestor who was manifesting itself in her husband through his being prone to isolation, with her deep hope being that her husband would change. However, this was not the actual message that his ancestor wanted to convey.
By becoming heir within his wife's family and assuming her surname, the husband spiritually became one with the ancestors of her family. Therefore, when the wife ignored her husband, it was as if she were ignoring her own ancestors. So, these ancestors wanted to reveal to her, through her husband's demeanor, that she needed to realize her wrongful attitude. With her greater awareness, the wife then apologized with all her heart, truly understanding at last that she continued to exist thanks to her husband, thanks to her parents and thanks to her ancestors.
As soon as the woman changed her feelings, her husband, who was on a business trip, sent an email from his cell phone, saying: "I bought a present for your mother." He also started conversing with virtually everyone: “Living with my mother (referring to his mother-in-law), I started to understand and see in her many positive things, which until now I could not. I am so grateful!" The husband began to manifest changes that the wife never imagined could happen. For her part she realized that even though they were husband and wife, they had not been getting along properly, and hence, she felt a desire to deeply apologize to her husband.
The next morning, before her husband left for work, she told him everything that she was feeling and said to him: “I would like to make a donation to materialize my feeling of gratitude. How much do you think I should donate? I would like you to decide.” Her husband responded immediately and the amount, stipulated by her husband, was exactly what she had herself considered to offer.
The wife is very grateful and has commented that there is no greater joy than being blessed to feel united with her husband. As for the mother, who until then suffered from a severe physical challenge whereby she could only move around by crawling, walking now comes easy with just a little support. And this could only be possible thanks to Meishu-sama. The couple could testify to how joyful their ancestors were feeling. Such was this couple's experience. What do you think?
What I found most important was that behind the wife's change of heart, we can perceive both Meishu-sama's intervention and the strong desires of the ancestors. At first, the wife felt that she needed to do something to change her husband, and so she began to offer prayers. However, as she continually prayed, she came to realize that she was misunderstanding her ancestors' message.
In this case, it wasn't "I realized", but rather it was, "they made me realize". This reveals the great love of God whose wish is to educate each of our ancestors as well as each of us human beings, who unquestionably manifest both positive and negative traits.
Another important thing we need to understand is that both the man who assumes the family name and the woman who inherits her husband's name, or even the couple whose husband and wife are adopted (to give continuity to the family that adopts them) are not in this situation by chance, or because they had chosen to experience such a reality. In actuality it all stems from the deep affinity of past lives and the fact that they are linked by the same ancestors.
We are usually led to consider as our ancestors only the ancestors of the family into which we were born. We typically never consider the ancestors of the other family as our own ancestors. That is a significant error, because without realizing it, we end up ignoring important ancestors.
This becomes easier to understand when we change our point of view. For example, for children, both the ancestors of the father's family and those of the mother's family are their ancestors. Thus, the father has the same ancestors in common with his son, even those who come from the son’s mother’s family lineage.
For those who do not have children, it is worth quoting a Japanese saying: "Every encounter, even if casual, happens because it was already predestined". All people in some way have a connection and are themselves, both ancestors and descendants, linked by a profound affinity.
Once we really become aware of this truth, the spiritual environment will most certainly change within our family. Accordingly, conflicting relationships such as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law problems, or parent-child conflicts, and even relationship issues with other people can also change for the positive.
Gratitude for having problems
By the way, I want to ask you, what is your concept of what happiness really looks like? If your belief is that happiness is a perfect state, free of worries or any suffering, I am sure you will not be able to find anyone who fits such a description.
Although at first sight, someone may seem to be happy, every human being of flesh and blood, experiences at least one or two forms of suffering that others cannot perceive. Even amongst you, who are present here, I believe that there are people who are faced with problems so big and formidable that solving them in this lifetime may seem to be impossible, no matter how much effort is given.
Have you ever wondered why God, who is the source of all love, makes human beings suffer? When I was young, I thought about it many times. And one day I understood that suffering has a deep and profound meaning and purpose.
I believe this occurs because God wants to create, within each one of us, a heart that is trained to express gratitude. Wanting to be happy is something natural for all human beings, but by aspiring for perfect happiness, all too many people fail to be grateful for the things that they really need to be grateful for. And consequently, because they are solely concerned with what is lacking, they potentially may live a life filled with pessimism and dissatisfaction until the day they die.
Not long ago, I met a lady a bit more than 80 years old who still works in the fields and who enjoys good health. She practices our faith every day by saying, “Thank you God for such a delicious breakfast”, and “Thank you God for helping me get the weeds out of my garden”.
Yet, she is unable to give thanks for her husband, with whom she has lived with her for many, many years. She complains that he quits working in the garden very quickly and that he rests more than he works. She complains that he doesn't help her anymore; she complains about everything her husband does or says. She said to me: "As much as you implore me to be grateful for the husband I have, I simply can't, I just cannot!"
When I said to her, “I believe you already have grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, isn't that so?” She began smiling and replied: “I certainly do. My grandchildren are wonderful, and my great-granddaughter is so cute”. I responded: “Wow, so then you are very happy, aren't you?” She said, clasping her hands together, she replied: "Yes, my daughter-in-law takes good care of me and, thanks to Meishu-sama, I am very grateful for everything", but then she added: "Now regarding my husband...", she sighed.
It was then that I advised her to envision a picture of her great-granddaughter on her husband's forehead. That way, every time she would look at her husband, she would not complain and will just say, “Thank you, sweetheart.” She had a good laugh, but deep down she understood what I was attempting to convey.
In essence I was saying that if her husband did not exist, neither her grandchildren or her great-granddaughter would exist at all. As all human beings are the synthesis of countless ancestors, her husband is much the same, in fact he too is embodied within their grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Therefore, if the feeling of love and affection for the grandchildren and great-granddaughter is true, she should be able to express with all her heart, gratitude to her husband. Accepting this woman’s experience as a model, I believe that anyone should be able to genuinely express gratitude for circumstances that people ordinarily never consider being thankful for.
The love of God
There is one more important reason why God puts us through difficulties. Purification is God's great love that forgives, purifies, and saves us.
Typically, when we are going through periods of great adversity, we seek Meishu-sama’s wisdom in order to find out exactly what it is that we need to recognize about ourselves and manifest appropriate transformational changes within ourselves. We may pursue an understanding of what might be the best way to relate with people around us; we are given special opportunity to open our ears to the will of our ancestors and give thought as to how our actions may align with the highest good. Between the trials and errors that we personally experience through adversities, we are provided invaluable opportunities to elevate our soul.
Therefore, when we have a purification that has not yet been resolved, it represents the love of God who wants to raise and educate us as His true children. So, awakening to this Divine love, and understanding that the greater the purification is, the greater the love of God. Living and seeing things through a positive perspective, is indicative that we are following, step by step, the pathway that leads us closer to God.
In one of his poems, Meishu-sama tells us: “Whoever loves life and helps others will be loved and protected by God wherever they are”. A human being does not get energy to live, just by being loved and served by people. Accordingly, they cannot experience genuine happiness. Likewise, we will not experience God's love if we simply wait for Him. However, I firmly believe that if we love and serve others, God will develop the manifestation of true love within each of us. And we will be able to feel life and taste true happiness, proportionately as such a love grows within our being.
What matters is not how many years we live, but how we live them. In another poem, Meishu-sama states: “The human soul is priceless. Repeating birth and death over and over again, growing and expanding throughout eternity”. He teaches us that through the continuous process of living and dying countless times, we will be able to learn the glory of loving others and our ancestors, so that we can realize what the love of God is, while being led to eternal prosperity.
* * *
Now I would like to talk about our next major service, which is Meishu-sama’s Birthday. We will celebrate here at our Headquarters on the first Sunday of December, the 3rd , at 11:00 am.
We actually begin our preparation for this very special service today. Similar to the way that we have prepared ourselves for this Annual Ancestors Service, for Meishu-sama’s Birthday Service we will have specific prayer forms available, both online as well as in a printed format.
Through these prayer forms we have the opportunity to express our gratitude to God and Meishu-sama for all the blessings we have received in 2023, as well as for all the challenges we faced this year. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to list the names of family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and acquaintances whom we would like to inspire and guide towards our movement and its practices of faith.
Accordingly, start preparing these prayers now by writing notes in a piece of paper that may be included later on the special prayer form that will be provided in the near future. Also, set aside your special donations of gratitude. I am certain Meishu-sama will be very happy with your participation, whether in-person or online.
Thank you very much, have a safe return to your homes, enjoy your Labor-Day weekend, and have a joyful and successful month of engagement in our practices of faith!
National Appreciation Service
January, 2025
President Rev. Marco Negrao
I would like to first express my heartfelt gratitude for your support that you continuously exercised last year, through your dedicated participation in our daily and monthly services, be it in-person or online, as well as your consistent engagement in our practices of faith, centered on the practice of Johrei and the study of Meishu-sama’s Teachings.
On January 1st we celebrated the New Year, and also the 90th anniversary of the foundation of our Church. It is a most momentous occurrence, relating to the numbers 3, 6 and 9, that represent Miroku. The numbers 5,6 and 7, such as in the original calligraphy we have on display at the Altar room of our National Headquarters, also represent Miroku.
At the time of the 30 years celebration of the foundation of our Church, Sandai-sama, Meishu-sama’s daughter, gracefully and powerfully led us to expand and practice the Divine Writings. In 1995, 60 years after the foundation of the Johrei movement, the first Sacred Grounds in the Western world was inaugurated - the Guarapiranga Sacred Grounds.
I have great expectations for this year of the 90th anniversary of the Salvation Work initiated by Meishu-sama. It demands that we, as Meishu-sama’s followers, seek to put, more than ever, the practices of faith we engage on, most especially the channeling and receiving of the Sacred Johrei, as well as the study of Meishu-sama’s Teachings, so that we become more effective instruments in inspiring our family and friends to join us in the construction of Paradise on Earth, by receiving the Sacred Focal Points – Ohikari and Shoko Child Locket.
Thanks to your efforts, last year we were blessed to have more than 250 new members. We gave continuation to our Lay Leaders Training Program, having certificated about 100 missionaries on Levels 1, 2 and 3, respectively.
These Lay Leaders are already helping us to follow up on these new members, so that they can become further acquainted with Meishu-sama’s Teachings, and help us in our expansion efforts in the United States and Canada.
We had a wonderful pilgrimage to the Sacred Grounds of Japan, which inspired us to go again this year to give service and attend the Autumn Grand Service in Atami, as well as enjoying the Sacred Grounds of Hakone and Kyoto.
Please start making your preparations now to join this year’s pilgrimage group, which will be coordinated by Rev. Romilson and Rev. Guilherme. During the Opening Prayer we presented our Guidelines for 2025, which are:
While renewing our faith and celebrating 90 years since the birth of our Church and the 70 years of Meishu-sama’s ascension, let us expand our practices of faith by intensifying our dedications through the practice of Johrei, participating in prayer services, offering donations of gratitude and guiding individuals capable of overcoming purifications as well as living in accordance with the Daylight Age.
Did anyone make resolutions for this year? Here are some New Year’s quotes I found interesting:
Youth is when you’re allowed to stay up late on New Year’s Eve. Old age is when you’re forced to..
My resolution was to read more… So I put the subtitles on my TV.
The second Friday in January is often referred to as Quitter's Day, when many people will abandon their set resolutions, according to Spectrum Health. This year, Quitter's Day falls on Friday, Jan 10th.
Maybe that is why so many people discard their fitness equipment during Spring break clean-ups, and those on a tight budget bask themselves with what they find available on the curb side in front of people’s homes.
On a more serious note, here is a quote of an article written by a Steven B. Cloud, entitled A Year of Time
…Though even thinking on the subject of time may prove discomforting, it is not a bad idea—especially at the beginning of a new year.
As we look into this year, we look at a block of time. We see 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536,000 seconds. And all is a gift from God. We have done nothing to deserve it, earn it, or purchased it. Like the air we breathe, time comes to us as a part of life.
The gift of time is not ours alone. It is given equally to each person. Rich and poor, educated and ignorant, strong and weak—every man, woman and child has the same twenty-four hours every day.
Another important thing about time is that you cannot stop it. There is no way to slow it down, turn it off, or adjust it. Time marches on.
And you cannot bring back time. Once it is gone, it is gone. Yesterday is lost forever. If yesterday is lost, tomorrow is uncertain. We may look ahead at a full year’s block of time, but we really have no guarantee that we will experience any of it.
Obviously, time is one of our most precious possessions. We can waste it. We can worry over it. We can spend it on ourselves. Or, as good stewards, we can invest it in the kingdom of God.
The new year is full of time. As the seconds tick away, will you be tossing time out the window, or will you make every minute count?
During our Meishu-sama’s Birthday Celebration last year, we studied the Teaching “Importance of Self-Improvement”. I selected the same Teaching for today’s service, because I feel it is so relevant to help us conduct ourselves this year in a way that may please God and Meishu-sama.
And here is a quote that I felt most appropriate to reflect Meishu-sama’s wishes for us in the beginning of this year:
“Observe Nature, which never rests, never stands still. It is constantly renewing, rebuilding, and improving itself – always progressing. Observe Civilization. In every respect it moves forward, continually evolving and growing. Populations increase, lands get developed, and technologies advance the quality of life.
We human beings should follow these larger examples and do our very best to be alert so we may become better and better in every way, month after month, year after year.
But, if the focus was only on materialistic progress – economic or social standing – people would be like tumbleweeds, without roots and aimless in direction. Thus, true progress means evolvement of the soul and ennoblement of character.
Keeping this in mind, build your life step by step. Never be in too great a hurry and do not be concerned if your development seems slow, for, in the long run you will inevitably grow. Your determination to improve yourself testifies to your strength of character.
As you continue to make an effort, you will become a better person in every way, more and more trusted and loved by others. Everything in your life will become more harmonious and you will be happier.”
Rev. Tetsuo Watanabe shared messages at the New Year’s Service in 2002 and in 2003, and I think some points are very meaningful for us this year as well:
It is a year for reflecting on the “starting point,” which reminds me of the phrase Meishu-Sama spoke at the time of the Church’s Foundation: “I want to do the possible and the impossible to save humanity.” It is based on this ardent desire of Meishu-Sama that this year, I want to fully become an instrument of Meishu-Sama.
Meishu-Sama first announced the arrival of the Paradise on Earth, revealing that it would be marked by two distinct situations—destruction and construction—that would occur simultaneously. Today’s reality reflects exactly this.
Last year, the first year of the century, we witnessed the tragic terrorist attacks in the United States, which claimed the precious lives of thousands and dealt a severe blow to the global economy throughout the year. On the other hand, millions of people came to realize the importance of PEACE, uniting through a strong sense of solidarity, awakening to the fact that every individual is part of a humanitarian community—an unprecedented event in history.
Moreover, while the human body has been increasingly “polluted” by various elements such as genetically modified foods, so-called “environmental hormones,” and others, the sperm count of adult men has been drastically decreasing, even threatening the continuity of the human species. On the other hand, the global demand for organic agricultural products has been rising, reflecting an increased respect for what is natural.
However, humanity, living in this world where light and shadow intertwine, has been unable to find truly effective solutions to the many problems it faces. Given this current situation, it is becoming increasingly clear to everyone that Johrei, Nature Farming, and other activities we carry out represent the “last resort for the Salvation of Humanity.” Consequently, our mission as members of our Church will only grow larger, as Meishu-Sama has already granted us the infallible solutions to all the problems afflicting humanity.
Additionally, the Divine Light we receive from Meishu-Sama is becoming increasingly stronger, as evidenced by the manifestation of extraordinary miracles through Johrei. Many people are experiencing the wondrous power of Johrei, becoming instruments of Meishu-sama, and earnestly administering Johrei to their congregants in churches and temples. Furthermore, in various countries such as England, scientists and doctors familiar with the power of Johrei are beginning to conduct scientific research on it, gathering data and results from Johrei, which demonstrates the growing path toward the radical reform of traditional medical treatments.
This was in 2002. In 2003 Rev. Watanabe shared the following:
For some time now, I have been saying that the essence of faith is to be a faithful instrument of Meishu-sama. This, in essence, constitutes the reform of each individual's faith. In other words, it means striving to become a person whom Meishu-Sama can easily use. Being useful to Meishu-Sama, being His hands and feet—this is the true path of faith that we must follow. And what makes all this possible is the fervent practice of Johrei.
In those who underestimate the practice of Johrei, the thought of becoming an instrument of Meishu-Sama weakens. On the other hand, because they try to solve problems with their own strength, the blessings they receive are also small. However, those who administer Johrei to many people daily have greater opportunities to pray, "Meishu-sama, grant Your Light," and as a result, the thought that they are instruments of Meishu-sama becomes increasingly stronger.
The stronger this thought becomes, the more deeply it is ingrained in the heart. Proportionally, these individuals will be granted the permission to elevate themselves and become useful to Meishu-sama, who will use them with ease. Moreover, they will receive magnificent blessings.
The tireless practice of Johrei, carried out persistently, is what will open the path to the elevation of faith. In this sense, I will be happy if you all become aware, once again, that in practice, there is a point of reference, namely, the practice of ten Johrei daily.
To usher in a new era of full joy and purpose in life, each person must control the self-centeredness within themselves and cultivate altruism. This is the basic condition. Lately, it has become increasingly important to foster a sense of closeness, dedication, and love for the people around us.
Channeling Johrei is an action that combines Meishu-sama's love with our altruistic love.
Activities such as natural food initiatives, Nature Farming, the activities of Art and Beauty such as the ikebana Sangetsu, only become works of salvation when strengthened by the altruism cultivated through the practice of Johrei.
When a person reaches the level where they can start and end their day practicing Johrei, they will, as Meishu-sama said, "fulfill their mission as a pioneer of the new era of high-level culture, where not only illness but all the world's problems will be resolved through Johrei."; Looking at the history of the global expansion of our Church, the starting point was 1953, with the beginning of its dissemination in Hawaii under Meishu-Sama's guidance. By 2003, exactly fifty years later, the light of world salvation had already reached seventy-seven countries, including Brazil and Thailand. Abroad alone, over 800,000 people are dedicated, day and night, to world salvation activities centered on Johrei. I ardently hope that this year we will be granted the permission to expand this circle of Light even further.
These were the words of wisdom of the late Rev. Tetsuo Watanabe.
Another excerpt from Meishu-sama’s Teaching I would like to share it today is entitled Humanity’s Mission and is found on the Daily Inspirations.
God has endowed each human being with special talents and capabilities so that his or her individual mission can be performed successfully. God has caused each one to be born and reborn countless times, to live again and again in the physical world in order to move forward toward the ultimate goal of perfection.
All things and all events are part of the movement toward this goal. The present day is what I call the turning point from the Age of Darkness to the Daylight Age. The entire world is on the verge of taking decisive steps into the new era. Humanity must now throw off the cloak of barbarism so it may reach the heights of a truly enlightened civilization.
For the first time on Earth, chaos, conflict, disease and poverty will be eliminated. God has sent us Johrei for the purpose of furthering God’s great Plan in this direction. Johrei will play a crucial role in achieving God’s Plan.
I talked about anniversaries this year, such as the foundation of our Church, ascension of Meishu-sama, and the dedication of the Guarapiranga Sacred Grounds.
I have an anniversary of my own. It has been 40 years since I joined the ministerial training program, and I would like to share what happened to me at that time.
Before joining the ministerial training program of our Church, I worked for three years in machine shops, and then as a draftsman in a mechanical components factory.
In my last job I was the youngest of a working section of 20 people, and was the only one doing technical work, while the others would do clerical and dealt with paperwork.
During breaks, and occasionally even during the working hours, people would come to talk to me. Interestingly, they would talk about their problems: marital, emotional, and the like. I was only 21 years old, and had no life experience. But one thing I could proudly share: that I was a member of the Johrei Church. As a Meishu-sama’s follower, I was able to give Johrei, as well as share some of the Meishu-sama’s Teachings I was becoming familiar with, such as the collection entitled “Foundation of Paradise”, as well as “Light from the East”.
Sometimes these co-workers would invite me for hang outs on the weekend, but I declined their invitations because I had commitments in the local and regional Johrei centers, which surprised them to see how committed I was to my spiritual practice.
These co-workers I understand now were used as instruments, since I was feeling more joy in trying to be a help to them, than the actual work I was performing as a draftsman.
I talked to my family and communicated my intention of joining the ministerial training program. My mother was thrilled, since she was a very active member, being a right hand to her minister. My father, though, was not so thrilled with the idea: “Why would you quit a promising career for something that would give you no solid financial stability?”, he asked.
“Was this crazy idea your mother’s?”, he kept asking.
I could understand where he was coming from – I graduated from one of the most sought after technical high schools, which had partnership with technological centers in Switzerland. I then was further studying technology at a college in Sao Paulo with a full government grant. I was employed in a job where my skills where being applied. And I would give up all that to become a minister?
In order to show him my intentions were pure and sincere, and not my mother’s, I began regularly giving Johrei to my father upon return from college late in the evening.
I would come home close to midnight, grabbed something to eat and began giving him Johrei.
Many times, my hands fell in exhaustion during the Johrei, and I did the channeling while he was already lying in bed.
Sometimes he would wake up and see I was there giving Johrei to him. This scene happened many times, and that became a strong motive for him to feel I was very serious on becoming a minister.
What I didn’t know was if I would be accepted in the training program for two reasons: first, I had to pass a written test on principles of Johrei; second I had to pass an interview before a panel of twelve senior ministers. Furthermore, I didn’t know if I had vocation to become a minister.
Forty candidates took the tests and interviews. Nine passed, and I was one of them! One of them didn’t show up after all, so my group consisted of eight enthusiastic young members.
As soon as the training began, I knew that was going to be a very serious job, but because my humorous side is an intrinsic part of me, I didn’t know if I would endure the training program being unable to create laughter around me.
Within a matter of days, I realized I could just be myself, and my humor and the training were not going to clash with each other. In fact they would work well together side by side!
Just a few months passed, and my parents came to visit the center where I was training. My father witnessed how confident and radiant I was, which gave him certainty I made the right decision.
He heard comments that sounded as music for his ears. Specially words from the senior ladies:
“You are Negrao’s father? Thank you, sir, for “producing” a son that is helping us so much in here”, or “Your son is giving me every day wonderful Johrei sessions”, and the like.
Eventually, with so much praise from the members, he felt like on a cloud nine, of being so proud of me studying to become a minister, and giving me his full support ever since.
As trainees, we were asked to focus on the channeling of Johrei and the study of Meishu-sama’s Teachings. However, no one was determining to us the intensity of these practices. It was up to us to seek for opportunities to channel Johrei and study the Teachings whenever was a free time. Some trainees were engaging in these practices more than others. And I’m certain that throughout the years, those who wholeheartedly practiced what was recommended, received bigger missions in the Divine Plan, and are now having roles of major responsibilities within the Johrei movement.
Eight years later he and my mother went to Japan to attend my wedding ceremony. There, I made a confession to him. I had never shared with him that prior to my ministerial training interview, I was approved to be hired by the Federal Railway Network of Brazil, a solid job with stability and benefits. If I had mentioned this fact, his disapproval of me changing careers would certainly be stronger.
However, by the time I was truly honest with him, he had to admit that I made the right decision, and I was genuinely proud that I became a minister.
I particularly shared my story to convey that the Johrei channeling, besides healing one’s spirit and body, and revealing one’s Divine purpose in life, can also open many doors that once seemed locked.
In conclusion of my words today, with your hearts centered and aligned with Meishu-sama’s wishes, I pray that you are able this year to keep inspiring those around you: family, friends, co-workers and neighbors, to join us in the movement of constructing a Paradise on this Earth, by receiving the Ohikari Sacred Focal Point and begin channeling the Divine Light of the Sacred Johrei.
Thank you very much, have a safe return to your homes, and have a joyful and successful month of engagement in our practices of faith!