Shumei to celebrate 5 years in Crestone
“Inspired by the philosophy of Mokichi Okada, Shumei International Institute helps people of the world realize that they are world citizens able to act for the common good.“
This is the mission statement for the Shumei International Institute (SII) based in Crestone. SII is part of the worldwide family of Shumei, a spiritual fellowship founded in the mid twentieth century by Mokichi Okada. The Shumei philosophy or way of life taught by its founder revolves around three main tenets. The spiritual healing technique pioneered by Mokichi Okada he called Jyorei, fostering an appreciation for art and beauty and the practice of Natural Agriculture, a proactive and progressive form of environmentalism.
Sometimes I think about the Crestone area as a “community of communities”. It is so easy (myself included) to be caught up and swept away with our so called “individual” lives, families and communities. Suddenly time has passed and it’s 2007. I love the variety of people, practices and happenings in my community. I am often grateful and imagine I can actually feel the effects of those who practice solitary retreats and disciplined meditation practices. Also, I love those times throughout the year when I do join in other groups spiritual or social happenings.
Since before I arrived in this remarkable place, I was interested in how these varying perspectives and traditions interacted with each other. I found that often we don’t, and that is fine. On more and more occasions I find the opportunity to walk and talk with many different people, from widely varied backgrounds. Little did I know that I would land where I am today in this community, representing Shumei, one of the more socially open and engaged groups to call Crestone home. To me, to be a world citizen, means honoring our distinct social, cultural and spiritual traditions. It also means openness and an active sense of inquisitiveness to seek out others and explore or differences and perhaps most importantly our sameness. Shumei’s mission is not to teach people how to be world citizens, rather to provide an opportunity for us to each realize that we already are. “…able to act for the common good.” God knows the whole world needs that!
It is no coincidence that SII with it’s mission of world citizenship is here. Amongst our community of communities, are many people who are familiar with many aspects of Shumei, it’s practices and activities in Crestone and throughout the world. I wish to take this opportunity to invite you to join us for our 5th anniversary celebration this coming May 19 – 20. I also especially would like to extend a warm welcome to others to whom Shumei might only be on the “periphery” of their awareness. Maybe you wondered what goes on up here. There is no better time for you to come and find out. Our anniversary is still our largest event of the year. We have over a hundred people guests from Japan including our president and spiritual leader, Ms. Hiroko Koyama. There is music, art, healing light, great food, prayers for world peace and an opportunity for many of our friends & neighbors to gather in a festive social gathering. Once again on Saturday we will also invite speakers from the many spiritual traditions who call this place home. One of the only times during the year when so many of our diverse traditions gather in one place.
We have not yet confirmed our keynote presenter for Sunday, this will be announced very soon and posted on the website. Most of all, Shumei wishes to thank everyone in the community and around the world for offering help and inspiration in countless ways over our first five years making us feel so at home here. We hope many of you will join us for our 5th anniversary celebration. Come explore your role as a Crestone individual, and a citizen of the world.
