Reiyukai America

December 9, 2015 @ Compton, CA

Reiyukai America receives a plaque of appreciation by the Salvation Army Compton Corps for supporting the community of Compton during the summer of 2015

December 19, 2015 @ East Los Angeles, CA

Reiyukai Creative Recycling was invited to be part of “Tianguis Navideño Estilo Floricanto” where handmade made recycling crafts were purchased by holiday shoppers. The proceeds went directly to support Reiyukai America’s Disaster Relief Fund

74th Annual Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration

Honolulu, Hawai’i – For almoast a decade, local Reiyukai America members living in Hawai’i have been attending the Pearl Harbor Commemoration; an annual tradition of presenting a wreath at the USS Arizona Memorial, to honor, respect and show appreciation to those who lost their lives during that battle.

Relaying the Torch to the Next Generation

San Diego, California – 8th Branch Tokura Branch members living in So-Cal spent an enriching time during the visit of their Branch Leader, Mrs. Toshiko Takechi, from Japan.

The activities of Reiyukai in San Diego started during the 1970s. It was Mrs. Tokura, mother of Toshiko, who introduced and shared with the Japanese wives, who immigrated to the States, the experience of remembering and honoring the ancestors proposed by Reiyukai.

Throughout the five decades, many who became part of the Reiyukai community back then are now deceased, such as Yoshie Thomas, ex-member of the Reiyukai America National Committee representing the San Diego area.

On Sunday, October 11th, Tokura Branch members gathered to commemorate the lives of those who were dedicated to the practice of Reiyukai.

Many who joined the gathering shared their thoughts. One of the attendants said, “Reiyukai has been important to our lives — especially to my mother. I did not know much about it back then, but now that we have an English meeting every two months, I can understand better about Reiyukai, its teachings and its purpose.”

The commemoration had turned into a day of celebration where everybody felt the torch of Reiyukai teachings been relayed to the next generation.

Remember, Honor —and Pledge

Reiyukai America Conducts A Public Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in a Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of WWII

Arlington, Virginia – On September 3, 2015, Reiyukai America, The Reiyukai America National Committee and REACT young leaders from Chicago, were present for Arlington National Cemetery’s 70th Anniversary of WWII and their Public Wreath Layin 
 g Ceremony at th e Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
As an international humanitarian non-profit organization that promotes world peace through remembering and honoring our ancestors and their forerunners, Reiyukai America members payed tribute to those who dedicated their lives to protect the nation, and pledged to the national heroes to continue striving hard for the sake of society.

Marcelino Pangan, a REACT youth member from Chicago, shared his thoughts after attending the ceremony. “I had the honor to be in the floral ceremony and showed respect to our soldiers. I started thinking about my family and my ancestors, how our ancestors paved a road and made a clear way for us to walk on… it made me realize how I want to do the same thing my ancestors did so that our future descendants can have a better place to live in.”

Brief — but, Heartwarming

Weston, Connecticut— Mari Lewis and her Connecticut Branch members enjoyed an unexpected visit from Mr. and Mrs. Matsunaga, both mentors and Branch Leaders from Japan, who were on their way to Lima, Peru.
They spent an afternoon sharing stories from their Reiyukai journey which started in Japan over 40 years ago.  Mari Lewis also shared stories of her first encounter with the Matsunagas in Lima, Peru, 30 years ago, and how the Reiyukai practice changed her and her life. Other members shared experiences, some of which were poignant and humorous.
Though a very brief visit, each one of us felt nurtured by their heartwarming and encouraging words. We are very grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Matsunaga for making this stop and look forward to their next visit. (Text by Mari Lewis)

September 27 @ Reiyukai Coffee Talk, San Diego, CA