On September 1st, 2022, Hiroko Koyama Kaicho-Sensei, our revered third president of Shinji Shumeikai, departed for heaven. During her life, she overcame tremendous challenges and transformed herself into an outstanding spiritual leader. She always interacted with people with care, respect, and compassion, embodying the qualities of Kannon. Her pure and unwavering devotion to Meishusama’s vision enabled the Shumei community to grow internationally, as we see today. Shumei America greatly benefited from her exceptional leadership and warm support.
Together with Kaishusama, the first president of Shumei, she oversaw the opening of the Miho Museum in 1997 and completed Shumei’s Three Sacred Grounds by designating Crestone as the third sacred site in 2002. She also had a deep affection for children, treating them as if they were her own. Her passion for youth education inspired Shumei to establish a boarding school, founded on Meishusama’s philosophy, for students in grades 7 through 12. It’s called the Miho Institute of Aesthetics in 2012. [She taught the students that saying, “Thank you, Meishusama,” is the foundation of all expressions of gratitude. For her, this phrase was never a mere formality but always a heartfelt expression of her devotion and gratitude to Meishusama.]
In keeping with Shumei’s tradition, we now refer to her by her honorific posthumous name, Sei Wa Bi Myo Ko Myo no Mikoto. This name signifies a highly distinguished person whose spirituality is represented by purity, harmony, beauty, Kannon’s compassion and wisdom, vastness, and brightness. It encapsulates her character and achievements, embodying the highest virtues. For convenience, we refer to her as Seiwa no Mikotosama for short.
On this special day, as we honor her life and lofty achievements—particularly her legacy of promoting the Three Art Activities: Jyorei, Natural Agriculture, and the appreciation of art and beauty—it is essential for us to reflect on how she would want us to act.
Online Sampai Schedule
11:00 AM (Pacific Time) – Opening of the Sampai
Meeting ID: 832 6599 3612
Passcode: 252740