News ! Shumei International Institute

Can you believe it? Soon the sun will set on 2012. (Photo - Haruyuki Suzuki)

Greetings friends,

This coming Sunday­­­­­­ December 9, the Shumei International Institute will hold its Monthly Sampai for December.  Most months we now show a short ‘Shumei News’ video that is also shown at the monthly Sampai at our headquarters Misono in Japan each month.  We will begin this short (typically about 10 minute) video each month starting at 10:30 AM.  For people who would like to see this video news, you will want to be seated in the sanctuary by this time.

We begin the sampai introduction at 10:40 and the formal beginning of the sampai ceremony is at precisely 11:00 AM.  At that time Sensei Alan Imai will lead us in chanting the Amatsunorito and Zengensanji after which he will share the healing light of Jyorei with all those present.  Following Jyorei Sensei Alan Imai will share a presentation about Shumei’s activities and the teachings of our founder Meishusama.   After the Sampai a healthy buffet luncheon with Natural Agriculture and local organic ingredients will be served. The luncheon is by donation.  We hope many of you can join us this Sunday.

And on Friday night…

Crestone’s own TomCats are appearing at Shumei International Institute Friday December 7th at 7pm. The TomCats are Bill Smith and Tom Dessain. They will be joined at this concert by Barry Monroe  and Jillian Klarl. TomCats is an original music recording project that is a fun mix of eclectic music ranging from folk to funk.

So come on out for a one of a kind show at Shumei Friday, December 7th. The suggested donation at the door is $10 and you can call 719-256-5284 for more information.

Brilliant Crestone blessings,

Matthew

Greetings friends,

We will hold a special memorial sampai this Thursday evening November 29th at 6:00 PM to honor the passing of Mrs. Mihoko Koyama, whom we respectfully refer to as “Kaishusama” into the spiritual realm.

Kaishusama was born May 15^th, 1910 and passed into the spiritual world 9 years ago, on November 29, 2003.  Kaishusama was tirelessly devoted to Meishusama and in carrying his message through the practice of Jyorei, Natural Agriculture and through Art and beauty to the world.  She was a foremost student of Meishusama’s and, after his passing, became the first President of Shinji Shumeikai commonly known as Shumei.  Her daughter Ms. Hiroko Koyama is Shumei’s leader today.  Many of us recognize and honor Kaishusama as the Grandama — Great Lady and mother of Shumei.

We hope you might join us to honor this great lady.

Brilliant Crestone blessings,

Matthew

This Friday at 7pm come on up to Shumei to enjoy the 1947 classic, “Miracle on 34th Street.”  Reluctant Macy’s supervisor Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) offers the job of Santa in the Thanksgiving Day Parade to a bearded Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn, who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar) purporting to be the real Santa! During the Christmas season, he shares a flat with Doris’s neighbor (John Payne), who has eyes for Doris. Kris hopes to unite the two while winning over Doris’s skeptical 6-year-old daughter (Natalie Wood).

Refreshments provided, 256-5284 for more information.

This Friday Nov. 16th please join us at Shumei International Institute for a concert with Dana and Susan Robinson. 7pm $10 suggested donation at the door. All proceeds benefit the musicians. “Rural Americana and Old Time Mountain Music” http://www.robinsongs.com/
Please call 256-5284 for more information.

And then…

Next Monday Nov. 19th at 1:30pm in the Shumei food service building a lecture will be provided on seed saving. Master gardener Shige Furuoka will be reading from the teachings of Shumei’s founder on this important practice. Call 256-5284 for more information.

Greetings friends,

This coming Sunday­­­­­­ November 11, 2012 the Shumei International Institute will hold its Monthly Sampai for November.  We welcome Sensei Steven Tokunaga in leading our monthly sampai for November.  Steven Sensei joins us from Los Angeles where is the center head of Shumei’s Hollywood Center.

There will be no video news before the start of sampai this month.  We begin the sampai introduction at 10:40 and the formal beginning of the sampai ceremony is at precisely 11:00 AM.   At that time Sensei Steven Tokunaga will lead us in chanting the Amatsunorito and Zengensanji after which he will share the healing light of Jyorei with all those present.  Following Jyorei Sensei Steven Tokunaga will share a presentation about Shumei’s activities and the teachings of our founder Meishusama.   After the Sampai a healthy buffet luncheon with Natural Agriculture and local organic ingredients will be served. The luncheon is by donation.  We hope many of you can join us this Sunday.

Brilliant Crestone blessings,

Matthew

Sandra Harrington’s work will be on display at the Shumei Gallery in Crestone for the months of November and December. However an symposium with Sandra will be held this Sunday Nov. 4^th starting a 3pm. A reception will follow.

Sandra’s wood and salt-fired works of functional and decorative pottery are truly pieces to treasure. Fired in her own wood fired kiln with the help of friends and other potters, Sandra has created works that are simply stunning be it a simple plate or a lantern.

Come meet Sandra and learn more about her work on Sunday Nov. 4^th starting at 3pm to 5pm. This event is free to the public, please visit www.shumeicrestone.org or call 256-5284 for more information. The Shumei gallery is open every day 9 to 5pm.

Please note that this Sunday Daylight Savings Time ends, clocks turn back at 2am.

Friday October 26th at 7pm 

Shumei Free Movie Night hosts “Young Frankenstein.” A laugh riot from beginning to end, this classic parody from director Mel Brooks stars Gene Wilder as Frederick Frankenstein, who detests his family history but ultimately can’t resist the temptation to follow in his infamous grandfather’s footsteps. Adding to the fun is a brilliant supporting cast that includes Marty Feldman as bug-eyed assistant Igor, Madeline Kahn as Frankenstein’s frosty fiancée and Peter Boyle as the zipper-necked monster. While the movie is PG, suggested viewing is for children over 10 years of age. Refreshments provided, 256-5284 for more information.

It is an art filled weekend up here at Shumei International Institute!

Friday Night at 7pm join us for a concert with local harpist Sorrel Mae Florence.
Lovely music, $10 at the door.

Sorrel May has worked in theatrical circles, touring with professional orchestras and performing companies throughout the USA, Europe, and Canada. A gem not to be missed!

 Then on Sunday afternoon starting at 3pm to 5pm please join us for our October Art Symposium.  This event is free to the public. Beatris Burgoin’s talk will be followed by a reception. Gallery is open daily from 9 to 5pm and the show runs for the entire month.

Greetings friends,

In early September we made a special appeal to raise a modest amount of funds in order to begin construction of a small school building at the first Zambian Natural Agriculture site.

I am happy to report that we now have commitments for a little over $1,300 toward the $2,800 needed to supply concrete for the foundation, windows, doors and roofing materials.  The rest of the labor and materials to complete this school building will be supplied by the members of the cooperative.

Our Zambian friends have already prepared the site above which is now waiting for the concrete that your generosity is providing.  We need only another $400.00 to reach our goal to fund the concrete to pour the foundation by the end of October.   Shumei and our Zambian friends are deeply grateful to everyone who has already gotten us to this point.

If you are able, please help us raise at least another $400 by the end of this month.  100% of your tax deductible donations will go directly to this project in Zambia.   Please indicate you’d like your donations to go to this project by writing “The Village” on your checks or donation envelopes. Checks can be mailed to “SII” PO Box 998, Crestone, CO 81131, dropped of in person and credit card donations can also be accepted by phone.  We will send you periodic updates as the school is built.

On behalf of our Zambian friends Sensei Alan Imai and the Shumei International Institute – thank you for your kindness and generosity…

Matthew Crowley

Greetings friends,

This coming Sunday­­­­­­ October 7, the Shumei International Institute will hold its Monthly Sampai.  One month of the year Sensei Chisako Fukushima joins us from her home in Pennsylvania to lead our monthly sampai.  Please join us this Sunday in welcoming Chisako sensei to Crestone.  Most months we now show a short ‘Shumei News’ video that is also shown at the monthly Sampai at our headquarters Misono in Japan each month.  We will begin this short (typically about 10 minute) video each month starting at 10:30 AM.  For people who would like to see this video news, you will want to be seated in the sanctuary by this time.

We begin the sampai introduction at 10:40 and the formal beginning of the sampai ceremony is at precisely 11:00 AM.  At that time Sensei Chisako Fukushima will lead us in chanting the Amatsunorito and Zengensanji after which she will share the healing light of Jyorei with all those present.  Following Jyorei Chisako Sensei will share a presentation about Shumei’s activities and the teachings of our founder Meishusama.   After the Sampai a healthy buffet luncheon with Natural Agriculture and local organic ingredients will be served. The luncheon is by donation.  We hope many of you can join us this Sunday.

Brilliant Autumnal blessings,

Matthew