Ise-Kogakkan Study Program 2023

  Arrow-straight geometry here rings true of Shinto's center:  raw honesty, deep sincerity, full purity. Leaving aside the many institutional contexts of Shinto (shrine, imperial, state, folk, home), what lies under all the visible parts of ceremonies, rituals, and locations is an essential attitude or heart-stance to relate to the wider world of events, other people, and one's own place in it all. Wikipedia in English puts it this way, " akaki kiyoki kokoro ...meaning "purity and cheerfulness of heart." So while everyday life is filled with peer pressure, fear-of-missing-out (FOMO), and feelings self-consciousness or at least self-awareness, within the universe of Shinto, one's heart is meant to be direct, naked, and without pretense or guile. Under that general description, the classic elements of "honest, sincere, pure [of heart's intentions]" all fit together consonantly. Of course, it is one thing to analyze or put something into words a...

Expectations for self Three weeks of lectures and visual experience, meetings, conversations to learn along with and from fellow participants' point of view, as well as field trips adds up to a lot of information, knowledge, and possibly wisdom to distill from the learning experiences. What are some reasonable expectations (mingled with aspirations) at the conclusion of the study program; and what may follow in the months or years that follow ? During the seminar :  It will take a little while to settle into the routines and rhythm of the program , but then there should be a good balance of prepared/formal instruction and guided discussion with other parts that are less structured. Getting adjusted to language use , both written and spoken, will take some energy and attention, as well, especially at first. Upshot: risk of Too Much Information (hearing but not fully grasping or fitting into prior knowledge). Therefore, prioritize to hold focus on main thread instead of fine-point...