My Spiritual Journey
Eileen Weinsteiger

My spiritual journey began when I became a member of Shinji Shumeikei in 1999. Shortly after my membership, I felt driven -- perhaps by a divine source -- to learn more about the Meishusama’s philosophy and the Scroll of Light.  I was especially interested in receiving a home Scroll of Light. However, I had reservations, pertaining to the obligations of the care and duties for the Holy Scroll. I finally decided to receive the home Scroll because I felt that my purpose at this point of my life was to make this commitment to Meishusama so that I could share the many blessings of light, hope, love and healing energy with Shumei members, family and friends.

The spiritual quest continued last summer. Plans were made for me to receive the Holy Scroll at the 9th Anniversary Celebration in Pasadena. Due the September 11 th tragedy, I feared flying. However I was reminded that I must be strong and have faith in God, that the trip to California would be safe. Soon another problem developed. We could not bring the Scroll of Light back via plane due to increased safety regulations. We decided to take the Scroll back to New York City on the Amtrack train system.

The 9th Anniversary of the Pasadena Center was a very emotional time for me. I was in tears throughout the ceremony, and was not sure of the reason. It was suggested to me that it was probably because my ancestors were happy with my decision, and also that I was relieved to be in California safely and very happy to receive the Scroll. 

I was very fortunate that Chisako and Atsushi offer to help me hand-carry the Scroll to the East Coast. We left Los Angeles on Monday evening and returned to New York City Thursday evening. Although the evening temperatures on the train were very cold, it was very difficult to sleep, and the train was very noisy, we arrived safely at our destination. 

Shumei members from New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania helped me prepare for the Enshrinement Ceremony of the Holy Scroll. Without their help I could not have fulfilled this portion of the journey. A box was installed to house the Scroll of Light, and offerings were prepared. Sensei Alan arrived with The Scroll. NYC members joined friends and family to celebrate the enshrinement on a beautiful sunny autumn day.

The ceremony was very powerful and many of us experienced a very strong energy. I was very happy to receive the Scroll of Light during this time of suffering in the world. I believe that the power of Light will empower members, family and friends to make a difference in our small corner of the world.  

Members and friends in our area meet weekly at my home to chant the Amatsunirito, Meishusama’s poems, exchange Jyorei and study and discuss Meishusama teachings. This has been very successful. We have between two to eight people that attend weekly. We also go to homes of friends who are in need of healing to chant and give Jyorei.

I would like to share an experience of my personal growth as a result of the power of Light and spirit associated with the Scroll of Light. Last year I had the challenging opportunity to make some major changes to the design of The Rodale Institute’s Demonstration Garden.  My goal and challenge was to produce a design that would be unique and also convey the Institute’s mission statement “Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, and Healthy People. I decided to design a larger more in-depth version of our Global Garden that was designed for the Children’s Garden. Because the new Global Garden is the focal point of the Demonstration Garden, I wanted the garden to convey The Rodale Institute’s global organization message to the groups that visit The Rodale Institute.

Now I was challenged with the design and shape of the beds. My daily walk through the lush fields of grain and a wooded area adorned with wild flowers and many species of birds is a perfect area and time to commune with nature and contemplate garden designs. Strolling in such a beautiful setting fills my heart with gratitude for the peacefulness and beauty of nature.  After one of these walks I came back to the garden refreshed, and suddenly as I was working the synergy of my mind and body created flower beds within each of the continents. I believe that this was a Divine intervention, and I am very grateful to have received it.  

A year later I was given the book “Walking the Scared Path,” a book about rediscovering the Labyrinth as a spiritual tool. I was surprised to find that the new design of the Global Garden is somewhat akin to the ancient labyrinth.  So perhaps the garden now has a spiritual component.      

We recently had the opportunity to be involved in a spiritual expo in Allentown, Pennsylvania. A total of seven members from New York City and Pennsylvania gave Jyorei to 120 people in two days. Over 80% of the recipients felt relaxed and calm; some felt tingling sensations, beautiful colors were seen, and one woman saw an angel.  The Taiko drumming video was also popular, and it attracted people to our booth. I felt that our presence there was very successful for us personally and for the people that received Jyorei.  I felt very happy to give Jyorei to so many people. The energy was so very strong, that a woman from another booth was drawn to our booth to receive Jyorei and requested to receive Jyorei from Yasushi.

Our plans for the future are to initiate Jyorei activities in a local church that practices Reiki Share once a month, healthy food markets and spiritual and health expos.  

This day is very happy day for me; it is another part of my spiritual journey.

Today I am very pleased to announce that I will receive the photograph of Meishusama and my home will become a Home Center. The Enshrinement of the photograph is planned for the near future.

I pray that our home center will bring friends, family and members together to experience Light, peace, spiritual and physical healing, and to experience the beauty of the world and Natural Agriculture.

Thank you for your support, patience, love, and prayers.