Seishin education (Japanese)

This training provided for employees of Japanese companies emphasizes the concept of morality as being loyalty and hard work for the company. Training is residential and takes place over several months. An appreciation of the burdens of leadership and of the need for cooperation is built up as the employees take responsibility for every aspect of their life together, from cleaning and kitchen duties to scheduling of programmes. The seishin aspect of every activity, inside or outside the training, starts to become evident. Emphasis is on harmonious teamwork, teams being the basis for all activities whether or not competitive; and on the quality of persistence. The conformity and acceptance required to work in a group are considered difficult and therefore useful in self development. There is concern for team spirit and the composure of the individual so that mind and body work harmoniously together for effective action.

The key element for the individual taking part in seishin training is the spiritual struggle to combat emotional wavering and complete whatever test is underway. Competition is within the self more than to achieve better than others and success is completion of the test, each completed test making completion of the next test less difficult. Personal difficulties are overcome by identifying and dealing with incorrect attitudes so that there is ready acceptance of unpleasant or difficult tasks as being a necessary part of life. Problems are regarded as useful opportunities to test and acquire spiritual strength. The selfish self is defeated, resulting in contentment and freedom from confusion and frustration.