Hiroshima Branch,Japan
We get used to disposable things. Therefore, we worry that
we might forget to cherish what we have. Mr. Hikichi who is the Chief
instructor of the Hiroshima branch wanted children to learn the blessings
of nature and preciousness of life. Therefore, we started to rent
a small field of crops since 2003.
ur purpose is to teach children how to cultivate and take care of
plants. Also to let the children know the blessings of nature and
preciousness of life and grow up strong and spiritually rich.
 We
offered places for 50 students (33 children and parents 17) plus
Hiroshima Shudo University students. Some of those participants and
children had never done farming. Therefore, we decided to cultivate
sweet potatoes and green soybeans.
First, we turned over the soil. The participants had never used a
spade and harrow. Therefore, when they used those tools, they used
their muscles. They remembered Four major principles to unify mind
and body No. 2 "Relax completely" and "Keep one point".
However, some of participants hurt their backs because they did they
had not done it before.
Most of the participants were beginners but we could harvest 250
kg of sweet potato and 15 kg of green soybean. We roasted some of
those sweet potatoes. |
|
Through these activities,
an
adult realized that cultivating crops is like raising children.
To cultivate crops, we need affection. Children and parents have
close relationships to cultivate the same products. They worked and
harvested together. And they shared each other's joy.
Since last year, those participants can cultivate cucumber, watermelon,
corn, Japanese radish.
Now, those participants enjoy farming almost every weekend. |
