Shumei International Institute

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“Board members or employees with a conflict of interest must recuse themselves from decisions which would involve a conflict of interest or resign from their positions.”

“These documents are made available upon request.”

“The shumei international institute's (sii) mission is: "inspired by the philosophy of mokichi okada the shumei international institute helps people of the world realize they are world citizens able to act for the common good." this mission is carried out by engaging in and offering the public the opportunity to engage in activities based on the 3 central teachings of mokichi okada 1882 - 1955 who founded a spiritual fellowship in japan the mid 20th century with which sii is affiliated. This spiritual fellowship ("shinji shumeikai") is commonly known throughout the world as "shumei". The three principal tenets of shumei's philosophy toward life are the practice of natural agriculture, fostering an appreciation for art and beauty and a spiritual healing practice called jyorei. Sii continues to maintain 3 experimental natural agriculture gardens along with a 4 season greenhouse in crestone, colorado area and shares both vegetables, knowledge and techniques in many ways including farmers markets, a community gardening program, planting and harvest activities with local schools and special events featuring meals with natural agriculture vegetables. Sii also helps "foster an appreciation of art and beauty" in a number of ways. Our facilities themselves are a prime example of art and beauty as well as a model for sustainable development. We are open for visits from small groups with no prior notice 7 days a week. An average of 1,000 or more visitors annually "discover" sii in this way and are offered a short video and tour of our facilities. In its support of the arts sii has also sponsored an artist symposia series since its inception. The artist symposia has featured hundreds of local, regional and occasionally international artists and generally includes art exhibitions in our crestone center's gallery as well as receptions and symposium presentations ranging from interactive workshops, multimedia presentations and lectures from the artists themselves. We also provide a free venue to musicians who are allowed to request a suggested donation at the door which they keep in support of their art. This is a very popular program in a very rural, remote and impoverished area which consistently sees very good audiences. Sii has become a favorite small venue for many musicians through the years. Saguache county is currently the second poorest county in colorado making access to the arts an important contribution to the community. Twice daily sampai (prayer) services are held in sii's sanctuary which includes chanting and the spiritual healing practice of jyorei every day including holidays and are always open to the public. There is also a monthly sampai service which includes a presentation of shumei's worldwide activities as well as a buffet meal generally including natural agriculture vegetables grown locally. A number of people from the local community as well as visitors from around the world regularly participate in these daily and monthly prayer services. In addition to these principal activities, sii maintains a center in the remote rural area of saguache county colorado near the tiny town of crestone. The center currently includes 9 buildings including a sanctuary, dormitory and two additional log cabins for staff housing, program accommodations and guests. The worldwide "shumei" community is estimated to have membership in excess of 350,000 and recognizes three sacred sites representing the 3 elements of fire, water and earth. The only one of these three sacred sites located outside of japan is sii's colorado center which, located at the very base of the majestic sangre de cristo mountains overlooking the largest high alpine valley in the world, fittingly represents the element of earth. Because of its affiliation with the worldwide shumei organization and given it's recognition as a sacred site for the organization, hundreds of shumei members from japan and around the world visit sii annually in small groups throughout the year”

“Natural agriculture, art, spirituality and public outreach: in 2024 sii continues to host public programs educating the public on natural agriculture through community gardening, open farm events and educational opportunities through its gardens in crestoe, co. Sii continued its popular arts programs which includes monthly art exhibitions and symposia and public concerts. Public outreach focusing on spirituality include twice daily sampai (prayer) services as well as a larger "monthly sampai" service which includes a presentation of international activities by sii's executive director and a buffet luncheon for the community. In addition, sii's 22nd annual anniversary celebration saw upwards of 300 guests from the local community and from around the world for the event held each may. Sii also provides new member introduction and philosophy classes participation and participates in spiritual, interfaith and metaphysical events. These public outreach programs touch the lives of thousands of people throughout the year. Sii also hosts youth programs with guests from the u.s. And japan includidng shumei's miho school of aesthtics based at shumei's international headquarters near shiga, japan. Other program expenses include ceremonial supplies, ongoing world citizenship training and activities, concerts and other special art related events.”