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Shu News Published by the Head Office of Nichiren Shu & NOPPA

No. 234 October 1, 2019 1 THE MEANING OF OESHIKI IN OUR LIVES By Rev. Cederman, Seattle Enkyoji Temple

During this important time of people to regulate and change their Buddhism, sleeping is seen as a type Odaimoku three times and put your Oeshiki (Memorial Service for our lives. What I am proposing is that of death in which the benefits of our head down. Founder Nichiren Shonin), I think it Buddhism should awaken us to the practice deteriorate as our suffering If you are lucky enough to wake the is important to understand what this true state of being a , not mind covers the mirror of practice with next day, take time to rise from your observation imparts to us. Buddhist just conceptually but as a reality. It dust. If we indulge too much, as Nichiren bed. Do not jump out of bed. Be kind to ceremonies are demonstrative examples starts with you and your practice. If Shonin admonishes, it will be harder to your body for you will need it. Realizing of the Buddha-Mind and allow us to you do not understand how Buddhism is maintain the benefit of practice. Next, that you are alive, be thankful. Sit up, experience a moment in time based on incorporated into your daily life, you will thank the Buddha, Nichiren Shonin, put your hands in gassho and the the proper teachings that can inspire not experience the truth. Instead, you and our ancestors for their teachings Odaimoku. You have been given another a shift in our mindset from self to will simply be tapping swords together that we had an opportunity to learn day to practice as a human being after . The Oeshiki Ceremony and never cutting. A sword is meant and practice this day. Recall the events receiving the guidance of the Buddha allows us to reconnect with the moment to cut, and a Buddhist practitioner is of the day. Ask yourself, “Did I keep and our Founder. You are profoundly that our teacher, Nichiren Shonin, passed meant to express Buddhism in their lives. my mind concentrated on Buddhist fortunate to have a another day to away into , defining his true Nichiren Shonin states this point in his practice, or did I become distracted? Did practice the Lotus . Slowly rise. compassion and purpose. However, writing “On Diligent Practice” (Toki-dono I cause harm or benefit sentient beings Begin your day by visiting your home simply holding a memorial service is Gosho). “Nichiren’s followers must strive with my life today?” Contemplate this altar and saying, “Good Morning to the not enough to bring about the correct to attain Buddhahood by shortening with simple awareness of your life and Buddha and Nichiren Shonin.” If you mind and body experience necessary for sleeping hours and by cutting time for practice. Don’t think about it obsessively. have loved ones, be appreciative that they real change. People today are not easily rest. If not, you will repent forever.” Take Time has passed and the results of past are there with you for this wonderful impressed and have become emotionally this to heart! actions can be seen at this time. You may opportunity. disconnected from life events, such as Understanding this, we have the not have another day to change, for each This is the mind of Buddhist practice. the moment of death. A multi-level and potential in each moment to direct our night as we sleep, we enter the spiritual As our Founder passed into nirvana, he emotional event is needed to lead us to lives towards peace or suffering. This is world and may not return. Chant the had indeed led a wonderfully beneficial internal change. This is the challenge for found in the concept of “gyo” (focused life, leaving a positive legacy for the modern Buddhism. Without a correct practice), which was a crucial part of our future. Nichiren Shonin had a mind mindset, the ceremonies become empty Founder’s teaching. The Great Calming such as this. You might think that this observances, unable to inspire real and Contemplation of Grand Master is depressing, but this is life. Under- change. The true purpose of Buddhism states that one should increase standing its beauty and challenges gives is to awaken an awareness of Buddha- practice gradually and that consistency us the opportunity to pick the path of nature, stirring our hearts with zeal for is the most important aspect to grow in the Buddha over the path of suffering, the and experiencing how faith and understanding. So, I will share transforming the most beneficial jewel it unfolds in our lives. one practice that you can do yourself of our life. As we change our lives daily How do we do this? I have experienced each evening and morning that will help through the practice of calming and such a change in my own practice and you experience a deeper Oeshiki moment contemplation, we will truly become the wish to share how it has regulated my each day of your life and to understand inheritors of the Buddha’s and Nichiren life and inspired change. Again, the the above admonishment by Nichiren Shonin’s legacy. It is my hope that each purpose of Buddhism is to change our Shonin. one of us can inspire others with our lives through experiential teachings and Before you lay your head down to sleep lives, so that, when we leave this physical practice. Most Buddhism has become each evening, sit on the place where you body, we will be in harmony with the a philosophy or historical record, but will sleep, put your hands in gassho and passing of our Founder, and we will this is not enough to lead suffering realize that this is your death bed. In have bestowed great benefit to the world.

WASAN WORKSHOP HELD FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARIES

By Rev. Yuon Ito Revs. Ervinna Myoufu, Shoryo Tarabini, many wasan workshops throughout However, after five hours of intense Keiji Oshima, and Yuon Ito attended. The Japan as well as overseas. practice, we were all able to complete On June 25, a workshop on wasan (songs lecture and workshop were conducted The history of wasan goes back to the different songs successfully. dedicated to the Buddha and Nichiren by Rev. Giko Tabata of Eishoji Temple the Edo period. In Nichiren Shu, they “I had heard and seen wasan services Shonin) was held at Shinjoji Temple in in Aomori Prefecture. Rev. Tabata is are songs depicting the life of Nichiren before but never had a chance to practice Tokyo. Four international missionaries, a wasan specialist and has conducted Shonin accompanied by fan drums it myself. With simple and subtle move- (uchiwa daiko) beaten in a certain ments, the beauty and depth of religious rhythm. Wasan is sometimes included belief was well depicted and typically in a special anniversary event. Japanese. Many members and followers Rev. Tabata said, “Wasan is an effective overseas are interested in wasan and way for lay members to carry out their would like to practice it. I would like strong belief without the leadership of to brush up my skills and teach those their temple minister. The unison of who are interested,” concluded Rev. Ito. the chanting and the rhythm of the —Translated by Sandra Seki drums make it very solemn. The group members practice for hours to perform a perfect service with their movements and chanting in complete unison. It is a way of showing dedication to Nichiren Shonin.” The group, who were mostlyexperi- encing wasan for the first time, initially had a hard time keeping the steady rhythm of the fan drums while singing at the same time. They also needed to

Rev. Tabata instructing Revs. Shoryo Tarabini and Ervinna Myoufu on the procedures of wasan. stand and walk in unison and to carry Instruction on how to hold the fan drum and stick. out the procedures in a flowing manner. 2 Nichiren Shu News No. 234, October 1, 2019 GREATGREAT FIGURESFIGURES WHOWHO HADHAD FAITHFAITH ININ NICHIRENNICHIREN SHUSHU (8) ABUTSU-BO AND HIS WIFE, SENNICHI-AMA

By Rev. Sensho Komukai through the Lotus Sutra. It measured 157 centimeters in length, and 103 Abutsu-bo (1189-1279) was an centimeters in width. It was written Imperial Palace guard for the for her by Nichiren Shonin when he ex-Emperor Juntoku. When the was preparing to leave Sado Island. retired emperor was exiled to Nichiren Shonin also gave Sennichi-ama Sado Island due to the Jokyu the Threefold Lotus Sutra in 10 fascicles Disturbance, Abutsu-bo went and a dyed silk robe of a priest. All of with him as an attendant. The these gifts proved that Nichiren Shonin Emperor Juntoku passed away showed a great deal of appreciation to in 1242. Abutsu-bo and his wife, Abutsu-bo and Sennichi-ama for their Sennichi-ama, remained on Sado devoted support for him on Sado Island. and entered the priesthood to They had a prominent faith in the Lotus pray for the repose of his soul. Sutra and Nichiren Shonin. They built a hermitage near Abutsu-bo secretly taking things in the middle of winter Later on, Myosenji Temple was built by to Nichiren Shonin during his exile on Sado Island. his imperial tomb to chant the The painting is kept at Horinouchi Myohoji Temple in Tokyo. one of their great-grandchildren on the Nembutsu every single day for site where the home of Abutsu-bo and on the grounds of Myosenji Temple. the ex-Emperor Juntoku. Sennichi-ama stood on Sado Island. On November 1, 1271, Nichiren visiting me. It made me wonder whether Shonin, who was banished to Sado my mother had been reborn on Sado to Island, was confined to a run-down hut support me.” REVEREND KANNO PREACHES (59) called Sammaido Hall in Tsukahara. The Later, Nichiren Shonin was pardoned news that Nichiren, an evil monk who and returned to Kamakura in 1274. was notorious for being a bitter enemy Nichiren Shonin later entered Mt. of Amitabha Buddha, was exiled to Minobu. Abutsu-bo, showing no sign “...practice and learning Sado Island, quickly spread throughout of senility in his old age, visited his ought to stem from faith.” the island. Abutsu-bo had a virulent residence at Minobu, a journey of —Shoho Jisso-sho hostility towards Nichiren Shonin, 20 days from Sado Island. He visited who completely denied the Nembutsu Minobu three times with the sole desire (Treatise on All Phenomena teachings that he and his wife had held of seeing Nichiren Shonin. Abutsu-bo as the Ultimate Reality) in great faith for 30 years. Abutsu-bo made his last trip to Minobu at the age decided to go to the Sammaido Hall, of 90. Abutsu-bo died at the age of 91 in willing to cut down the evil monk with 1279. In accordance with his last will, a sword, if necessary. his bones were buried at Mt. Minobu, Upon meeting, Abutsu-bo demanded close to Nichiren Shonin’s hermitage. an explanation for Nichiren Shonin’s Nichiren Shonin gave Sennichi-ama Practice insistence that the Nembutsu teaching the Gohonzon indicating that women and Learning would lead people into the Hell of were guaranteed to attain Buddhahood Incessant Suffering. Nichiren Shonin “Practice” means Buddhist practice, while “learning” refers to the took time to explain why the Lotus Sutra cultivation of wisdom. With wisdom, we should ascertain if the was the supreme teaching. His lucid practice is done correctly. Practice is accomplished only when it is explanation and persuasive argument confirmed by the eyes of wisdom. Then it leads us to the ultimate for the superiority of the Lotus Sutra reduced Abutsu-bo to silence, making goal: the realm of a peaceful mind, the realm of awakening. “Faith” him aware of how closed-minded he had is, needless to say, faith in the Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku. been towards Buddhist teachings other In Ueno-dono Gohenji, our Founder said, “Some have faith like than the Nembutsu. Abutsu-bo became fire while others have faith like water.” But it is recommended not convinced that the Lotus Sutra was the only teaching to save all living beings to have a temporary faith flaring like a fire that eventually burns in this Saha World. itself out. True faith is the faith that is not conspicuous and can Abutsu-bo and his wife, Sennichi-ama, be compared to ceaselessly flowing water and is powerful enough became ardent followers of Nichiren to pierce through rocks over time. Shonin. They devotedly supported him on Sado Island. Nichiren Shonin greatly Having this “faith of water in the Odaimoku, we will be able to conduct appreciated their dedicated support, Buddhist practice and learning properly.” So claims Nichiren Shonin. saying in his letter to Sennichi-ama, “I As a result, we can receive “the actual proof of benefit.” When will never forget that you visited me, Nichiren Shonin persuades us to chant the Odaimoku, he speaks often under the cloak of night, with your husband, Abutsu-bo, who carried a chest of three types of proof of the benefit we receive by chanting the on his back while the local stewards and Odaimoku. These are documentary proof based on the words of The Gohonzon written by Nichiren Shonin Pure Land Buddhists guarded my hut for Sennichi-ama (Myosenji Temple). the Lotus Sutra, theoretical proof as one thinks carefully about day and night, preventing anyone from its teaching, and actual proof when one puts it into practice and derives benefit. Nichiren Shonin valued actual proof the most. In other words, the proof of actual benefit. The benefits range widely from a nation’s security to an individual’s peace of mind. Having deep compassion for the people, Nichiren Shonin believed that “to persuade people to chant the Odaimoku, it is necessary to show the proof of actual benefit.” He knew people would not be able to continue their faith without actual benefit. He was not, of course, referring to selfish benefits, but rather the benefits of peace, liberation from suffering, and ultimately the attainment of Buddhahood.

Honorable Rev. Nissho Kanno, Archbishop of Nichiren Shu, Chief Abbot of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Tokyo Site where Nichiren Shonin had his hermitage in Minobu. No. 234, October 1, 2019 Nichiren Shu News 3

Temples Associated with Nichiren Shonin in Kamakura: The Tatsunokuchi Persecution

By Rev. Kanshu Naito invitation of Shakyamuni Buddha to fell down on the ground blinded. The become a buddha. Instead, I will go to soldiers ran in fright, no one dared Nichiren Shonin was arrested on hell with you. If we both entered hell, to return to the execution site. Even September 12, 1271, because he was a how could it be possible that we would Commissioner Yoritsuna disappeared, threat to the Kamakura Shogunate, and not find Shakyamuni Buddha and the not to be discovered until sometime it was officially decided that he would Lotus Sutra there?” later. Some of the soldiers got off their be exiled to Sado Island. In actuality, he Nichiren Shonin spoke with supreme horses, and others squatted down on was taken to the Tatsunokuchi Execution joy about the strong bonds and firm the ground, and still others remained Grounds. As he was taken along the piety of master and follower led by stiff on horseback. beach of Inamuragasaki and past the the Buddha’s teachings. Kingo’s pure “Nichiren Shonin shouted, ‘Why do Goryo Shrine (five kilometers away piety moved his master profoundly, you stay away from a felon like me? from Tatsunokuchi), Nichiren Shonin, because Nichiren Shonin was prevented Come back here quickly.’ None of them, who knew he was going to be executed, from propagating the Lotus Sutra by however, came near him. ‘Daybreak is sent a young boy, Kumaomaru, to fetch many people and rejected by most coming very soon; what can you do if Shijo Kingo, a faithful follower who lived Buddhist clergy. it gets light? If you have to kill me, do it nearby. Kingo, upon hearing Nichiren A miraculous natural phenomenon right away. It would be unsightly when it Shonin’s dire situation, gathered his was reported to occur at the very gets lighter.’ Although he shouted, there Nichiren Shonin was forced to sit on this stone three brothers and ran barefoot to his as he was almost executed (Ryukoji Temple). time when Nichiren Shonin was to be was no response.” master. Kingo tearfully accompanied his beheaded. It was in the middle of the The execution plot failed because of master, holding the reins of his horse. night, around 2:00 a.m. The soldiers this miraculous phenomenon. Nichiren At the time, Nichiren Shonin was that practitioners of the Lotus Sutra attending Yoritsuna surrounded Shonin departed towards Echi to await thinking that this would be the place will meet serious life-threatening perse- Nichiren Shonin on the execution seat. exile to Sado on that same day. where he would be beheaded, since he cutions. Don’t act rashly.” The executioner was about to raise saw everything was prepared for that Nichiren Shonin was profoundly his sword overhead. A Reply to Nun at Tatsunokuchi. Taira-no-Yoritsuna moved by Kingo’s pure faith and never Myoho and Shuju Onfurumai Gosho sat in the official chair of witness. The forgot his heartfelt gratitude towards (Reminiscences: from Tatsunokuchi executioner stood behind him. And him. Thinking back to this occasion to Minobu) recounts what happened all around the circle of death, lit by five years later, Nichiren Shonin wrote, as follows: flickering torchlight, stood the armed in the Emperor Sushun Letter, “I still “Suddenly, the midnight sky was guards. Nichiren Shonin was forced remember vividly how you accompanied ablaze with fire. Something shining to be seated on a stone covered with me to Tatsunokuchi holding a horse by like the moon flew like a ball from leather. Seeing his master on the seat of the bridle, and breaking into tears when Enoshima Island from southeast to execution, Kingo was greatly distressed I was about to be beheaded there. I will northwest, and all the people became and wanted to kill himself, but Nichiren never forget this no matter how many visible as though the moon of the twelfth Painting of Nichiren Shonin as he was nearly Shonin stopped him and said, “I taught lifetimes come and go. If by chance you day had already set. The executioner, beheaded at Tatsunokuchi (Ryukoji Temple). you that there are always possibilities should fall into hell, I will refuse the who was ready to kill Nichiren Shonin, Pilgrimage to Minobusan and Other Major Nichiren Shu Temples By Rev. Shoryo Tarabini was revealed for us to see at the main (September 12, 1271). Then we visited received a surprise lecture on the Rissho altar. Later, we walked to Daibo Hongyoji Ankokuronji Temple, where Nichiren Ankoku-ron, and Rev. Hirai showed us the Every year, I come to Japan for the annual Temple, where Nichiren resided during Shonin had resided and wrote the Rissho actual cave where Nichiren Shonin had International Missionary Conference the last month of his life and where he Ankoku-ron (Treatise on Spreading Peace written his most famous work. at Shumuin, Headquarters of Nichiren entered Nirvana on October 13, 1282. Throughout the Country by Establishing the On the fourth day, we had a day of Shu. After the meeting this year, some Then we visited the “Dabisho” , where True ) in 1260. We were welcomed rest because of a typhoon, and the next Italian members asked me if they could Nichiren Shonin was cremated following by Rev. and Mrs. Chishin Hirai, who day we set off to Fujinomiya in Shizuoka accompany me to Minobusan Kuonji his funeral. recently returned to Japan after many years Prefecture to visit Kitayama Honmonji Temple. The members’ wish was to know On the third day, we traveled to of dedicated service as an international Temple. This temple was founded 712 years Nichiren Shu better, deepen their faith and Kamakura and visited Ryukoji Temple, missionary and was appointed as the ago by Nikko Shonin, one of Nichiren enrich their experience with Buddhism, the site of the Tatsunokuchi Persecution chief priest of Ankokuronji Temple. We Shonin’s six main disciples. The chief so together we planned an eight-day priest of Kitayama Honmonji Temple, pilgrimage to most of the head Nichiren Ven. Asahi Shonin personally conducted Temples. It was the first time for all of them the “Gokaicho” ceremony where we could to visit Japan, and they were very excited. see an ancient statue of Nichiren Shonin On the first day, we arrived at Kominato and an original Gohonzon. Ven. in Chiba Prefecture and stopped at Asahi said that he was deeply moved to see Myorenji Temple to visit the tomb of all of us chanting in the special Kitayama Nichiren Shonin’s parents, then continued Honmonji tradition of “Hiki Daimoku” as to Tanjoji Temple, where Nichiren Shonin 1 2 we recited the sutra together. was born on February 16, 1222. We all The following day, we took a train to marveled at the beautiful temple with its Minobusan and went to Kuonji Temple to grand wooden gate, rows of numerous chant the Odaimoku then to Oku-no-in stone lanterns and the main hall (hondo). (also called Shishinkaku), a temple dedi- No one in the group had seen a life-sized cated to Nichiren Shonin’s parents located statue of Nichiren Shonin before, and they near the top of Mt. Minobu. It is said that were astonished to see the beautiful bronze Nichiren Shonin climbed Mt. Minobu image of Nichiren Shonin when he was a every day, to the spot where Shishinkaku 4 12-year-old boy called “Zennichimaro.” Temple was built, because, on a clear day, We continued to Seichoji Temple, where he could see his home village of Kominato Nichiren Shonin became a monk under his as he prayed for his deceased parents. master, Dozen-bo, and received his first We took part in the 5:30 a.m. service priestly name “Rencho.” It was here that at Kuonji Temple, and then we went to he first chanted “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” pray at the site of Nichiren Shonin’s grave. on the Asahigamori Peak of Mt. Kiyosumi All the members were overjoyed to have on April 28, 1253. Here he changed his been able to visit the places where Our name to “Nichiren.” Founder had lived, walked and propagated 3 5 The following day, we visited Ikegami the Lotus Sutra. We made a vow to return Honmonji Temple in Tokyo, where we 1. Enjoying an unexpected extra day at Minobusan. 2. With Ven. Asahi Shonin at Kitayama Honmonji Temple. next year, with more members from 3. Statue of 12-year-old Zennichimaro (before he became Nichiren Shonin) at Tanjoji Temple. received a special “Gokaicho” ceremony 4. Life-sized statue of Nichiren Shonin at Tanjoji Temple. 5. Caught in the rain at Kitayama Honmonji Temple. Europe so that they can experience this in which the statue of Nichiren Shonin wonderful pilgrimage. 4 Nichiren Shu News No. 234, October 1, 2019

Thechildren, ages 7-19, are eager to learn Unfortunately, I am not living in the attendees were able to experience how and would like to visit Japan or even work so the lessons come in segments. But if they Buddhism allows us to regulate our lives there in the future. Their motivation is continue to review their lessons while I am properly, which leads us to become happier triggered by a former student who studied back in Japan, when I return to Sarnath and change negative behavior. The ideas Nichigatsuzan Horinji at Horinji Temple, who then took the the possibility for improvement is there. shared in the retreat are all based on the test in Delhi and eventually began working teachings of the Lotus Sutra. Sarnath, India for a Japanese company. It was a dream Seattle Enkyoji Temple We learned a number of exercises, which Myojitsu Nagakubo come true for many of the village children. Mrs. Mamiko Cederman are based on ancient Indian and Chinese It showed that, if they are earnest and medicine, on how to regulate our eating, Japanese Classes in Sarnath Bi-monthly Retreat study hard, anything is possible. sleeping, and breathing habits as well as I have been holding Our bi-monthly Meditation and Health our minds. Learning to live our lives, classes for the children of Sarnath recently. Retreat at the Seattle Enkyoji Temple was as taught by the Buddha and Nichiren Whenever I am in India, I begin the daily held on August 2-4. Our first retreat was Shonin, we are able to break free of the classes at 8:30 a.m. and teach the basic held in April 2019. This was our thirdone, bonds of suffering and experience the Japanese alphabet; hiragana and katakana, and it was fully attended. reality of an awakened life. and even some kanji. The class is divided The retreat is designed to instruct and Our next Meditation and Health Retreat into three levels, each with a different share the teachings and techniques of will be held from October 4-6. If you are focus, so that their interest is maintained developing a healthy Buddhist lifestyle interested in attending, please contact us and doesn’t diminish. with the participants. During this retreat, at: [email protected]

FIRST ENGLISH SODORIN

By Rev. Shoda Kanai OUR EXPERIENCE OF THE SODORIN On July 26, eight shami (novices) entered The English Sodorin was very good, and it increased my knowledge of Nichiren Shu. The teachers were Nichiren Buddhist International Center wonderful and trained us patiently. For me, there (NBIC) to begin the five-day Sodorin, were many new things that I need to practice, and conducted for the first time in English. they were very useful. —Shami Kanmyo Ong (Indonesia) The shami, from as far away as Brazil, England, and Indonesia, joined several I was very grateful to be able to attend this English Sodorin at NBIC. As it was the first held outside shami from the United States to begin Japan and conducted in English, I know that there their first steps in becoming a Nichiren was a lot of preparation involved. I’d like to express Shu priest. my appreciation to the instructors and everyone else who helped make it happen. Although I have Sodorin was created to instill in the attended shami seminars at NBIC before, the feeling potential priests what life would be like of the Sodorin training was different. The teachers during the 35-day ordination practice emphasized the spirit of serving and instructed us on proper behavior while living in a monastery to (Shingyo-dojo). Many have never lived The shami class completing the firstSodorin conducted in English includes Kanmyo Ong, Kanse Capon, prepare for the 35-day Shingyo-dojo which I hope to or worked inside an actual temple and Kanjo Groham, Roen Drewello, Yotatsu Chiamulera, Eishin Valdez, Kanyu Kroll, and Kan-e Rosman. attend next year. —Shami Kanse Capon (U.K.) this was a chance to prepare them for I feel that my faith and understanding has deepened the upcoming grueling practice. day, learning service order, the various practice, everyone was able to pull with my experiences at Sodorin. The training was From day one, the shami were in- positions in a service, chanting , together and conduct a beautiful physically and mentally difficult, but I always feel more structed on the mannerisms of priests; and liturgical hymns (shomyo). ceremony! The teachers were amazed at determined to push forward after intense training. It was very helpful to get a better understanding of how to bow, proper responses to teachers With the information gained in each how wonderfully everyone did their part my strengths and weaknesses and what I will need (such as Hai! for “Yes!” or Iie! for “No!”), class, the shami put their knowledge to to contribute to the overall performance. to work on in hopes of attending Shingyo-dojo in the folding their etai (priest’s robes), and use during the morning and evening This experience should carry forward spring. I am also very grateful to our teachers and staff and fellowshami. In summary, always take the other kinds of etiquette. Though services. The shami rotated through and help them during Shingyo-dojo. time to properly greet people, put your full spirit into many have attended previous shami the various positions and were critiqued Lastly, after the conclusion of English every service, thank the people who cook for you, conferences, this event was different as afterwards. Any mistakes made were Sodorin, a chanting test was conducted and don’t think that because the retreat is over that our work is done! —Shami Roen Drewello (U.S.) the structure was more rigid and serious, corrected before the next service. Only as this is one of the requirements before with hardly any free time. The shami by actively participating in services can gaining entrance into Shingyo-dojo. The Sodorin was an amazing opportunity to learn, to moved from class to class throughout the the shami truly learn priestly manners. nervous shami were split into two groups practice, to meet my fellow shami again, and to feel the mood of the monastery. It was the chance that I The night class wasa more relaxed and were tested on various chapters of was waiting for, a dream come true. During the train- hour of free discussion. During this the Lotus Sutra in Japanese and English. ing, we needed to be aware of the rules and keep the time, the shami split into two groups to When the highly anticipated results were discipline. We had many interesting activities, starting from early in the morning and going into the even- create a list of what type of priest they announced that everyone passed, a quick ing. We even practiced during meals. We also talked wished to be. The list was then shortened rush of relief fell upon them. One even about our dreams, our plans as future Nichiren Shu to seven main points that were written jumped for joy! ministers, and listened to the teachers’ aspirations and thoughts. Our skills in chanting and performing down, and all the shami read this as Though the English Sodorin finished the services also were tested, so I could get to know a vow and dedication in front of the quickly, there are many detailed items my weak points better, and how to improve them. I Gohonzon, Shakyamuni Buddha, and these shami must fine tune before felt that the teachers were very kind to us and really concerned about our development and learning. Nichiren Shonin. These words will have entering Shingyo-dojo. The lessons Through this training, I feel that I deepened my faith a lasting impact in the years to come. learned must not be forgotten but in the teachings of the Buddha and Nichiren Shonin. On the final day for the closing practiced continually over the upcoming I vow to keep practicing to spread all the teachings that I learned in Sodorin as repayment of the debts of ceremony, each shami was assigned months to better prepare themselves, as gratitude that I have received from everybody who had supported me during my studies. The shami practicing raihai in the Sodorin. a duty and participated in the actual this is just one step to complete before service. After four days of study and becoming a Nichiren Shu priest. —Shami Yotatsu Chiamulera (Brazil)

Calendar for October 2019–November 2019

OCT 1 Ceremony of Changing the Robes on the Statue OCT 13 738th Memorial Service for Nichiren Shonin of Nichiren Shonin, Minobusan NOV 11 Commemoration Day for the Komatsubara Persecution OCT 10 Ceremony in Memory of the Founder’s Exile to Sado Island NOV 12 20th Anniversary Grand Ceremony at Dragon Palace Temple OCT 12 Minobusan and Ikegami Mando Parades in Nagpur, India OCT 13 Oeshiki NOV 13 Memorial for Nichizo Shonin

Nichiren Shu News c/o The Head Office of Nichiren Shu, 1-32-15 Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-8544, Japan; Tel. +81-3-3751-7181, E-mail: [email protected] Nichiren Shu News was founded by the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association (NOPPA), Nichiyu Mochida, President. Funding is provided by NOPPA and the Head Office of Nichiren Shu, Hosei Nakagawa,Chief Administrator. Editorial Board Sandra Seki, Editor, Ryuei McCormick, Assistant Editor, Keiryu Shima, Chief Advisor, Hoyu Maruyama, Kanshu Naito, Shinkyo Warner, Advisors. Art Director Alan Rowe