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

No. 177 April 1, 2010 1

Editor’s Note: This article, featuring A Spiritual Quest Rev. Myokei Caine-Barrett's activi- ties, is reprinted with permission from the November 13, 2009 issue of the Houston Chronicle. Copyright 2009 ‘Buddhist priest is called to share her faith Houston Chronicle Publishing Com- pany. Reprinted with permission. All with a diverse following’ rights reserved. Caine-Barrett’s prison congrega- By T. C. Zheng tion grew slowly as her own Buddhist Houston Chronicle cultivation deepened. Started as a As if a Mediterranean breeze waft- monthly program at a few inmates’ ed through Wallace Pack Unit’s steel request when she was a novice in reinforced walls and columns, the aro- training, the service became weekly mas of hummus, falafel and fattoush after she was ordained in 2007. permeated the prison’s classroom. “At 58, Caine-Barrett is the first “I’ve forgotten food could taste this female priest in her affiliated Nichiren good,” said inmate Albert Mason, Order of North America,” said Rev. savoring a bit from his pita sandwich. Ryuoh Faulconer, Caine-Barrett’s While inmate Dusty Russell filled Boston-based master. his fifth plate of fresh mixed fruits, The order, headquartered in Hay- Michael Wooldridge munched on a ward, Calif., evolved from Nichiren leafy green salad, his first in six years Buddhism study groups started by of incarceration. Japanese immigrants in the early 20th “I was moved, I wanted to cry, that century and has since established more something so small could be huge and than a dozen temples for its 1,000 make them so happy,” said Rev. members nationwide. Myokei Caine-Barrett, a Houston Caine-Barrett became associated NATURAL LEADER: Nichiren Shu Buddhist priest Myokei Caine-Barrett, leads a group of Nichiren Shu Buddhist priest, who with the Order nine years ago after inmates at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Pack Unit brought the vegetarian meal for the breaking away from Soka Gakkai, a first time during her five-year ministry lay Buddhist organizational philoso- also assumed leadership. at the Texas Department of Criminal phy. “It was the next logical step for her. Justice’s correctional facility outside Her discovery of the Nichiren We’ve seen her faith crystallized,” said Navasota. order and subsequent meetings with follower Christie Carrington, a friend To her 21-member congregation clergy members sparked her desire for of two decades. “She has always been behind bars, Caine-Barrett brought a Houston branch and a full-time a leader, a visionary.” foods that pleased more than their priesthood. Caine-Barrett made herself known palates. Born in Japan’s Kawasaki City to through word-of-mouth, Buddhist In this classroom that the inmates her Japanese mother and African- journals and public appearances in called “a little heaven” found in a American father, Caine-Barrett moved interfaith programs across the city. She “hellhole,” they feast on food for the to the United States with her family at created a “Meetup” social networking HOME TEMPLE: Meri Eckhoff prays during soul Friday evenings and the occasion- barely two and grew up mostly in El group to recruit potential members, a Houston service led by Rev. Myokei al Sunday when Caine-Barrett makes Paso. Her return to Japan in 2007 for and she live-streams her temple ser- Caine-Barrett, the only woman in North America to lead a Nichiren Buddhist con- the two-hour drive for her ministry. her ordination was soul-stirring for her vices on the Web. gregation “When I’m here chanting, I feel a relatives there. Outside the prison, she has built a sense of happiness and joy,” said “My aunt said, ‘You’ve finally small congregation diverse in race and dhist traditions. inmate Jesse Peña. When the inmates come home,’ and they were happy to sexual orientation, with members scat- Bianca Schonberg, a black college leave the incense-filled classroom, have a priest in the family,” she said. tered in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, administrator in search of a Buddhist Mason said, they “carry that energy” “I felt like I completed a full circle.” Tampa, Fla., Mexico and Costa Rica. group with African-American repre- with them. On this Sunday, the That circle had a jagged start, At her home temple, a handful of sentation, said she is inspired by Mediterranean treats complemented a though. She grew up rebellious, lonely adherents gather Wednesday nights for Caine-Barrett’s “community-oriented full-day retreat that began with a and looking for something to fill a an hour-long service, and her Sunday spirit” but remains uncommitted to the drum-accented chanting and a sermon social void. At age 13, she attended a full-morning program draws about a Nichiren school because of its focus on the teachings of Nichiren, the 13th- Buddhist gathering in El Paso that dozen devotees whose chanting, on chanting. century Japanese founder of the name- proved to be the start of her spiritual accompanied by drums, bells and At the prison, however, chanting sake school of Buddhism. After a path. other instruments, echoes in neighbor- has been a big draw for the inmates, jovial lunch, a repentance session She dropped out of college as a hood streets. including those not ready to be initiat- ensued, followed by a shakyo medita- student activist against the Vietnam “We’re called the noisy Bud- ed as Buddhists. tion, in which inmates, in deep con- War, worked odd jobs and was eventu- dhists,” she said, noting that chanting “I still believe in Christianity,” centration, hand-copied the Lotus ally hired by the El Paso Natural Gas is an essential Nichiren practice. “I inmate Norman Larson said. “But that Nichiren followers revere as Co. often open the windows so people can when I chant and meditate here, I feel the Buddha’s central wisdom. Her Buddhist activities intensified hear us.” all the negativity is washed off me.” The day concluded with a “- in Houston. On the bus with a group She envisions one day, building a Some of the Nichiren faithfuls taking” ceremony in which nine from a retreat in California, she got stand-alone temple filled with people. have remained in touch with Caine- inmates took vows of faith and pre- sick. The care showered on her by But for now, her challenges are real: Barrett after their release. Dereck- cepts to officially become disciples. Michael Barrett, a group leader, led to New members are hard to recruit and Esparza, who will soon be free, wants “This was the first time I have initi- their marriage. money is scarce. to return for Caine-Barrett’s program ated so many people at once,” she When Caine-Barrett split from the Faulconer said the difficulties are and help other inmates. said. “I feel I have gained more from Soka Gakkai group, Barrett and sever- shared by the Nichiren order national- “It’s reassuring to hear this,” said the experience than they do.” al members followed her and began ly, as older Japanese immigrants make Caine-Barrett, packing to leave the Chaplain David Nichols, a Christ- their own weekly meeting at the cou- up much of a membership that lacks classroom as the incense dissipated ian, said that Buddhist ministry tends ple’s home in the Third Ward. younger followers and ministers. and dusk fell. to a need among prisoners. “She cares Barrett was “taken aback” at first Caine-Barrett said some potential Driving out of the Pack Unit, she about the guys and is very dedicated,” by his wife’s decision to seek priest- followers change their minds once flashed back on the same incense she he said. hood, but soon supported her and dedi- learning the temple is home-based. smelled as a toddler in Japan. “Buddhist volunteers work in eight cated their home as a temple and the Some participants come and go as they “I didn’t realize until now that the of 113 state prisons,” said Jason Clark, headquarters of their Nichiren Bud- try to find a comfortable practice or Buddhist seed was planted back then,” a TDCJ spokesman. dhist of Texas, of which he they’re drawn to better-known Bud- she said. “It will flower beautifully.” 2 No.177, April 1, 2010 Nichiren Shu News spread a rumor saying “She disap- peared. Where is she now?” After that, they dug up her body, and made a The Life of Sakyamuni Buddha (16) claim, saying “Buddhists did such a cruel thing. They killed and buried her By Rev. Shinkai Oikawa, Litt. D. in the moat in order to cover up the rumor.” more, she had something like a large Hearing the rumor, a disciple said to 10. Sakyamuni’s Missions and washbasin under her clothes and it was Sakyamuni, “Something awful hap- 10. Entering rumored that she had already reached pened to us. What shall we do?” He (7) Those who prevent her full term. answered “Leave it as it is. It will be (7) Sakyamuni’s mission And then, rumors spread all over the uncovered soon.” The strict examina- I am telling strange stories, but town that Sakyamuni had made Chin- tions by the police proved before long everything did not go well when Sakya- cha pregnant in spite of His marvelous that someone other than Buddhists had muni propagated His teachings. His remarks. Hearing the evil rumors, His committed the crime. teachings are Buddhism, but there are disciples worried about Him. But He In a word, the Buddhist order many kinds of religions in India other did not mind the rumors and acted with seemed to have developed satisfactori- than Buddhism. It is natural that the utter indifference, saying “Leave them ly, but from the viewpoint of the other more widely Buddhism came to be as they are. This kind of evil deed will religious orders, they felt somewhat practiced, the more offerings came to be uncovered when the time comes.” uncomfortable in the presence of the Sakyamuni’s Buddhism. It means that Rev. Shinkai Oikawa Chincha still answered I am preg- Buddhist order. Actually they fought fewer offerings went to the other reli- nant with Sakyamuni’s child. But her for followers and there were many gions. As a result, those concerned He must be called “a sham religious waistband happened to be untied and struggles between them concerning the were getting angrier at Buddhism, leader.” The other religious people the basin dropped down unexpectedly. increase of followers. It is just like the thinking “Those fellows! Damn it to often tried such ways. So all her evil deeds were uncovered at sales battles between supermarkets. hell! What a shame!” So some of them One of them persuaded a pilgrim’s once. Sakyamuni could escape from When the sales figures of one store go began to try to crush or kill Sakyamuni. pretty young daughter called “Chincha” Chincha’s swindle with a dignified atti- up, those of another store fall down. In That is why not everything was well to “act as a decoy.” She agreed to the tude meaning that He had done nothing order to solve this problem, one store with Him. offer, saying, “Yes, I will do it.” She wrong at all. may spread a rumor that another store However, Sakyamuni did not do acted in order to attract public attention Another similar story is still to be sells poor quality goods. Although it is wrong and had nothing scandalous by lingering around Jetavana-vihara, found. The scheme goes as follows: a talk on quite a low level, generally about Him. Some of them tried to put where Sakyamuni lived. When she was Those who had something to do with speaking, in fact, religion is not so Him in a difficult position by trickery. asked, “Where did you go?” she other religions spread an ugly rumor refined as we presume. I only wanted to The best way to cause scandals has, answered, “I have been to Sakyamuni.” that He had got into a relationship with tell you that they had many problems from olden times, been to use a woman, Before long she began to act by putting a prostitute by alluring her to hang about their order at that time. that is, to lure a man into a love affair. It some pieces of cloth around her stom- around Him. And then, they killed and (Tr. K. N.) is the worst blot for a religious leader. ach as if she were pregnant. What is buried her in the moat of the castle, (to be continued)

Rev. Kanno Preaches (5) “ . . . those who obtained various merits and virtues Relief Called for Haiti By almsgiving or by observing the precepts . . . Have already attained Earthquake Victims The enlightenment of the Buddha.” The Nichiren Shu International help only. We sincerely ask for your (Chapter II, Expedients, the Lotus Sutra) Relief Fund initiated a fund raising assistance so that the people of Haiti campaign for the victims of the recent can soon return to a safe and secure ‘Merits and Virtues’ Haiti earthquake. Contributions are life.” “Breathing” is one of the Buddhist limited to breathing. It is applicable in being accepted at the practices. It is the practice to keep all phases of our human life. Missionary Depart- mind and body in peace. Intending “to We are able to “obtain merits and ment of Shumuin breathe out evil spirits accumulating virtues” only when we make contri- Head Office. in the body,” let us breathe out gently butions to others. We should be “help- In this regard, the for a good while and breathe in as ful to others, first, then we will obtain department issued the much air as breathed out. Let us the merits comparable to the contribu- following statement; exhale through the mouth and inhale tions we have made to others.” “Throughout it’s histo- through the nose. When we repeat “One must sow before one can ry, Japan has suffered this, our mind becomes calm and reap.” This common saying teaches from many large peaceful. us “practice first.” We should not “lie earthquakes so we “What we should do first is to in bed till meat falls into our mouth.” understand better than breathe out.” “If we do not breathe Let us sow the seeds of merits and anyone the suffering out, we are not able to breathe in.” virtues. of the Haitian people. “We will breathe in as much as we (Rev. Nissho Kanno, head priest There are still scars breathe out.” This is not a principle of the Kaichoji Temple, Shizuoka) from the Kobe and Niigata earthquakes Minobusan Kuonji hold a fundraising event for the Haitian earth- and those reconstruc- quake victims, with 14 novices chanting and marching angya Events Aragyo: tion efforts were not style through the streets of Minobusan. Contributions amounted limited to domestic to ¥410,000 February–March 2010 Priests are leaving Nakayama Hokke- Feb. 3: Setsubun (first day of spring) Service and bean- kyoji after complet- throwing event at temples ing their 100-day throughout Japan ascetic practice. The Feb. 10: Service observing practice begins every the completion of the 100- year on November 1, day aragyo (ascetic) prac- and ends on February tice at Nakayama 10. Hokkekyoji Temple, Chiba prefecture Feb. 15: Nirvana Day Ser- A total of 129 priests, completed this year’s vice, paintings depicting practice. They gather together to chant in the Buddha’s Nirvana are dis- Soshido of Hokkekyoji on February 10, the played at temples final day of the practice. Feb. 16: Service in commem- oration of the birth of our Founder March 9–12: General meet- ing of Nichiren Shu Con- gress March 18–24: Higan services at temples and family graves by Rev. Tsuoh Yokoi Fifteen priests hold a fundraising event for the Haitian earthquake victims at Daikyoji temple, Shibamata, Tokyo on January16. Contributions amounted to ¥300,000 Nichiren Shu News No.177, April 1, 2010 3

the situation, my heart is choked with Nichiren Shonin and His Lay Followers (16) sorrow and I will stop writing here.” Here we perceive the deep affection and sympathy the Founder held for Founder gives tion against women is often reflected her. Nichiren Shonin was so compas- By Rev. Kanji Tamura, Litt. D. episodes of prac- in . Nichiren Shonin cited several sionate and sympathetic, more than Associate Professor, tice done at the instances of discrimination in his letter anyone else, with the hardships of oth- Rissho University risk of lives (prac- to Nichimyo. It is written in a certain ers. He stressed the teaching of “Great tices of Sakyamu- sutra, he says, the mind of a woman is sympathy and shouldering of the dis- Nichiren Shonin and Nun Nichimyo ni Buddha in His compared to a river as all rivers mean- tress of others.” “Great sympathy” Shonin previous exis- der; a woman is compared to an insane denotes broadmindedness of sympa- Visit to Sado from Kamakura: tence), which are person; or the transient mind of a thizing with others in their distress and Nichimyo ( ? – ? ), a devout faithful of taught in various woman is compared to the surface of removing their distress. the Odaimoku, became a nun after she Rev. sutras, and praises water. Each of us has worries and distress, lost her husband. In the fifth month of Kanji Tamura the undaunted However, “the attainment of Bud- serious or not, in our daily lives. If a 1272, she visited Nichiren Shonin at devotion to the dhahood with one’s present body” is master appears and sympathizes with Ichinosawa, Sado, far away from faith. For instance, the Founder cites revealed in the Lotus Sutra through the us from the bottom of his heart, sheds Kamakura, bringing with her an infant. the ascetic who made a writing brush example of attaining by tears with us and shares the distress, In those days, the order of Nichiren out of his bone, peeled off his skin to the eight-year-old daughter of the we will give him our absolute reliance. followers was often oppressed by lead- make a sheet of paper, produced ink dragon king. Thus the assurance of the Nichiren Shonin was such a person for ing figures of the Kamakura Govern- out of his bone marrow and water out future attainment of Buddhahood for his followers. ment. As a result “999 of 1,000” of his blood. Other ascetics mentioned women is preached in the sutra. The (Tr. K. S.) followers of Nichiren gave up their are the one who fed a hungry devil Founder tells Nichimyo that only the (to be continued) faith. While the Order of Nichiren with his own body; the one who made Lotus Sutra reveals the Buddha’s true Buddhism was in a critical condition, offerings by burning his own body; the words. Nichimyo devoted herself to the faith one who continued to preach defying Title of ‘Shonin’ Bestowed: In the of the Lotus Sutra. Moreover, though a slandering, stone throwing and striking letter, the Founder praises her, saying frail woman, she crossed the strait with sticks; the one who allowed his “I have never heard of a woman who defying the dangers of a long journey body to be the seat of his teacher. All followed a rugged path of one thou- to visit Nichiren Shonin. of these ascetics show the previous sand ri in search for the truth of Bud- In his letter addressed to Nichimyo, existence of Sakyamuni Buddha. dhism.” He assures her that Sakyamuni dated the 25th day of the fifth month, All the practices in His previous Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, the Founder shows how precious the existence turned into His merits, being Replica Buddhas of Ten Directions, Nichimyo had obtained when accommodated in the character of Superior Practice , Limit- she visited the Founder by overcoming “myo” of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. less Practice Bodhisattva, and other hardships en route from Kamakura in As we believe in the Lotus Sutra, we , the King of Brahma her reverence for the Lotus Sutra. “It are able to receive all the merits of Heaven, King Sakra and the Four spans one thousand ri from Kamakura Sakyamuni Buddha, becoming Sakya- Heavenly Kings will nestle to you as a of Sagami Province to the northern muni’s children and equal to Sakyamu- shadow follows the body,” and praises province of Sado. On the way, moun- ni Buddha. Thus, Nichiren Shonin her as “in Japan, you are foremost tains are towering, the sea is raging, clarifies the preciousness of the faith in among women who practice the Lotus wind and rain assault travelers time- the daimoku. Sutra, and I call you as Nichimyo lessly, and bandits and pirates are ram- Shonin.” pant. You must have gone through Attainment of Buddhahood by ordeals of Three Evil Realms (hell, Women: The concept of discrimina- Founder’s Sympathy: Mentioning Photo shows an illustration of the Lotus realm of hungry spirits and realm of tion against women was influential not Nichimyo’s existing state of affairs, the Sutra, depicting the attainment of Buddha- animals). only in ancient India but also in Founder states, “You are taking care of hood by the daughter of the dragon king. The copy of the Lotus Sutra, a national trea- ancient civilizations throughout the an infant. You have long been separat- sure, was donated by the Heiki clan and is All Practices Concentrated in the world, not to mention the samurai soci- ed from the infant’s father, who ought preserved at the Itsukushima Shrine, Character of “Myo”: In the letter, the ety of Kamakura in Japan. Discrimina- to take care of the infant. Thinking of Hiroshima Study Tour in India children are eager and happy to learn By Rev. Tsuoh Yokoi even if they don’t have the proper Missionary Department facilities or textbooks. I think this is The third study tour interchange because material abundance does not with the street children in India, spon- equal mental well-being. Before com- sored by the Nichiren Shu Missionary ing to India, I thought the two went Department, was held from February hand in hand, however, I now realize 14 to 22 in Kolkata (former Calcutta). that I was wrong.” The purpose of this study tour is to find The nine participants of this tour and educate capable people to help felt there was a serious reality behind Nichiren Shu international cooperation the smiling faces of the children, and activities and overseas propagation in a sense of helplessness overcame all the future. of them. However, all the members Nine people participated in this tried their best to see what they could year’s tour; three students, five priests do now and open their hearts to the and one member of a priest’s family. situation and mingle with the chil- Two women were included. dren. “When we think of international Outdoor classroom at Bow Bazar As in the past two years, the tour cooperation, we are was assisted by “Raindrop,” headed by prone to think of Rev. Homan Kita and the “Calcutta ‘what we can do to Social Project,” an NGO based locally, help,’ however, just to help the street children become self- watching the chil- reliant. dren striving to live The nine participants did cultural their lives taught us exchange activities at two of the out- something greater door classrooms set up on vinyl sheets instead,” said one of on the road and park on Madan Street the members. and Bow Bazar. Although they could As a result of the not communicate verbally, the Japanese experience from this members taught the children origami tour, hopefully all and Japanese songs. the members will One of the participants, Akihiro have broader per- Tamura, said, “Japanese children are spectives and use blessed with material goods, so why their experience in are the schools being affected by bully- their daily lives. ing and disruption? Here in India, the (Tr. S. S.) Outdoor classroom at Madan Street Using small slate boards as notebooks 4 No.177, April 1, 2010 Nichiren Shu News 平成22年4月1日 第177号

improve your handwriting and “” for some to have a spiritual to his five disciples. Temple Events experience. The first class for is one of the Shakyo will start in April after most holy and peace- the Sunday service. Those ful places in India. Portland Nichiren The 18th Spring Bazaar who are not able to attend may There are lots of Bud- The biggest event for the request for a Shakyo booklet. dhist temples, for Portland Nichiren Buddhist Once the Shakyo is completed example Thai, Tibetan, By Rev. Myosho Obata Temple was the 18th Annual please write your prayer, Chinese, Korean, and It has been a year since I Spring Bazaar held on Sun- name, address and date on it; Burmese. The Japan- was assigned as a resident day, March 28, from 11.30 then send it back to the Kan- ese temple is about 18 minister of the Nichiren Bud- a.m. to 3 p.m. at our temple. non Temple with your dona- years old and its (Puja) dhist Temple of Portland on Before the Spring Bazaar, we tion. Rev. Kanai will pray for O-eshiki service was April 12, 2009. Everything had to do many things for this you. Your donations will go held on November 20 has been the first time for me, great event, such as advertis- towards the Building Fund for and 21. On the first especially the annual fundrais- ing the bazaar, selling tickets, a future temple. day, Japanese monks ers of the temple. and raffles, preparing a lot of chanted “Tathagat ingredients, cleaning the tem- yushma Pranam pari- Belmont Street Fair ple and so on. We sold tonka- San Jose vartan Sutra” (part of First of all, the Belmont tsu, chicken and tofu bento, Nichiren Buddhist Satdharma Pundarika Street Fair held on September chow mein, and baked cook- Sutra) and on the fol- The newly dedicated statue of the Buddha 12, 2009, was an annual ies. The Spring Bazaar was Temple fundraiser that served as a the largest fundraiser of the By Rev. Arnold Matsuda community outreach as well year for our temple. We Support Sought for the 30th as an income generator. worked together and succeed- Anniversary Projects The Fujinkai was coordi- ed in this event. nating preparations four days The Nichiren Buddhist On October 30, 2010, the prior to the event. The mem- Temple of Portland was Nichiren Buddhist Temple bers and supporters had an founded in 1932 by Japanese (Myokakuji Betsuin) of San early start at 8 a.m. to set up Issei pioneers. Seventy-three Jose will be commemorating the temple booth. Food stalls years have passed and since the 30th anniversary of the selling yakisoba, tofu bento, then, a lot of members and temple. To commemorate the chicken bento and beverages supporters have dedicated event, the following anniver- were thriving with customers. themselves to maintaining our sary projects were approved in Besides, Rev. Obata per- temple with their innumerable the preliminary setup meeting formed the Japanese Tea Cere- contributions. With their great which was held on January 24. 1. Ceremony on Saturday, mony next to our booth and contributions, we have been Group photo of Indian and Japanese representatives at the dedication served matcha (Japanese tea able to continue our practice October 30 ceremony powder) and sweets. It was of the Lotus Sutra and the We would like to invite all very important for our temple Odaimoku, Namu Myoho temple members and friends lowing day they performed mony is planned for Novem- to get involved with the com- Renge-kyo, in Portland, Ore- who are affiliated with our Shanti Puja. Shanti ber, in time with the Horinji munity. gon. We will make an effort to temple to the ceremony, lun- Stupa is under construction. O-eshiki. propagate Nichiren Shu Bud- cheon, and other events to be The new statue and Bud- Mochi–Tsuki 2010 dhism and maintain our tem- held that day. dha relics, Kyoseki & Shakyo Toronto Nichiren The second event was ple with the spirit of 2. Publication of a “Nichi- were dedicated on November Mochi–Tsuki 2010 which the ITAI-DOSHIN (different bod- ren Shu” book 21, 2009 in the presence of Buddhist Church JACL sponsored. This cele- ies with one spirit). 3. Temple restoration: high officials of the Indian By Rev. Kenno Fukushima bration of Japanese culture Termite control for the government and honorable and tradition was held on Jan- Hondo Building, repair and monks from Japan as well. On Lotus Sutra Chanting and uary 31, 2010. It was another Nichiren Buddhist restoration of the pillars sur- that day, a lot of local people Buddhism Study Class successful fundraiser for our Kannon Temple of rounding the Hondo and their gathered in the temple and A Lotus Sutra chanting temple. Through this kind of painting, parking area resur- some Ladakhi monks per- session and an hour-long event, we are able to inform Nevada facing, and others. formed the Tibetan Mask Lotus Sutra study class started the people where our temple is By Rev. Shokai Kanai In preparation for this dance in order to make the in February. Every month two located and what kind of ser- wonderful occasion, our goal event a more memorable one. sessions will be held after vices we hold. This is a kind The Ultimate Goal for is to raise the fund of $32,000. To spread peace and har- Sunday service. of the propagation of Nichiren Buddhists It was approved in the Sodai mony in the world is the pri- Shu. We had booths where we The ultimate goal for Bud- meeting to use the Bazaar mary aim of building the O-higan Service sold maki sushi, chicken and dhists is to attain Buddhahood. profits for three years, howev- Shanti Stupa here at the Ho- During the Higan period, tofu bento, chow mein and What does it mean to attain er, we still need to raise rinji Temple, Sarnath. One Rev. Fukushima prepares O- drinks. Our temple booth was Buddhahood? If we do not $17,000. Therefore, we appeal unique routine of the temple is toba for everyone’s ancestors. quite successful and we sold- know, then we cannot aim for for your kindness in the form that many local people partici- O-toba was once a symbol for out all our food. it. It is to become a person of of a monetary pledge to sup- pate in prayer and beat the Buddha’s grave. Today it rep- character who awakens from port this event. If you wish to drums. They recite resents a letter that conveys illusion and is liberated from make a contribution, please the sutra “NAMU MYO HO our thoughts and feelings to lust, worldly desires, and write your pledge and send it REN GE KYO” both in the our ancestors, friends or pets, karma, one who attains Bud- to the temple. Thank you so morning and evening. The etc., who have passed away. dha Dharma and one who is much for your understanding temple always remains full of The temple hopes everyone well-rounded. and support. people from India, Japan, and gives an O-toba not only to his other countries. So naturally ancestors but also to the spirits Recommendation of Shakyo Nichigatsuzan the temple is surrounded by a of the universe. These deeds Shakyo is to copy or trace peaceful and tranquil atmos- will bring everyone happiness. the sutras or Buddhist scrip- Horinji phere. In this way, the Horinji tures. The Kannon Temple of By Kalsang Norbu, temple remains as the symbol Nevada is now ready to offer Chief of Staff at Horinji of peace and love and to culti- tracing of Chapter XXV of the vate compassion in the people Lotus Sutra, Kannon Bosatsu, Dedication Ceremony for who come to visit. “The World-Voice-Perceiver Buddhist Statue and Relics Editor’s Note: The Shanti Bodhisattva” in English and Nichigatsuzan Horinji is stupa which is under construc- Japanese. situated at Sarnath in Varanasi, tion at the moment will be Shakyo will help you where the Buddha Sakyamuni completed by the end of Octo- Rev. Myosho Obata become peaceful, calm, gave his first sermon about the ber 2010. An inaugural cere- Cherry blossoms of Minobusan

Nichiren Shu News c/o NICHIREN-SHU Shumuin Editorial Board: 1-32-15, Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-8544, Japan Tel. 03-3751-7181～3 Editor: Sandra Seki, Supervisor-Editor: Kyotsu Hori Board of Trustees: Shobin Watanabe, Chief Administrator, Nichiren-shu; Bungyo Yoshida, President, Chief Advisor: Keiryu Shima, Layout Advisor: Kanjo Bassett Kaigai Fukyo Koenkai; Taiko Sekiya, Executive Director, Missionary Departmant; Kyogen Komano, Staff Writers: Kanshu Naito, Gyokai Sekido, Kanji Tamura, Gen’ichi Oikawa Executive Director, General Affairs Department; Ryoukou Koga, Director, Missionary Department, Nichiren-shu (overseas) Chishin Hirai, Shingyo Imai; Advisor: Hoyu Maruyama