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

No. 187 December 1, 2011 1 Inauguration of Renkoji Temple

Clockwise from upper left: group photo in front of the Hondo, Rev. Tarabini with Mayor Tribocco at the banquet, banquet at the local restaurant, Rev. Yoneda officiating the ceremony, banners decorating the front of Renkoji Temple, inauguration celebration cake made for Renkoji

By Sandra Seki Gyojun Tsujimura. Bishop Shokai Kanai, be a wine cellar, the voices of the attend- in front of the hondo, he decided that this and Rev. Chishin Hirai attended from ees resounded beautifully. was the ideal location for Renkoji Temple. The inauguration ceremony for Renkoji the U.S.A., Rev. Kanto Tsukamoto from Rev. Shoryo Tarabini found this spot After the inauguration ceremony, a Temple was held on Saturday, September London and Rev. Morioka from Germany. one day while he was traveling through banquet was held at the only restaurant 10, 2011 in Cereseto, Italy. The temple ac- The hondo (main prayer hall) which used the countryside. He had had a dream in in town. Followers and friends of Renkoji tually opened last year in this small town to be a wine cellar in the Middle Ages was which Nichiren Shonin appeared and Temple gathered for a warm celebration. located in the Piedmonte region between renovated and converted into a cozy prayer pointed out an area where cherry blos- The Mayor of Cereseto, Mr. Renato Tri- Torino and Milan in northern Italy. Due to hall with the Itto Ryoson Shishi (sacred soms bloomed and rolling hills extended bocco, attended both the service and the preparations and procedures, the inaugura- Buddhist statues) surrounding Nichiren endlessly. When Rev. Tarabini happened banquet. He said that he was very pleased tion ceremony was postponed until this fall. Shonin’s statue in the center. The adjoin- to stop by in Cereseto, he found the cherry to see a open in this town On this particular day, the town whose ing rooms were crowded with officials of blossoms in full bloom and the rolling hills and would be glad to help Renkoji Temple. population is only about 450, was crowded Cereseto, ministers from different surrounding them and he realized that this Rev. Tarabini was overwhelmed at the with 150 followers and ministers from , and followers from all over Europe, North was the place that Nichiren Shonin had number of attendees who had traveled a North America, England and other parts America and Japan. Guests who were shown him. The people of this town were long way to attend this memorable event of Europe. The ceremony was officiated unable to sit inside the hall were standing very kind to him and accepted him right and vowed he would continue propagating by Rev. Sen’yu Yoneda of the Finance De- outside in the hot autumn sun in order to away. Rev. Tarabini felt tranquility, peace from Renkoji Temple, making it a central partment of the Nichiren Shu Headquarters participate in this memorable service. All and warmth in this new place. With an old point of Nichiren Shu activities in Europe accompanied by several other priests from joined in prayer and chanted the Odaimoku medieval castle in the background and a and Africa. Japan including Rev. Eiyu Ishii and Rev. in unison. Because the structure used to huge pine tree (similar to the kind in Japan) 2 No.187, December 1, 2011 Nichiren Shu News Buddhism and International Society

By Rev. Kanshu Naito

Buddhism and International Society (6) were common to rather than a poetical form of the part reproduction of the prosaic part and the Eightfold Holy written in prose. adopted the prose of one parable and Emerson as an editor, firstly pub- Path teachings of It is very interesting for us Buddhists the verse of the other by his sense of lished Hindu literature named “Veesh- the Buddha, at the that this article indicates Saddharma being a literary man. On the other noo Sarma” in the series “Ethnical school she ran in Pundarîka is “one of the most hand, Burnouf was a scholar. The Scriptures.” Later Thoreau edited partnership with venerated by all the nations who are translation of Saddharma Pundarîka “Sayings of Confucius” and “Chinese Alcott. It can be Buddhists.” When Buddhism was not Sutra was an object of his study. It is Four Books,” etc. Thoreau is presumed said that intelligent introduced enough nor well known presumed that he came across this to have helped Emerson with his edito- leaders who sym- in America, this Sutra was, above all, Sutra in the process of his research rial policy as this series was the first Rev. pathized with Bud- recognized objectively the most vener- of oriental cultures and published Le attempt to introduce such Oriental Kanshu Naito dhism appeared ated teaching of Buddha by European Lotus as part of his study. Therefore, sacred books to American readers. here and began to Christians. he tried to translate both the parts This series continued up till the last plant seeds of the teaching of the Understanding the relation of the of “the herbs,” to clarify the relation issue of “Dial,” but “The Preaching of Buddha in the soil of America. prose and verse mentioned above, and characteristic of the verse and the the Buddha” appeared with the article This introduction of Buddhist litera- Thoreau seems to have edited and prose. As for Thoreau, who did not Hermes Trismegistus in Thoreau’s ture in “The Dial” was very rare and changed considerable parts of this know of Burnouf’s devices, he received edition in the January issue just before attractive to the transcendentalists who English translation. In fact, the content Le Lotus as the valuable classic and it ceased publication in April 1844. He took increasing interests in Oriental of “The Preaching of the Buddha” is important thought of the Orient, and did the only one exceptional edition documents. Presumably Emerson was the English translation of Chapitre V, added these changes thinking about to publish two ethnical scriptures on influenced by “The Preaching of the Les Plantes Médicinales of Le Lotus the balance of these two parts. this issue. He must have thought this Buddha” published in 1844, because it is Blanc de La Bonne Loi translated into There isn’t the versified part of “the Buddhist sutra was worth introducing said that he began to take an interest in French by Burnouf and almost the herbs” in the Lotus Sutra translated to Americans even if he took an excep- Buddhism around 1846. So this article same as Chapter V, “The Parable of by Kumārajīva. Burnouf may place tional measure. Much later, Thomas must have filled a role as a guidebook the Medicinal Herbs” of Saddharma this parable in front attracted by the Tweed, a Buddhist scholar, said that this of Buddhism to New England. Pundarîka Sutra. title of Le Plantes Médicinales. He translation with commentary, opened The explanation about this original However, as for the content of Chapi- must have thought it is natural that the American interest in Buddhism work at the beginning of the preface tre V, Le Lotus, the order of the first “the herbs” come before “the merci- (The American Encounter with Bud- says its title is White Lotus of the Good half “The Parable of the Merciful Rain” ful rain” because the title contains the dhism, 2000, xxxi). Law, and adds as follows: this work, and the second half “The Parable of herbs and, what is more, it is easier “The Preaching of the Buddha” was which is written in , makes the Herbs” in the original is reversed, for its readers. published anonymously and both its part of the numerous collection of that is, “the herbs” appear at the first A “Parable of the Herbs” that are editor and translator were not identi- Buddhist books, discovered by Brian half and “the merciful rain” comes familiar and closely connected with fied. At present there seem to be two H. Hodgson, the English resident at next in Le Lotus. Although in Le everyday life all over the world is views concerning its editor and transla- the Court of Katmandou, and sent by Lotus both the versified part and the preached in the Parable of the Herbs of tor. The views say Thoreau both edited him to La Société Asiatique de Paris part written in prose of “the herbs” Le Lotus de La Bonne Loi or of “The and translated it, or that he edited and (the Asiatic Society of Paris). Eugène are translated, only the versified part Preaching of the Buddha.” Moreover, someone else translated it. It’s most Burnouf (Professor of Sanskrit at the of “the merciful rain” is translated. this Parable is said to be overwhelming likely the translator was Elizabeth College of France, 1801 - 1852) exam- Burnouf himself changed the posi- among the seven parables of this Sutra Palmer Peabody (1804-1894), who led ined, some years since, this collection, tions of these two parables and chose because it depicts the mysteries of the an active life with Emerson, Thoreau, which includes a great part of the ca- the translated parts. On the other hand, Great . Therefore, this chapter Nathaniel Hawthorne, the Alcott family, nonical books of the Buddhists, and as to “The Preaching of the Buddha,” could be easily understood and ac- etc. who were very active in Concord of which translations are found in all the positions of the two parts are the cepted by Europeans and Americans. in the suburbs of Boston, at that time. the nations which are Buddhists, (the same as Le Lotus, but the versified part Taking into consideration the devel- As her younger sister was Hawthorne’s people of Tibet, , and Mongolia.) of “the herbs” is omitted and only its opment and influence of Buddhism in wife, Elizabeth acted intimately with The book, from which the following prosaic part is adopted. “The merciful America on later generations, it was a these transcendentalists. Since she had extracts were taken, is one of the most rain” is opposite to “the herbs.” Only beneficial affair on the Buddhist side a good command of several languages venerated, by all the nations which its versified part is adopted because that Buddhism was introduced in “The such as Latin, Sanskrit, Chinese and worship the Buddha, and shows very there is no translation of its prosaic Dial,” edited by Emerson and Thoreau, so on, it is not improper to suggest she clearly the method followed by the part in Le Lotus. It is said that it is intellectuals of New England when translated it. She held up the educational Sage who bears this name. The work Thoreau who omitted the versified nearly no American knew about it. principles, that is, “to think rightly, to is in prose and verse. The versified part part of “the herbs.” He must have un- (to be continued) feel rightly and to act rightly” which is only the reproduction in a metrical derstood that the versified part is the

Rev. Kanno Preaches (15)

“May we have the purest eyes of wisdom Just like yours!” (Chapter VII. The Parable of a Magic City)

Eyes of Wisdom This phrase shows our sincere wish to reach the state of mind free of all worldly desires and sins by acquiring the purest eyes of wisdom of Sakyamuni Buddha. It is the eyes of wisdom and at the same time, the eyes of compassion of the Buddha. In Buddhism, five types of eyes are shown: 1) Eyes of those who have a material body, meaning us, sentient beings. 2) The divine eyes of celestial beings. 3) Eyes of wisdom by which the “ two-vehicles” observe the thought of non-substantiality. 4) The eyes of by which perceive all teachings in order to lead human beings to enlightenment. 5) The Buddha’s eye: the four kinds of eyes, mentioned above, exist in the Buddha’s body.

A traditional phrase says, “People are disgusted to see neighbors build treasuries.” This is why the Buddha’s eyes of wisdom and compassion are expounded in the Lotus Sutra. We often make our judgment based on the first impression. The judgement always concerns whether it is a friend or a foe, whether it is a profit or a loss. This judgment leads to evil passions. “May we have the purest eyes of wisdom just like the eyes of the Buddha to make the judgment rightful and free of evil passions.” (Rev. Kanno, head priest of Kaichoji Temple, Shizuoka)

Calendar December 2011-January 2012 December 8th: Jodo-e (Enlightenment Day) commemorating the day when January 1st: Memorial service for Nichiji Shonin the Buddha attained Enlightenment January 13th: Otoko-e, Minobusan first ceremony for the New Year December 31st: Omisoka-New Year’s Eve Service, year-end bell ringing ceremony January 21st: Memorial service for Nichiro Shonin Nichiren Shu News No.187, December 1, 2011 3 The Small Talk on Various Topics of Buddhism (9)

By Rev. Gyokai Sekido, Ph.D tion of the Imperial In 822 he asked the Imperial Court Chih-i in China; Saicho and Nichiren Court. for permission to erect the “Platform Shonin in Japan.) Saicho and Enryakuji Temple Saicho, the found- of Precepts” (platform to The photograph attached to this article (Mt. Hiei in Prefecture) er of the Japanese receive precepts) on Mt. Hiei. Strongly shows a pair of six-fold screens, entitled Sect was opposed by priests of , the imperial “Scenes in and around Kyoto.” Gold leaves Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei is the born in Omi Prov- permission was not given until seven are laid on colored screens. Depicted are head temple of the Tendai Sect. The ince (present Shiga years after his death. the scenes in and around Kyoto City of origin of the temple dates back to 785 Prefecture). He Saicho is known as having engaged the Imperial Court during the early days when Saicho (767~822) built a hermitage entered the priest- in a heated discussion against , of the Tokugawa Shogunate ( Period). on Mt. Hiei to study and practice Bud- Rev. hood at the age of a Hosso priest, over Buddha nature. Re- Homma, a shipping agent, purchased Gyokai Sekido dhism. The mountains which range from 12 and “accepted garding Saicho as the practicer of the these screens in Kyoto and donated them Shiga Prefecture to Kyoto Prefecture are precepts” at the age Lotus Sutra, Nichiren Shonin respected to the Myohoji Temple in Sado on his named collectively Mt. Hiei. of 14. In 785, he built a hermitage on Mt. him as an indispensable transmitter of return voyage. The painter is not known. It is described in the Kojiki, an old Hiei and devoted himself to chanting the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. (“The It can be claimed a precious art work Japanese history book of the Nara Period, the Lotus Sutra and other . He three countries and four masters”, a since it shows the buildings and living that had been residing in those also concentrated on studying Chinese phrase used by Nichiren Shonin, refers to styles of that age. The account book of mountains since ancient times. It is Tendai scriptures. “four masters in three countries,” namely: a merchant bears the date of the seventh known that hermits were residing in In 802, he came down from the moun- Sakyamuni Buddha in India; Tien-tai year of Genna (1621). those mountains and practicing mystical tain for the first time after he entered the rites in that era. mountain and gave lectures on the Lotus Saicho entered the priesthood at the Sutra at Takaosanji Temple in Kyoto. age of 12. Several years afterwards When he entered the mountain, he felt in 785, he entered Mt. Hiei and built “” of the world as well as a hermitage on the mountain. Three his immaturity. He made five vows in his years later, the hermitage was converted practice of Buddhism, and swore not to to a temple, called Hiezanji. Later, the leave the mountain until his vows were temple developed into Ichijoshikan-in, accomplished. the present Komponchudo. Yakushi In 804, by imperial order, he went to Nyorai or Medicine-Master Buddha China. There he studied Tendai doctrines. was enshrined there. Coincidentally, Kukai (774~835), the It was nine years after he entered the founder of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism mountain when Heian-kyo was con- was staying in China almost at the same structed. In later days, the Enryakuji time. Several years later, Saicho came Temple came to be known as the temple back to Japan and propagated the Tendai of protecting the northern ominous direc- doctrines. “Scenes in and around Kyoto” preserved at Myohoji Temple, Sado Island 2011 NONA Intensive Practice Retreat By Rev. Myokei Caine-Barrett Cederman Shonin. Cederman Shonin shared a teachers were able to bond together We began each day with Suigyo and platform teaching on the life of Nichiren and create a sacred space and time for We often hear the term “dog days exercise, and continued with various Shonin, the first time many members sharing faith, practice and study with of summer” and that is exactly what activities designed to awaken joy through had ever seen such a teaching. Two like-minded dharma friends. Everyone people generally think about when faith, practice, and study. Each day, there participants, Shaka Jakusei Khalphani is looking forward to next year’s retreat contemplating August in Houston. This were lectures covering topics such as (Memphis) and Erik Eshin Rubalcava to be held on the West Coast. year’s intensive practice retreat was no compassion, the meaning of Myo, ico- (Houston) took jukai during the last exception as the temperature rose to nography and esotericism. Services were evening of the retreat. Also, during the Comments from the retreat participants: 106 and remained in the triple digits, varied depending upon the priest acting last evening, participants made presen- One of my favorites this time was truly revealing the reality of dog days! as doshi; thus, services were sometimes tations sharing their thoughts about a the platform service or teaching. Very We were fortunate that the humidity in English, shindoku and Japanese. variety of topics, primarily what they had enjoyable, and I could really imagine that was relatively low; yet, the temperature Sermons were given each day based on gained from the retreat. In addition, the this was the way people learned about was often unrelenting. Fortunately, the Nichiren Shonin’s writings. women presented a skit about Kishimojin Nichiren for centuries. I also enjoyed the facility was fully air-conditioned and the There were also periods of guided and the Buddha. opportunity to explore the and temperature was lower in the evenings. journal writing during which members The first time the retreat was held at work with these in Shabutsu. Members from Canada (Margaret were asked to write from their hearts the Margaret Austin Center in 2008, we Just a general comment. I do feel that Cram Howie and Larry Howie), Seattle about various topics. These journals encountered the armadillo, an animal location and seclusion are very important. (Pam Reaville), Boston (Max Calder- remained a private space in which usually seen dead on the side of the road, Being able to keep the group together wood), New York (Weezie Abernathy), members could freely express themselves. but alive and well each morning as we and isolated from outside influences Memphis (Shaka Khalphani), Austin Each evening after shodaigyo, we held began service. This year, we were visited is what creates the retreat setting and (Mark Welch) and Houston (Mike council to discuss various topics such by a family of vultures bathing in the allows us to really explore and develop Barrett, Christie Carrington, Erik Ru- as why they chose to participate in the fountain in the middle of the bamboo our concept and understanding of the balcava), gathered to practice together retreat and what they hoped to gain as grove. Toward the end of the retreat, they Sangha. Without that capability, or in a with NONA ministers Myokei Caine- well as ideas about Buddhism in North seemed to be quite comfortable sharing setting or a facility which did not allow Barrett Shonin, Ryuoh Faulconer Shonin, America. Included was also the Hokke space with us. this to happen, I think it would change Shogen Kumakura Shonin and Kanjin Sembo, reflection service. Despite the heat, participants and the experience in negative ways.

Participants talking outside at the retreat Rev. Kumakura talking with a participant Revs. Kumakura, Faulconer, Caine-Barrett and Cederman with partcipants 4 No.187, December 1, 2011 Nichiren Shu News

conservative nature. Conse- advise you one thing and that NBIC. The purposes of the quently European countries are is to maintain the Faith of workshop were to build mutual Temple Events very cautious and rarely adapt Buddhism. As you know Bud- friendship among spouses, to other religions. In comparison, dhism will bring each of you learn the basic teachings of Britain is generous to other various wisdom to guide you , and to help European countries due to its to Enlightenment. So, you will them better understand their exposure to different cultures study Buddhism more. However, positions and roles. and religions, especially sought did you know that in order to We all know the importance after colonies such as India receive the wisdom properly of the priest’s spouse in our daily and Sri Lanka. The Buddhist it requires not only study, but propagation. Priests outside of Society, which was founded in also your actions based on the Japan are usually in charge of a London in 1942, is one of the teachings of Buddhism? This huge area. Kaikyo and Interna- oldest functioning Buddhist means that the teachings that tional Priests, however, are very organizations in Europe. you received in this two-day busy taking care of members The seminar was prepared in seminar is still just information, and followers in their area, so order for beginners to be able not yet wisdom. You need to they are often away from their to understand easily. In total 10 make the effort by yourself to temples. Their spouses, on the people attended. The speakers transform the information into other hand, often spend more were, Rev. Kanto Tsukamoto, wisdom. What does this mean? time at the temple and so have Rev. Warner in front of the Aryaloka Buddhist Retreat Center Nichiren Shu Buddhist Temple deeper communication with NONA Ministers Meeting help perfect ceremony manner of UK and guest speaker, Rev. local members. In some cases, and get to know each other in Kanjin Cederman, Choei-zan the spouse is the key person By Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer a deeper way. A guest minister Enkyoji, Seattle, United States. at a temple. Although we un- joined us from Hawaii to share Instruction was based on two derstand their important role, Every spring and fall the ideas of what temples there are themes, “Study and Practice”. we have not done enough for Nichiren Order of North doing and for him to listen to Under Study, the speakers them, such as hosting work- America ministers have a what NONA was doing to prop- discussed the following: shops, seminars, or producing business meeting. At the spring agate the Wonderful Dharma. Biography of Sakyamuni materials to guide or support meeting, we generally have had On October 2, after breakfast, Buddha them. This is our motivation for lectures as continuing education the ministers moved to the Initiation Teaching of the Practicing Shakyo holding this workshop. for the ministers. This fall, we Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Buddha This workshop was for the held a retreat which included our Greater New England’s Hondo Prosperity of Buddhism In Buddhism learning is not yet priest’s spouse. It did not matter business meeting at the end of located just south of the center Outline of the Lotus Sutra finished by getting information. whether the spouse was male or our time together. and across the border in Haver- Nichiren Shonin’s Biography You need to process to reflect female, an associate priest or The retreat started on Septem- hill Massachusetts. The NONA Under Practice, the speakers the teachings in your daily life. lay follower. We had nine par- ber 28 and ended on October ministers held Oeshiki service discussed: You can learn about the living ticipants from North America, 2. This is the first time in over with the Sangha led by Bishop How to Chant the Odaimoku teachings from the feedback Hawaii, and Asia. We also 10 years that a retreat has been Kanai. Overall the retreat and Service Manner through the experiences. Such invited Rev. & Mrs. Tsumyo held in North America for the Oeshiki service were a success. How to do Shodaigyo an effort is action or experiences Murakami as special instructors ministers. We held the retreat Not every challenge that we face Shakyo (copy the Odaimoku) to transform information to through Shumuin. at the Aryaloka Buddhist was solved, but we have plotted Shabutsu (copy the Image of wisdom.” The position and role of a

Retreat Center in Newmarket, a course to take NONA into the Buddha) “We sometimes misunder- priest’s spouse, the current New Hampshire. The center the future. stand about learning Buddhism situation of a priest’s spouse in belongs to the Friends of the and feel satisfaction by collect- Japan, the structure of Nichiren Western Buddhist Order and ing different reading materials Shu, Buddhist items and robes, is rented to other Buddhists for and information. Approaching and Buddhist protocol. They retreats. The retreat center is Enlightenment is not collect- also shared the situation of each located in the forest just outside ing a lot of information but a of their temples and discussed of Newmarket. There are very process to transform informa- what was expected of spouses. few neighbors around which tion to wisdom throughout They all appreciated this rare leaves the retreat center in a Revs. Tsukamoto and Cederman your experiences. We must not opportunity. The participants quiet, contemplative state. The with seminar participants leave information as it is; we learned many things and got Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of should transform information to to know each other well. Greater New England helped NONA ministers in discussion The fee for the Seminar was wisdom as well as. This effort I hope that they maintain their with setting up the retreat, £20 for Saturday and £25 (in- will guide you to true Buddhist friendship, continue to share cooking and transportation. cluding lunch) for Sunday. We Faith or Enlightenment. Please and exchange information The NONA ministers prac- SEMINAR OF NICHIREN had a unique curriculum that keep this in your mind and between each other, and that ticed together in a structured SHU BUDDHIST TEMPLE the participants could attend study and practice every day the workshop will have been setting similar to being in a OF UK only one day or both, and if without laziness. Gassho.” a source of empowerment to monastery. We woke up early they missed either Saturday or help them overcome difficulties. each morning to perform By Rev. Kanto Tsukamoto Sunday, they would be able to The Workshop for Suigyo. This was followed by take the class at the next seminar morning service, breakfast, On Saturday the 27th and in the future. We organized the Priest’s Spouse discussions on the future of Sunday the 28th of August, 2011, seminar as consecutive lectures. By Rev. Chishin Hirai NONA, lunch, ceremony prac- we held a Buddhism Seminar at All participants were earnest tice, evening service, dinner, our temple. The lecture, which and both speakers wished more NBIC discussions and shodaigyo covered historical Buddhism time was available. before bed. The practice was through to Nichiren Shu, was The Seminar concluded with The Nichiren Buddhist In- very successful and allowed well received by all attendees. the following message from Rev. ternational Center hosted the the ministers to expand their Europe consists of many Tsukamoto: Workshop for Priests’ Spouses Rev. Hirai with workshop understanding of our doctrine, countries which have a strong “In closing, I would like to from Oct. 27 through 25 at the participants

Nichiren Shu News

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