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

No. 198 October 1, 2013 1 Nichiren Shonin's Shokutaku (1) The Oeshiki Memorial Service

Nichiren Shonin passes into Nirvana, Chugasan, preserved at Kyoninji Temple, Chiba Prefecture

Editor’s note trated biographies of Nichiren Shonin Minobusan. Nichiren Shonin was very We have started a new series from the created by painters in the 16-17th glad and expressed his joy humor- October issue, recreating the various century. This depiction shows the scene ously:. “All the vegetables grow very kinds of food Nichiren Shonin had of Nichiren Shonin’s Nirvana. This well. The taros are hard like a stone. been eating at his time. The dishes work is preserved at Kyoninji Temple The burdocks are long as the horn of show how they were very seasonal, and (Chiba Prefecture). The people are the big bull. The thick radishes seem the ingredients were those brought to drawn with round shoulders, and the to be the big nails of great Buddhist Nichiren Shonin from near and far by precise pattern of the clothes and the temples. Food is very important for his followers. The dishes were recre- furniture shows the characteristics of the human being. The virtues that ated by Mrs. Takako Shimizu, wife of the Momoyama Period: the latter half you presented the food to us are very Rev. Kairyu Shimizu of Toeiji Temple, of the 16th century. Kyoninji Temple precious.” Dishes in the photograph Chiba Prefecture. The scroll paint- is near the site of the Komatsubara are “taro and burdock cooked in soy ings depicting Nichiren Shonin’s life Persecution where on the 11th day of sauce broth” and “radishes with citrus history from his birth to his passing the eleventh month in 1264, Nichiren flavored miso.” were taken from a memorial book Shonin was attacked and injured by (to be continued) Nichiren Shonin’s meals in autumn published by Kyoninji Temple, Chiba steward Tojo Kagenobu. This year, Prefecture. The order of the photos are 2013, is the 750th memorial of that day. in reverse order since the series begins Nichiren Shonin’s writings show in the month of Our Founder’s passing. details of Nichiren Shonin’s meals in Recipe for the Recreated Dishes those days. Because he lived in a her- By Rev. Gyokai Sekido, Ph.D. mitage at Minobusan with his disciples, Daikon (Japanese radish) his food was not always sufficient, even By Sandra Seki Peel the skin and cut into two cm. slices. In 1282, Nichiren Shonin’s health though his followers eagerly presented Editor Boil until soft. Then place miso began to fail. His disciples were worried him with many goods. His handwritten flavored with yuzu (Japanese citrus) about his worsening condition. Nichiren letters of thanks still exist. Therefore on the boiled daikon. Shonin took their advice and decided we know about what was presented to Ingredients: to go to a hot spring in Hitachi (pre- him at the time. Mrs. Takako Shimizu, Three-five satoimo (Japanese taro) sent-day Ibaraki Prefecture). He left wife of the chief priest of Toeiji Temple Peel the skin and place in water. In the days of Nichiren Shonin soy Minobusan on the eighth day of the (Chiba Prefecture), has reproduced Boil till the taro is soft inside then add sauce was not created yet. ninth month, arriving at Ikegami (pre- these dishes based on one of Nichiren soy sauce and mirin (Japanese sweet The people of the Kamakura Period sent-day Tokyo) on the 18th day of the Shonin’s letters. sake) Simmer and let the flavor soak in. used to season their food with a season- same month. But his condition was On the 20th day of the ninth month in ing called ‘hishio’. It was made with a too serious. At 8:00 a.m. on the 13th 1281, Lord Nanjo Tokimitsu presented Gobo (Burdock) mixture of soy beans, mochi rice, rice, day of the tenth month, he passed into so many taro roots that a horse carried Two-three pieces. Scrub the skin and flour, salt, and sake. It seems Nichiren Nirvana surrounded by his disciples them on its back. He also donated peel. Soak in water then boil till it Shonin ate the vegetables donated by and followers. burdocks wrapped in straw, and six is tender. Add soy sauce and mirin. the followers and farmers seasoned “Nichiren Shonin Chugasan” are illus- radishes, or possibly six bundles, to Simmer and let the flavor soak in. with ‘hishio’. 2 No.198, October 1, 2013 Nichiren Shu News Shu-ron, and Ai-kyogen of Renjishi (3)

By Rev. Kanji Tamura the road with someone quite detestable.” without possessions.” While they are occupied with them- Visiting Scholar So they end up traveling together selves, they sense the approach of a lion. Reishauer Institute of Japanese quite against their wish. Later . . . In this way, the debate is projected Nagauta/Takemoto: “The bad winds Studies, Harvard University as being very farcical. No one wins that blow from the folds; they’ve for- Rennen: this argument. The rivalry continues gotten their sutra books; shake, shake, “Renjishi” also finds its roots in Noh. “If you want to go with me, take with on with the subject of drums and bells. shake.” Hennen: “For the mountain It is a Kabuki dance that has its origins you these wonderful and precious to suddenly begin to rumble; this is in a Noh play titled, “Shakkyo”. The rosary beads which I have received Rennen: not something of little importance.” script to Renjishi was written by Ka- from our master, Nichiren Shonin. “With assumptions such as that, the Rennen: “Well, this must be the old watake Mokuami (1816-1893) in 1861 Take them!” lion will not be scared away. The lion lion that we just heard about at the (Bunkyu). Although it would undergo Hennen: will be frightened off with the merits of bottom of the mountain.” Hennen: revision, it has been passed on to us “Oh, no. I do not need such a thing.” the wonderful drum (don d- d- don don) “Like this . . .” Rennen & Hennen: “We successfully in its present form. Within Hennen: given to us by our Nichiren Shonin.” can’t stay here!” Nagauta/Takemoto: Kabuki, the Shakkyo-mono (Shishi- “Such a filthy thing. Such a filthy “Seemingly without using their feet, mono, that is the dance form depict- thing. Then, take these rosaries from Hennen: they frantically rise, and rolled down ing the transformation into a lion) is Ippen Shonin. Take them!” “No, no. You can’t scare a lion with the hill like Daruma-daishi (Bodhid- assessed to be on an equal footing as Rennen: something like that. Then, on our side, harma doll).” that of Dojoji. “I do not need such a thing.” we behold the bell (ch- chin chin) The setting is Mount Seiryo, Tenjiku passed on to us by Ippen Shonin. Let Then, Rennen and Hennen make their (India), the sacred grounds of Man- In this manner, there is an exchange of us slay the lion with the power of exit stumbling and wavering. jusri . It is a deep mountain visited by whether to accept or not to accept either this bell.” faithful believers. However, as Man- Nichiren Shonin or Ippen Shonin’s ro- If we were to limit our observations jusri himself is portrayed riding a lion, saries. Next, we enter the scene con- Then, each of them proceed to chant to the Renjishi, we can infer that the there are many fearful lions that live cerning “Shu-ron” or religious debate. the daimoku and nembutsu while view of the common people at the in these mountains. beating on a drum and striking a bell, time was one in which people probably In the first half of this play, the Rennen: respectively. The scene concludes with thought that: “The Hokke Shu and the parent-child kyogen actors with their “Filthy, filthy. Hey, priest. If you’d a twist where in which the characters Jodo Shu each promote the daimoku hand puppet lions act out the Shakkyo like, why don’t we have a religious have unknowingly switched their chant- and the nembutsu to each other; and dances and the scene where lion pups debate right here.” ing of the nembutsu and daimoku. thus, are extremely unfriendly. But, are thrown down to the bottom of Hennen: since they are both Buddhist, they must the cliff. In the second half, the lion “That’s something I’d be in favor of.” Rennen: not be too different from each other.” heads, this time, are red and white, Rennen: “This is a drum (don don).” (to be continued) representing parent-child lions. The “Let the ignorant priest be shown Hennen: father lion cheers on the lion pups the power of my merits.” Nagauta/ “This is a bell (chin chin).” who try to climb up the cliff. When Takemoto: “The merits of happiness Rennen: the lion pups successfully climb back spread in “gozui denden” (transmis- “This is a drum (don don).” up, the two lions display their exhila- sion of the teaching over 50 times) is Hennen: ration by shaking their manes. The vast. If one is to dig the great earth, cut “This is a bell (chin chin).” shaking of their manes has become a the long potato of happiness from one Rennen: famous scene. The interlude joining the end, and sprinkle pepper, the pepper “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo (don don).” first and second parts of the play (Ai- is painful, yet it is congenial. A mys- Hennen: Kyogen) was taken from the Kyogen, terious relation. You end up feeling “Namu Amida Butsu (chin chin).” “Shu-ron”, which represents a sectar- thankful even when you shed tears.” Rennen: ian debate between two priests from Rennen: “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo (don don).” differing sects (Hokke Shu and Jodo “How fortunate it is.” Hennen: Shu). However, what transpires is not Hennen: “Namu Amida Butsu (chin chin).” a religious debate as is suggested by “Well, that’s probably because the Rennen: its title, “Shu-ron”, but rather a small pepper was so potent that it made the “Namu Amida Butsu.” skirmish between two priests on a tears to flow.” Hennen: pilgrimage to Mt. Seiryo. Hennen: “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.” The Hokke Shu priest is Rennen and “Let’s express ourselves in a religious Rennen & Hennen: the Jodo Shu priest is Hennen. I would debate. Are you familiar with “ichinen “We’re switched around? Ha ha ha like to introduce the dialogue of the Mida-butsu sokmetsu muryo-zai”, that ha . . .” Renjishi-the lion shaking its mane sectarian debate. even one thought upon Amida Buddha would erase a myriad of sins?” Rev. Kanno Preaches (26) Rennen: Rennen: “I am a priest of Honkokuji Temple “I’ve never heard of anything like “I know who is practicing the from the capital city. I have decided that.” Way and who is not. to climb Mount Seiryo of Tenjiku and Hennen: study. Well, let’s proceed slowly. From “If you’ve never heard of it, let me Therefore I expound various teachings what I have heard, Mount Seiryo is tell you, then.” Nagauta/Takemoto: To all living beings very steep and deep. Let us take a rest “The world of the Buddha’s teaching According to their capacities.” here. Finally. is represented by the ability to save (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XVI: the Duration of Hennen: people and the effectiveness of causal- the Life of the Tathagata) “I am a priest of Kurodani Temple, ity. Just one thought of Amida Buddha from Higashiyama of the capital city. also empowers the Three Honorable Being Thankful This time, I seek to cross Shakkyo of Buddha’s ray of prayer with the im- Mount Seiryo in Tenjiku, and pay my mediate extinguishment of uncount- Sakyamuni Buddha knows who is practicing the Buddha’s teachings respects to Manjusri. Anyway, let’s able sins. The merits such that those or not practicing at all, or practicing sinful deeds, or indulging in evil go slowly. I have heard that Mount are blind or are unable to walk are passions and so forth. Sakyamuni Buddha is expounding his teachings Seiryo is a very steep and deep moun- relieved of their difficulties are the in accordance with the mind of the people. tain. Well, there’s someone here. That result of the honorable teachings of This means, as I understand, that the Buddha is expounding his teach- person there . . .” the Jodo Shu.” ings even to the people who are least accomplished in their practice in Hennen: the Way of the Buddha. In this way, Rennen of Kyoto “How thankful it is.” The Buddha is expounding his teachings to you, all the readers of this Honkokuji and Hennen of Konkai- Rennen: newspaper. Whether we have “the mind to feel thankful” about it is of komyoji Temple of Kurodani, Higashi- “No, no. What that represents is that the greatest importance. yama in Kyoto find themselves on the they are all hungry demons with no I wish you are reminded of this important mind on the occasion of the road together. But, when they learn possessions.” this year’s Oeshiki, commemorating the 732nd anniversary of Nichiren of each other’s origins . . . Hennen: Hennen: Shonin’s memorial. “Well, anyway, I’m certainly sharing “No, no. They aren’t hungry demons (Rev. Nisso Kanno, head priest of Kaichoji Temple, Shizuoka Prefecture) Nichiren Shu News No.198, October 1, 2013 3 A Perfect Beginning: The Glory of Tokudo

By Christine Tello-Lorenz usually less than enthusiastic twelve and happy to be part of this glorious and our family and friends. I look Member of the Nichiren Sangha of year old nephew gazed with an inter- event and to have the support of our forward to the next step of the journey! Greater New England est I’ve never seen. sangha and temple members from Namu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo. As Mark proceeded through the cer- around the country. On Sunday, August 4th, family and emony, showing courage and focus, be- “Tokudo reaffirms my devotion to friends came together at a small New ginning in white and returning in black, this Buddhism; something I felt has England town to celebrate a milestone we were all in awe as we watched his been inside me for a very long time. -unfamiliar to many yet a momentous transformation. This was not only a Walking this path, living the faith and to say the least - the Tokudo ceremony testimony to his commitment; it was teaching others, brings great joy. I am for my husband, Mark Lorenz. a perfect start to an inspiring journey grateful and thankful to all the minis- Watching with new eyes and intrigue, that embraced us all. ters for their support, especially to Rev. we were amazed as the ministers Clearly, Mark was where he needed Faulconer whose humble leadership carried us through the Tokudo cer- to be. From a young age, his heart inspires and enlightens me,” said Mark. emony and delivered our new Shami. called for this day and we all saw it. As always, thanks to everyone in- Watching this profound, centuries-old It was a long awaited day that offered volved in making it an incredibly L-R Christine Tello-Lorenz, Shami Ryuden, ritual was one to remember. Even my a new beginning. I was very proud special occasion for me, Shami Ryuden, Rev. Faulconer 2013 NONA Retreat

Participants practice shakyo Lecture by Rev. Faulconer By Rev. Shoda Kanai tice which consisted of chanting one experience Tokudo Shiki, Obon/Segaki was new to them. With patience, each Kannoji Temple, Las Vegas of the days. Immediately following Hōyō, Rai Hōkke Gi Shiki (Hōkke day they improved. I was pleasantly each service, there was a lecture on the Senbo),Kaji Kito and Nyūshinkishō surprised how everyone started to chant In the early evening of August 2nd, parts that was just chanted in order to Shiki. Each of these special services louder as the week progressed. Even 13 participants and four Shonins eagerly give insight into the deeper meaning added to the excitement and exposed Suigyō Kanmon and the Oke motions waited to begin the NONA Weeklong behind the Lotus Sutra. Everyone was everyone to other facets of ritual that improved. By the end, I could see in Retreat sponsored by the Nichiren Bud- split up into different ‘Han’ for daily are used in Nichiren Shu. Everyone everyone’s eyes the difference this week dhist Sangha of Greater New England. cleaning/Tōban duties. There was also even wrote their own Tōba for the had made for them. I believe that they The retreat was an opportunity for all time for Angya, Shakyō and Shodaigyo, Segaki Hōyō. Other types of ritual all came away with a newly found ap- those gathered to learn the practices of followed by an open discussion. Veg- were also explained such as proper preciation of the Lotus Sutra and are Nichiren Shu. The event was held at a etarian meals were prepared by a cook etiquette when in the Hondō, Shoten- now able both to practice chanting the Buddhist retreat center in Newmarket, from the New England Sangha. zenjin and life at a Japanese temple. Nichiren Shu way in their homes and New Hampshire, about one hour’s drive The meals were eaten in silence. They Early in the week, the participants to be more confident in their practice north from Boston. Many participants consisted of rice, miso soup and veg- were a bit timid as this type of practice at their respective temples. were new to the Nichiren Shu way of etables. As we ate, we contemplated practicing. This retreat promised to be all that went into this meal, from the quite beneficial to them. Participants farmer in the fields to the supermarket. Memorial Service for War Victims were mainly from the east coast, Texas The participants were also able to and as far away as Puerto Rico. After opening service and orientation, the intensity picked up. The schedule for each day was packed with events that kept the participants busy and mindful of the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Shonin. The day started with Suigyō in which everyone participated. Morning and evening services lasted around one hour as we chanted the Lotus Sutra in Shindoku according to the 32 day Nichiren Shu held a memorial service on August 15 at the Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery. breakdown used at Minobusan Kuonji This service has been held each year since 1959 and is a memorial for the souls of all war victims Temple (two days were chanted at each and a prayer for World Peace. It was conducted by Shobin Watanabe Chief Administrator of session). There was also Dokyō prac- Rev. Shoda Kanai Nichiren Shu. 4 No.198, October 1, 2013 Nichiren Shu News

on October 28. It was already Sangha” program. This program a larger facility. Temple Events winter and the sea was rough. is a voluntary effort by religious “Walk for Rice” is one of The boat sailed on through organizations to become inten- two charities the Sangha board the heaving waters. It is said tionally more inclusive of people has chosen for its community Kannonji Temple spirit and opens a portal to that Nichiren Shonin stood at who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, involvement. The other charity, Las Vegas the other worlds. When Katie the bow of the boat and wrote and /or transgender. It is based on API Chaya, works equally im- chants in front of her Gohon- the Odaimoku on the waves. a series of workshops developed portantly with domestic abuse By Bishop Shokai Kanai zon, her prayers will be heard Then the raging waves suddenly by the UUA. The goal of the among immigrants. directly by the Buddha. This calmed down. workshops is to reduce prejudice connection is very sacred thus On November 1, he was es- by increasing understanding and Honolulu Myohoji Peace March giving this Gohonzon a special corted to a small, crumbling acceptance among people of On October 13, the temple meaning. shack on Sado Island. The place different sexual orientations and Rev. Takamasa Yamamura will conduct a special memo- was called Tsukahara, where the gender identities. rial service for the passing of San Jose Nichiren people of Sado disposed of their Enkyoji is honored to be the 30th Anniversary of Japanese Our Founder, Nichiren Shonin Buddhist Temple dead. He was abandoned there first Buddhist Sangha to partici- Cultural Center who passed away in 1282. His to survive the freezing winter pate in the “Welcoming Con- lifetime work was to establish By Rev. Ryusho Matsuda with only a straw cape to keep gregation” program and has The Honolulu Myohoji Japa- righteousness and bring peace him warm. On the way back to received permission to display nese Cultural Center will cel- and security to the nation. In Pilgrimage Tour the mainland after he was par- the “Rainbow Dharma Wheel” ebrate its 30th anniversary in starting a new tradition, we will to Sado Island doned, Nichiren Shonin’s boat while we adapt the workshop October. This Cultural Center hold a Peace March, walking This past June, my wife and was carried away to a southern material to the needs of a Bud- was built in 1983 for various and chanting for about ten I had an opportunity to visit port, Kashiwazaki, where he dhist Sangha. Japanese activities. The dedica- blocks (Sahara Ave. north Sado Island and went on a pil- landed two days later. Nichiren tion ceremony of the center was and south) with a banner of grimage tour to three notable Shonin endured such hardships Walk for Rice given on October 2, 1983. Until the Odaimoku and a placard Nichiren Shu temples. This was and privation in order to propa- For the second year, Choei- now the center has provided saying, “Peace and Security my second visit in 40 some gate the true teachings of the zan Enkyoji has participated us with many opportunities to with Namu Myo Ho Ren Ge years. I had always thought that Buddha. in the annual “Walk for Rice.” learn Japanese culture and renew Kyo”. This peace march is to Sado Island was too far away While on the pilgrimage, I This fundraising event benefits the relationship between our pray for the community. but on the contrary, the trip was toured three major Nichiren Seattle’s second largest food members and families, bringing easy and comfortable. It took temples: Konponji, Myosenji, bank and focuses on Asian joy and happiness to all. Receiving the Mandala only two hours from Tokyo to and Myoshoji. There, I expressed dietary needs. As part of the We would like to express Gohonzon Niigata by the Tohoku Shin- my deepest gratitude to Nichiren Asian Counseling and Re- our gratitude to our forefathers kansen (bullet train) and a two Shonin. I also had a a chance ferral Service (ACSR) this who made such a great effort to By Rev. Shoda Douglas Kanai and a half hour ferryboat ride to visit Senkaku Bay. On that food bank distributes about build our center. We will have from Niigata to Ryotsu Port in day, the waves were very high 1.6 million pounds of food to a special Oeshiki service on Following the Obon service Sado, a distance of 42 miles. If and rough. The small boat that over 5,000 individuals, mostly Sunday, October 20 at 10:00 on July 28, a special service you take a hydrofoil you can get accommodated only ten people young (under 18) or senior (over a.m. During the service our was held for one of our temple there in an hour. rocked badly and some young 65). ACSR calculates that a 50 members, and the teachers and members, Katie Hutchinson, On September 12, 1271, girls on board were screaming pound bag of rice will serve students of our center, will offer so that she could receive her Nichiren Shonin was arrested with fear. I briefly thought about over 17 households. incense to express our grati- Mandala Gohonzon. Many as a political offender. However, how Nichiren Shonin must have Last year the Sangha raised tude to the Buddha, Nichiren wonder why we hold an “Eye he miraculously escaped execu- also experienced his rough ride $270. This year we exceeded Shonin, and our forefathers. Opening” ceremony for the tion at Tatsunokuchi, Kama- several hundred years ago. our goal of $500 and raised Bishop Chishin Hirai of the Gohonzon, which can be pur- kura, and was exiled to Sado $1,176. Furthermore, $487 of Nichiren Mission of Hawaii chased very easily or even Island. He crossed the sea on Choeizan Enkyoji the collected donations quali- will officiate the service. As a printed off the internet. As a small boat. Sangha (Seattle) fied for a ‘six to one’ matching special guest, we have invited the object of worship, this In his “Letter from Tera- grant, bringing in an additional Rev. Myokei Caine-Barrett of Gohonzon represents all the domari,” Nichiren wrote, “After By Gregg Tralle $2,922! the Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of ten worlds in Buddhism. This traveling for twelve days from Secretary of Board Members We have continued to Houston to give a special lecture. is the representation of the Sagami Province, we reached improve how we solicit do- Also we have invited Mr. Kenny Buddha Land, balance and the port of Teradomari (Niigata). Welcoming Sangha nations and whom to ask. Ap- Endo, famous Taiko player, to harmony of the universe. By We are to cross over the great Sea From December 2012, Seat- plying these to next year’s perform after the service. Other having a dedication ceremony, of Japan to get to Sado Island, tle’s Choeizan Enkyoji Buddhist “Walk for Rice,” we intend kinds of entertainment are also especially done by a Shuho- but we do not know when we Temple has begun working with to raise even more money for scheduled. Please join us for shi (a priest who performs shall be able to cross it because the Unitarian Universal Asso- such an important cause. We the special Oeshiki event since special prayers with bokken we do not have a favorable wind ciation (UUA) to modify their can also apply these lessons it is one of the most important or wooden sword), energizes for sailing.” According to this “Welcoming Congregation” to the Sangha’s fund raising memorial celebrations for Our the Gohonzon, awakening its letter, he departed Teradomori program into the “Welcoming efforts in our efforts to set up Founder, Nichiren Shonin.

Calendar for October - November 2013

October 1: Ceremony of changing the robes on the Statue of Nichiren Shonin, Minobusan November 2~4: Lay Leader retreat in Minobusan October 10: Service in memory of the Founder’s exile to Sado Island November 11:Service to commemorate the Komatsubara Persecution October 11~13 : Oeshiki November 13: Memorial Service for Nichizo Shonin October 12: Minobusan and Ikegami Mando Parade November 28: 14th Memorial Service for Ryuguji Temple at Nagpour, India October 13: The 732rd Memorial Service for Nichiren Shonin October 20: The 30th anniversary of Myohoji Cultural Center in Hawaii By Rev. Kaikei Ochiai

Nichiren Shu News

c/o Nichiren Shu Shumuin 1-32-15, Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-8544, Japan Editorial Board: Tel. 03-3751-7181~3 Editor: Sandra Seki Board of Trustees: Shobin Watanabe, Chief Administrator, Nichiren Shu; Supervisor: Kyotsu Hori Bungyo Yoshida, President, Kaigai Fukyo Koenkai; Chief Advisor: Keiryu Shima Kenitsu Saito, Executive Director, Missionary Department; Staff: Kanshu Naito, Gyokai Sekido, Kanji Tamura, Chishin Hirai, Shinkyo Warner Moumi Shiozaki, Executive Director, General Affairs Department; Advisor: Hoyu Maruyama Honshu Nakai, Director, Missionary Department, Nichiren Shu