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

No. 226 June 1, 2018 1 NICHIREN OF COLOMBO IN SRI LANKA CELEBRATES ITS FOURTH ANNIVERSARY, AND CLIMBING SACRED MT. SRI PADA By Rev. Yuon Ito, Ichinenji Temple, Penang, Malaysia; Gemunu Ranasoora, Head, Nichiren Sangha of Colombo, Sri Lanka; Kalpani Apsara and Amasha Sharinidi, Members, Nichiren Sangha of Colombo, Sri Lanka

On days of the full moon (the Uposadha days), between December and May, Mt. Sri Pada is open for . Even though the hike to the top is not easy, children and the elderly come and try to climb it as part of their religious practice. This pilgrimage is a wonderful experience for people of all ages. Babies are carried on their parents’ backs. Small children and youths help their elderly The fourth anniversary celebration of grandparents climb this sacred mountain. the Nichiren Sangha of Colombo in Sri People purify their bodies in Seetha Lanka was held on December 24, 2017. The Gangula, a waterfall at the base of this The rising sun’s rays pierced through the clouds, taken as the group was descending Mt. Sri Pada. ceremony was conducted by Rev. Ervinna mountain, just as Nichiren Shu followers Myoufu, assisted by Rev. Yuon Ito. Fifty purify themselves before climbing Mt. members of the congregation participated Shichimen. deities. Now, when a person climbs the on the pilgrimage: “I feel that climbing and celebrated the anniversary with a Before and while climbing Mt. Sri Pada, mountain for the first time, a needle and Mt. Sri Pada is similar to what is written special cake after the service. the pilgrims wish “Sumana Saman Devi thread are offeredto the Buddha. Since in Chapter 7 of the Lotus , ‘Parable This Sangha holds a Gojukai Ceremony Pihitai,” which means May the deity this was Rev. Yuon Ito’s first visit toMt. of the Magic City.’ Though we practice for taking precepts every year during Sumana Saman protect everyone who Sri Pada, he offered a needle and thread the daily, we may face many its anniversary, and 19 members took makes this pilgrimage. Though the hike is to the Buddha at Indikatupana Point. obstacles. However, if we have faith, we precepts as Nichiren Shu believers, and steep, with faith in Shakyamuni Buddha, We started off at 6:00 in the evening, can reach our goals.” four families are receiving the the pilgrims are protected. and it took five hours to reach the summit. Ranasoora continued, “This was my Gohonzon to place in their homes. It is said that when the Buddha visited We chanted the Odaimoku and recited 27th pilgrimage climbing Mt. Sri Pada. I During this visit, we also had the Mt. Sri Pada, his robe was damaged. He the Lotus Sutra there at the top of the hope that I can make it again and ring the opportunity to climb Mt. Sri Pada, which needed a needle and thread to mend his mountain in front of the monument of the bell at the top for the 28th time.” is also known as Butterfly Mountain. Mt. damaged robe. He received these from the footprint of Shakyamuni Buddha, which Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. Sri Pada is the fourth highest mountain was decorated with gold and surrounded in Sri Lanka, standing 2,243 meters by many offerings. Even though it was a above sea level. It is known as the “Sacred long climb and quite cold at the summit, Mountain” because it has a footprint of we never felt tired, because of the beauty Shakyamuni Buddha. Legend says that of what we were seeing. Themoon was when the Buddha visited Sri Lanka for shining quietly, the night sky was filled the third time, he used his power to with shimmering stars, and sunlight leave his footprint in a stone at the top warmed our bodies as the morning came. of the mountain. It is said that butterflies We felt the sacred atmosphere engulfing came to worship the sacred footprint. us as we beat upon our fan drums and When they ended their lives, they chanted the Odaimoku, and the sun’s bril- became heavenly deities protecting Mt. liant rays pierced through the clouds. Sri Pada. This is the origin of the name Rev. Ervinna Myoufu, chanting the Odaimoku, Gemunu Ranasoora, Head of the A group photo of climbers taken in front of Butterfly Mountain. leads the group on their way to Mt. Sri Pada. Nichiren Sangha of Colombo, commented the Dragon Arch at the entrance of Mt. Sri Pada.

REMEMBERING REV. MYOJO SASAKI

By Sandra Seki, Rev. Hojo Sasaki) wanted to purchase land and Ven. Kushok Bakula, the Indian ambas- carry her fan drum and chant the Odaimoku Editor, Nichiren Shu News in India in order to build a dojo, a training sador to Mongolia became the chief patron as we made our way along the greeting route. center for Nichiren Shu priests. She said she on the Indian side. They formed a society to Villagers would put their palms together On August 14, 2017, Rev. Myojo Sasaki passed had been drawn to Nichiren Shu by the words support the project. in Varanasi is in gassho when they saw this energetic lady away peacefully at the age of 95, in Uenohara of Nichiren Shonin saying, “Buddhism was the place where the Buddha first taught the chanting with the fan drum. There was never in Yamanashi Prefecture. More than half a born in India and came to Japan through Dharma after his enlightenment, and it was a moment wasted in her daily activities. She century of her life was dedicated to spreading China. It should eventually return and spread selected as the place where Horinji Temple would teach the village children how to beat the Dharma throughout Japan and India. to where it originated.” Neither of the Sasakis would be built. the drum and chant the Odaimoku. The I first met Rev. Sasaki more than 30 years spoke any English, but I was incredibly moved With the support and help of friends, children quickly caught on to the rhythm and ago, when she came to our temple and asked by her enthusiasm and motivation. I was priests and followers, the Sasakis’ dream would soon be chanting away. She rewarded for my help. She and her husband (the late drawn into their cause. There weremany of returning Buddhism to where it had them with sweets from Japan. Over time, official papers to read, sign, and submit, and originated was realized on November 21, those children passed this activity along to there were several trips to India to purchase 1992. A pilgrimage party of more than 200 their own children and to the present. the land for the temple. people from Japan went to India to attend The seeds that Rev. Sasaki planted have To fund this building project, Rev. Sasaki the grand inauguration ceremony. Attendees grown into sturdy plants that have born fruit.

NICHIREN SHUPPAN NICHIREN went on an angya, chanting the Odaimoku from local Buddhist temples in India also Now every year at the Oeshiki in October while beating the fan drum, from Hokkaido joined this celebration. children gather to join the parade and beat to Kyushu asking for donations and support. I had the honor to accompany Rev. Sasaki the fan drums. Along the way, she gained the respect and to India several times to set up the temple. Though Rev. Sasaki has left us, her spirit admiration of everyone she met. Temples in I remember how she would tell me to go of propagating the Dharma remains. Japan, and followers of Buddhism throughout to sleep. Meanwhile, she would write the Her daughter, Rev. Myojitsu Nagakubo, will Japan and India, made donations to help fund Odaimoku on small sheets of paper and continue to carry on this spirit and is working the project. Bishop Nichizen Matsumoto from gently chant the sutra. This sounded like a to finish the third phase of the building Daibo Hongyoji Temple became the chief lullaby to my ears. During the day, we would project by completing a vocational school patron for the project on the Japanese side, visit local temples. Rev. Sasaki would always and larger clinic for the local community. 2 Nichiren Shu News No. 226, June 1, 2018

Living the Dharma: What I Learned from Hot Sake at Myorenji Temple

“I’m sure that I am second to none in Odaimoku when he was nine years old. memorial service. The hot sake deeply in 2003 for a rinban service, the practice passion for maintaining this new hondo, Years later, he entered a teachers’ warms the body to the core. of caring for the tomb of Nichiren main hall, for our temple. I want to training college, and he went into teach- “Why don’t you have a drink?” he Shonin in rotation. watch over it to ensure that it will not ing in April 1947. He still remembers goes around welcoming people and He was also involved in a grand to lose its sacred dignity,” says Yutaka that during his college days, when he hot sake to those who have project to reconstruct the hondo of Miki, a 90-year-old representative of and his father visited Myorenji Temple, come. Since serving hot sake became Myorenji Temple. The construction work devotees of Myorenji Temple in Izumo the 21st head minister, Nichiyu, always a tradition at Myorenji Temple, boiling started in 2007. It had been planned that City in Shimane Prefecture. welcomed them both. hot sake and tempura, made with fried the work would take ten years to finish. Yutaka wakes up early each morning. Izumo’s winters are so cold that vegetables, have been offered to devotees However, through the united efforts First, he offers tea and water at the boiling hot sake is served during big and supporters of Myorenji Temple of a great number of people, the hall’s temple altar. Then he recites Chapter events such as Oeshiki, our Founder’s following the Oeshiki Services. reconstruction was completed in just 2 and Chapter 16 of the Lotus Yutaka was assigned as an officer two years. The inauguration ceremony Sutra and chants the Odaimoku in the support group for Myorenji for the new hondo was held for the first without missing a single day. Temple in 1969. Since then, he has had time in 269 years. He encountered the Odai- opportunities to visit Ikegami Hon- Yutaka is also a great calligrapher. moku in his youth. Born as monji Temple, Seichoji Temple, and On wooden tags hung out in the new the fifth child in a family of six Kominato Tanjoji Temple. What hondo, he wrote the names of those who children, he was immediately impressed him most is Kiyosumi donated to the reconstruction. put up for adoption. He grew Seichoji Temple where Nichiren Shonin Looking back, Yutaka has realized that up observing his grand- recited the Odaimoku for the first time. he has seen more than half a century father’s faith in Nichiren Shu He has never forgotten how excited he of historical transitions at Myorenji Buddhism. His grandfather was to see the brilliant sun rising as he Temple. Even today, he makes his way was assigned to an official stood at the top of Asahigamori Hill at to Myorenji Temple to see if there are position in a support group Seichoji Temple. any damaged parts or dangerous spots for Myorenji Temple. The Miki However, he did not get a chance to in the hondo, keeping a watchful eye on family joined the Odaimoku visit Mt. Minobu until more recently. this sacred space. chanting group there, and After retiring from teaching in 1987,

Yutaka began beating a hand Rev. Shinsho Kawase with Yutaka Miki at Myorenji Temple. he was assigned as a representative of This article is from Shobo Magazine. drum while chanting the devotees. He finally visited Mt. Minbou Translated by Rev. Sensho Komukai.

REVEREND KANNO PREACHES (51) Buddhism Q&A (9) By Rev. Gyokai Sekido, Ph.D. “Practicing this Lotus Sutra The Title of the Lotus Sutra without having firm faith The title of the Lotus Sutra in is like trying to grab hold is Saddharma-punadarika-sutra, which of a jewel in a mountain means, “The Sutra of the Lotus Flower of of treasures without hands, the Wonderful Dharma.” The lotus flower is considered sacred in India, and there are or walking 4,000 kilometers red, white and blue varieties. A cool pond without feet.” is a paradise for all creatures in the hot After their flowers bloom, trees will bear —Nichiren Shonin, climate of India. So from ancient times, fruit. Apples, oranges and cherries are the Horen-sho (Letter to Horen) lotus flowers blooming on the surface of same. After flowers bloomon plants as a pond have symbolized paradise. well, those plants then grow vegetables, Lotus roots are a vital and healthy food like cucumbers and eggplants. But, the in Japan. Their stems grow up out of the lotus is different. When the flowers of the mud toward the surface of the water. The lotus bloom, the lotus prepares for the fine “Faith” leaves spread out over the whole surface rhizomes in the base under the petals. The of the pond. Then, the beautiful lotus Lotus Sutra reveals that the awakening of “Even if you chant the Lotus Sutra or practice Odaimoku chanting, flowers bloom, floating upon the water. Buddha is part of the beginner’s mind even your practice will prove nothing but a mere formality, or just vain Even though the lotuses grow out of the from the time of the sprouting of faith. shouting, and you will not be able to reach the Buddha’s great peace mud, they are not stained or muddy. Just as the lotus blossoms and bears fruit The lotus is compared to a believer at the same time, so the practitioner of the of mind. It can be compared to the attempt to enter a treasure of the Lotus Sutra. Our confusion and Lotus Sutra unites within him or herself mountain without hands, being unable to obtain anything.” stress of daily life is like the mud, because the causes and effects ofBuddhahood. The So Nichiren Shonin teaches us about “faith.” Our life is based of the delusions within our minds. Lotus Sutra is the most wonderful sutra on “faith” in all phases. Beginning from the relations of parent However, if we believe in the sutra and of all the for this reason. live properly, we will escape the stains We always welcome questions about and child, families, schools, hospitals, enterprises, governmental of that muddiness. The flowers of the Buddhism from our readers. Please offices, and so forth, all of them exist due to “faith.” lotus blossoms are likened to the signs send your questions by e-mail to However, faith is fragile. It is broken by single misstep. Recently we of Buddha’s wonderful world, which can [email protected] stated, “Hey, even the Shinkansen Bullet Train is vulnerable!” when appear in our lives. or contact us through your local temple. it was reported the train had run many miles with a crack critically developing on the frame of the wheels that went undiscovered by the railmen in charge. There is no “faith” which is not broken. We call it “conditioned faith.” In Buddhism, it is taught that because it exists conditionally, we should keep it carefully. The faith taught by the Buddha and Nichiren Shonin is “absolute faith.” A past master explained, “It is the firm resolution to put faith in the Buddha and depend on him to the end. Only with this “faith,” can we obtain “great peace of mind.”

Rev. Nissho Kanno, Bishop of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Tokyo No. 226, June 1, 2018 Nichiren Shu News 3 DOCHODOCHO CEREMONYCEREMONY ININ JAPANJAPAN

By Pamela Reaville, countless other Nichiren Shu ministers On our second day at Mt. Minobu, we Enkyoji Temple Member in the U.S. and in Japan. They vowed to did rinban hoshi, cleaning the gravesite study hard to complete their training and of Nichiren Shonin. Archbishop Nisso On February 9, 2018, three American to spread the teachings of the Lotus Sutra Uchino of Minobusan Kuonji gave shami, all students of Rev. Kanjin Ceder- and Nichiren Shonin throughout the U.S. authorization for Rev. Cederman to man of the Seattle Choeizan Enkyoji Six lay people from Europe and North become a surrogate chief abbot for the Nichiren , completed the America and shami Kanse Capon from day, a tremendous honor. After receiving docho ceremony at Seichoji Temple and England joined Rev. Cederman and Rev. this authorization, Rev. Cederman led a officially registered as novice priests with Tsukamoto at Seichoji Temple to attend service in front of the Goshinkatsudo, the Nichiren Shu. The threeshami are Kanyu the docho ceremony and to give their location where most of Nichiren Shonin’s Archibishop Nisso Uchino welcoming Kroll from the Shoeizan Enkyoji Buddhist congratulations and support to Kanyu, ashes are kept. The service was held in the three shami and Rev. Cederman. Temple of Rochester in New York, Kanjo Kanjo, and Kan-e. After the ceremony, the style frequently used at services at Grohman from the Enkyoji Buddhist the group went on a short pilgrimage. We Choeizan Enkyoji in Seattle. We were are enshrined, which was a profoundly Temple of Buffalo in New York, and visited various temples in Kamakura and then given the opportunity to visit the moving experience for all of us. Kan-e Rosman from the Enkyoji Buddhist then traveled on to Mt. Minobu. room where Nichiren Shonin’s ashes After leaving Mt. Minobu, we went Sangha of Spokane in Washington. to Tokyo where we visited Ikegami Prior to participating in the docho Honmonji, the temple built on the site ceremony, the shami spent several days where Nichiren Shonin passed away. doing intensive training at Chomyozan Our trip to Japan lasted only one week, Enkyoji, our home temple in Saga, yet we did so much and experienced so Kyushu, under the guidance of Rev. much. It was sad and really hard to say Kanto Tsukamoto. The training included goodbye to Japan and to all our new chanting practice, taiko lessons, and even friends, but we left knowing that we are angya and suigyo despite the unusually united by our great faith in the teachings cold, snowy weather. of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Shonin. Theshami all expressed gratitude for the We hope to meet again in the near opportunity to become priests of Nichiren future. If all goes well, we will return Shu and for the support they received from to Mt. Minobu when the three shami Rev. Cederman, Rev. Tsukamoto, and complete shingyo dojo.

The three shami with their certificates following the ceremony at Seichoji Temple. Daiseionji Temple, Wipperfuerth, Germany By Rev. Shuki Morioka

Daiseionji Temple was formally estab- or cycling have been seen around the for representatives of these groups Dialogue has a deeper meaning when lished at Wipperfuerth in June 2000. Two temple every weekend. to meet regularly to share ideas and we pay respect to other religions with years after its establishment, the temple Wipperfuerth has a long history. It has learn about each other’s religions. In modesty and patience and search for was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in been 800 years since it became a city. celebration of the 800th anniversary mutual concerns that can be resolved 2003, thanks to the generous support The group activity for inter-religious of the establishment of the city of together. I believe that inter-religious of people from various walks of life dialogue started a few years ago. There Wipperfuerth, representatives of these dialogue has great potential to make this and the sustaining power of the Three are a variety of religious groups involved religious organizations each offered a more peaceful world. I will continue to Treasures. I have been engaged in the including Catholic and Protestant prayers in their own language and make my best efforts to create a bright work at Daiseionji Temple since 1999. churches, Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, observed a period of silence to wish future for our world. Daiseionji Temple is located along- and Daiseionji Temple. It is meangingful for world peace. Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. side the Wupper River. Part of the area around the temple is designated as a nature preserve. When the city of Wipperfuerth asked for permission to Shumuin Plans put up a hut for bird watching for people to observe rare wild birds that inhabit 2018 Study Tour the Wupper River vicinity, we readily agreed. Since then, people who watch in Wipperfuerth wild birds and those who enjoy walking The annual Study Tour sponsored by the Shumuin is going to be held from October 17-23, 2018 in Wipperfuerth, Germany. The theme of this program will be “Inter-religious Dialogue.” A cultural exchange with many different religions, visiting several religious organizations and a stay at a are being planned. The program isopen to the public. For additional information about this year’s Study Tour, please contact the Shumuin, Nichiren Shu Headquarters Wipperfürth recently celebrated its Along with representatives of various other religious groups in the area, we offered prayers 800th anniversary as a city. for world peace at the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the city of Wipperfürth. at Ikegami Honmonji. 4 Nichiren Shu News No. 226, June 1, 2018 HOMESTAYS IN HAWAII

MAI YAMADA: Hello, kimono and other accessories. I didn’t expect I made so many memories in the five everyone. I’m Mai to learn about Japanese culture in Hawaii. weeks I was in Hawaii which I will cherish Yamada. I stayed at Mrs. Carol Nagano taught it to me, and I for the rest of my life. Thank you, Bishop the Nichiren Mis- made it for the first time. It was complicated and Mrs. Hirai for your hospitality. Thank sion of Hawaii for and interesting. There are many kinds of you, members of the Nichiren Mission of three weeks from February 19 to March 12. kumihimo. They are beautiful and can be Hawaii for your helping me and teaching Thanks to Bishop and Mrs. Hirai andall the designed by using different colors and ways me many new things. I love the people of members of the Nichiren Mission, I had a of weaving. I felt disappointed that such a Hawaii more than ever. valuable experience. Therewere three things great tradition has almost been forgotten from my stay that were most impressive. in Japan. I will try to make more and tell NANAMI OKADA: I took First was the history of Japanese-Americans. people how wonderful it is. who didn’t have time to attend Sunday part in this homestay I studied it before I came to Hawaii because I also learned about Hawaiian culture. services. The evening programs on weekday program to study En- I wanted to know why Japanese people I was interested in the names of places in nights were attended by about 40 people, glish, since I want to like Hawaii so much. I thought the main Hawaii because they are very unique. I was and I was surprised at the earnest questions work in the airline reason was because there are many Japanese- fortunate to have the chance to talk with Ms. from people. I learned about the historical business. I had visited Americans in Hawaii. I learned about the Piilani Smith, a hula teacher who is familiar differences between Buddhist denominations Hawaii three times history of Japanese immigrants. On February with Hawaiian history. I learned that names and how to read the sutras and the activities before, and it is one of 22, Mr. Les Goto took me to the Japanese in Hawaii originate from nature. The spirit of carried out at the different temples. my favorite vacation Culture Center of Hawaii. There, I learned treating nature with respect is very nice. I also Through research carried out by Professor spots, but this was my first time to travel about the history of Japanese-Americans and learned the meaning of the name Nu’uanu. Shoshi Annaka of Rissho University, many alone. I was a bit insecure, but I was able their experiences during the war. I wanted to “Nu’u” means mountain heights and cliffs, Nichiren Shu treasures, including a mandala to feel comfortable immediately, thanks to study it in Japan but couldn’t find anyinfor - “anu” means cold and chill. In Nu’uanu, it written by the Chief Abbot of Minobusan the kindness of Bishop and Mrs. Hirai and mation. At the JCCH, I learned that around rains a lot. We can often see rainbows. The Kuonji in the Edo period, were found at the Mr. Tanabe. 120,000 Japanese-Americans on the west wind is often blowing hard, and there is good Hawaii Mission. I was fortunate to be able My room was big enough for four people, coast of the U.S. and 2,000 of the Japanese- soil. Nu’uanu is one of the sacred places of to see these valuable treasures. but it took me about a week to get used to American community in Hawaii were taken hula. I was glad to be able to stay on this This was my first time participating in daily the space. At times, I would be frightened by away to internment camps just because they blessed land surrounded by nature. morning services. I even had a dream of my the sounds of natural life outside, but Mrs. were of Japanese heritage. I thought they had Hawaii is well known to Japanese as a mother praying and chanting the Odaimoku Hirai would come running to calm me down. strong minds not to lose themselves through resort, but I learned many new things about repeatedly. Maybe she was telling me to At first, the morning prayer service was the severe treatment. It was impressive that Hawaii through this homestay that tourists practice the Dharma more intently. From hard on me, as I had trouble getting up so they didn’t forget their Japanese spirit of may never experience. Now I want many now on, whenever I attend a Buddhist service, early. As my body clock slowly caught on to gaman, or perseverance. Japanese people to know about the history of I will recite the sutra earnestly. the rhythm, I was able to participate in the Second was the visit to Pearl Harbor and Japanese-Americans and Hawaiian culture. In addition, I had many experiences services without too much trouble. the Battleship Missouri Memorial. I went I want to share what I learned in Hawaii. through the various tasks I was assigned At a luncheon, I wasn’t able to speak up. there during my second week in Hawaii. I The experiences and knowledge cultivated each day. Every Saturday is a cleaning day, However, as the members listened to me so wondered why there weren’t as many Japanese in Hawaii have been a good influence for me. and I was assigned to clean different areas. intently, I found I was able to communicate people there as other sightseeing spots. I I want to continue trying new things. Members also help clean and do routine with them. I felt so much warmth and read letters that were written by Japanese office work for the temple. In Japan, the chief happiness visiting the nursing home and kamikaze pilots addressed to their families TOMOO TANABE: I’d priest manages everything. But in Hawaii talking to the elderly residents. As I shook and girlfriends. I felt so sad after reading like to thank Bishop the temple is run by the board members. I hands with them, I could actually feel their them. I truly realized that we all must find a and Mrs. Hirai and realized the Bishop always thinks about the warmth through their hands. way to live in comfort and peace. The damage all of the members of future of the temple and works closely with At the Nichiren Shu Open Night event, I from a hit by a kamikaze plane still remains the Nichiren Mission the directors to meet new challenges. was in charge of passing out leaflets. Each on the Battleship Missouri from an attack of Hawaii who hosted I also participated in various activities attendee would say “Thank you” with a big near Okinawa toward the end of the war. The this International Ex- held in the social hall. One of them was smile on their face, and this made me so body of the kamikaze pilot was recovered. perience in a Foreign making decorative pieces in the kumihimo happy. I was able to visit other Buddhist The U.S. Armed Forces never treated his Language program. class. I made several as souvenirs for my temples through the Open Night events and remains poorly. He was buried at sea as a I was interested in so many things: the grandchildren. I look forward to seeing their realized that there were many differences military service member who had completed activities at a Buddhist Temple overseas and faces when I give them these handmade gifts. between them. Now, I am interested in his mission for his country. I was surprised to their volunteer work, the lives of Japanese- I attended a sumi-e class for the first time visiting Buddhist temples in Japan. hear that, because I thought that war treated Americans in Hawaii, and working to in my life and was able to draw a bamboo Though it was only a two-week homestay, all life poorly. I want Japanese people to visit improve my English. branch. I never imagined that I would learn I learned so much from everyone. I noticed Pearl Harbor and see it from an American Immediately on arrival in Hawaii, Bishop traditional Japanese culture in Hawaii! what I lack as an adult and hope I can make point of view so we will have no more wars. Hirai and his wife gave me a detailed schedule I made good use of my bus pass to visit myself a better person. I express my gratitude Third was about culture. I learned that of my stay. They told me to purchase a bus various places like Kailua, Northshore, to my parents for giving me a chance to study kumihimo, which is part of Japanese culture, pass and gave me directions to go shopping Ala Moana, and Waikiki. While waiting at abroad and to Bishop and Mrs. Hirai, Mr. is taught in Hawaii. Kumihimo are hand- for necessary items. A beautiful rainbow bus stops, I spoke in English with the local Tanabe and all the members of the Nichiren knitted cords that are used for the sash of a welcomed me, but it continued to rain often. people. Everyone at the temple spoke to me Mission of Hawaii. However, I enjoyed looking at the rainbow. in English, so this was a wonderful oppor- It seemed so close that I could touch it with tunity for me to improve my English. my outstretched fingers. I was very moved During my stay, I enjoyed talking with by this experience. many Japanese-Americans who were as During my five-week homestay, I parti- warm-hearted as the climate of Hawaii. Mrs. cipated in many activities. Midori Chiya took me to the Bishop Museum Open Night at Temples where I visited the where I learned a lot about the history of Soto Mission, Honpa Hongwanji Temple, Hawaii. Mrs. Jaynie instructed me to use Higashi Hongwanji Temple, Jodo Mission, correct English in my weekly conversation and Koyasan Shingon Mission. The program class. I also participated in yoga classes which was open to anyone interested in Buddhism helped me become healthier.

Calendar for June 2018–July 2018

JUNE 1 Changing of Our Founder’s Robes, Founder’s Hall, Minobusan JUNE 25 Nitcho Shonin Memorial Day

JUNE 15-17 Minobusan Kaibyaku-e, Commemoration Day of Nichiren Shonin JULY 13-16 Obon (Western Calendar) Entering Minobusan (May 15, 1274)

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), Bungyo Yoshida, President. Funding is provided by NOPPA and the Head Office of Nichiren Shu, Hosei Nakagawa,Chief Administrator. Editorial Board Sandra Seki, Editor, Shinkyo Warner, Assistant Editor, Keiryu Shima, Chief Advisor, Hoyu Maruyama, Kanshu Naito, Gyokai Sekido, Advisors. Art Director Alan Rowe