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

No. 229 December 1, 2018 1 Women and Religion Conference Held in Italy Text and photographs by Jan Louy

On October 5–7, 2018, a three-day event towards women, income inequality, was held in Italy, hosting women from various doctrines regarding men and different faith traditions to unite and women, religious obligations within discuss various themes, philosophies, religions and families, and many other history, theology, issues, and, above all, important issues. their hopes and objectives for the future. One idea that came up in all of the The well-attended event was conceived discussions was the fact that each of and organized by Rev. Shoryo Tarabini the represented religions stressed from Nichiren Shu Renkoji Temple in the equality of men and women on a Cereseto, Italy. Rev. Tarabini stated that theological basis. It was further noted the objective of this conference was, “to that a lot of work still needs to be done examine through open dialogue the to raise women up to the level each various aspects of women, their roles doctrine teaches. Many of the panelists and contributions in respect to their and attendees expressed enthusiasm to faith, doctrines, and practices.” Many use this conference as a platform for people contributed to the success of Group shot of panelists and attendees from Sunday’s discussions in Casale Monferrato. future dialogue and collaboration.

day Adventists; Adriana Ottolenghi, Mosque, and a 16th Century Synagogue representing the Jewish community; as well as religious and civic museums. Nabila Chaibi, representing the Saturday’s activities concluded with a Islamic community; and Rev. Ervinna special formal dinner prepared in the Myoufu, representing Nichiren Shu kosher style, which allowed all the and Buddhism. Speaking to a standing- participants to share and enjoy the same room-only audience, the four speakers meal together. Discussion continued in captivated the crowd with a dynamic, a friendly and intimate manner. intense, and inspirational exchange. Sunday’s round-table discussion The following two mornings began was held in Casale Manferrato in an with visits to various religious centers ancient Augustinian convent from the in Casale Monferrato, a town in the 14th century. TheMaster of Ceremonies Piedmont region near Cereseto. The was Fabio Lavagno, President of the tour included visiting an 11th Century City Council of Casale Monferrato. Keynote Speakers: Mila Biscardi, Rev. Ervinna Myoufu, Roman Catholic Cathedral, an Islamic Daria Carmi, the Cultural and Events Rev. Shoryo Tarabini organized the conference. Adriana Ottolenghi, and Nabila Chaibi. Director of Casale Monferrato, delivered the opening remarks. Panelists included Rev. Myoufu commented, “With this this conference including many temple Monsignor Francesco Mancinelli, conference, we took a small step to members and other religious groups. Bishop’s Delegate for Ecumenism change the world. We created a good Special appreciation was extended and Interreligious Dialogue for the relationship between religions, got to to Kathie Quinn of the Nichiren Shu Catholic church; Dora Bognandi, know each other better, and learned Temple in Los Angeles for her generous Associate Director of the Public Affairs that together we could do something to contribution of the logo tote bags given Department for the Seventh-day change the world. Instead of focusing to each attendee. Adventists; Mila Biscardi, an Elder repre- on our differences, why don’t we work The opening ceremony took place at senting the Seventh-day Adventists; together to create a peaceful world?” Renkoji Temple with Ceresto Mayor Claudia de Benedetti, President of the Rev. Tarabini noted that the conference Enzo Lavagno and other city officials Jewish Agency in Italy; Nabila Chaibi, emphasized the contributions of women warmly welcoming and recognizing the Islamic Cultural Mediator; Raffaele to religion and the continuation of participating religions to this historic Yaqoub Frasson, representing the Islamic productive dialogue between different first-time event. After some refreshments, Community of Casale Monferrato; Rev. religions. The weekend encouraged each the participants convened at Cereseto’s Myoufu; and Rev. Tarabini. Reflecting on religion to live, respect, and practice City Hall to initiate the first round of the key comments made by the panelists, their faith, so that we can all contribute discussions. The keynote speakers were: Attendees visiting a 16th Century Synagogue. many topics were emphasized includ- to those around us and make this world Mila Biscardi, representing the Seventh- ing physical and emotional violence a better place to live.

Sunday’s round-table discussion was held in New Friends: Rev. Myoufu, Jan Louy, Sofia Mohamud, a 14th Century Augustinian convent in Casale Monferrato. Opening discussions were held at the Cereseto City Hall. Nabila Chaibi and daughter (in front), and Elisabetta Sivocci. 2 Nichiren Shu News No. 229, December 1, 2018 Origin of ‘Reverend Kanno Preaches’ The ‘Postcard Sermon’ Series By Rev. Keiryu Shima a New Year card from her husband, who others.’ We should do our best to train From the 13th postcard in the series, was working far away from home. our own eyes so that we can see correctly, Rev. Kanno entitled his sermon, “Toh The Nichiren Shu News series,“Reverend Rev. Kanno wrote, “Every one of us as the Buddha sees through all things. Myoh,” meaning the light to be offered Kanno Preaches,” originated from believes he is right. However, a proverb To achieve this, we should try to keep a to the Buddha and deities. his series of “postcard sermons.” The says, ‘Search seven times before doubting calm and stable mind in our daily life.” Rev. Kanno said, “For the theme of the first postcard sermon was published sermons, I eventually replaced newspaper on March 1, 1971. Rev. Nissho Kanno, articles with the Eightfold Noble Path; who is now the Archbishop of Nichiren then the writings of Nichiren Shonin; Shu and Chief Abbot of the Ikegami and then the Dhammapada, a collection Honmonji Temple in Tokyo, started of verses comprising the basic teachings the series when he was in charge of of Buddhist morality. publications while working on the staff “Recently, I have started choosing of the temple’s missionary department. the theme from our Founder’s writings Since that time, Rev. Kanno has been once again, this time doing it chrono- regularly sharing his brief and insightful logically. Now, the themes are selected sermons in postcard form for almost from the writing of our Founder when half a century. he was in his forties. The catch phrase of the first postcard “I feel uncertain if I will be able to issue reads: “Let us consider together, let continue publishing these postcards, us move on together towards the Light.” taking up the theme from the writings In the early postcard sermons, topics for of our Founder, until his latter days in the sermon were chosen from stories in Minobu and Ikegami.” the newspaper. Rev. Kanno also revealed that he The topic taken up inthe first postcard is currently working on compiling sermon was, “Dead Husband Found his postcard sermons to be published Alive.” According to a news report, under the title “Toh Myoh” in Ikegami, cremated remains were misidentified a monthly publication that is put out by family members and then buried, by Ikegami Honmonji Temple. He is though the person was actually still Rev. Nissho Kanno developed the “postcard sermon” series as a way to reach out to members determined to continue writing his alive. This became evident when the in a way that was simple and memorable. The series started in 1971 and has also served as the base postcard sermons as the last studious for the “Reverend Kanno Preaches” column that has appeared regularly in Nichiren Shu News. supposedly dead person’s wife received work of his life.

MINOBUSAN KUONJI TEMPLE MINOBUSAN REVEREND KANNO PREACHES (54) Buddhism Q&A (12) By Rev. Ryuei McCormick “You can escape What Is the Gohonzon? from the evil realms as long as you chant Many visitors come to Nichiren Shu Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.” temples, see the statues of Shakyamuni —Nichiren Shonin, Buddha and Many Treasures Buddha, and then ask, “But where is the Hokke Daimoku-sho gohonzon?” They ask this thinking that the word gohonzon only refers to Nichiren’s calligraphic mandala. I would like to clear up this confusion. Honzon 本尊 means “focus of de- Gohonzon 御本尊 means “focus of devotion” “Faith” votion.” It is a term used by all schools and can be depicted in five different ways. Preceding the above phrase, an excerpt from the original text, of Japanese Buddhism in reference to the central image enshrined in a temple the first two of these, which emphasize Nichiren Shonin states, “The basic way to buddhahood thus lies or home Buddhist altar. In Nichiren the Odaimoku. in faith.” Buddhism, the focus of devotion is The first is the “Great Mandala of He tells us, “When you start practicing the teachings of the often called the gohonzon, because the Invoking the Ten Worlds” (jikkai kanjo Buddha, you should know that the primary condition is to do honorific prefixgo 御 is added to it. no daimandara) composed of Chinese In Kanjin Honzon-sho, Nichiren and Sanskrit characters with the your utmost to keep faith in Shakyamuni Buddha, the Lotus Sutra, Shonin described his honzon in terms Odaimoku in the center. The other and Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. It will be an empty prayer, even if of the transmission of the Odaimoku writing on the mandala includes the you chant Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, if you chant the Odaimoku from the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha names of the Eternal Shakyamuni without firm faith.” to his original disciples during the Buddha and others who appear in the assembly in space in the Lotus Sutra. Lotus Sutra or who were regarded as Nichiren Shonin also states in the treatise, “Therefore, people can After this description, Nichiren Shonin integral to the practice of the Lotus Sutra escape the evil realms without understanding the sutra perfectly as wrote, “Many wooden statues and by Nichiren Shonin. long as they chant Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.” It means that even if portraits were made of Shakyamuni The second is called the “One Sacred we don’t read through the sutras, totaling some 80,000 volumes, or Buddha as he preached Hinayana or Title” (ippen shudai). It is an inscription provisional Mahayana sutras, but statues of the Odaimoku alone. In Honzon don’t learn the scholarly treatises, in our daily life we will still be and portraits were never made of the Mondo-sho, Nichiren Shonin stated, able to abstain from wrong deeds, not be deluded into having the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha revealed “We should regard the Odaimoku of the mind of a hell-dweller or hungry ghost, and will reach the state of in Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra, ‘The Lotus Sutra as the honzon.” the Buddha’s great peace of mind. Duration of the Life of the Tathagata.’ In the next issue, I will describe the Now, in the beginning of the Latter Age other three depictions which focus on Living in these days of confusion, the sole way to attain the of Degeneration, is it not time that such the Eternal Shakyamuni Buddha. unshakable great peace of mind is to fully rely on the Buddha and statues and portraits are made for the chant the Odaimoku. Nichiren Shonin wanted to tell us this. first time?” We welcome readers’ questions about Nichiren Shu depicts the honzon Buddhism and Nichiren Shonin. Please Honorable Rev. Nissho Kanno, Archbishop of Nichiren Shu, in five different ways based on that send us your questions by e-mail to Chief Abbot of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Tokyo passage and other writings from our [email protected] Founder. In this article, I will explain or contact us through your local temple. No. 229, December 1, 2018 Nichiren Shu News 3 GREATGREAT FIGURESFIGURES WHOWHO HADHAD FAITHFAITH ININ NICHIRENNICHIREN SHUSHU (3) By Rev. Sensho Komukai For a long time, Lady Oman had an idea: she planned to climb Mt. Shichimen, Lady Oman (1577–1653), who had which women had traditionally been served in the Tokugawa Shogunate prohibited from climbing. No woman from the age of 17, has been known as had ever climbed the sacred mountain the most-beloved mistress of Shogun before. When her plan was refused, Ieyasu Tokugawa in his latter days she insisted, “The Lotus Sutra teaches because of her graceful figure and sincere us that the Buddha’s compassion is personality. At 22, when she lost her equally given to all living beings, and adoptive parents, she began to deeply that anybody, regardless of being male embrace Buddhism. At the age of 30, or female, can become a buddha. Isn’t she studied under Nichion, the Chief it the only sutra expounding the attain- Abbot of Kuonji Temple at Mt. Minobu, ment of buddhahood for women? I am and she began to have faith in the Lotus sure that women will be allowed to Sutra and Nichiren Shonin. climb up the mountain of the Celestial Nichikyo was famous as an energetic Maiden Shichimen who vowed to protect priest with broad knowledge and those who keep the Lotus Sutra.” Lady eloquence. The monks from the other Oman purified herself with water under schools were no match for him in the Shiraito Waterfall at the foot of the debate, so they made an unfounded mountain for seven days before making charge against Nichikyo. One day, he the climb. Wearing a white robe called was ordered to have a discussion with a gyo-e, she finally reached the summit monks of the Pure Land school in the of Mt. Shichimen at the age of 64. She Edo Castle. Nichikyo was ready and Statue of Lady Oman, the first woman to climb Mt. Shichimen, with the Shiraito Waterfall in the background. climbed Mt. Shichimen a total of three fully confident of winning the debate. times in her life. However, he was attacked by a rowdy streets of Edo, and then their ears and she respected Nichion as her Buddhist She passed away on August 21, 1653 mob of 60 to 70 people on the night noses were chopped off. master. She made a quick decision. at the age of 77. In accordance with her before the debate. As he was seriously Nichion was so enraged to hear of Wearing a white shroud, she appealed will, Her remains were buried next to wounded, his disciples proposed that the unreasonably cruel acts against to Ieyasu with her powerful voice, “If my the tomb of Nichion at Honnonji Temple. the debate be postponed, but that was Nichikyo and his disciples that he master Nichion is sentenced to death, rejected. More dead than alive, Nichikyo instantly entered a protest with Ieyasu, I will go with him to the Pure Land of was carried on a board to the castle. demanding that he should have another Mt. Sacred Eagle.” Overwhelmed by her Far from debating, he was not even try at holding a debate with the monks desperation, Ieyasu changed his mind, able to open his mouth to speak for the of the Pure Land school. This brought ordering the execution to be stopped. discussion. The shogunate abruptly on the further wrath of Ieyasu. Nichion Nichion was pardoned! After that, declared that the Pure Land school was arrested for his outrageous conduct Nichion lived a secluded life in a place had won the debate. Nichikyo was and sentenced to death by crucifixion. called Ono in the town of Minobu. Lady immediately stripped of his vestments Lady Oman was at a loss for words Oman made a contribution to construct and robe. Nichikyo along with his five upon hearing that Nichion would be a temple there. This was the beginning of Honnonji Temple is part of Lady Oman’s legacy. disciples were dragged through the executed. She was in deep grief, because Honnonji Temple.

MY EXPERIENCE AT SEATTLE CHOEIZAN ENKYOJI TEMPLE

By Rev. Isshin Sasabe, Ryusenji Temple, with Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Every Sunday, a service was held in On the fourth Sunday, a study class Shimane Prefecture, Japan Shonin. Every Sunday, Shodaigyo which members came to the temple to on the Lotus Sutra was held, in which meditation and a lecture on the Lotus read the sutra and chant the Odaimoku. Chapters 1–28 were explained in detail. In June, I had a wonderful opportunity Sutra are held. Also tea ceremony, Aikido After the services were finished, we sat A Shodaigyo session was held each to stay at Mrs. Kazuko Langebehn’s classes, and many kinds of volunteer around together and chatted over tea Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. (Seattle Choeizan Enkyoji Temple activities are open to the public for the and snacks. My stay lasted only a month, but I was member) home for a month. There are further understanding of Nichiren Shu On the first Sunday of the month, able to observe and practice propagation many Nichiren Shu temples in Hawaii, and the Lotus Sutra. a special service was held to pray for at a temple overseas. I experienced daily North America, Europe, and Southeast I was able to experience many things safety and good luck throughout the life using English, including reading the Asia led by priests who have completed on my first trip to the U.S., thanks to new month. Temple member Bernie Lotus Sutra in English. I am grateful their training at the Shingyo Dojo in Rev. Kanjin Cederman and the members Lau is an Aikido master, and an Aikido to Rev. Cederman and all the members Minobusan. Rev. Cederman, the temple’s of Seattle Enkyoji Temple. practice was held in the main hall. This of the temple for allowing me to spend head priest, is an American Nichiren Shu Each day, a morning prayer service was practice followed the regular service and time there and to share such worthy priest who has not only completed his held at 7:00 a.m. Thekanjo (invocation) was open to the public. experiences with them. I cherish this training as a priest but is also a master and ekou (dedication of merit) were done On the second Sunday, Rev. Cederman, experience and hope to return someday of tea ceremony and Aikido. in English followed by sutra readings in who is a tea master, held a tea ceremony and participate in the activities at At the temple, special services are Japanese. An evening service was held class in the tea room (chashistu) of the Enkyoji. Thank you very much! carried out on special days affiliated each day from 7:00 p.m. temple after the regular service. —Translated by Sandra Seki

Traditional tea ceremony and meditation practice The temple’s main hall became a space for Aikido practice following a regular service. Dinner with Rev. Cederman’s family and with temple member Bernie Lau. Temple member Bernie Lau, an Aikido master, led the practice, which was open to the public. temple members at Kazuko Langebehn’s home. 4 Nichiren Shu News No. 229, December 1, 2018

be the feeling of the Bodhisattvas coming in the dead of night in a journal that the out from the ground. I wished the chanting author kept. They are statements of the life could have continued forever. It was like of true-hearted devotion of this eminent a beautiful song for Nichiren Shonin. The priest. Those who read these booklets are rhythm of the mokusho (wooden drum) sure to experience an expansion in the Las Vegas Kannonji Temple blended into the natural environment of breadth and depth of their understanding June Ren Takahashi, Member Minobusan. Thank you for this wonderful of their faith. The abundance of knowledge Pilgrimage to Minobusan opportunity to join the Rinban Service. and insights, which are conveyed, make these booklets a collection of enlightening I went on a pilgrimage to the main temples messages that will strengthen the presence associated with Nichiren Shonin from Honolulu Myohoji Temple of the Eternal Buddha within us and in October 8–13. There were 20 members Rev. Josho Yamamura the world. from Myorenji Temple in Nagasaki and that there are 287 steps leading to Kuonji New Booklet Published 10 from Kannonji Temple in Las Vegas. Temple, and 287 can be read as “ni-ba-na” One of the most memorable parts was at in Japanese, sounding like “Nirvana.” Our temple has published another small the Rinban Service in Minobu, visiting the When we started chanting Chapter 16 booklet: Enlightening Messages: Eternal gravesite of Nichiren Shonin to clean and of the Lotus Sutra in front of Nichiren Buddha; In Us, In the World, Part II by purify it. It is an honor for all Nichiren Shu Shonin’s grave, I felt tremendous comfort Bishop Nichiou Itagaki of Butsugenji followers to take part in a Rinban Service and peace. My body seemed to be lifting Temple, translated by Dean Makinodan. at least once in their life. toward the sky. We chanted the sutra From the preface of the original work, Before the service, Rev. Nisso Uchino, slowly, word by word. A pleasant breeze we know that these enlightening mes- Chief Abbot of Kuonji Temple, explained blew around us, and I thought this might sages were written during chanting or

MY HOMESTAY IN HAWAII

By Arisa Fujiwara spirituality of the people in Hawaii and to understand the true meaning of things. Hawaii itself. During this stay, I spoke with Hawaii was always teaching me those I am Arisa Fujiwara, a homestay student, various people and obtained insights about precious lessons during my stay. from Kyoto. I have been staying here at the people of Hawaii. I visited Manoa Falls, Third, identity was the last lesson that the Hawaii Nichiren Mission for three Diamond Head, and the beautiful ocean Hawaii taught me. It is one of the most weeks, and I really appreciate this great surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. I think essential lessons. Each individual needs experience. I am very happy to meet all Hawaii is a spiritual place that evokes our to recognize who they are, where they of you. I am having a great time and natural feelings and brings people together come from, and what they belong to. There experience that I’ve never had before. For in a natural way. I am always impressed are various religions and social beliefs in example, I never expected the people in with the amazing experiences and lessons Hawaii. However, I feel that all of them Hawaii to speak such interesting words I have learned. Before I came here, I had share the core value of truth. So, I think like; kaukau (food), moimoi (sleep), and heard that people in Hawaii and Japan had we should understand the real meaning pau (finished). People here speak a mixture similar feelings or ways of thinking. Now of truth and take care of all living beings of English, Hawaiian, and Japanese. At I understand the meaning of this. People and our Mother Earth as long as we live first, I wassurprised and confused, since I have deep respect for all living things, on this planet. couldn’t understand what they were saying. nature, and the gods. These are part of the Through this homestay program, I When I came here, I had three objectives culture and so similar to the respect and have been so impressed with the unique to learn from this program. The main This made a real impression on me, be- love of nature of the Japanese people. culture of Hawaii and by the stories of the objective was to do volunteer work. Second cause I learned that we could understand Moreover, there are various religions individual member’s lives. People have was to join the activities at this temple. The and communicate with each other through here, and people always cooperate with strong consciousness about their identity. last objective was to learn about Hawaiian our hearts. each other. During my stay, I went to People in Hawaii and the Hawaiian culture in terms of its history, its people, As to the activities at the temple, I various churches, because I have always Islands have taught me such precious and their beliefs. experienced many new things. I met many been interested in various cultures and in lessons that have broadened my perspec- During my stay, I visited two nursing people through the preparations for the the different ways of thinking in different tive through their stories and teachings of homes. I spoke with some of the elderly rummage sale, mailing out newsletters, religious and personal beliefs. I am a Hawaiian culture. They have had a great residents and played the piano for them. taking part in the Fujinkai craft classes, daughter of a Nichiren Shu minister and impact on me and my way of thinking. and so on. People always welcomed me believer of Nichiren Shu, but I went to Finally, I really enjoyed my stay and with open hearts and tried to understand a Catholic high school, and now I am everyone I met. Three weeks was too short me without any bias. attending Sophia University which is a for me, although I learned many things and As to my objective to learn about Jesuit university. I respect and believe had many great experiences. After going Hawaiian culture including its history, their teachings as well. back to Japan, I’ll prepare for graduate its people, and their beliefs, I didn’t know I had opportunities to meet people from school and study various religions in terms much about Hawaii before I came here. various religions and beliefs. They always of their beliefs and practices. I think the Hawaii is famous as a tourist spot, but taught me important lessons about life. lessons that I have learned here will give I didn’t know much about its people, I think that the three most important me a lot of inspiration. culture, history, or lifestyle. So, I was very lessons for me were: I would like to say thank you to everyone, glad to learn about them through my visit First, I learned to communicate and to the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii, to to the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, understand others with deep respect. Even Bishop and Mrs. Hirai, to the gods of Pearl Harbor, and the Bon Dance at the if we cannot accept their ways of thinking, Hawaii, and to Hawaii itself. Thank you Okinawa Festival. we can try to understand them through so much. I wish you all happiness. I hope I feel I have achieved my objectives. communication. that we can see each other again someday. However, the most meaningful experience Second, I learned that both knowledge Mahalo (thank you) for giving me this for me was to learn and feel the beliefs and and experience or practice, are important wonderful opportunity!

Calendar for December 2018–January 2019

DEC 8 Jodo-e (Enlightenment Day) commemorating the day JAN 1 Memorial Service for Nichiji Shonin, one of the six main disciples when the Buddha attained Enlightenment. of Nichiren Shonin. DEC 31 New Year’s Eve Service; Bell Ringing Ceremony JAN 13 Minobusan Opening Ceremony for the New Year at Kuonji Temple held throughout Japan. JAN 21 Memorial Service for Nichiro Shonin, one of the six main disciples of Nichiren Shonin

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