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

No. 224 February 1, 2018 1 “WHEN THE SKY IS CLEAR, THE LAND IS BRIGHT.” Honorable Rev. Nisso Uchino, Archbishop of Nichiren Shu, Chief Abbot of Minobusan Kuonji Temple

In this early spring of 2018, I give my sincere compli- of the sexagenary circle. Tsuchinoe symbolizes trees ments of the New Year season to all the ministers and and plants growing thick. The dog means to break or devotees of Nichiren Shu. I would also like to express cut off something, implying that plants and trees will my deepest gratitude for the constant service and die off unless cut down. As the branches and leaves contributions you are rendering to Nichiren Shu and become dense, trees are damaged. Only when they are Minobusan, the Founder’s mountain. trimmed, pruned off, and well-ventilated, and when In the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the ground around the roots of the trees is pounded, Nichiren Shonin’s birth that started last year, we can trees live on. have shared with devotees and followers the joy of This is the year when we should stop fussing about celebrating our Founder’s birth. the past and look to the new vistas in the future by This year commemorative gatherings will be held in undergoing a transformation. For that, it is necessary Kawaguchi City for North Kanto District on March 10, to kindle a fire of faith in the not only in Kurashiki City for Chugoku and Shikoku Districts in ourselves but also together with other people on April 10, in Kyoto City for Kinki District on October and to establish good relations with them through 28, and in Fukuoka City for Kyushu District on the Odaimoku so that we can trust each other. The November 28. In each gathering, we as Nichiren Shu commemorative gatherings for the 800th anniversary priests and members will work to develop friendly will be the best opportunity to feel grateful to Nichiren relations with each other and to deepen our ties. Shonin and repay him. Our society has been recently subject to remarkable Let us appreciate keeping faith in the Lotus Sutra and change with information brimming around us. Odaimoku where we can receive the great compassion As a result, many people suffer anxiety andafflic- of Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren Shonin. And let tion, believing they have nowhere to go. Material us value each day with a goal of spending a pleasant things never run short, but everyone starves for time laughing as long as life goes on. This will truly spiritual fulfillment. express feelings of gratitude to Nichiren Shonin. To take a first step toward spiritual comfort, I would It is important and necessary for us to leave nothing At the beginning of 2018, from Minobusan, which like to introduce Nichiren Shonin’s words: unsettled in our minds for ourselves as well as for our Nichiren Shonin perceived as a sacred mountain, “When the sky is clear, the land is bright.” society. Sincerity results from doing what we believe I wish peace throughout the world. May all of you It is quite true that the land of clear sky is bright, but is right. With right mind, we enhance our contacts have a happy year feeling great joy in the Lotus Sutra. once the sky becomes cloudy, it gets dark. Similarly, with other people and enhance each other so that we And finally, I would like to ask all the ministers to have always a cheerful mind will make our society may make our society bright and clear. and devotees to give continuous and immediate bright, while dark clouds hanging over our mind will According to Chinese astrology, 2018 is the Year of support to Nichiren Shu and the Founder’s temple. bring us a gloomy future. Tsuchinoe-Inu, the Dog. It is also the thirty-fifth year With Gassho. “ALL OF US! LET US PRAY FOR WORLD PEACE!” Bishop Nissho Kanno, Ikegami Honmonji Temple,

Kenji Miyazawa, an earnest believer of Seven hundred we live embracing the desire” as described by the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and literary man, has years ago, Nichiren spirit of the Lotus Buddhism is entirely the reason. “So long words that appeal to us: “I sincerely Shonin wrote Rissho Sutra and the Odai- as I am happy, so long as my country is wish the day will come when every one Ankoku-ron, Establish moku, strife and faring well.” This way of thinking is the of the people in the world will be able Righteousness and agony will disappear cause for the conflicts. I sincerely hope to spend their lives in peace.” Bring Peace to the from the world and world leaders, specifically politicians, He also said, “Happiness will never Country. In it he peace will be realized will be awakened in this regard. be realized for us individually until the teaches us, “Only by in this world.” So Let us, the devotees of the Lotus Sutra whole world becomes happy.” the right teaching can teaches Nichiren and Odaimoku, return to the spirit of I quite agree with him in view of society, the family Shonin. Kenji Miya- “Rissho Ankoku-ron,” advocated by today’s situation in the world. and the individual be zawa’s appeal is based Nichiren Shonin, as we greet the New A past master declared, “The world peaceful. Needless to on this teaching of Year of Heisei 30, call for “World Peace” is one. Human beings are all brothers say, the right teach- our Founder. to the peoples of the entire world, and and sisters.” Now is the time when we ing is the Lotus Sutra, Now the world is pray for it. should realize this ideal. the Odaimoku. When in turmoil. “Selfish —Translations by Rev. Sensho Komukai

THE YEAR OF THE DOG

According to the Chinese zodiac, the Dog, person who they think is most important. of the time. However, if they work long grow up to be strong, and parents want or Inu, is the eleventh of its twelve horary They are good-natured and just need a hours and socialize too much, they should the same things for their children. signs. There are five elements associated quiet life with a nice family and to forget get plenty of rest plus proper exercise which Because of their loyal personality, Dogs with each zodiac sign; Gold, Wood, Water, about the ugliness and will help to benefit both tend to choose careers based on serving Fire and Earth. It is thought that a person’s evils of society. They their physical and others. They will do well as police officers, characteristics are decided by their birth are ready to help others mental health. scientists, counselors, interior designers, year’s zodiac animal sign and element. This and don’t care about Inuhariko, a tradi- professors, politicians, priests, nurses, year is the Year of the Earth Dog whose their own interests, tional Japanese dog clerks or judges. characteristics include being communi- but if they are betrayed mascot, is often used as Dogs are those born in the following cative, serious and responsible in work. they are greatly shocked a symbol for the Year of years; 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, People born in the Year of the Dog are and hurt. the Dog and also for the 1994, 2006, and 2018. loyal, honest, amiable, kind, cautious, and Overall, Dogs enjoy blessing of a newborn May the Year of the Dog bring you prudent. Because of this strong sense of good health for they child. This is because happiness and good health! loyalty, Dogs will do everything for the tend to be happy most dogs are healthy and —Compiled by Sandra Seki 2 Nichiren Shu News No. 224, February 1, 2018 Study Tour in Minobu 2017

By Rev. Kanjo Bassett

THE OPENING CEREMONY POWER BALL On the third day of the Study Tour in Minobu, the group hiked up Shichimensan from pleasant fall sun into the winter clouds where it began to flurry snow. At the end of the trail, the group huddled in the main hall of Okunoin Temple where head priest Amazing view from the top of Shichimensan. Rev. Teigyo Kunugi performed an Altar Opening Ceremony, greeted the group and asked for a volunteer. Rev. Ichikawa’s vivid imagery connects On the last day of the Study Tour, the group marched to our Founder’s grave beating drums “Please stand here, raise your arm, with today’s audience. In a way, the and chanting Odaimoku with Minobusan University Gyogaku Dormitory students and point at the clock on the wall.” entire Study Tour group had their hearts Rev. Kunugi looked around for another opened and power balls inserted by volunteer, “Now you come up and stand the magic and beauty of spending five The Gyogaku Dormitory is not a Korea, the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, here.” The second member stood slightly days in Minobusan. Shichimen was one regular university dorm. It’s specifically and the U.K. A staff of four was led behind the first. highlight of many. for students who will enter Shingyo by Rev. Sasaki, along with Rev. Keiryo “Is his arm pointing at the clock?” He This year’s Study Tour marked a Dojo and become Nichiren Shu Inoue and Rev. Kanjo Bassett of the asked the second member who shook complete overhaul of the program and priests upon graduation. The students Missionary Dept., and rounded out by his head. a new phase. From its start in 2003, the experience four years of Shingyo Rev. Yodo Okuda, former Missionary in That’s right, he only thinks he is. program focused on inviting students Dojo-like communal living on a strict Brazil, now at Myokeiji Temple in Aichi, Now point his arm to the right spot.” from Rissho University to spend several daily regimen of services, chanting, and Rev. Eisho Yamazawa of Myouonji days in countries in Southeast Asia, such cleaning, and practice, all in addition Temple in Shizuoka. Revs. Okuda as Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Nepal, to their university studies. and Yamazawa provided essential doing volunteer activities such as fixing Rev. Kobun Sasaki, manager of interpretation assistance for English, school buildings, helping archeological Nichiren Shu’s Missionary Department Spanish and Portuguese. excavations and clearing earthquake International Section, explained one Rev. Inoue was responsible for damaged building debris. aim of this year’s program, “Nichiren developing the four-day Study The hope was that by giving future Shu is working to establish an English- Tour curriculum which included: a Nichiren Shu priests international language, priest-training curriculum. Minobusan University lecture, visits exchange experience, they would Theparticipants this year are providing to the University Buddhist Sculpture be interested in becoming Kokusai invaluable experience for the evolution Workshop and the closed-to-the-public Fukyoshi, overseas ministers. Unfortu- of our Order’s education system. Sanmon Gate Upper Hall, and a hike nately, very few Kokusai Fukyoshi “On a personal level, I was struck to the top of Shichimensan with an candidates resulted from the program, by the eagerness of the participants to overnight stay. All this in addition to and stricter travel insurance policies learn and endure hardships, such as early morning and evening services, began to limit the places and volunteer sitting in the difficult seiza posture for drum practice, cleaning, and optional The second member moved the fellow activities in which study tour partici- long stretches, just like the Minobusan 6 a.m. Suigyo practice in the dead silent member’s arm to the right, and Rev. pants could engage. University dormitory students.” cold Minobu daybreak. Kunugi explained. At the same time, the number of “The Buddha is like your true self overseas Shami grew. Shami are novices THE PROGRAM The Minobu Study Tour standing right behind you. You think beginning the process of becoming 2017 had eight participants from you are seeing the truth with your eyes, Nichiren Shu priests. It was clear that countries around the world: Indonesia, but only the Buddha, your true self, sees a new approach was needed. After much what is true. Are you ready to trust your discussion, it was decided to restructure Buddha self to guide you?” this year’s program to bring both Shami The next day, the Study Tour group and potential Shami from abroad to was treated to a second Altar Opening experience Nichiren Shu practice along ceremony performed by Rev. Taiga with the students in the Minobusan Ichikawa in the recently refurbished, University Gyogaku Dormitory. and splendidly opulent, Edo-era Main Hall of Keishin-in Temple. Rev. Ichikawa was a missionary priest for the Seattle Nichiren Buddhist Church back in the mid-1990s and greeted the group The participants took this hands-on After the workshop, the group visited the hall learning experience very seriously above the Sanmon Gate (not open to the public). with an English explanation of the very old and famous statue of Shichimen Daimyojin enshrined on the altar. “She is holding a key in her right hand and three power balls in her left. Her key opens your heart, where she puts power balls inside, so that you have power to overcome any difficulty in life.” Power balls are not the first thing that comes to mind when looking at Ikuhiro Takaya, from the Gyogaku Dormitory, leads the group to the Buddhist statue workshop. a statue of Shichimen Daimyojin, but Chanting to the lake of Shichimen Daimyojin at Keishin-in Temple.

Praying in Keishin-in Temple’s Main Hall, where In the Buddhist statue workshop, Rev. Giko Suzuki The finished statue will be enshrined in Fukushima Shami Ong from Indonesia takes a break a statue of Shichimen Daimyojin is enshrined. invites the group to help carve a statue of Kannon. prefecture in memory of the tsunami victims. to ring the bell at the top of Shichimensan. No. 224, February 1, 2018 Nichiren Shu News 3

The dormitory students held a farewell dinner. The Gyogaku Dormitory students and They had only been with the study tour group for the Study Tour participants really seemed a short time, but they kept talking until curfew. to enjoy the time they spent together.

the 10:30 curfew discussing things FUTURE STUDY TOURS Nichiren Shu plans using smartphone dictionaries and three kinds of Study Tours starting from other means to overcome communica- 2018: Study Tours to Southeast Asian The group arrives at our Founder’s grave. Two of the study tour participants helped lead tion barriers. countries for Rissho and Minobusan the chanting service in honor of Nichiren Shonin. “This was actually my favorite part University students, Study Tours at of the program. The whole point Minobu for potential Shami outside There was something for the Minobu- together must have struck a chord was to encourage mutual interest, of , and cultural exchange Study san University students as well: the between the dorm students and communication and cultural exchange Tours held abroad for Nichiren Shu Study Tour group treated them to an study tour participants. Rev. Inoue between people of various backgrounds. groups from Japan. Each year, these will English-language service of Shodaigyo explained, “After the farewell party at The events that night proved to me that rotate to reach the widest possible pool so they could experience the “overseas” the dormitory on the last night, both the program was a success. I think of candidates both in Japan and over- version firsthand. students and study tour members stayed each participant took back a special seas. We hope to carry on the success The days of living and practicing in the dining hall for a few hours until experience as a souvenir.” of this year’s program in many ways.

The Suigyo practice Visiting Shichimensan Climbing the mountain I learned so much from I really enjoyed the It was an amazing A highpoint was I am so thankful for and the Shichimensan was amazing. I was was really hard, but I the daily services with practice time with the opportunity to get during our march the chance to take climb were both new touched by the energy felt I was energized by the students from the Gyogaku Dormitory insight into the from Kuonji’s main part in the Study Tour. experiences for me and power of the Shichimen Daimyojin. Gyogaku Dormitory students. That was way the Gyogaku Hondo to Nichiren We have no mountains and so inspiring. I mountain and also I hope that I can build program. This has been my favorite part! students live and Shonin’s grave. I cannot where I live, so I had think that if we have Shichimen Daimyojin. on this experience and a great experience and Shichimensan was also meet the other really explain the never climbed one. a strong spirit, then My dream is to enter enter the university’s has made a big impact incredible. I look Shami. I particularly feeling other than an It was difficult, and I any difficulty can be Shingyo Dojo. Gyogaku Dormitory on my practice. forward to visiting this enjoyed climbing adrenaline rush or a actually cried when overcome. –Guilherme Chiamuloera program! –Kanjo Chad Grohman sacred mountain again. Mt. Shichimen. high, I guess. we got to the top. –Sidin Ong (Brazil) –Jung Yong Hyun (United States) –Philip Kane Rosman –Kanse Capon –Johnny Valdez –Mauro Andres Petriw (Indonesia) (Korea) (United States) (United Kingdom) (United States) (Argentina)

Dragon Palace Temple Training Seminar for Devotees Celebrates 18th Anniversary in Hodoji Temple, Korea By Rev. Taitoku Miura, The Dragon Palace Temple, together Nichiren Shu Shimbun Then they presented themselves at Misssionary Department with the Dr. Ambedkar Culture the Offering for the Hungry Ghosts Research Centre which was constructed On October 7-9, a training seminar for Ceremony. This was officiated by Rev. The Dragon Palace Temple in Nagpur four years ago, has gradually gained devotees was held in Hodoji Temple in Hokken Woo, introducing such shomyo India held a memorial service cele- recognition as an area for tourists as well Korea. About 40 people from various hymns as Dojo-ge, Verse on the Place brating its 18th anniversary on as a place of pilgrimage. The number of parts of Korea came to attend the of Practice, Shusan, Incantation, and November 4, 2017, the day of a full visitors has steadily increased, including seminar. This was the first seminar Buso, Seeing-off Verses. moon. A group of 47 followers from Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. held by Hodoji Temple. The theme The end of the session included an Japan and other Asian countries, Thanks to an Indian government was, “I Bow to the Buddha in You – I eye-opening ceremony for the hand- consisting of both temple members grant-in-aid, a meditation center with respect and praise all of you deeply made amulets and juzu. Participants and priests, participated in the a guest house where priests and other with palms together.” The participants were then given these precious items memorial service along with about important guests can stay and take a in the seminar had an opportunity to together with a training completion 1,000 local people and children who rest was built next to the temple. It also practice saying a Nichiren Shu grace at certificate. beat drums while chanting the Lotus provides space for visitors and tourists every meal, translated into Korean. They Rev. Woo delivered an address of Sutra and Odaimoku. to use for meditation. also learned the teachings of Nichiren thanks, “My wife and I had made a Shu Buddhism, Buddhist manners, plan for many hours. We were glad to and the Nichiren Shu standard of have this seminar without any trouble, ceremonies. These included protocols thanks to you who had been helping us and shomyo, short chants sung like for the preparations. We wish all of you hymns. They experienced shodaigyo, to respect each other and to share with Odaimoku chanting, sutra copying Nichiren Shonin the spirit of spreading and water purification practices. Odaimoku throughout the world.” In the shodaigyo, all the attendants shed tears by the magical power of Odaimoku, because they were sure they met and felt the Buddha. In sutra copying practice, some were confused with how to handle a writing brush but tried carefully to copy each word of jigage, verses of chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra. They also madejuzu for a bracelet and an amulet, and learned about Chapter 26, “Dharanis” of the Lotus Sutra. 4 Nichiren Shu News No. 224, February 1, 2018

in Kamakura where he expounded the San Jose Myokakuji Betsuin accomplish them. Along the way, we face Lotus Sutra; Butsugenji Temple and Rev. Shinko Matsuda obstacles both within ourselves and in the Renkeiji Temple in Izu where he spent his world we live in. We accomplish some Demonstrate Your Faith first exile; Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple things, change our minds about others through Action where he held the 100 days preaching, and never reach the rest. The impor- including the Treasure House where his Happiness depends on harmony both tant thing is to go after something that writings are kept; Minobusan where he with the environment in which we live matters to us. Unfortunately, not many educated his followers for nine years, and within ourselves. A man who faces people do so. They have been led astray including Minobusan Kuonji Temple, his job each day, longing for a different by foolish ideas. The true nature of life is Shishinkaku, and his Mausoleum; and job is miserable. A student who would that spirit and matter, or mind and body, Ikegami Honmonji Temple where he rather be at the beach than in class is are one entity. entered into Nirvana on October 13, 1282 unsuccessful. Harmony is being where This complete view of life operates on and where we will attend the Oeshiki you want to be and wanting to be where a higher plane than either spiritualism or Service on October 13, 2018. you are. A happy person can fit into any materialism. By applying and living this This pilgrimage is intended for those situation and utilize the opportunities philosophy in the practice of Buddhism, who have never visited Japan, so the that present themselves. a person finds harmony with the universe participants will experience many modes There are not many people today who and himself. This is the perfect way of of transportation, such as chartered buses, life that will create a harmonious society Fujinkai members at the Temple Emanu-El Fair. have this knack. Most people live in Japan Railroad trains, the Bullet Train, anticipation of happiness, thinking that without contradiction. cable cars, highway long-distance coaches things are always better elsewhere. People Demonstrate your faith through action. Nichiren Mission of Hawaii and subways. often say, “If I had a different job... If I had We need not wait for perfect faith. Every Carol Nagano, Treasurer At Minobusan, we will attend the a different family... If I lived somewhere degree of faith must be proven by action 6 a.m. morning service, and then our more exciting...” These ‘ifs’ have resulted so that each gives others an incentive to Fujinkai (Ladies Association) group will offer a memorial service in a society with the highest turnover in improve themselves. That is the way we Activities for our Founder, Nichiren Daishonin, employment, the highest divorce rate climb the stairs to the revelation of eternal The Fujinkai had a profitable craft fair conducted by Nichiren Shu Archbishop and the greatest mobility in history. peace and happiness season. We worked hard during the Nisso Uchino. At Ikegami Honmonji, we Only when one lives with the correct months of October and November to make will stay overnight, participate in Shodai- outlook in life and the world, individual Nichiren Mission of Hawaii craft items to sell at the annual Mayor’s Angya in the Mando Parade, watch the happiness, world peace and social Rev. Chishin Hirai Fair and also for the first time this year, at beautiful lighted Mando lanterns along the prosperity will be achieved. How do we Hawaii Buddhist Council the Temple Emanu-El Craft Fair. We made parade route and participate in Shodaigyo obtain the correct view? In a very broad Bodhi Day Service a total of $1,294. The Fujinkai’s mission is by beating hand drums throughout the sense, there have been two very influential to support the temple. We accomplish this night of October 12. The next morning we and contrary views of life; spiritualism A Bodhi Day service was held on Sunday, by preparing food for various significant will attend the 7 a.m. Oeshiki Memorial and materialism. December 3 at the Soto Mission of services at the Mission and purchasing Service to commemorate Nichiren’s Spiritualism insists that the essence of Hawaii. Bodhi Day is the celebration items needed for the temple from the passing at 8 a.m. life is something imaginary, a form of commemorating the attainment of sales of our handmade crafts. More details will be announced later, soul transcending matter. Materialism Enlightenment by the Buddha 2,500 Being invited to the Temple Emanu-El but those who are interested in joining views all phenomena from a physical or years ago. Bishops and representatives Craft Fair was a highlight of this year’s the pilgrimage, please contact Kannon operational standpoint. Matter is the of all denominations of the Hawaii craft season. It was a heartwarming Temple of Nevada for more information. reality of life for them. Buddhist Council (HBC) talked about and enlightening experience for us. Based on our desires, wisdom and the “Significance of Bodhi Day.” It was a Meeting friendly members of the Jewish Honolulu Myohoji Temple experience, we decide what we want in life, great opportunity to get to know fellow community and sharing experiences and Rev. Josho Yamamura set goals and dreams, and make efforts to Buddhists from other denominations. food, especially the potato latkes, helped Social Media Improvements us appreciate the beauty and warmth of people and cultures outside our temple. Honolulu Myohoji Temple has a webpage http://honolulumyohoji.org that contains Las Vegas Kannon Temple abundant information on our practice Rev. Shokai Kanai of Buddhism. You can read and print out our recently published booklets like 2018 Pilgrimage to Nichiren the Path to True Happiness, The Reality Shonin’s Memorial Sites of Myohoji and The Lotus Sutra through Commemorating the 800th Anniversary the Seven Parables. of Nichiren Shonin’s birth, Kannon We also built the Honolulu Myohoji Temple will have a pilgrimage to our YouTube page. A high school student from founder’s memorial sites from October New York shot our temple’s surroundings 8-16, 2018. We would like to invite any to make a beautiful movie. https://www. interested people from North America youtube.com/watch?v=3IRTtcN5Fpw or anywhere in the world. There- Additionally, we have a Facebook fore, participants will gather at a hotel page: https://www.facebook.com/ in Tokyo. HonoluluMyohojiMission The memorial sites on the pilgrimage It shows many pictures of our events will include Tanjoji Temple near his and people’s comments from all over the birthplace and where he grew up; world. We also started an Instagram page Seichoji Temple where he studied, was at #myohoji. You will find some photos ordained, and first chantedOdaimoku; from the temple activities. We hope to Alexa Sasaki (left) and Meadow Sasaki, offered flowers and incense as representatives Myohoji Temple, Ankoku Ronji Temple, share the events that are happening at of the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii at the Bodhi Day Service at the Soto Mission of Hawaii. Kosokuji Temple, and Hachiman Shrine our temple with everyone!

Calendar for February 2018–March 2018

FEB 3 Setsubun (first day of spring in the traditional Chinese calendar) FEB. 16 Commemoration Day of the Birth of Nichiren Shonin

FEB. 10 Commemoration Ceremony observing the completion MAR18-24 Spring Higan of the 100 day Aragyo Ascetic Training FEB. 15 Nirvana Day

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, Shingyo Imai, Advisors. Art Director Alan Rowe