sign in sign up
<<
Home , Hariti

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

No. 237 April 1, 2020 1 Rev. Woo Beop-Hyoen Completes His Fifth Dai-Aragyo By Rev. Kosei Uchida

Priests give a mass Kito Blessing to crowds of family and devotees Rev Woo Beop-Hyoen (left) helps in leading the mass Kito Blessing upon their successful completion of the 100-day Dai-Aragyo ascetic training. at Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple after his fifth round of Dai-Aragyo training.

Shingon Shu practice generally includes experience water purification practice entered the Dai-Aragyo for the first time the Venerable Deity Hariti, and my great fire. A piece of wood called gomagi on seven times a day. Water is believed to in 1999. In retrospect, when I came to supporters and friends who encouraged which phrases or our wishes are take on a mysterious power, purifying Japan to study at Rissho University, I me to keep my practice. From now on, as written is thrown into a sacred fire our defiled bodies and minds. You keep entered the Nichiren Shu dormitory. head priest of Hodoji Temple, I will strive and burned to pray for wishes to come pouring water on yourself and reciting Although I did not understand enough of to save those who suffer mentally and true or to purify ourselves. Water is the as loudly as you can, the , my friends always physically and lead them into a tranquil also used for religious practices in the prayers to the Venerable Deity helped me learn the language as well state through the Lotus Sutra and Namu world. Notable examples are Baptism in Hariti. Hunger, lack of sleep, pain in as the way of reading the Lotus Sutra, Myoho Renge Kyo.” Christianity and ablution in Hinduism. your legs from sitting straight in seiza, the Nichiren Shu doctrines, and the One of his followers from Hodoji Water is indispensable for all living and a hoarse voice caused by endless standard of ceremonies and protocols. Temple who came to see him come out of beings. Ancient civilizations flourished sutra-chanting induce you into a state It is extremely difficult to describe how the Dai-Aragyo-do at 6 a.m. on February by making use of the benefits of rivers of spiritual darkness full of illusion. severe the 100-day ascetic practice is. 10th at the Hokekyoji Temple remarked such as the Nile River, Tigris River and You want to give up and run away. But Nevertheless, I accomplished the 500 with ineffable emotions: “I am greatly Yellow River. Historically water has been you must overcome delusion in order to days completion of Dai-Aragyo, not honored that he completed the 500-days highly esteemed. develop your strong spirit and patience, because of my own effort, but because my ascetic practice. It means a lot to us that Water has an essential role in Nichiren to strengthen your faith, and to realize comrades who shared the lofty aspiration he has polished our deep karma and Shu practice. Water purification practice how many people support you. toward the ascetic practice gave great removed the rust to bring us back to life. is one of the main ascetic practices in Those who have completed the 100-day support to me. Our Founder Nichiren I am proud to be among his followers Nichiren Shu Dai-Aragyo, the great ascetic practice and received instructions Shonin said, ‘Those who aspire to learn at Hodoji Temple. We are all happy to ascetic practice. It is held each winter for conducting special blessings are called Buddhism should always feel grateful for be supporters of Hodoji Temple. We are at Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple in Chiba shuhosshi. Rev. Woo Beop-Hyoen, born the favors they receive and repay them.’ always disciples of Nichiren Shonin, Prefecture from November 1 to February in Korea, completed Dai-Aragyo for the With these words inscribed indelibly on endeavoring to devote ourselves to 10. Priests entering the Dai-Aragyo-do, fifth time this year. He made a touching my mind, I will not forget to have a debt deepen faith in his teachings.” the hall where Dai-Aragyo is held, will comment on his fifth completion, “I of gratitude to the Buddha, our Founder, —Translated by Rev. Sensho Komukai

Procession out of the Dai-Aragyo Gate and around Priests perform a Kito Blessing and water purification ritual at their home temple Temple devotees from South Korea came the compound of Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple. to celebrate their completion of the 100-day Dai-Aragyo ascetic training. to congratulate Rev. Woo Beop-Hyoen. 2 Nichiren Shu News No. 237 April 1, 2020 Protective Deities in Nichiren Shu (1) — Mother-of-Devils or Hariti By Rev. Sensho Komukai they are mourning their lost children?” The Buddha praised them, saying, ‘Your This is because Hariti in the Lotus Hariti finally realized her wrongdoings. merits will be immeasurable when you Sutra chastises enemies who slander Mother-of-Devils, also known as Hariti, She reflected on her evil conduct in the protect those who keep the Lotus Sutra. the . was a yaksa, a female demon, who had past and felt so guilty that she decided to You should protect the teacher of the The statue of Hariti in Nakayama 1,000 children. She often came to the become a disciple of the Buddha, vowing Dharma!’” Nichiren Shonin placed Hokekyoji Temple in Chiba is said to town of Rajagrha in to take human that she would keep the Buddha-Dharma high importance on this. He said with have been carved by Nichiren Shonin. children away and eat them so that she and protect human children. This was conviction, “I realize that Hariti and the At the raid in Komatsubara in 1264, could obtain enough sustenance to the moment that an evil deity became ten raksasis are bound to keep guard he barely escaped death because Hariti raise her 1,000 children. People in the a benevolent one. over those who uphold the sacred title protected him and saved his life. After town were so afraid of Hariti that they As the story shows, Hariti has generally of the Lotus Sutra.” As he faced hard- the Komatsubara Persecution, he stayed asked Shakyamuni Buddha to help with been revered as a protective deity who ships, he more often tried to defend in Hokekyoji Temple for a while, where the trouble she caused. Understanding helps women in pregnancy, to have a himself from external enemies by he carved the statue of Hariti as a sign the grief of the parents who lost their smooth delivery, and for the good care praying for the divine power of Hariti. of his gratitude. children, the Buddha hid the youngest of children. Her figure shows a celestial It is no wonder, therefore, that Hariti Hariti has been revered as a wonder- daughter of Hariti. Going half insane, maiden with a child in her arms and an appears in the Great made by working deity for pregnancy, easy she searched everywhere in the world auspicious fruit in her right hand. The Nichiren Shonin. delivery and child rearing as well as for her lovely daughter but was not able fruit represents protection from harm. Because of this important history, recovery from illness or injuries and to find her. She came to the Buddha and Hariti appears in the Lotus Sutra, Hariti is revered as a protective deity preventing disasters. As a Nichiren Shu asked him where her daughter had gone. especially in Chapter 26, “Dharanis.” in many Nichiren Shu temples. Special follower, it is important to remember that The Buddha replied to Hariti, “You The chapter says, “Mother-of-Devils, kito blessing rituals are conducted in Hariti is a protective deity who vows out have 1,000 children, but you are quite Hariti, and the ten raksasis said front of her statue. You find that some of her compassion depressed just because you lost only simultaneously, ‘We will protect those Hariti images look black with anger to protect children one child. Can you imagine how sad who read, recite and keep the Lotus with her palms together rather than and practicers of and painful human parents feel when Sutra so that they may have no trouble.’ as a celestial maiden holding a child. the Lotus Sutra.

Fierce Protection: Hariti is revered as a fierce protector for women during pregnancy, for easy childbirth, and for the good care of children.

Hariti holds a child with compassion. Hariti Hall in Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple, the special paper ceiling decorations Hariti is also known as Kishimonjin in Japanese. mark the sacred protected area where Hariti is enshrined. EYE-OPENING RITUAL By Rev. Sensho Komukai picture, you are requested to open the the Buddha, is invisible. Therefore, his eyes of the Buddha. As the old proverb voice cannot be depicted in pictures or Have you ever seen a daruma doll? It is says, “Plowing the field, and forgetting statues. Lacking just this one mark, these a round, red-painted doll in the shape the seed,” it does no good to make a images of the Buddha cannot claim to of . A daruma doll is Buddha and not put in a soul. You will be the Buddha.” How can it be possible widely popular as a good-luck charm do well to hold an eye-opening ceremony to bring all 32 marks into existence? symbolizing winning against adversity. to put the sacred spirit into the image, Nichiren Shonin answered, “When When you have something to wish for, statue or picture. we respectfully place the Lotus Sutra you buy a daruma doll and paint in Our Founder Nichiren Shonin referred in front of a wooden or painted image the pupil in one eye. When your wish to “opening the eyes” of Buddhist statues. of the Buddha equipped with 31 marks comes true, you paint in the pupil of the According to him, the Lotus Sutra is of physical excellence, the image itself second eye on the doll. This completes the eyes of the various Buddhas in all becomes the living Buddha.” Why? the eyes-opening ritual for the daruma. the worlds throughout the universe. It is because the written words of the The case of Buddhist images or Especially those who uphold the Lotus Lotus Sutra reveal the true intent of pictures is another story. When you buy Sutra are naturally able to acquire the Buddha. Beyond that, when we because the pure and immaculate voice or receive any Buddhist image, statue or five kinds of eyes: (1) human-eyes, read and recite the Lotus Sutra, the is missing. Only when we take the Lotus (2) divine-eyes, (3) wisdom-eyes, (4) Buddha’s pure and immaculate voice Sutra as his true intent, and then place dharma-eyes, and (5) Buddha-eyes. is expressed in a visible and tangible and read it before the statues or pictures Great importance is attached to the form. The last missing mark is finally can they become the perfect Buddha eye-opening ritual in Nichiren Shu, but activated. Through our voice reciting the equipped with all 32 marks of physical to get the five kinds of eyes is not enough. sutra, the Buddha’s voice will be infused excellence. Nichiren Shonin said in his writing into the statues and pictures. Therefore, called Opening the Eyes of Buddhist Nichiren Shonin asserted, “Those who Images, Wooden Statues or Portraits, read the Lotus Sutra should not regard “The Buddha possesses 32 marks of it as consisting of merely written words. physical excellence. Of the 32 marks, The words of the Lotus Sutra contain 31 are visible, beginning with the lowest, the very spirit of the Buddha.” The the thousand-spoke wheel on the sole of eye-opening ritual is not completed each foot, up to the unseen crown on his without the Lotus Sutra. head. They can be depicted in pictures No matter how excellent works of art or statues. However, the remaining one the Buddha’s images or pictures may be, mark, the pure and immaculate voice of they cannot become the living Buddha, No. 237 April 1, 2020 Nichiren Shu News 3 Founding Day Celebration and One Thousand Chanting Service By Rev. Chishin Hirai, Head Minister, Ankokuronji Temple

FOUNDING DAY CELEBRATION (RIKKYO KAISHU-E) usually carved with his robes. However We say that Nichiren Shu was founded his statue at Ikegami Honmonji wears on April 28, 1253. After a long period of real robes that are changed twice a study and practice in Kyoto and other year. The winter robes are changed places, Nichiren Shonin returned to to summer robes in the spring and Seichoji Temple where he was ordained. changed back from summer robes to He chanted the Odaimoku, Namu winter robes in the fall. It is truly as Myoho Renge Kyo, for the first time though the statue were treated like a facing the rising sun on the summit living person. We must serve him as of Asahigamori. That day has been though he is alive. People donate robes designated as the Founding Day of for him regularly so that a new robe is Nichiren Shu. used for every ceremony. This is a very He did not intend to found a new popular donation among Nichiren Shu Buddhist school. What he did was to members. There is a waiting list to donate chant the Odaimoku to proclaim his robes for him. I also wish to donate robes devotion to initiate the propagation of for him someday. It would be a great the teaching of the Lotus Sutra to as honor. I would be pleased and thrilled if many people as possible. The result of he wore the robes I donated. There is also this was the establishment of Nichiren A Sunrise Proclamation: This statue commemorates Nichiren Shonin chanting the Odaimoku, a similar program at Minobusan Kuonji Shu. This year, 2020, marks the 768th Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, for the first timeon the summit of Asahigamori at Seichoji Temple in Kiyosumi. Temple. The Celebration Ceremony of Anniversary of the Establishment of the Establishment of Nichiren Shu. final twenty-eighth chapter, is recited the One Thousand Chanting Service has is not only to celebrate the birthday of The Lotus Sutra came to Japan a long one thousand times. Since the Lotus been held. Needless to say, to chant the Nichiren Buddhism, but also to think time before Nichiren Shonin. Everyone Sutra is a long sutra, it takes about eight sutra itself is great practice for us. of Nichiren Shonin’s hardships, to understood that the Lotus Sutra was an hours even when chanted at a fast pace. appreciate his teaching and to express important teaching and had faith in it, With the inclusion of lunch and other ONE THOUSAND CHANTING SERVICE (IKEGAMI the joy of our faith. and the sutra had great influence on break times, a single recitation occupies HONMONJI) Ikegami Honmonji is a very I joined the One Thousand Chanting literature and arts in Japan. However, an entire day. If a single person tries to famous temple. It is where Nichiren Service at Ikegami Honmonji for the they didn’t recognize that the sutra chant it a thousand times, it will take Shonin passed away. It is where the first time last year. I was happy, grateful was the most important and highest one thousand days, almost three years. Oeshiki Service, Nichiren Shonin’s and moved as I loudly chanted the Lotus teaching of the Buddha. They didn’t Therefore, the One Thousand Chanting memorial service, is held each year Sutra and the Odaimoku with many appreciate the distinctions between the Service is usually done by one hundred on October 13, attended by many other ministers. I could really taste the various , so they practiced the ministers. One hundred ministers chant worshipers. Ikegami Honmonji has joy of our faith. Last year, I also joined Lotus Sutra together with other sutras. the sutra every day for ten days. This many programs other than Oeshiki. the One Thousand Chanting Service held On the contrary, Nichiren Shonin said results in the chanting of the Lotus Sutra One of them is the One Thousand Chant- at Hikigayatsu Myohonji to celebrate that the Buddha expounded everything one thousand times. ing Service in April. the Establishment of Nichiren Shu about his awakening in the Lotus Sutra. In Japan, there is a record of the first Ikegami Honmonji holds the One Buddhism. For this reason, it has been recognized One Thousand Chanting Service being Thousand Chanting Service April as the preeminent sutra in the held about 1,300 years ago. There are 27-29 each year. During this period, ONE THOUSAND CHANTING SERVICE (OTHER and Nichiren . some temples, such as Minobusan they have two services a day, in the TEMPLES) Many temples announce events Nichiren Shonin also said that the Kuonji, Ikegami Honmonji, Hikigayatsu morning and afternoon, wherein they on the Internet, including their One Odaimoku is the essence of the Lotus Myohonji, and Horinouchi Myohoji, chant the entirety of the Lotus Sutra Thousand Chanting Services. These Sutra. When we chant the Odaimoku, that regularly hold the service to this straight through. Specifically, on the are usually open to the public so that we will be led to awakening. Nichiren day. They conduct the service in their first day, they chant the sutra for the anyone can attend. If possible, please Shonin chanted the Odaimoku by own way, since it is now hard to keep deceased families of all their members join the service. Below is a schedule of himself and encouraged others to do one hundred ministers for ten days. The in the morning and for the deceased the services at major temples in Japan. so. His life of many hardships started variety of ways this service is practiced families of their special supporters in the from that moment on the summit of makes the Nichiren Shu events more afternoon. On the second day, they chant APRIL 5 Katase Ryukoji Temple Asahigamori. That is why we say that colorful and unique. the sutra for the changing ceremony of 3-13-37 Katase, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Nichiren Shu was established there at The purpose of the One Thousand Nichiren Shonin’s robes in the morning APRIL 13 Hikigayatsu Myohonji Temple that time. Therefore, all Nichiren Shu Chanting Service is to offer a prayer at and in celebration of the Establish- 1-15-1 Omachi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa temples have special events to celebrate someone’s memorial, or for repaying ment of Nichiren Buddhism in the this Founding Day on April 28. the favor or blessing for others, and for afternoon. On the last day, they chant the APRIL 15-18 Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple 2-10-1 Nakayama, Ichikawa City, Chiba deceased family members. It is also done sutra for the healthy raising of children ONE THOUSAND CHANTING SERVICE (SENBU-E) to offer a prayer for Nichiren Shonin, in the morning and for world peace in APRIL 27-29 Ikegami Honmonji Temple Have you ever heard the term, ‘Senbu-e’? who devoted his life to propagation, to the afternoon. 1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo ‘Senbu-e’ is an abbreviation of ‘Hokekyo express our gratitude to him since we can These are all important services. We MAY 3-5 Minobusan Kuonji Temple Senbu Dokuju-e,’ literally meaning ‘One have faith in the Lotus Sutra and chant should pay more attention to the two 3567 Minobu, Minobu-cho, Thousand Chanting Service.’ It refers to the Odaimoku because of his efforts. It is services on the second day. The statue Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi the service for chanting the Lotus Sutra also to pray that the teaching of the Lotus of Nichiren Shonin in the Daido at MAY 11-13 Horinouchi Myohoji Temple one thousand times. In this service, the Sutra spreads widely so that all people Ikegami Honmonji is the oldest statue 3-48-8 Horinouchi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo whole Lotus Sutra, from the first to the in the world will be happier. That’s why of him. Nichiren Shonin’s statue is

Archbishop Kanno leads the One Thousand Chanting Service at Ikegami Honmonji Temple in Tokyo. Power in Numbers: 100 priests reciting the entire Lotus Sutra. 4 Nichiren Shu News No. 237 April 1, 2020

ceremony began with him taking an oath, with his hair closely cropped, wearing a monk’s robe. In this ceremony called Tokudo Shiki, Seattle Enkyoji Nichiren Temple the priest-to-be vows to “keep the precepts Mamiko Cederman as a Nichiren Shu monk and to continue to receive training to become a Nichiren Shu Fundraisers priest.” After this pre-Tokudo ceremony, Mochi Pounding and Shishimai Kalei will have to attend the formal A mochi tsuki, or mochi-pounding party ceremony at Kiyosumi Temple in Chiba was held at the home of one of our members prefecture, Japan, the same temple where on December 28. We made five kilograms This year we held one on January4 at Nichiren Shonin received his Tokudo. He of mochi for offerings for the temple altar the Wing Luke Museum and another will then be recognized as an apprentice and for the altars in our members’ homes. on January 26 at the Kawabe House, a who is allowed to be trained and eventually Later, we enjoyed a potluck dinner and Japanese Senior Home. The Shishimai become a priest after finishing the 35-day made zenzai, a sweet azuki bean paste with presented a mikan, or Japanese tangerine, Penang Ichinenji Temple Shingyo Dojo at Minobusan Kuonji mochi, and isobe mochi, mochi wrapped to each guest and nipped the heads of the Rev. Kenin Ito Temple. After that, he will then be able in seaweed. guests for good luck throughout the year! to wear the white garment with the black Celebrating We hope to hold this mochi-pounding robe in public. Our Founder’s Birthday event every other month as a fundraiser Honolulu Myohoji Temple After the ceremony, a special service for the future of our temple. Daniel Liu, President of the Board The temple celebrated the799th birthday was held to celebrate the 799th birthday of We also hold a Shishimai, or Lion Dance, of Our Founder, Nichiren Shonin on Our Founder, Nichiren Shonin, who was 90th Anniversary Coming Up every New Years as a fundraiser. Sunday, February 16. Around 60 members born in Awa, Kominato, Chiba in 1222. Honolulu Myohoji Temple will celebrate gathered at Ichinenji Temple and took part its 90th Anniversary on Sunday, Septem- in the Sunday service. Afterwards, we all ber 27. This is a milestone for the temple celebrated by sharing a birthday cake! and reflects on our history! The main celebration will take place at the 100 Sails, Nichiren Mission of Hawaii formerly known as Waikiki Prince Hotel Rev. Shokai Kanai in Waikiki. Having it at this venue will Tokudo Ceremony make coordination of logistics much easier for the volunteers from the temple and for On February 16, we held a Tokudo the visiting ministers, who won’t have to ceremony for member Kalei Kini (63). worry about transportation issues. Kalei has been serving as a member of We will keep you updated on more the temple for more than a decade and information about this event. decided on his own to receive Tokudo. The

THE OLDEST HOKKE-DO HALL AT ONSHOJI TEMPLE, INA CITY, NAGANO

Nichiren Shu Shimbun There is a of treasures placed role in the revival of Minobusan Kuonji the Takato area have traditionally kept on an altar called shumidan in the Temple, converted the temple from their own faith in the Lotus Sutra called Onshoji Temple, located in Takato Hokke-do Hall. Within the stupa, Tendai Shu to Nichiren Shu in 1473. “Takato Hokke.” Town of Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is Onshoji Temple is situated in the Onshoji Temple also has a Shichimen- is designated as a Nichiren Shu historic enshrined and surrounded by the Four middle of the “Lotus Road” that connects do, Hall of the Celestial Maiden site. This is because the Hokke-do, a Heavenly Kings. Shinano Province and Kai Province Shichimen. It was built in the 18th hall used for chanting the Lotus Sutra, Onshoji Temple was founded in 820 and makes it possible for Nichiren Shu century and is known as the “peony is recognized as the oldest Hokke-do by Grand Master Saicho. Gyogaku-in devotees to travel to and from Minobu- temple,” because as many as 2,000 peony Hall in Nichiren Shu. Nitcho Shonin, who played a leading san Kuonji Temple. The followers in flowers bloom in season.

The Stupa of Treasures on the Hokke-do altar. Onshoji Temple was founded by Grand Master Saicho in 820 and has the oldest Hokke-do. The peaceful rock garden next to Hokke-do.

Calendar for April 2020–May 2020

APR 8 Hanamatsuri (Buddha’s Birthday) MAY 7 Wesak Day in Southeast Asia (Buddha’s Birthday, Enlightenment, and Observed) APR 15-18 Nakayama Hokekyoji Senbu-e (1,000 Recitations of the Lotus Sutra) MAY 12 760 Izu Honan-e (Ceremony commemorating the 760th Anniversary APR 27-29 Ikegami Honmonji Senbu-e (1,000 Recitations of the Lotus Sutra) of the Izu Persecution) APR 28 768 Rikkyo Kaishu-e (768th Anniversary of the Founding of the Order)

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 Sensho Komukai, Editor, Shinkyo Warner, Assistant Editor, Kosei Uchida, Staff Writer, Sandra Seki, Advisor. Art Director Alan Rowe