Shu News Published bythe Nichiren Shu Headquarters & Kaigai Fukyo Koenkai

No. 164 February 1, 2008 1 New Year’s Greeting: ‘Let Us Chant the Odaimoku to Develop Buddha-nature’

seed in our minds? feel, even when you are By Archbishop Nichiji Sakai, Nichiren Shonin preaches in his asleep or awake, or Nichiren Shu Order letter written to Nun Myoho-ama, when you stand up or Happy New Year to you all! We “Say ‘Namu Myoho Renge Kyo’ and sit, you who practice the hope to keep our mind and body in your Buddha-nature will never fail to teaching of the Lotus good shape and to have vivid and come out.” Sutra should not stop cheerful days throughout the year. This is an important point. The chanting the sacred title, Venerable Rev. Taido Matsubara, Odaimoku, ‘Namu Myoho Renge ‘Namu Myoho Renge the President of the Namu Associa- Kyo,’ extracts the essence of the Lotus Kyo,’ at any moment. tion, who will be 101 years old this Sutra. Therefore, to chant ‘Namu By using this sacred year, says in his poem: Myoho Renge Kyo’ means to devote title as a weapon, you No matter who you are or no mat- all yourself to the , to take should chant ‘Namu ter who I am, in the essence of the Lotus Sutra. Myoho Renge Kyo,’ We are all the children of the Bud- ‘Namu Myoho Renge Kyo’ which sincerely wishing to see dha. Nichiren Shonin uttered is the assimi- the true aspect of the We all have the Enlightened One lation of himself into the title itself; in Lotus Sutra with your in our minds. short, Nichiren Shonin himself is own eyes.” Let us respect each other. ‘Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.’ By chanting the Let us believe each other. Following the teaching of the sacred title, ‘Namu It means that all human beings Lotus Sutra, we chant ‘Namu Myoho Myoho Renge Kyo,’ I have beautiful seeds in them. Yet these Renge Kyo’ morning and evening. hope you all develop seeds will never germinate if there is That is the sunlight and nourishment Buddha-nature and no sun to warm them and no water to of water to cultivate our Buddha- deepen the self-aware- nourish them. Likewise, unless it is seeds. ness of being the true carefully nurtured, a seed of minds (a The Zen master Hakuin, who is aspect of human beings Buddha-seed) cannot develop itself, said to have restored the Rinzai Zen in throughout the year. and will turn into a waste of talent. , tells us, “No matter how anx- (Trans. by Rev. Then, how can we grow a beautiful ious, painful, sad, or happy you may Sensho Komukai) Archbishop Nichiji Sakai

Country,” trying to plant a Buddha- seed in people’s mind, though he had ‘The Saha World Is the Pure Land to go through a severe life. In his poem “Be not Defeated by the Rain . . .” Kenji Miyazawa looked on a of the Original True Buddha’ blockhead as himself who would like to have a life. Miyazawa, there was a scene in which Looking back on their careers, I By Archbishop Joshin Komatsu, Giovanni says, “I think we do not think both Nichiren and Kenji Chief Administrator, have to go to heaven. My teacher told Miyazawa were able to sense people’s Nichiren Shu Order me that we must make a better world sorrow and suffering much more Our “Rissho Ankoku-Odaimoku here than heaven.” We can sense a keenly than any other person. Kechien Campaign” earnestly started strong message of Nichiren Shonin in Our campaign, the goal of which is on April 1 last year. It is recommend- each word of Kenji Miyazawa, who to establish a peaceful land with ed that all Nichiren Buddhists should was a devotee of the Lotus Sutra. peaceful minds by respecting each pay homage to our Founder’s moun- “Here” mentioned by Giovanni is no other, largely depends on the efforts of tain, Minobusan. Induced by Nichiren other than where we live. “My Nichiren Buddhists. Each individual Buddhists, many non-Nichiren Bud- teacher” can be Sakyamuni Buddha or all over the world is asked to be a dhists visited Minobusan. I heard that Nichiren Shonin. devotee to the Lotus Sutra, who as a they are all delighted, having a joyful The Original Sakyamuni Buddha Bodhisattva from the soil or as a time. was, is and will be wishing to lead us “blockhead” can have a deep sympa- Ministers and lay devotees have all to Buddhahood, while Nichiren thy for all the joy, and pleasure, or sor- kept the mausoleum of Nichiren Sho- Shonin taught us that this Saha World row and suffering of others. nin as a sacred place where our where we all endure sufferings, is the (Trans. by Rev. Sensho Komukai) Founder’s spirit has resided for more Pure Land of the Original True Bud- than 700 years since it was established dha. according to his will. I am sure Mino- Archbishop Joshin Komatsu Accordingly, we find that the vow Events busan will remain as a holy mountain to make this world better than any December 2007ÐJanuary 2008 where people feel at peace. Therefore, I can’t stop wishing that other world, which Kenji Miyazawa Dec. 8: Buddha’s Enlightenment Day We are so fortunate to follow the the world would be as sacred a place mentions through Giovanni, is equal Dec. 5Ð9: 3rd Sodorin Training Course right steps Nichiren Shonin showed us as Minobusan because I feel the to the one that Nichiren Shonin is at the Seichoji Temple, Chiba, and to have an opportunity to chant atmosphere of Minobusan, where I wishing to build in this world by attended by 27 shamis, including four the Odaimoku, ‘Namu Myoho Renge hear ‘Namu Myoho Renge Kyo’ establishing righteousness, that is, to from overseas in preparation for the Shingyo Dojo Kyo,’ that we know how precious it is chanted constantly, is really valuable. set up a peaceful Buddha-land always Jan. l: Memorial Day Service for Nichiji to have faith in him and how delight- As we try to promote the “Rissho full of heavenly and human beings. Shonin ful it is to have a wonderful life. Turn- Ankoku-Odaimoku Kechien Cam- Following the way of Never- Jan. 13: Otoko-e, New Year’s event on ing to the world, however, we find it paign” worldwide, let me briefly Despising Bodhisattva, who only Minobusan to offer greetings to our covered with miserable and depress- explain the attitude we Nichiren Bud- bows and praises anybody, Nichiren Founder ing events. Under such a stressful con- dhists should take. Shonin submitted to the military gov- Jan. 21: Memorial Day Service for Nichi- ro Shonin dition people today are tired of living In a famous novel, “Night on the ernment his “Essay to Establish Right- by Rev. Tsuoh Yokoi and at a loss for what they should be. Galactic Railroad” written by Kenji eousness to Secure the Peace of Our 2 No.164, February 1, 2008 Nichiren Shu News

He must have thought what human beings were, and whether it was good The Life of Sakyamuni Buddha (3) or not that He had been living in com- fort in order to save old people, sick By Rev. Shinkai Oikawa, Litt. D. people, dead people and people with problems living in the towns. Such 5. Studies in the olden times were This is true, too. thoughts may have driven Him to run 5. to learn by heart An example is a sutra in the “Shin- away from home. This is the starting Although Sakyamuni liked to kokuyaku-daizo-kyo (The New Japan- point of religion. escape from such a chaotic world, He ese Translation of the Entire Buddhist Nevertheless, it is a drastic decision could not avoid practicing such martial Scriptures)” which I translated. There for anyone to become a priest by dis- arts as archery and wrestling. Of course is no latter half of the sutra. It is written carding his family. Sakyamuni made He studied, too. As for studies, they on its last page, “I cannot remember such a drastic decision at the age of 29. had neither letters nor written sutras in any more.” And then it is written, Up until then Sakyamuni wore showy those days. Therefore, all they had to “People will come one after another to clothes, had three palaces to live in for do for studies was to learn by heart, bring the same sutra as this one after summer, winter and the rainy season, namely stuffing their heads with me. Please add to this, then.” In other and got away with doing everything in knowledge. words, it is said, “I brought the sutra in His own way with ladies in attendance Letters appeared in the times of my memory.” around Him. And we can guess He had Emperor Asoka, around 300 B.C. We Rev. Shinkai Oikawa Human brains are as excellent as three wives, including well-known know this because there exist the rock this example. They are wonderful. For Yasodhara.- He led such a happy life. edicts of Asoka that are a collection of the disaster at all. example, a pianist plays the piano with- Everything got changed one day sud- inscriptions carved in a natural rock Only people who are alive can learn out a musical score. We easily wonder denly. face. There still remain seventeen or something by heart. Almost all died how a pianist can play in this way. But Sakyamuni left his palaces on the eighteen such edicts in India. and no one could memorize anything, it is quite possible. You all have had back of His favorite horse named Kan- Researchers proved that these are the but the Buddhist teachings had to sur- such a treasure as this since your birth. thaka, waded across the Anoma River letters of King Asoka’s times, about vive even in manuscripts. Therefore, I hope you will do your best. on the state border, shaved His own 300 B.C. These cannot be called letters, people began to write sutras for this hair by Himself, took off all His because they are very plain and ele- purpose. In the beginning they were not 6. Sakyamuni’s ‘Leaving the Home’ clothes, put on the shabby clothes of a mentary. willing to write sutras but were obliged As for Sakyamuni’s study, we can hunter, that is to say, rags of wandering Ordinary letters appeared in India to do so as there was no other choice. assume He studied many things till He around in the woods, and set out on a about 2,000 years ago, around the We have already degenerated so was 20 years old because the Indian journey for Buddhist ascetic practices beginning of the Christian Era, and much that we could not even read writ- people study till they are 20 years old. with the very least of personal belong- sutras began to be written. Indian let- ten sutras. Human beings have kept on Sakyamuni was married when He ings. As for the least of personal ters are phonograms that show only degrading little by little. If we do not finished his studies. He married belongings, there are eight for a priest: sounds, not ideograms like Chinese use our brain we become senile easily, Princess Yasodhara- from a neighboring three pieces of robes or “three robes,” characters that show meanings from I am afraid. People used their brain country. He had a son named Rahula.- that is to say, an outer robe, a middle their own shapes. very hard in ancient times. I have a He left them and became a priest, how- robe and an under robe. And then Sutras were all memorized in the good example. You know the terms ever. Although it sounds good to be a comes an alms-bowl. Next, a belt and a olden times, and people were reluctant such as Silk Road and Tripitaka mas- priest, in brief, He ran away from razor for shaving the head. The seventh to write sutras in letters because they ters, don’t you? It is said that they home. consists of needles and threads for would not be memorized if written in brought a lot of Buddhist sutras on Sakyamuni discarded His wife, sewing. The eighth, a water strainer to letters or characters. People worked camel backs on a very long journey child, father, mother, and throne, and filter muddy river water before drink- hard to memorize sutras when there from India to China with many diffi- left home when He was 29 years old. I ing it. These are eight pieces of person- were no letters or characters. We do not culties. In the case of Hsüan-chuang cannot explain how, but I can easily al belongings for a priest. Sakyamuni try to memorize words or characters (Genjo Sanzo), it took him 16 years to guess that He embittered all members started on a journey for Buddhist today because we have personal com- go to India and return. It is an extreme- of His family as a result. Why did He ascetic practices with them. puters. Convenience makes us all ly long journey, isn’t it? Nowadays we run away from His family, make them (Trans. by Rev. Kanshu Naito) degenerate. can travel there aboard an airplane and sad and become a priest? (to be continued) Sutras were written in letters 2,000 be back tomorrow. But it took sixteen It is easy to under- years ago. Once sutras were written, years to go there and return in those stand why if we say people did not try to memorize them, days. What is more, with pieces of lug- that He sought after though they memorized them very hard gage, don’t you think it is very trouble- “spiritual enlighten- before. At first, they insisted that they some and painful? ment.” I suppose He would never write sutras. But sutras In reality, however, it was not really was not satisfied to were written at last, because people so much. They did not have such a live in comfort in his who remembered sutras all died. This hard time. What did they do then? royal palace, but was is absolutely true. Once an epidemic They memorized everything. Actually afraid He would com- broke out in ancient times, many peo- they put everything necessary for them pletely degenerate ple died at once because medicine was in their brains, and came back with no soon if He continued not highly developed. There are a lot of heavy luggage. In fact, there are many to live such a life of records showing that 2,000 or 3,000 such examples. There were some prob- luxury. He may have people died of an epidemic. They had lems, of course. They sometimes forgot thought many things, no means to protect themselves against something important on the way home. I guess. At any rate, Sakyamuni leaving his palaces on Kanthaka

aged Nichiren , occurred in 1579. Everything was transient. Year of the Rat of Senior Earth Nobunaga himself was killed in Hon- giving) Nikkei in front of the master (Nichi- noji in 1582. By Rev. Shoko Ito School” and den), the master said, ‘The condition of Both chapters of the Magic City President, Nichiren Shu Newspaper “the Origin the world is getting terrible. People are and Encouragement show how to This year’s animal is the rat. The 12 and Develop- tired and cannot bear anymore. You undergo and overcome hardships with animals of the Asian lunar calendar are ment of the should read the chapters of the Magic the power of faith. I cannot recognize well known. Actually there are 60 com- Fuju-fuse City and Encouragement over and much difference between the current binations in the calendar from the rat of School” are over.’” world and the world Nichiden senior wood (kinoe-ne) to the boar of still highly This was an instruction of Nichiden, described 420 years ago. junior water (mizunoto-i) based on the regarded as the 20th head priest of the Myokakuji Our Founder, Nichiren Shonin, pic- 12 animals and the 5 components of the masterpieces Temple of Kyoto, left to Nichio, who tured the suffering of the people in his world. The 60th birthday is called a cir- Rev. Shoko Ito in the study of succeeded his master as the head priest “Rissho Ankoku-ron.” Since then, the cuit of the calendar. Nichiren Bud- of the temple. tradition of his followers and us has Thirty-six years ago falls in the dhism. It was the year of the rat of senior been carrying on the faith while facing same year of the rat of senior earth Under Prof. Miyazaki’s guidance, I earth, 1588, just 420 years ago. I feel the real world. (tsuchinoe-ne). A scene of my college studied “Bandai-kikyo-roku (Record of that this happened not so long ago as it Now, at the beginning of the year of life is fondly remembered as I was the Monastic Mirror for 10,000 years),” was only seven circuits of the calendar. the rat of senior earth, we, Nichiren fol- studying at the Rissho University in a selection of the writings of Fuju-fuse Toyotomi Hideyoshi came into lowers are commissioned to spread the those years. Professor Eishu Miyazaki scholars. power after Oda Nobunaga on his way Odaimoku and the teaching of the was teaching us the history of Nichiren I found the following phrase in the to unifying the country. Still the era Lotus Sutra. Let us do our best to serve Shu. writing, “On the 20th of the 12th month was unstable in the vortex of war. as the nucleus of the “Odaimoku and Prof. Miyazaki’s “A Study of the in the year of the rat of senior earth, Nobunaga set fire to Mt. Hiei in 1571. Peace” campaign. Forbidden Fuju-fuse (not receiving nor while I (Nichio) was talking with The Azuchi debate, that critically dam- (Trans. by Rev. Kanshin Mochida) Nichiren Shu News No.164, February 1, 2008 3

Nichiren further states that the Lotus Nichiren Shonin and His Lay Followers (3) Sutra is the supreme True Dharma attested to the truth by the “three Bud- dhas (Sakyamuni Buddha, the Buddha was in two places, able to understand the teaching of of Many Treasures, and Buddhas of By Rev. Kanji Tamura and he had three Nichiren. Manifestation).” It is the “direct copy” Professor, Rissho University brothers (an elder In the ninth month of the ninth year in letters of Sakyamuni Buddha’s and two younger). of Bun’ei (1272), Kingo sent a mes- voice preaching the True Dharma. Nichiren Shonin and Shijo Kingo During the senger carrying various articles of Therefore, the Lotus Sutra itself is the Yorimoto (1) Persecution of Ta- donation all the way to Sado request- living Sakyamuni Buddha. Shijo Kingo (1245-1300, though tsunokuchi in the ing Nichiren to hold the third year Thus Nichiren told Kingo, “The some disagree) and Toki Jonin were ninth month of the memorial service for his late mother. characters of this sutra are equipped probably the two most influential fol- eighth year of Nichiren wrote a thank-you letter in with the intent of the Buddha. For lowers of Nichiren Shonin. Also called Rev. Bun’ei (1271), as return, stating first that the dissemina- instance, the seed, seedling, and rice Nakatsukasa Saemonnojo, Yorimoto, Kanji Tamura Nichiren himself tion of Buddhism depends on the faith plant are different in appearance, but as his father had been, was a retainer writes, many dis- of the ruler of the country and explain- they are all equal in essence. The same of the Ema (or Nagoe) family, a rela- ciples and lay followers of Nichiren, as ing it with examples how the quality of is true with Sakyamuni Buddha and tive of the main branch of the Hojo many as 999 out of 1,000 of them, the ruler influences the fate of a coun- the letters of the Lotus Sutra; they look clan, performing chiefly office work. retreated, causing the Nichiren Order try. Nichiren continues to write in this different but are the same in essence. Yorimoto held an imperial government of Buddhism to be at the brink of letter that the country of those who Therefore, when you see the letters of post of Saemonnojo, which was extinction. Shijo Kingo also was about slander the True Dharma will the Lotus Sutra, you should consider known as Kingo according to the to be deprived of feudal territories and inevitably be destroyed and that meeting with the living Sakyamuni T’ang office system. Accordingly exiled only to be saved through the Nichiren has encountered various diffi- Buddha.” And Nichiren praised Shijo Yorimoto was also called Shijo Kingo. mediation of his lord, Ema Mitsutoki. culties as he tried to stop slandering Kingo saying that it was the utmost It is said that the Shijo family had been When Nichiren was about to be the True Dharma. expression of filial piety to hold a followers of the Hojos in Izu even beheaded at Tatsunokuchi, Kingo Appreciating the various goods memorial service through this precious before the Hojos rose against the Taira together with his three brothers rushed donated by Kingo for the third memor- Lotus Sutra and that Sakyamuni Bud- clan together with Minamoto Yorito- to Nichiren who was being led to the ial service for his mother, Nichiren dha would never fail to recognize mo, and therefore the fief of the Shijo execution ground, begging to follow then praises him saying that the merit Kingo’s deep kindness of sending family was located in Izu. him in death. Later, Nichiren writes in of giving a donation to a messenger of offering all the way to the Province of Shijo Kingo had been Nichiren’s his letter from Minobusan, “Indeed I the Buddha who spreads the Lotus Sado. follower even before Nichiren was do remember that when I was about to Sutra (e.g. Nichiren Shonin) is superi- (Trans. K. H.) exiled to Izu. As Nichiren had a thatch be beheaded you followed me holding or to supporting numerous Buddhas. (to be continued) hut at the Nagoe Matsubagayatsu sec- the muzzle of my horse and cried in tion of Kamakura to engage in propa- agony. How will I ever forget it in the gation activities, it was probably in the future!” It seems that Kingo’s resi- neighborhood of the Ema (Nagoe) dence was then confiscated by the family residence, where Kingo Kamakura military government. worked. Thus it is believed that Thus Shijo Kingo remained a faith- Nichiren and Kingo became acquaint- ful follower of Nichiren throughout his ed during the early days of Nichiren’s life. After escaping death at Ta- propagation in Kamakura. tsunokuchi, Nichiren then was exiled Kingo’s wife, who was named to Sado. In the second month of the “Nichigen” by Nichiren Shonin, was ninth year of Bun’ei (1272), Nichiren, two years older than Kingo and both on the island of Sado, wrote the were devoted followers of Nichiren. It “Kaimoku-sho (Open Your Eyes to the is confirmed by an existing letter that Lotus Teaching)” as a keepsake from Nichigen received guidance from himself and sent it, first of all, to Shijo Nichiren when she was in the unlucky Kingo. It explains that Kingo was rec- age of 33. According to Nichiren’s let- ognized as a leader of the sangha by its ters, Yorimoto had no children, his fief founder. It also shows that Kingo was Statues of Shijo Kingo and Nichigen, his wife enshrined at the Habano-bo Temple, Minobusan The 8th Anniv. of Dragon Palace Temple: ‘World Peace Depends on Our Minds’ At the ceremony Rev. Mochida said to By Rev. Sensho Komukai the attendees, “We are very thankful The Dragon Palace Temple, and happy to know that you are chant- Kamptee, India, marked its eighth ing the Odaimoku, ‘Namu Myoho anniversary on November 24, 2007. Renge Kyo,’ believing in Sakyamuni The service was conducted by Rev. Buddha through the guidance of Ms. Kansen Mochida, the leader of the del- Suleka Kumbhare. egation of the Nichiren Shu Interna- “She said eight years ago at the tional Buddhist Friendship Association inauguration ceremony of the Dragon from Japan. Palace Temple, ‘Even the world peace The temple was established on depends on our minds. True peace November 23, 1999, by Ms. Suleka emerges when we throw away the Kumbhare with the support of Ms. mind of violence, vowing not to take Noriko Ogawa. Since then the delega- the lives of others. This must be done tion has visited it to officiate the through us chanting the Odaimoku, anniversary ceremony every year on and through encouraging others to An elderly devotee the full moon day of November. chant the Odaimoku.’ This year some 10,000 local people “Please let us chant ‘Namu Myoho attended the service and the ceremony. Renge Kyo’ for happiness!” Ms. Suleka Kumbhare

Rev. Kansen Mochida (front row, third from right) and delegation Night view of the Dragon Palace Temple Students chanting Odaimoku 4 No.164, February 1, 2008 Nichiren Shu News 平成20年2月1日 第164号

“Toshikoshi Soba” which lit- out the year. He gave ofuda erally means “passing over to (blessing tablets) to each fami- Church Events the new year soba.” Soba is ly after the service. Otoso sake long and this means long life. sips for good health were also By Sandra Seki People pray for a long life by served after the service. eating soba at the end of the areas. Revs. Faulconer, Noble Paths: 1) Right View, 2) year. Life in Las Vegas NORTHEASTERN Kumakura, and Cederman Right Thought, 3) Right Crane: “Tsuru wa sennen, By Bishop Shokai Kanai UNITED STATES would like to implement new Speech, 4) Right Action, 5) Kame wa mannen,” is a Since moving to Las programs and practices in this Right Livelihood, 6) Right Japanese proverb to express Vegas, I wake up early in the Newsletter Published part of the country. With the Effort, 7) Right Mindfulness, long life. It means that cranes morning and worship the The Nichiren Shu Sanghas sanghas all being so close to and 8) Right Meditation. live for a thousand years and morning star (Venus), and of the Northeastern U.S. con- each other, they would like to I believe that by following turtles live for ten thousand. other stars as well as the moon sisting of New York Nichiren create an atmosphere where the above, we will be able to Rake: The rake is used to from my backyard. I chant the Buddhist Sangha (New York, the sanghas could grow accumulate merits for a good collect leaves. The rake with a Odaimoku and after a short Rev. Shogen Kumakura), together. karma in the future. Let us be New Year’s decoration in the rest, I go for a walk to a park Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of “I hope that everyone will grateful for the good karma basket means that it will col- nearby before sunrise. Greater New England work toward a unified and that we have received and lect good luck and good busi- I chant the Jigage at the (Boston, Rev. Ryuoh Faulcon- strong group of members here continue to accumulate merits ness. end of chapter 16 of the Lotus er), Western New York in the Northeastern region. We for our future. Salt: Salt is used to purify Sutra and a phrase from chap- Nichiren Buddhist Sangha hope to continue our efforts to Let us remember and apply things in Japan. There is a ter 21, “As the rays of the sun (Buffalo, Rev. Kanjin Ceder- spread the wonderful Dharma the concepts of the teaching small packet of Hawaiian salt and the moon eliminate all man), Rochester Nichiren Shu throughout the world.” throughout our daily lives so in the basket, which has been darkness of the world, this Buddhist Sangha (Rochester, that it will pave the way blessed by the ministers. person takes away suffering of Rev. Kanjin Cederman), and SAN JOSE towards our enlightenment as Otoshidama: This is not in all people.” Maine Nichiren Shu Fellow- well as enrich our lives and the basket but it is a tradition After coming home I do ship (Gorham, Maine, Rev. Karma those around us. at New Year for children in the morning service. As you Ryuoh Faulconer), started By Rev. Arnold Matsuda Japan. In the U.S. children get know the rays of the sun, the issuing its newsletter. Karma refers to an action HONOLULU presents at Christmas. Like- moon, and the stars illuminate The first winter issue was and its consequences. It is also wise, in Japan, children get darkness and give energy to distributed last month. This called the law of cause and Support for the Poor monetary gifts called “otoshi- all living beings, so I would newsletter named “Gyo” effect. Conditions in the pre- The temple asks the con- dama,” from adults at New like to bring happiness and (Practice) will be published sent were caused by our gregation to bring toiletries Year. “Toshi” means year and harmony to everyone who vis- quarterly and it will include actions of the body, speech, like toothpaste, toothbrushes, “dama” means coins, so in the its the Kannon Temple. People articles from the ministers of and mind in the past and con- shampoo, conditioner (things past the otoshidama consisted call Las Vegas, “Sin City,” but the Northeastern U.S. Sanghas ditions of the future are caused tourists may bring home from of coins, today it has become I hope and pray that this city as well as from lay members by our actions of the body, hotel bathrooms or airplane bills! will become the Buddha Land. of the sangha. If anyone is speech, and mind in the pre- trips). These items will be Hoshimatsuri and Setsubun interested in writing articles or sent. taken to the River of Life Mis- LAS VEGAS comments please e-mail, call Karma, however, is differ- sion in the downtown area to Setsubun means “divide or write to Revs. Faulconer, ent from fate or destiny. The support the homeless and indi- ‘Radiance’ seasons” in Japanese. Accord- Kumakura, or Cederman. Buddha taught us that gent people as a bodhisattva This is the name of the first ing to the ancient Japanese Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer of “According to the seed that is practice. newsletter published by Rev. calendar it is the eve of spring. the Myogyoji Temple in sown, so is the fruit you reap. Shokai Kanai, who has moved During the Setsubun service Boston states: “A year has The doer of good will gather New Year’s Celebration to Las Vegas to propagate those who were born in the passed since I became the resi- good results. The doer of evil in the Japanese Culture at the Year of the Rat will throw dent minister of the Boston reaps evil results. If you plant This year as a fundraiser, Nichiren Buddhist Kannon roasted soybeans to the con- Myogyoji. The roots of a a good seed, then you will the Nichiren Mission made Temple of Nevada. gregation to chase away the sangha have been nurtured enjoy good fruit.” special New Year’s baskets. Propagation of the evil spirits. Hopefully, attend- and sturdy roots take time to So you may ask yourself, Inside the baskets were sever- Odaimoku in Nevada began ing this ceremony will cleanse grow. I have met many won- “How can I accumulate merits al items related to New Year’s on New Year’s Day with the your evil minds. derful people and hopefully and bring good karma to celebration in Japan. Many sunrise chanting at Red Rock Those born in the years: will be able to create a bridge myself, my family, friends and questions were asked about Canyon. The first official 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, to help build a strong and at large to the whole world in why certain items were used. blessing for visitors was held 1984, 1996, and 2008 are born prosperous sangha. the future?” Rev. Shingyo Imai has at 10.30 a.m. at his temple in in the Year of the Rat. An “Two new ministers were I believe that the way to explained the significance of Las Vegas. amulet will be presented at ordained in 2007 and both accumulate merit is to follow some of these items: It included a kito blessing your request. Please contact have already started creating one of Buddha’s fundamental Soba: In Japan, people eat to bless the visitor’s good Bishop Kanai at (702) 396- sanghas in their respective teachings called the Eightfold soba (any kind of soba) as the health and prosperity through- 6276.

Bishamonten Visitors flock the Seven Deities of Good Fortune. This Ebisu Deity of Good Busi- Yoritomo, the founder of the Zenkokuji Temple, Shinjuku, in deity is also one of the four guardian ness Kamakura Shogunate, first dedicat- during the first three days of the New deities of the four directions in Bud- The Hongakuji Temple, ed a shrine in Kamakura to Ebisu, Year to pray to Bishamonten, one of the dhism. He protects the northern sphere. Kamakura, is crowded on the first now enshrined in Hongakuji. three days of the New Year and Jan. (Story by Rev. Hoyu Maruyama; 9 and 10 with the visitors who pray Photo by Rev. Gyoo Uesaka) for good business to Ebisu, the Deity of Wealth and Commerce. Visitors receive bamboo twigs decorated with good-luck tokens from for- tune girls dressed in eboshi hat, suikan short coat, and red hakama skirt. Minamoto no

Nichiren Shu News c/o NICHIREN SHU Shumuin Editorial Board: 1-32-15, Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-8544, Japan Tel. 03-3751-7181～3 Editor: Keiryu Shima; Supervisor-Editor: Kyotsu Hori; Foreign News Editor: Sandra Seki; Board of Trustees: Joshin Komatsu, Chief Administrator, Nichiren Shu; Bungyo Yoshida, President, Staff Writers: Kanshu Naito, Gyokai Sekido, Kanji Tamura, Gen-ichi Oikawa, Kaigai Fukyo Koenkai; Ryuji Ito, Executive Director, Missionary Bureau; Jucho Harita, Executive (overseas): Ryuken Akahoshi, Chishin Hirai Director, General Affairs Bureau; Kancho Kajiyama, Director, Missionary Department, Nichiren Shu Advisor: Hoyu Maruyama