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

No. 183 April 1, 2011 1 Odaimoku Kechien Campaign Phase Two Kicks Off Rev. Kanjo Bassett Kechien Campaign Phase One was temples now. That is where it all starts. as well. There are volunteer activities Missionary Department, Shumuin about “Spreading Seeds” encapsulated The next step is connecting this with local sangha can do such as earthquake in the phrase ‘Tangyo Raihai’ translated activities that help create a peaceful society. relief, or have a temple be a community as “I Bow to the Buddha in You.” Phase A peaceful society isn’t just having peace welfare center as they do in Japan which Two builds on the spirit of Tangyo Raihai and security, it also means having a peaceful all are in the spirit of practicing the and is expressed in the slogan ‘Inochi Ni heart and body. If you look at just having way expounded by the Buddha. Gassho’, ‘Praying to Life’ and focuses on peace, even in present day Japan bad things I’d also like to put out the call for creating and nurturing a peaceful society. happen, the economy has problems, so ‘Terakoya’, educational activities (Terakoya Rev. Koga explained: “The heart of it’s important to have a peaceful mind were schools run by Buddhist temples in ‘Praying to Life’ comes from the spirit of to create the pure land of the Buddha the Edo period). Temples should be a place Tangyo Raihai, the very act of bowing and expressed in Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra, of worship, study and practice. In addition saying ‘I respect you deeply’ in the manner of “In reality this world of mine is peaceful.” to worship and practice, a local temple can Never-Despising Bodhisattva. An important In a peaceful society, life if respected, also sponsor cultural activities in the spirit of point of Chapter 20 in the Lotus Sutra is people respect each other and reach out to calligraphy or tea ceremony classes taught that Never-Despising Bodhisattva says to one another. Some say modern Japanese in Japanese temples. Temple priests can go every single person, ‘you will become a society is a society where everybody is cut out in their community and teach. Teaching Buddha.’ It is not the case of saying you will off from one another, but a healthy peaceful in the spirit of the Buddha and his teachings. become a Buddha to one being then telling society builds strong human relationships. We hope that all the different Nichiren another he will not. All beings become This is something we want to carry Shu sangha around the world can come Jyofukyo Bosatsu Buddhas: men and women, Buddhists out in Japan and internationally. Doing so together in the spirit of solidarity through Never-Despising Bodhisattva and non-Buddhists, people from different means having local activities, have people the simple actions of Gassho Raihai. The first four-year phase of the cultures, everyone will equally become a come together and we want the sangha in Odaimoku Kechien Campaign concludes Buddha. The way to bring this about is the Hawaii, the Americas, Europe and Asia to this March. Phase two kicks off on April simple act of putting palms together and rise to the occasion. Each country has it’s 1 and will run until March 2015. This bowing, ‘I Bow to the Buddha in You.’ own culture and circumstances and local second phase coincides with the 800th What does this have to do with the activities should reflect that. We hope that anniversary of Nichiren Shonin’s birthday. overseas missions? It all starts with the local sangha do have activities that reach We talked with Rev. Ryokou Koga, simple act of Gassho Raihai, putting out to those in less fortunate circumstances. Director of the Nichiren Shu Missionary palms together and bowing. It makes no Japan might seem like a peaceful country Department regarding the purpose difference if it is a priest or a layperson. It but there are political problems, economic and philosophy behind the next phase. all starts with the simple act. In Japan this problems and so on, and you can see the Rev. Ryokou Koga Rev. Koga said that Odaimoku is a movement we are doing in the local same thing in America and other countries Director Missionary Department

would be wonderful to continue this kind of tree that had come from Gaya in India. Study Tour in activity and blessed the participants for their Everyone on the tour was amazed good health. After the hard work, everyone and awed at the history and traditions By Rev. Kosei Uchida Temple (Ven. Attidye Punnaranthana, looked satisfied with their accomplishments of Sri Lanka. We were able to share Missionary Department, Shumuin resident minister), which is located 15 and their faces beamed with content. many things as Buddhists and were kilometers south of in an area During the three-day tour, the participants happy that Nichiren Shu was involved in The seventh Nichiren Shu study called Mt. Lavinia. Participating in the daily received lectures on Sri Lankan Buddhism, international cooperative activities. (Tr. S.S.) tour was held from Saturday, February activities of a Sri Lankan temple was a good experienced meditation and were able 12 ~ 19, in the Democratic Socialist opportunity to think of how Buddhism in to exchange ideas with the members of Republic of Sri Lanka. This program Japan could get involved in society, what is the the temple. A lady who had practiced is conducted by Nichiren Shu in order difference between Sri Lankan Buddhism meditation for the first time said she would to find and educate capable people and Japanese Buddhism, and what steps to like to try it after she returned to Japan. to help international cooperative take for the future of Nichiren Buddhism. Also during the tour, we were able activities and overseas propagation. These were some reasons why Sri Lanka see the Gangaramaya Navam Perahera In the past, study tours have been held was selected as the place for the study tour. Festival (held on the day of the full moon in Laos and India. This time, the tour On the morning of the first day, a dedication in February) at the Gangaramaya Temple was made possible with the cooperation ceremony for the statue of the Buddha was in Colombo. Elephants and village folk in of NPO Japan Rouyaku Center, led by held. We joined in a parade carrying the their traditional costumes paraded through Rev. Bunko Ono, Myohokesha, Gumma Buddha to the upper part of the tower where the streets accompanied by the dynamic Prefecture and assisted by Rev. Junji it was to be enshrined. The temple premise drum sounds and dancing. We were also Fujii, Honzuiji, Kyoto. Participants were was crowded with followers, onlookers and able to see Anuradhapura and Dambulla, composed of temple members and there wasn’t enough space for everyone to both of which are world heritages. We were Stupa being constructed friends, totaling seven men and women. attend the dedication ceremony. All this also able to see the oldest, sacred Bodhi We were assisted by Ven. Yalagamuwe took place in a small temple in an equally Dhammissara Thero, Vice-president of small town. Ven. Venbeble Pannnalankara Udarata Amarapura Nikaya of Sri Lanka. Thero, President of Udarata Amarapura Praying for a Quick Recovery The tour was held at Piyarathanaramaya Nikaya, attended the ceremony along with Nichiren Shu would like to express their deepest sympathy to the Vice-president Ven. Dhammissara Thero. earthquake victims of the New Zealand earthquake that hit Christ After the grand ceremony, we helped Church on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, and the Tohoku Pacific build a stupa under the strong sun of Sri Earthquake that devastated the coastal areas from northern Japan all Lanka with the temperature soaring over 30 the way down to the Kanto Area on Friday, March 11, 2011. degrees Celsius. We worked on moving a We would like to pray for all of you so that you can return to mound of dirt, carrying it to the designated a normal life as quickly as possible. Though aftershocks are still place with a wheelbarrow several times. prevalent in northern Japan, we hope that you can find safety and Everything was done manually and the some peace of mind. participants were covered with sweat and dirt. The Sri Lankan priests were amazed and Chief Administrator much obliged and grateful for all the work Nichiren Shu Shobin Watanabe the participants did for the preparation of Participants carrying dirt to the site building a stupa. The priests also said that it 2 No.183, April 1, 2011 Nichiren Shu News Buddhism and International Society

By Rev. Kanshu Naito, Ph.D

Buddhism and America (2) Netherlands founded craftsmen belonged. They had not only to reform the Anglican Church those days. New Netherland religious enthusiasm but also strong Under the oppressive regime of It is just since the 17th century that near the Hudson economic desires, and were likely to James I, Puritans broke up into the American Continent was strongly River. Although regard the new land as very charming two communions: one of them is recognized in world history, though it has one of the trading and of great value. The origin of Presbyterians that would stay in the existed since the days of antiquity. It was places developing Puritanism in England is traced back to country and endeavor to reform the discovered in the Age of Discovery while there was called the Age of the Reformation in the 16th Church and the other is Separatists that the European countries ventured to seek New Amsterdam, century when the Anglican Church desired another world to achieve their new Oriental routes, for which Portugal England captured was established by King Henry VIII, ideal. The latter became the parent body and Spain mainly made adventurous trips. Rev. it from the who is well known for his six wives of the Pilgrim Fathers who immigrated Columbus who arrived at the Bahama Kanshu Naito Netherlands in 1664, and for the father of Queen Elizabeth to America on the Mayflower to seek Islands in 1492 and Amerigo Vespucci, and King Charles II gave it to the Duke I. Those who claimed that the Church freedom of religious belief. Although after whom America was named, and of York, his younger brother, and changed was still so Catholic that it should be many kinds of Puritans immigrated to many other exploration parties were its name to New York after the duke. more Protestantized and “purified” were the New World before long, their main dispatched to discover a new continent. In those days Puritanism was on the rise. called Puritans. Their central ideas were communions were Separatists, who Naturally European countries desired Puritans’ demand to reform the Anglican to emphasize that man must face God took the reins of theocratic government to establish a colony on this continent. Church became a political problem. As directly and should endeavor to answer and persecuted the others. Puritanism Portugal made Brazil its colony settlement a result they had no choice than going God’s help, and noticeably reflected the as theological thought fell into a decline and Spain acquired South America, Central underground or escaping from England Calvinistic “sense of being the chosen meanwhile, but the attitude about life America, Cuba, and Florida. France as the crackdown grew more violent. people” and “predestination.” So it can which is a desire for wealth and success established Quebec toward the beginning Puritanism spread to the middle classes be said Puritans tried to exclude Catholic by diligence and self-control still now of the 17th century and gradually enlarged to which a part of aristocratic landowners, complicated ceremonialism, to mainly steadfastly remains among Americans. its colony along the Mississippi River. The rich merchants, independent farmers and emphasize only sermons and the Bible, and (to be continued) Seventh Memorial Service in Phuket

By Rev. Shodo Seki another and build a peaceful society is Shumuin the movement which is being carried out. Within the Lotus Sutra, there is a On December 26, 2010, the seventh teaching that focuses on the importance memorial service for the victims of of life. We would like to strive forth the Indian Ocean Tsunami tragedy with this movement,” said Rev. Sekiya. was held at Kamara Beach, Phuket, After the ceremony, Thai lanterns with Thailand. Rev. Taikyo Sekiya, Executive the Odaimoku written by Rev. Seiko Ito, Director of the Nichiren Shu Missionary were released into the tranquil evening sky. Department, officiated the service The memorial service was televised assisted by Rev. Shinsho Koyama of by the local media and NHK (Nippon Minobusan Kuonji and members of the Broadcasting Station). (Tr. S.S.) All Japan Nichiren Shu Young Priests Association, led by Rev. Seiko Ito. Six years ago, on December 26, 2004, a huge earthquake occurred off the coast of Sumatra and a gigantic Tsunami took the lives of over 220,000 people, Front row: (L to R) Revs. Nara, Ito, Sekiya, Koyama, Tomikawa including 42 Japanese. The following Back row: Rev. Seki and members of the All Japan Nichiren Shu Young Priests Association year, Nichiren Shu was asked by the All Japan Buddhist Association to conduct a memorial service and Rev. Zuio Inoue, Director of General Affairs, Minobusan Rev. Kanno Preaches (11) Kuonji conducted the memorial service. Ever since that year, memorial services "I also see some have been carried out by Nichiren Shu. Becoming bhikus A special monument was constructed Living alone in retired places, in Kamara for the first memorial service. Rev. Sekiya officiating the service And joyfully reciting sutras." At the time, the late Archbishop Nikko (Lotus Sutra, Chapter I: Introductory) Fujii was Chairman of the All Japan Buddhist Association and his memorial Retired Place writing was inscribed on the monument. For the third memorial service, Bodhisattva is a person who holds out a helping hand to those who still stay Rev. Ryuji Ito, Executive Director of in darkness even at the risk of his life. We revere Nichiren Shonin by calling him Great the Nichiren Missionary Department, Bodhisattva Nichiren. This title, of course, reflects the life of our Founder. at the time officiated the service. This year, more than 200 attendees In the meantime, "bodhisattva" used to be a title given by the emperor to a monk were present at the special grounds where of outstanding virtue. Emperor Godaigo presented this title of Great Bodhisattva the Mandala and Gohonzon were placed. to Nichiren Shonin in 1334 posthumously. The ceremony started with a silent prayer for all the victims. Special messages It is shown in the sutra, even after attaining the enlightenment of bodhisattva, some from Mr. Kazushi Miyashita, head of the dare to stay in retired places, for example in woods, as mere monks and practice sutra Phuket Japanese Community, and other chanting. Not to speak of us, the unenlightened should stay alone in a quiet place from messages from the provincial governor time to time and chant sutras reflecting on our own behavior even when we are busy of Phuket and other officials were given. working, or having difficulties or playing games, so teaches the sutra. After the ceremony, Rev. Sekiya said that he was honored to be able to The more rice plants bear crops, the lower the plants hang. This expression conduct this ceremony representing the has now become obsolete. Nowadays, an increasing number of elderly All Japan Buddhist Association and persons behave arrogantly and insolently. You should remember your younger was happy to be able to follow the will days and reflect on your own behavior. We should learn this from the sutra. of the late Archbishop Fujii. “At present (Rev. Nisso Kanno, head priest of Kaichoji Temple, Shizuoka) in Nichiren Shu a spirit to help one Memorial Lanterns with the Odaimoku Nichiren Shu News No.183, April 1, 2011 3 Small Talk on Various Topics of Buddhism (5)

By Rev. Gyokai Sekido, Ph.D to learn and those who do not). They The Worries and Efforts of said that, “If we Buddha's Son receive predictions from the Buddha Rahula is the child of the Buddha how happy we who attained enlightenment. Because of would be. Ananda this, he had various worries. The people has served you for around him inevitably looked at him with Rev. a long time and severe eyes but Rahula devoted himself Gyokai Sekido knows your many to the practice without an arrogant heart. sermons by heart. He studied and trained himself under Rahula is your son. If the predictions Shariputra, one of the ten great disciples are given to us, our wish will come of the Buddha who was well known for true and many of the followers will be his intelligence. This training attitude was impressed.” Sakyamuni Buddha listened respected by many priests because it was a to their words and told them that they ‘non-verbal’ practice. would attain enlightenment in the future. Many disciples were told by It is difficult to live the life of a Sakyamuni Buddha that they would commoner in the severe, natural Votive plaque of children playing with goldfish (Homyoji Temple, Zoshigaya, Tokyo) attain enlightenment from Chapter Three environment of India especially when (A Parable) to Chapter Eight (the five the individual was born and raised in a religious precepts complicated his destiny. for the many ashes of Buddha, people hundred disciples receive their predictions) king’s family. Though Rahula became a It is one of the characteristics of the Lotus who construct spiritual structures and of the Lotus Sutra. However, the Buddha priest at the age of fifteen, he was small Sutra, to insist that it is not difficult to towers from sand and dirt, children who didn’t predict anything about his cousin, and often the Buddha was worried about attain enlightenment. Even children at collect sand in order to build stupas; all Ananda or his son, Rahula. They couldn’t him. His destiny changed variously. He play will build a stupa and that becomes are those who have completed the way of wait any more so they asked the Buddha had a lot of problems that others could a factor to attain enlightenment as it is the Buddha. The Lotus Sutra expounds for his predictions in Chapter Nine (The not understand. His virtue of having expounded in Chapter Two of the Lotus this and even if it is not a severe practice, predictions for those who still have more kept strictly to the minute rules of the Sutra. People who hold memorial services enlightenment can be attained by the faith.

traditional rules and protocol for a typical Keishun (Lefebvre) Hosshi got all the extra NBIC Shami Seminar Held Nichiren Shu ceremony. The shamis attention and instruction from the lecturers. earnestly studied and practiced so when Every year I attend the World Missionary By Rev. Yodo Okuda Hosshi who served as an interpreter. the actual ceremony began at 13:30, they Conference at Shumuin. I find that the South America New Missionary Area The opening ceremony began at 6:00 did a wonderful job. I was surprised at how number of non-Japanese ministers are A.M. with the temperature at seven degrees well they could sing the Shomyo, and carry increasing. Their effort and work is highly The 13th Shami Seminar was held from Celsius, the morning air fit for the beginning out the ritualistic part of the service. After accepted. Rev. Faulconer has performed February 2-6 at the Nichiren Buddhist of a worthy seminar. The two Shamis the ceremony Rev. Hirai said it was the almost all the different chapters of the International Center (NBIC) in Hayward, who participated were Keishun Lefebvre greatest service he had seen in recent years. Lotus Sutra in the English version. He California. This was my second time to Hosshi and Ryoan Litts Hosshi. I was told That afternoon I was in charge of has also published the prayer book participate in the seminar as a lecturer. to give a lecture on Nichiren’s teachings so the Shodaigyo. There was no better in Romaji and English. All this work The first time was two years ago when I chose the theme ”Only the Odaimoku”. place than the NBIC to chant the takes time, effort and perseverance, it it was held in Sao Paolo, celebrating the Everyone knows how important the Odaimoku out loud from the bottom cannot be done overnight. The path centennial of the Japanese immigrants Odaimoku is in understanding Our of our stomach. I joined the shamis our forerunning missionaries paved are to Brazil. At the time I was still new Founder’s teachings. If we chant the and chanted out loud for a long time. being extended and expanded by a new and very inexperienced and because of Odaimoku whole-heartedly from the On the final day, Ryoan Hosshi was group of people. I would like to cooperate this many problems arose. I was invited depth of our hearts we will never stray not able to stay for the closing ceremony and be part of this historical transition. by Rev. Chishin Hirai to give a lecture from the right path; this is what I strongly since he had to go back to work. However, Abridged from Shuho(Tr.S.S) at this year’s shami seminar because I felt after I started propagating in Brazil. was planning to bring two shamis from In this day and age of the Internet, South America. Unfortunately, at the last we can acquire a lot of knowledge and minute one of them was too busy to take even propagate over the net, but this time off from work and the other could is only a virtual world. We must put not get a visa from the U.S. government. into practice what we learn. The two After a long flight and troublesome shamis listened to my lecture intently, procedures I finally reached San taking notes and asking many questions. Francisco feeling very sorry I could The climax of the seminar came on not bring the two Shamis from South the fourth day when a special service America. The other lecturers were Rev. commemorating the former overseas Kojun Hasumi, Rev. Ryujun Endo, missionaries was held. During the morning Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer and Koki Ono hours, the instructors gave lectures on the

Rev. Okuda demonstrating the service

Group photo: (Back row L to R, Shamis Ono, Litts, Lefebvre) Shamis earnestly listening to the lecture (Front row: Revs Okuda, Endo, Hasumi, Hirai, Faulconer 4 No.183, April 1, 2011 Nichiren Shu News

extra power and motivation to Kanai's blessing and amulets. complete the training. Also the Temple Events help and understanding from the Nichiren Sect Mission fellow Saigyo priests ‘kept me going’. I think this Saigyo was of Hawaii only possible because of the help By Bishop Shingyo Imai New Year Celebration New Year celebration continued of many supporters and friends. When I went to Japan in Southeast Asia till the full moon day of the first This weekend, we will have month of the year, 17th February. a special service celebrating last October I met a former By Rev. Kangyo Noda the completion of my Saigyo. classmate of mine who is a certified physical therapist. Her Penang, Ichinenji I would like to devote myself Honolulu Myohoji to spreading the and name is Junko Hoshiai and she Temple The 1st Charity helping the members of the Hilo is well-known in Japan as an Concert Temple with the experience expert in "Self-healing." She is the author of 'Amagi no Hoshi ' By Rev. Josho Yamamura I had at the Saigyo. (Tr. S.S.) in which she explains her Rev. Sugawara coming out of Amagi style of healing one's The First Charity Concert Aragyo Nichiren Buddhist physical problems by oneself. by tenor Takamasa Yamamura Kannon Temple of After I told her that there were and dance performance by Ms. many people in Hawaii who Keiko Fujii was held on Saturday, Nevada By Bishop Shokai Kanai were suffering from pain in January 29, 2011.The purpose their knees, shoulders and back, Entrance to Ichinenji of this charity concert is to Buddha's Birthday she was interested to come to open the gates of the Honolulu Celebration Hawaii to help these people. There are many traditions in Myohoji and invite our friends Her approach to Self Healing Southeast Asia that follow the and neighbors to enjoy an According to legend, the baby is quite an eclectic one that lunar calendar. The Lunar New evening of music and dance. The Buddha soon after his birth, probably comes from her Year celebration is one of the Consul of Japan, Mr. Yoshihiko stood firmly, and walked seven previous experiences. She first biggest annual events. Southeast Kamo, attended the concert, steps and proclaimed, "From started out as a kindergarten Asia’s Chinese people make big and about 400 other people heaven to earth, I alone am the teacher. Then later she found preparations before the New came to Honolulu Myohoji. most honored one! "He pointed herself working in a pool. Year. This year, February 3rd was We raised $2,218 for charity his right index finger to heaven From this job she developed the Lunar New Year celebration and all was donated to the and his left index finger to the unique forms of therapy which and the year of the Rabbit. Kuakini Hospital. We appreciate ground. This legend was based was "In-Water Treatment." Hokkezan Ichinenji Temple of the assistance of SONY Hawaii of the Hilo Temple and its on a recorded document that She agreed to hold four Penang and Gojuzan Daimokuji and Light House Hawaii, Aloha members. Also it was a training the Buddha said to a Brahman sessions of her Self Healing Temple of Singapore decorated Street, and KZOO radio station. to improve myself as a Hokkekyo priest after his enlightenment. Workshop at the Nichiren their main halls with red New minister. I first entered Aragyo Even in the 21st century, there Mission Social Hall on February Year cloth, red lanterns, flowers, five years ago and I have been is no one like the Buddha. 26 and 27 from 11:00 A.M. oranges, and miku (special buns) working hard since then for self- Although we are far away from to 3:00P.M. She taught us a to celebrate this auspicious day. betterment. , we try at least to be few secrets to keep our bodies On New Year's Day, in Penang, I was confident that I would be like the Buddha by faith. Process healthy. She insisted to receive Malaysia, many members visited able to adjust right away, however, is more important than the result no returns from the attendees but Ichinenji Temple, recited the when the training actually began now. We welcome anyone to a donation of $20.00 per session sutra and chanted the Odaimoku I was perplexed at the many attend the celebration on Sunday, per participant was given to show in the morning to pray for this problems I was facing. I grew April 10 from 10:30 a.m. We our gratitude. The workshop year’s good health, security and accustomed to the weather in will be serving sweet tea which was open to everyone and it was prosperity. After the prayer at Rev. Yamamura performing at the Japan but since my body was so signifies Buddha's birth. New very successful. About 20 people the temple, they visited homes of charity concert used to the tropical climate of born babies will receive Bishop participated in this workshop. their parents, grandparents, and Hawaii, as it grew colder towards relatives with oranges to exchange the end of the year and the New their New Year greetings. The Saigyo 2011 Nichiren Shu Movement (North America) Years, I suffered from high fever Education for the Next Generation By Rev. Hosho Sugawara (38-39 degrees Celsius) several times. I was able to complete the By Bishop Shokai Kanai Hilo Nichiren Buddhist 1. One day Dharma Conference for followers and non-followers 100-day training with the support May 14 at the Nichiren Buddhist Kannon Temple of Nevada Temple of Nichiren Shonin, the Hilo 2. One week retreat for followers and non-followers Temple members, my family and July 29-August 5 at the Margaret Austin Center, Houston, Texas I returned to Hilo on February the other priests who were going 3. Training for the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board (Studying Buddhism and Nichiren Shu Doctrine and management of the 21, after completing my second through the same severe training. temple) (Saigyo) 100-day Aragyo at Every day when I started to pray, 4. Training for Kaikyoshi and Kokusai Fukyoshi Hokekyoji, Chiba. I entered this I would look at the list of the (Re-educate the young ministers and Ichinenji altar training to pray for the betterment members and this gave me the teach them management of temples) 5. Invite university professors to hold a study program To be held at the Fukyo Center, next February Calendar 2012 Activities February ~ May 2011 Pilgrimage to Japan visiting religious places affiliated with Nichiren Shonin Feb. 3: Setsubun (first day of spring by traditional Chinese calendar) April 2012 Feb.10: Service observing the completion of the 100-day Aragyo (ascetic) practice Religious Group Meeting (Held once in four years) Feb.15: Day Service Re-election of Division heads and election for the board members Feb.16: Service in commemoration of the birth of our Founder. Make pamphlets (emphasizing the uniqueness of each temple) for the Mar.8-11: General meeting of the Nichiren Shu Congress Centennial of North American Propagation pilgrimage Mar.18-24: Ohigan Apr.8: Hanamatsuri (Buddha's Birthday) Events for the 800th Birthday of Our Founder Apr.15-20: Nakayama Hokekyoji Sembu-e (1000 Recitations of Lotus Sutra) Elevate the lifestyle of the ministers Apr.20-22: National Conference of Nichiren Shu Office Chiefs Contracts for the ministers (assurance for minimum income) Apr.27-29: Ikegami Hommonji Senbu-e (1000 Recitations of Lotus Sutra) Create a curriculum for the leaders of the board Apr.28: The 759th Rikkyo Kaishu-e (759th Anniversary of the Founding of the Order) Prepare for the 13th memorial service of 9/11 Rules for how to become a priest in North America May.12: The 751st Izu Honan-e (Ceremony honoring the 751st Anniversary of the Izu Persecution ) Requests to Nichiren Shu: New system for ministers with foreign nationalities By Rev. Tsuoh Yokoi

Nichiren Shu News

c/o NICHIREN-SHU Shumuin 1-32-15, Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-8544, Japan Tel. 03-3751-7181~3 Editorial Board: Editor: Sandra Seki, Supervisor-Editor: Kyotsu Hori / Chief Board of Trustees: Shobin Watanabe, Chief Administrator, Nichiren-shu; Bungyo Yoshida, President, Advisor: Keiryu Shima, Layout Advisor: Kanjo Bassett / Staff Writers: Kanshu Kaigai Fukyo Koenkai; Taiko Sekiya, Executive Director, Missionary Department; Kyogen Komano, Naito, Gyokai Sekido, Kanji Tamura, Gen’ichi Oikawa (overseas) Chishin Hirai, Executive Director, General Affairs Department; Ryokou Koga, Director, Missionary Department, Nichiren-shu Shingyo Imai; Advisor: Hoyu Maruyama