DOCSLIB.ORG

Nichiren Shu News No

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Nichiren Shu News No Nichiren Shu News Published by the Head Office of Nichiren Shu Buddhism & NOPPA No. 217 December 1, 2016 1 Seattle Nichiren Buddhist Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary By Eriko Rowe Photos by Jan Deputy-Louy Mr. Kaoru Mizuno, a Church Board Member, Rev. Chiko Kawaguchi, representative of offers the toast at the celebration banquet. Rev. Junko Kobayashi, Chief Administrator of Mrs. Fusako Kamihara, Church President, presents Nichiren Shu, officiating the Anniversary Service. a commemorative gift to Rev. Chiko Kawaguchi. as Nichiren Shu Buddhists but also to t t The Seattle Nichiren Buddhist Church assimilate with American society. celebrated its 100th Anniversary the The Church quickly established itself first weekend of October. Six of the as both a place for worship and as a Church’s previous resident ministers social center for Japanese-Americans attended the celebration: Rev. Kaishun were Rev. Yushi Hongo and Rev. Keiryo Rev. Ekou Murakami, the Church’s in Seattle, providing various services Nishigaya, Rev. Ryusho Matsuda, Rev. Inoue from the Head Office of Nichiren resident minister, planned the service. and community activities. Shokai Kanai, Rev. Taiga Ichikawa, Shu, Rev. Shoda Kanai from Kannonji, “The 100th Anniversary has been on my During WWII, the Church was forced Rev. Shobo Mitomo, and Rev. Kanjin Las Vegas, Rev. Shinko Matsuda from mind from the time I arrived in Seattle to close its doors. Many members either Cederman. San Jose Myokakuji Betsuin, Rev. Eisei two years ago,” she explained. “I wanted left the U.S. or were sent to internment The two-day celebration started with Ikenaga from the Nichiren Buddhist to make this a splendid event and sought camps. Fortunately, it remained a Banquet Dinner held on Saturday, Temple of Portland, and Rev. Tetsudo advice from Rev. Chiryo Moriwaki undisturbed during the war. Once the October 1. Around 170 people attended Takasaki from Nichren Buddhist and other senior ministers.” The altar war was over, members re-opened the the banquet, with more than 100 guests International Center. The master of showcased the Church’s treasure, the Church and provided shelter for people from outside the Church. Longtime ceremonies was Rev. Kobun Sasaki, Omandala Gohonzon created by the who were released from the camps but members and past resident ministers Manager of the International Affairs 18th Archbishop of Nichiren Shu, had no place to live. shared heartfelt stories while enjoying Division, Missionary Division. Nichimyo Asahi. Archbishop Asahi Mrs. Misao Korekiyo is a 97-year-old great food and musical entertainment. The service opened with a floweroffer- was known for his contributions to member. “Coming back, we were so An Anniversary Service was held the ing by an Ochigo Parade of children. international propagation. pleased and appreciated finding the next morning on Sunday, October 2, Kirisange, colorful lotus petals, were Rev. Ryucho Oka brought the Oman- Church open,” she explained. During officiated by Rev. Chiko Kawaguchi, thrown into the air symbolizing the dala with him from Japan when he was the service, she was officially recognized representing Rev. Junko Kobayashi, Buddha’s blessing while Rev. Kawaguchi dispatched as the first resident minister for her long years of devotion to the Chief Administrator of Nichiren recited Keisanmon, Message to the when the Seattle Nichiren Buddhist Nichiren Shu. She brought her treasured Shu. Sub-officiants were Rev. Ryusho Buddha. Church was established in 1916. Omandala, which had been given to Matsuda from San Jose Myokakuji 160 people attended the Anniversary her by the fifth resident minster of the Betsuin, Rev. Shokai Kanai from Service, including Church members, Church, Rev. Kanjitsu Iijima. He created Kannonji, Las Vegas, Rev. Chiryo ministers and other guests from various it while they were in an internment Moriwaki from Hokkeji, Hokkaido, temples in North America, Japan and camp in Idaho. “Whatever happened, and Rev. Ekou Murakami, the current Hawaii. Dozens of people from Japan I prayed. The Nichiren Shu faith has resident minister of the Seattle Nichren made a special pilgrimage to witness helped me live this long.” Buddhist Church. Assisting ministers and celebrate this historic moment for (continues on page 2) t t the Church. The Church is the second oldest Nichiren Shu institution in North America. It began with a group of devoted Nichiren Shu Buddhists in Seattle’s Japanese-American community. They decided to name it a “Church” to maintain their identity Children all dressed up for the Ochigo Parade. Mrs. Misao Korekiyo, a longtime member of the Colorful Kirisange Lotus Petals rain down The Omandala Gohonzon, written Rev. Ryucho Oka and the founders of the Church Seattle Nichiren Buddhist Church received a special at the beginning of the Anniversary Service. by Archbishop Nichimyo Asahi in 1916. on its first anniversary in 1917. award for her long years of devoted service. 2 Nichiren Shu News No. 217, December 1, 2016 people who have worked so hard to celebration saying, “It was truly Seattle (continues from page 1) build this Church and sustain it for a wonderful. I felt harmony and Itai century,” he said. He served in Seattle Doshin: many bodies united as one t t Also on display was the intricate from 2003 to 2008 and made special mind. This Church was created for relief of the Jigage, Chapter XVI of the efforts for propagation at a time when first and second generation Japanese- Lotus Sutra, carved in cherry wood by the American people were skeptical Americans, but now their children Mr. Kazuto Mishima, an 89-year-old about the religious activities of foreign who had come to Sunday School are member. “I only worked on it when I priests following 9/11. supporting the Church, and other was feeling good and in a good mood,” While the Church has mainly Americans have been joining. This he said. “It took me two years to finish.” served Americans of Japanese descent, Church’s future is bright.” His life has not been easy. He grew in recent years it has also become a Rev. Murakami has a renewed sense comfortable home for those with other of mission to keep the Church as a up in the U.S. but had to go back to Jigage, verse section of Chapter 16 of the Japan as WWII neared. He was almost Lotus Sutra, carved by Mr. Kazuto Mishima. backgrounds. Norma Middleton moved comfortable home for members while deployed as a Kamikaze pilot against the with her family from Salt Lake City, also making it more open and accessible U.S. He returned to the U.S. after the the celebration with his family. “I was Utah, and they all became members so that all people who are interested in war. Looking back on his life he said, so moved that I could come back with of the Church. “We felt so welcome Buddhism can easily share our practice “Nichiren Shu has been giving me the my son and see him in the Ochigo from the first time, and we became of the Wonderful Dharma. power to live.” Parade. I have such gratitude for the part of the family,” she said. “We like Beaming with a smile, Rev. Murakami Rev. Murakami. She is great, young, concluded the service thanking all compassionate and knowledgeable.” the attendees. “I was so moved by the Another member, Elizabeth Aurich, is beauty of the sound of Odaimoku, and an artist who has been actively involved especially the Four Great Vows. I am in the Church’s events as a volunteer. pleased that we could create this event “I was searching for a safe place for me with all these people attending. I want religiously and emotionally, and I found this Church to continue as a small but that here. People here are so warm. It’s bright beacon in Seattle.” a fun community, with dancers and After the service, everyone shared a musicians.” bountiful lunch served in the Church’s Rev. Shokai Kanai, another former Members from the Sunday School, Fujinkai Hall. It was a joyful time of resident minister, summed up the which was originally established in 1916. reunion. Past resident ministers were especially pleased to see familiar faces of people whom they had taught in REVEREND KANNO PREACHES (45) the Church’s Sunday School program decades earlier. The Seattle Nichiren Buddhist Church has created a tightly “ Those who hear this sutra, knit community and nurtured a strong cause others to hear it, keep it, sense of family with other Nichiren Shu cause others to keep it, copy it, Buddhists in North America. cause others to copy it or offer The 14th resident minister of the Rev. Ekou Murakami, Resident Minister of the Church, Rev. Shobo Mitomo, attended Church, concludes the Anniversary Service. flowers, incense, necklaces, banners, streamers, canopies, perfumed oil, and lamps of butter oil to a copy of it, will be Buddhism Q&A (4) palms pressed together, and spoke to the Buddha.” These examples show that able to obtain immeasurable By Rev. Gyokai Sekido, Ph.D. Gassho is the most suitable method to merits.” express the heart of worship and respect — Lotus Sutra, Chapter XVII, What Is Gassho? to the Buddha. The heart of the Buddha, Buddha The Variety of Merits Gassho, is the gesture of joining one’s Nature, lives in the minds of all people. palms and putting them to the breast All sentient beings equally possess the as a token of reverence. Place the palms seeds of Buddhahood and therefore “Immeasurable Merits” together and keep a slightly hollow have the potentiality of realizing We Buddhists show our thankfulness to our ancestors, friends and space between them to worship the Buddhahood. Gassho is the precious others who have passed away and from whom we have received Buddha.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Buddhism in America
    Buddhism in America The Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series Columbia Contemporary American Religion Series The United States is the birthplace of religious pluralism, and the spiritual landscape of contemporary America is as varied and complex as that of any country in the world. The books in this new series, written by leading scholars for students and general readers alike, fall into two categories: some of these well-crafted, thought-provoking portraits of the country’s major religious groups describe and explain particular religious practices and rituals, beliefs, and major challenges facing a given community today. Others explore current themes and topics in American religion that cut across denominational lines. The texts are supplemented with care- fully selected photographs and artwork, annotated bibliographies, con- cise profiles of important individuals, and chronologies of major events. — Roman Catholicism in America Islam in America . B UDDHISM in America Richard Hughes Seager C C Publishers Since New York Chichester, West Sussex Copyright © Columbia University Press All rights reserved Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Seager, Richard Hughes. Buddhism in America / Richard Hughes Seager. p. cm. — (Columbia contemporary American religion series) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN ‒‒‒ — ISBN ‒‒‒ (pbk.) . Buddhism—United States. I. Title. II. Series. BQ.S .'—dc – Casebound editions of Columbia University Press books are printed on permanent and durable acid-free paper.
    [Show full text]
  • New Media in the Social Spaces. Strategies of Influence
    KATARZYNA WALOTEK-ŚCIAŃSKA MICHAŁ SZYSZKA ARKADIUSZ WĄSIŃSKI DANUTA SMOŁUCHA New media in the social spaces. Strategies of influence PRAGUE 2014 Autoři: Katarzyna Walotek-Ściańska Michał Szyszka Arkadiusz Wąsiński Danuta Smołucha Recenzenti: doc. Mgr. Katarína Fichnová, PhD. (Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa v Nitre) prof. WSiZ dr hab. Krzysztof Gajdka (Wyższa Szkoła Informatyki i Zarządzania w Rzeszowie) Mgr. Lukasz P. Wojciechowski, PhD. (Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa v Nitre) Edični řada: Kultura – Literatura – Komunikace t. II. Redaktory edični řady: Katarzyna Walotek-Ściańska, Dariusz Rott Vědecka rada doc. Mgr. Katarína Fichnová, PhD. (Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa v Nitre); prof. WSiZ dr hab. Krzysztof Gajdka (Wyższa Szkoła Informatyki i Zarządzania w Rzeszowie); prof. WSH dr hab. Michał Kaczmarczyk (Wyższa Szkoła Humanitas w Sosnowcu); prof. PhDr. Libor Pavera (Vysoka škola hotelová, Praha); prof. PhDr. Dušan Pavlů (Univerzita sv. Cyrila a Metoda v Trnave); prof. Ivo Pospíšil (Masarykova univerzita w Brně), prof. dr hab. Dariusz Rott (Uniwersytet Śląski w Katowicach, Univerzita sv. Cyrila a Metoda v Trnave); prof. UEK dr hab. Zbigniew Widera (Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Katowicach) ISBN 978-80-87800-10-2 © Verbum, Praha 2014 Počítačová sazba, příprava do tisku: Piotr Gorzelańczyk, www.pitart.pl Obálka: Maja Barańska, www.szasza.pl Vydanie prvé. Introduction ............................................................ 5 1. NEW MEDIA IN THE COMMUNICATION SPACE ....................... 7 1.1 Transformations of communication in the future social formations ............. 7 1.2 Communication and social contexts for functioning of networks and virtual communities ............................................. 17 1.3 Intercultural communication from the new media perspective ................ 25 2. MEDIA, NEW MEDIA AND FUNCTIONING OF SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE INSTITUTIONS ........................... 35 2.1 Actions in social or media space? .....................................
    [Show full text]
  • 00-Title JIABU (V.11 No.1)
    The Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Universities (JIABU) Vol. 11 No.1 (January – June 2018) Aims and Scope The Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Universities is an academic journal published twice a year (1st issue January-June, 2nd issue July-December). It aims to promote research and disseminate academic and research articles for researchers, academicians, lecturers and graduate students. The Journal focuses on Buddhism, Sociology, Liberal Arts and Multidisciplinary of Humanities and Social Sciences. All the articles published are peer-reviewed by at least two experts. The articles, submitted for The Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Universities, should not be previously published or under consideration of any other journals. The author should carefully follow the submission instructions of The Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Universities including the reference style and format. Views and opinions expressed in the articles published by The Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Universities, are of responsibility by such authors but not the editors and do not necessarily refl ect those of the editors. Advisors The Most Venerable Prof. Dr. Phra Brahmapundit Rector, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand The Most Venerable Xue Chen Vice President, Buddhist Association of China & Buddhist Academy of China The Most Venerable Dr. Ashin Nyanissara Chancellor, Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Myanmar Executive Editor Ven. Prof. Dr. Phra Rajapariyatkavi Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand ii JIABU | Vol. 11 No.1 (January – June 2018) Chief Editor Ven. Phra Weerasak Jayadhammo (Suwannawong) International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC), Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand Editorial Team Ven. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phramaha Hansa Dhammahaso Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand Prof.
    [Show full text]
  • Buddhist Music Review, 1998
    Buddhism's twentyfive hundred year history has found this tradition living in the heart of many Eastern cultures in how these cultures express wisdom and compassion through chant and instrumental interpretations. With the increasing interest in the philosophy and practice of Buddhism in the West, this important collection of Buddhist chants and music opens a whole new horizon for practitioners and students of this tradition. In this collection, we can hear the humid sounds of Vietnam in the chanting of teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. And we also touch the robust strength of Korea's rugged mountains in the chanting of Zen Master Seung Sahn. The Tendai chants remind us of the Gregorian tradition where there is an absence of harmony and a presence of the community in unison. The haunting sound of the shakuhachi reminds us of the stark and beautiful simplicity of Japanese Zen practice. Included also are chants and instrumentals by Buddhist practitioners from Sri Lanka, Tibet, and China. In this way, we have here a wealth of Buddhist chant and music that reflects the profoundly rich cultural interpretations of a vision and practice that arose in India over two millenia ago. Interestingly enough, music is an integral part of Buddhist practice. I know of no school of Buddhism that does not include music as an integral element of the tradition. However, this is not music as we know it. Buddhist chant and percussion practice in particular is created for the purpose of inducing meditative states of consciousness. Obviously from this collection, we see that we are talking about differing states of meditation, from the rich visualization-based practices of meditation of the Tibetans who use overtone chanting and resounding symbols, horns, and drums, to the gentle and rather sweetish tones of Vietnamese Buddhism where lovingkindness is emphasized.
    [Show full text]
  • A GUIDE to HBS Part II
    A GUIDE TO HBS Part II The Teachings and Practices of Honmon Butsuryu Shu By Rev. Nisso R. Fukuoka 2015 Honmon Butsuryu Shu Public Relations Bureau This book contains a collection of various articles (on the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren Buddhism, HBS etc.) as well as a record of question answers session etc. These articles were written over a period of several years. I wish to express my gratitude to Bernord Farrell, who kindly assisted in revising my articles in English with his ample knowledge of English. A GUIDE TO HBS PART II 1. The Lotus Sutra—The Most Worshipped Sutra. 4 2. What Is Buddhism? What Is The Lotus Sutra? 9 3. Division of Religious Groups in Japan 15 4. Four Sourses of Suffering Maxim 17 5. An Explanation of Descriptions in the Lotus Sutra 21 6. The Differences Between SGI (Soka Gakai)and HBS (Honmon Butsuryu Shu) 26 7. Does HBS have precepts? 29 8. The Odaimoku—NamuMyohoRengekyo 31 9. Is The Odaimoku Japanese? 33 10. Why HBS displays the statue of Nichiren Shonin in front of the Gohonzon 35 11. The Three Treasures—Sanbo 36 12. Kanjo Mon 39 13. The Gohonzon (The Object of worship) of HBS 41 14. Oko (Gathering of Members for Religious Service) 44 15. Chant the Odaimoku With Your Prayer Wholeheartedly 46 16. The Genealogy of HBS I 49 17. The Genealogy of HBS II 53 18. The Genealogy of HBS III 57 19. The Genealogy of HBS IV 66 20. Honmon Butsuryu Shu (HBS) 72 21. LIFE (INOCHI) 75 1 The Lotus Sutra—The Most Worshipped Sutra The King of Sutra—The Lotus Sutra hapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra, The Lifespan of the Eternal Buddha, elucidated that Shakamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha, who appeared in India stated: "My good sons, I became Buddha in the very far distant past and it has been countless, millions of nayutas of kalpas since CI, in fact, attained Buddhahood.
    [Show full text]
  • Transmission and Preservation of Musical Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chinese Buddhism Zhai Fengjian (Trans
    1 Transmission and Preservation of Musical Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chinese Buddhism Zhai Fengjian (Trans. Mingmei Yip) Following its introduction into China, Buddhism became sinicized over the years. Buddhist music developed in two directions – ritual music and folk music. The intended audience for the former is metaphysical beings such as Buddha, Bodhisattva and spirits, while the latter is for living beings. The former maintains a solemn and reverent tone due to its sanctity. In contrast, Buddhist folk music has absorbed music from different regions and thus possesses different local flavors. Before the founding of PRC, there was little research on Buddhist music in China with the exception of musicologist Liu Tianhua’s recording of Buddhist music in the thirties. More extensive research on the subject had begun in the 1950s, notably with Yang Yinliu’s publications entitled “Zhihua Temple Music” and “Hunan Music Census Report Appendix · Religion Music”. These have become the models for field work on China’s folk music. Another influential work “Temple Music” published by the China Musicians Association, Chengdu Branch in 1955. This was the largest collection of Buddhist music during that time. Since the 1980s, to preserve the heritage of folk culture, the Ministry of culture together with and other units launched the Compilation Project of China’s Top Ten Literature and Art Collection Recordings. The first three publications were: “Collection of Chinese Folk Songs”, “Collection of Chinese Folk Instrumental Music”, and “Collection of Chinese Opera Music”. Since then, collection and research on Buddhist music has resulted in many additional publications. One notably Buddhist music scholar is Yang Yinliu’s student Tian Qing who visited about 200 temples in several provinces and was the first to record much Buddhist music.
    [Show full text]
  • Nikko Shonin and Nanjo Tokimitsu
    Nikko Shonin and Nanjo Tokimitsu 2011 Summer Study Tozan Group Lecture August 28, 2011 In 2009, the High Priest gave us the objective to carry out shakubuku toward increasing the membership of all countries by 50 percent by the year 2015, when we will celebrate the auspicious occasion of the 770th anniversary of the birth of Second High Priest Nikko Shonin. Hokkeko members all over the world are striving toward the achievement of this objective. Today, I would like to share my sermon titled “Nikko Shonin and Nanjo Tokimitsu,” in relation to the objective of the 770th anniversary of the birth of Nikko Shonin and the significance of repaying our debts of gratitude. As you may know, the residence of Nanjo Tokimitsu was established in 1324, almost 680 years ago. Later, it became Myorenji Temple, named in honor of the Buddhist name of his wife, Myoren. The graves of both parents of Nanjo Tokimitsu, Nanjo Hyo’e Shichiro and his wife, Myoho-ama, still remain. They are located just more than a half mile south of Myorenji Temple. Every year on May 1, the anniversary of Nanjo Tokimitsu’s passing; all the priests of Myorenji Temple and believers in the neighborhood visit his grave and pay their respects. On March 8, 1265, the father of Tokimitsu, Hyo’e Shichiro, passed away and was buried in the Nanjo family cemetery. That same year, Nichiren Daishonin personally traveled here to the Ueno area, all the way from Kamakura, to visit Hyo’e Shichiro’s grave. Nichiren Daishonin stated the following in the Gosho, “In Celebration of Spring”: I was deeply grieved to hear of the death of Hyo’e Shichiro who was a man in his prime.
    [Show full text]
  • COMMENTARY on AVALOKITEŚVARA BODHISATTVA (Fourth Edition)
    Bảo Anh Lạc-22 COMMENTARY ON AVALOKITEŚVARA BODHISATTVA (Fourth Edition) Dr. Bhikkhunī Giới Hương Nhà xuất bản Ananda Viet Foundation Copyright © 2019 Dr. Bhikkhunī Giới Hương All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-359-47726-5 Huong Sen Buddhist Temple 19865 Seaton Avenue, Perris, California 92570, USA Tel: (951) 657-7272, Cell: (951) 616-8620 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huongsentemple Web: www.huongsentemple.com . CONTENTS On the Fourth Edition i Foreword Preface 1 General Introduction of Avalokiteśvara 1 2 Hearing and Reflecting Method 32 3 Thirty-two Sambhogakāya 62 4 Fourteen Kinds of Fearlessness 77 5 Twenty-five Bodhisattvas Present Their Methods 98 6 The Perfectly Penetrated Ear-Organ 234 7 The Methods of Pure Land and Hearing-nature 282 8 Conclusion 294 Glossary – References & Works 311 Buddhist Music Albums 326 ON THE FOURTH EDITION This is a revised and enlarged edition of the Commentary on Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, which was first published seven years ago. The second and third editions were printed in 2012 and 2014 at Phương Đông Publishing. This edition was also printed at Hồng Đức Publishing, HCM City, Việt Nam. In presenting this edition, I have maintained the contents in the first edition. However, for the sake of clarity, a few changes have been made, errors have been corrected, the equivalent Pāli and Sanskrit terms have been added to the glossary, and a summary, as well as discussion questions, have been added at the end of each chapter. I would like to gratefully acknowledge with special thanks Bhikkhunī Viên Ngộ, Bhikkhunī Viên Quang, Hisayo Suzuki, and Pamela C.
    [Show full text]
  • Nikko Shonin and His Strict and Solemn Attitude in Faith
    Lecture in Praise of Nichiren Daishonin November 2015, Oko Lecture Nikko Shonin and His Strict and Solemn Attitude in Faith This year marks the 770th anniversary of the birth of Second High Priest Nikko Shonin. At Head Temple Taisekiji, commemorative ceremonies were held for several days on and around March 8th, the day of his birth. Moreover, a special commemorative exhibition is being held until December at the Treasure Hall. Throughout this year, there has been an increased enthusiasm to repay our debt of gratitude to Nikko Shonin In the second year of Shōka (1258), when Nikko Shonin was 13 years of age, he became Nichiren Daishonin’s disciple. Thereafter, he continued to serve Nichiren Daishonin, even when he was exiled to Izu and Sado. Like a shadow following the body, Nikko Shonin constantly followed his master and sincerely developed faith, based on the master-disciple relationship. Nichiren Daishonin had many skilled disciples, but Nikko Shonin was the only one who truly was able to understand his master’s mind and heart. Therefore, Nichiren Daishonin, at the time of his entry into nirvana, states: I, Nichiren, transfer the entirety of the Law that I have propagated throughout my life to Byakuren Ajari Nikko, and designate him the Great Master of Propagation of the Essential Teaching. (Gosho, p. 1675) And he further states: I transfer Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings of fifty years to Byakuren Ajari Nikko. He is to be the chief priest of Minobu-san Kuonji Temple. (ibid.) Thus, Nichiren Daishonin designated Nikko Shonin as the Great Master of propagation of the essential teaching and transferred the entirety of his Buddhism to him.
    [Show full text]
  • Context and Change in Japanese Music Alison Mcqueen Tokita and David Hughes
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by SOAS Research Online ASHGATE RESEARCH 1 COMPANION Context and change in Japanese music Alison McQueen Tokita and David Hughes 1. What is ‘Japanese music’? Increasingly, the common view of Japan as a mono-cultural, mono-ethnic society, whether in modern or ancient times, is being challenged (Denoon et al. 1996). The category ‘Japan’ itself has been questioned by many (for example Amino 1992; Morris-Suzuki 1998). Amino insists that when discussing the past we should talk not about Japan or the Japanese people, but about people who lived in the Japanese archipelago. If Japan itself is not a solid entity, neither can its musical culture be reduced to a monolithic entity. If the apparently simple label ‘music of Japan’ might refer to any music to be found in Japan, then the phrase ‘music of the Japanese’ would cover any music played or enjoyed by the Japanese, assuming we can talk with confidence about ‘the Japanese’. The phrase ‘Japanese music’ might include any music that originated in Japan. This book would ideally cover all such possibilities, but must be ruthlessly selective. It takes as its main focus the musical culture of the past, and the current practices of those traditions as transmitted to the present day. A subsidiary aim is to assess the state of research in Japanese music and of research directions. The two closing chapters cover Western-influenced popular and classical musics respectively. At least, rather than ‘Japanese music’, we might do better to talk about ‘Japanese musics’, which becomes one justification for the multi-author approach of this volume.
    [Show full text]
  • Session 14 - October
    Session 14 - October Worldwide Kosen-rufu and the Soka Gakkai — Chapter 3: Repudiating the Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood under Nikken Since its establishment, the Soka Gakkai has grounded itself completely on faith that is directly connected to Nichiren Daishonin. It has consistently taken action to spread the Daishonin’s Buddhist teachings to create happiness for all people and bring about world peace. However, a group emerged that sought to destroy this movement for kosen-rufu, and in doing so that group, known as the “Nikken sect,” revealed its true nature as a devilish function. The Nikken sect refers to the priesthood of the Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist school in its corrupt state under the leadership of Nikken Abe, who claimed to be the 67th in the lineage of its high priests. This sect has taken the position that its high priest, who is also its chief administrator, possesses absolute and uncontestable authority and power. In the more than quarter century since instigating what has become known as the “second priesthood issue” in 1990, the Nikken sect has betrayed the teachings and spirit of Nichiren Buddhism and has become a group given over to slander of the Buddhist Law. Though Nikken transferred the office of high priest to a successor, Nichinyo, in December 2005, the lineage he has passed on continues to be muddied by his slander of the Law. The Battle against Evil Functions In his treatise “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land,” Nichiren Daishonin writes, “Rather than offering up ten thousand prayers for remedy, it would be better simply to outlaw this one evil” (WND-1, 15) and “The only thing to do now is to abandon the evil ways and take up those that are good, to cut off this affliction at the source, to cut it off at the root” (WND-1, 17).
    [Show full text]
  • AN ANALYSIS of BUDDHIST ELEMENTS in the MUSIC of PRINCESS WEN CHENG by IMEE OOI Xiao Hao Tee Fung Ying Loo ABSTRACT 1. INTRODUCT
    International Journal of Asian Social Science, 2014, 4(6): 714-721 International Journal of Asian Social Science ISSN(e): 2224-4441/ISSN(p): 2226-5139 journal homepage: http://www.aessweb.com/journals/5007 AN ANALYSIS OF BUDDHIST ELEMENTS IN THE MUSIC OF PRINCESS WEN CHENG BY IMEE OOI Xiao Hao Tee Department of Music, Cultural Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Fung Ying Loo† Department of Music, Cultural Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ABSTRACT This article examines musical aspects of Princess Wen Cheng, a musical composed by Imee Ooi, a Malaysian composer. A majority of the past and present literature in Buddhist chant and music focus on chanting, devotional song and some on commercial popular music. This research looks into this piece of musical theatre that is based on the historical story of Wen Cheng Kongjo and analyses its musical content in relating to Buddhism. Selected analysis of the composition and its relations to Buddhism is highlighted, and the way in which elements from Buddhism, chanting and instrumentation are employed by Ooi in her music and the aspects of performance practice are discussed. This includes stylistic feature, melodic contour, harmonic progression and imitation of timbre in relation to Buddhist chanting and the instruments used in Buddhist ritual. Research methods include ethnography, interview, and analysis, revealing how this musical forms a new genre of Buddhist music to stand alongside others such as chant, devotional song and commercial popular music. © 2014 AESS Publications. All Rights Reserved. Keywords: Buddhism, Chant, Imee Ooi, Buddhist music, Musical theatre, Analysis. 1. INTRODUCTION The term „music‟ is often questioned when referring to the organized sound heard during a Buddhist ritual.
    [Show full text]