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Nichiren 138’ 03.10.7 2:19 PM ページ1

Published by the Shu Headquarters & Kaigai Fukyo Koenkai

No. 138 October 1, 2003 (1) ‘Why Do We Need to Translate the Writings of Nichiren Shonin?’ by Kyotsu Hori, Ph.D. much time and energy for our Eng- useful encyclopedic dictionaries such lish translation project. Nobody as the Nichiren Shonin Ibun Jiten Propagation Policy could do that without an unwavering –Rekishi-hen (Dictionary for Writ- Recently I was asked by the conviction that he was laying the ings of Nichiren Shonin -History) by Nichiren Shu Administrative Head- foundation for the new Nichiren Rissho Daigaku Nichiren Kyogaku quarters to translate into English a abroad. Kenkyu-jo (Minobu-machi, Sohon- pamphlet entitled “Transmit—The zan Minobusan Kuonji, 1985) and New Step Forward, the Approach to NOPPA Publications Nichiren Shu Jiten (Encyclopedia of the New Generation.” It describes the By the time Rev. Oikawa finally Nichiren Shu) by Nichiren Shu Jiten official policy of propagation for the succumbed to cancer at the age of 84 Kanko-kai (Tokyo, Nichiren Shu year 2003 explaining to all Nichiren in 1993, we were able to translate and Shumuin,1981). The former how- Buddhists how the new slogan was publish the five major writings of our ever, is limited to the historical terms decided on and why it is necessary Founder in English and modern whereas the latter includes a lengthy for us all to spread the Founder’s Japanese printed on pages facing each theoretical section, which I some- gospel of “Rissho Ankoku” among other. Lamenting the passing away of times find it difficult to follow. people in the world especially the our leader, I felt quite sure that he was I once asked the late President young people. I thought it was a good such a great leader that his successors Oikawa to suggest to the Rissho Uni- idea to distribute this tract in English will not go against his wish. During versity to establish a translator’s desk all over the world. Then I encoun- the decade following the passing of Rev. Kyotsu Hori within the Nichiren Kyogaku tered a passage towards the end of our leader, NOPPA has been able to Professor David Griffith of the Eng- Kenkyu-jo (Center for the Study of the pamphlet exerting “all the people publish a few more English-modern lish Department of Aoyama Gakuin ) so that transla- in ” to take the new step for- Japanese writings of Nichiren Shonin, University for further brushing up. tors can receive guidance from spe- ward. This disappointed me because and we are now translating the recent- Professor Griffith was from New cialists. It was at the time when the until then, I thought the Administra- ly published Nichiren Shonin Zenshu York and was studying at the Univer- University was rebuilding the main tion was talking to all the Nichiren (Complete Writings of Nichiren Sho- sity of Hawaii as a Korean War veter- campus at the Osaki section of Buddhists in the world not just to the nin) published by the Shunju-sha of an in the 1950’s. He was interested in Tokyo. The President told me that he people in Japan. The actual wording Tokyo in seven volumes. The authors Japanese culture and was willing to was told that there simply was no used is “zenkoku no minasan,” which of the modern Japanese versions of help us Japanese students with prob- room to put even a desk in the new cannot be translated as “all the peo- this series are all specialists of lems in English. Almost a generation building. This was about 15 years ple in the world” no matter how hard Nichiren Buddhism and the docu- later he became my English tutor ago, but even now I sometime recall one tries. It made me wonder ments included were scrutinized with again in Tokyo. He not only correct- this episode whenever I encounter a whether or not the current Nichiren the standard of modern bibliography. ed my English translations studiously stumbling block. Shu Administration is really serious We have so far been able to have the but also met me occasionally to about converting the entire world to University of Hawaii Press publish explain his corrections. His tutorial Current Translation Projects the “Wonderful ” and distribute world wide the first two guidance lasted more than 10 years Both my wife and I retired from volumes, including four of the five until I retired to the suburbs of Hon- our teaching jobs almost at the same Internationalization major writings of Nichiren Shonin. olulu, Hawaii. I really appreciate his time and decided to move back to I have been fortunate to engage in Those interested please visit guidance which is one of the reasons Hawaii. We decided to live in a town translating and publishing Our www.uhpress.hawaii.edu. why I am still able to work on the called Mililani in the suburbs of Hon- Founder Nichiren Shonin’s writings project. olulu. Honolulu is my wife’s native in English as a member of the Eng- Obstacles to Surmount place and where I lived more than ten lish Translation Committee of the The first difficulty to produce a Dream That Did Not Come True years as a Buddhist . Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation readable English translation was that There is another obstacle that I Thanks to the revolutionary Promotion Association (NOPPA) for I am not a native English speaker. I am still struggling to overcome, improvements in communication in the last 20 years. When the first Pres- studied English in high school and namely the lack of specialized recent years, we are able to continue ident of the Nichiren Shu Overseas colleges in Japan, but unfortunately it knowledge of Nichiren Buddhism. I most of the work we were engaged in Propagation Promotion Association, was during the turbulent era of World am not from a priestly background, Japan as translator and proofreaders. the late Reverend Shingaku Oikawa, War II and immediately after. My and my Buddhist teacher was quite We do not have a 9:00 to 5:00 work offered me the job, I promptly English was simply incommunicable advanced in age when I was in col- schedule as such but are busy every- accepted it although I knew I had when I came to Hawaii as an assis- lege. Therefore, I somehow believed day working as a translator, typist, many shortcomings as a translator. tant minister of the Nichiren Mission I would not have a chance to become editor, compiler, proofreader, etc. Nevertheless, I accepted the offer of Hawaii. I felt so ashamed that I a resident minister of a Buddhist tem- Nobody imposes a deadline on us, knowing that I was not alone in still remember that I tried to say ple. In fact many Buddhist priests but we are hoping to finish publish- believing that the future of Nichiren something like “My tongue is tight” were school teachers in Japan, so I ing the remaining five volumes of the Shu overseas depended on the trans- one day. I had to repeat it many times majored in history instead of Nichiren Shonin Zenshu (Complete formation of Nichiren Buddhism until a Sunday School teacher point- Nichiren Buddhism. When I decided Writings of Nichiren Shonin) in five from an ethnic to a world ed out that the word “tongue” is pro- to translate the writings of Nichiren years. Buddhism, using English as the nounced with one syllable [tung] Shonin, there were so many words Besides translating and checking means of communication. Mean- instead of two [ton.gu]. Fortunately and phrases that did not make sense the writings assigned to myself, my while I was touched by the sincerity my wife, a third generation Japanese to me, a non-specialist. After asking wife and I check the translations done of the aging President, who, while American, helped me to smooth out many people for help and struggling by other translators to make sure that fighting a terminal illness, spent so my writing, before taking them to myself, I came to know that there are they are presentable and understand- able to the editor, a faculty member of Personal History of Rev. Kyotsu Hori, Ph.D. the University of Hawaii’s Religion Department (at this moment, Dr. Jay Place of Birth Ishikawa-, Japan Sakashita). When the editor’s correc- Education March 1949: Preparatory Course (Yoka), Rissho University, Tokyo, Japan. tions and comments arrive, we input March 1951: Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan; B.A. in European History. them in the computer. These and oth- May 1960: Columbia University, New York, N.Y.; M.A. in U.S. History. er odd jobs keep us both busy and May 1967: Columbia University, New York, N.Y.; Ph.D. in Far Eastern History. happy every day. Happy because we know that the Work Experience book will be published soon carrying 1954-1958: Assistant Pastor, Nichiren Mission of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii. the message of Nichiren Shonin and 1967-1968: Assistant Professor of History, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. spreading the seed of 1968-1971: Assistant Professor of Asian Languages and Cultures, University Center in Virginia, Richmond, Virginia. throughout the world. What more joy 1971-1980: Chief Priest, Nichiren Mission of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii; Bishop, Nichiren Shu Order in Hawaii. can any Nichiren Buddhist hope to 1980-1983: Associate Professor, Tokyo Rissho Junior College for Women, Tokyo, Japan. gain? 1983-1997: Professor, Tokyo Rissho Junior College for Women, Tokyo, Japan. (continued on page 2) Nichiren 138’ 03.10.7 2:19 PM ページ2

(2) Nichiren Shu News

Then an instructor asked the audience a question about the comparative The Legend of Nichiren Shonin (5) superiority of the Lotus and the Great Sun Buddha Sutra. Rencho vol- The accurate biography of Nichiren can be perceived through his essays and letters and the ancient unteered and answered that the Lotus documents. But there are many dramatic legends, too. So, let us think about various legends in this paper. Sutra was the prime of all the sacred By Rev. Gyokai Sekido 7th, while clouds suddenly covered activities. He gradually became the books. It is because, he declared, the the sky showing the sign of wind and center of attention among many is ranked as the best taste Study in rain, a severe earthquake hit priests in the Enryaku-ji Temple. But, () of all the teachings of the Rencho, who was studying in at about 10 a.m. Buildings his question regarding the most supe- Buddha. He said that the comparative Kamakura, decided to return home such as Buddhist temples collapsed rior of various doctrines of many superiority between the Lotus Sutra for a while. He came back to the Sei- and dust darkened the day as though grew only deeper. At such time, and the Great Sun Buddha Sutra was cho-ji Temple in 1242 and reported it was night. Fire broke out every- many priests were gathered in the as obvious as a wrestling match of a the result of his study. Then he decid- where, and it is said that the voices of auditorium, and a lecture was held. sumo wrestler and a child. Admiring ed to go to Kyoto for further study. men and women crying out could be his talent, the audience We know that he studied on Mt. Hiei, heard. Hearing about such disasters remained silent, and his Mt. Koya and so on in the Kyoto in Kamakura in the middle of his trip, fame grew day by day. area. But, because of a lack of histori- Rencho finally reached home. About this time, a cal materials, Rencho’s activity in The result of his research in regent Kujo Michiie built Kyoto is not known precisely. Kamakura was reported to his the Tofuku-ji Temple. teacher, Dozen-bo, and senior disci- This temple later became Rencho who had spent five years ples at the Seicho-ji Temple. Then, one of the Five Tem- in Kamakura was prepar- Rencho wrote his first trea- ples in Kyoto. Because of ing to go home. Then tise “Kaitai sokushin jobut- his friendship with the three rays of red and white su-gi,” based on the temple, Rencho donated a light rose in the western research in Kamakura. All big lumber, which soon sky at about 8 p.m. on the priests of the Seicho-ji came to be called Nichi- February 4. Two of the Temple praised the result ren pillar. They say that rays disappeared soon of Rencho, but he himself many people shaved this leaving only one. The wasn’t satisfied. The center pillar as it was believed remaining ray of light was of Buddhism and culture to grant divine favor. thrust like a pillar of was Kyoto in those days flames in the sky, fright- though Kamakura was one The caption says: ening all the people in the of the largest cities in Nichiren Shonin refutes town. The imperial palace Rev. Gyokai Sekido Japan. So Rencho went to the teachings of , asked a fortune teller Kyoto for the purpose of the third zasu of the about this mysterious happening. He studying further. Enryakuji Temple on Mt. answered that something similar took The head temples of Buddhist Hiei in front of the learned place in the Koho Era (964-968). The sects in Japan were in Kyoto and priests of the three quar- people were afraid it was foretelling Nara. He visited those temples, and ters of the temple in the something terrible was going to hap- deepened research on the doctrine of lecture hall. It is repro- pen. Rencho, nevertheless, started his each , but Rencho made the duced from the “Nichiren- journey home. In the morning on the Enryaku-ji the base of his research daishi Shinjitsu-den”

(continued from page 1) by Kyotsu Hori (Tokyo, NOPPA, 1998), Books Published (also included) “Sainan Koki Yurai (The Cause of Misfortune)” and “Sainan Taiji-sho 1987 St. Nichiren’s Kaimoku-sho: Open Your Eyes to the Lotus Teaching, tr. and edited (Treatise on Elimination of Calamities).” by Kyotsu Hori (Tokyo, NOPPA, 1987). 2002 Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Doctrine 2, compiled by Kyotsu Hori, edited by 1988 St. Nichiren’s Hoon-jo: Essay on Gratitude, tr. and edited by Taikyo Yajima George Tanabe, Jr. (Honolulu, Hawaii, University of Hawaii Press, 2002). (Tokyo, NOPPA, 1988). (included) “Jissho-sho (A Treatise on the Ten Chapters of the Great Concentration and Insight),” (also included) “Hoon-jo Okuri-bumi (Covering Letter to the Hoon-jo)” “Teradomari Gosho (A Letter from Teradomari),” 1989 St. Nichiren’s Senji-sho: Selecting the Right Time…, tr. and edited “Hasshu Imoku-sho (A treatise on the Differences of the Lotus Sect from Eight Other Sects),” by Kyotsu Hori (Tokyo, NOPPA, 1989). “Kaimoku-sho (Open Your Eyes to the Lotus Teaching),” 1991 St. Nichiren’s Honzon-sho…, tr. and edited by Kyotsu Hori “Toki-dono Go-henji (A Response to Lord Toki),” (Tokyo, NOPPA, 1991). “Shingon Shoshu Imoku (The Differences between the Lotus Sect and Other (also included) “Nyosetsu Shugyo-sho (The True Way of Practicing the Teaching of the Sects such as the True Word Sect),” Buddha)” and “Kembutsu Mirai-ki (Testimony to Prediction of the Buddha).” “Kanjin Honzon-sho (A Treatise Revealing the Spiritual Contemplation and the 1992 St. Nichiren’s Rissho Ankoku-ron: Treatise on Spreading Peace Throughout the Most Venerable One),” Country by Establishing the True Dharma and Letters and Tracts Concerning It, “Kanjin Honzon-sho Soejo (The Covering Letter of the Kanjin Honzon-sho),” tr. and edited by Kyotsu Hori (Tokyo, NOPPA, 1992). “Kembutsu Mirai-ki (A Testimony to the Prediction of the Buddha),” (also included) “Ankoku-ron Okugaki (Postscript to the Rissho Ankoku-ron),” “Toki-dono Go-henji (A Response to Lord Toki),” “Ankoku-ron Gokan Yurai (The Reason for Submitting the Rissho Ankoku-ron),” “Hakii Saburo-dono Go-henji (A Response to Lord Hakii Saburo),” “Yadoya Nyudo-gari Gojo (Letter to the Lay Priest Yadoya),” “Shojo Daijo Fumbetsu-sho (The Differences between and Teachings),” “Yadoya Nyudo Sai-gojo (Second Letter to Lay Priest Yadoya),” “Gochu Shujo Gosho (People in the World Letter),” “Juittsu Gosho (Eleven Letters of St. Nichiren),” “Hokke Shuyo-sho (A Treatise on the Essence of the Lotus Sutra),” “Deshi Danna-chu Gosho (A Circular to Disciples and Lay Followers),” “Rissho Kanjo (A Treatise on Establishing the Right Way of ),” “Issakujitsu Gosho (The Day Before Yesterday Letter),” “Rissho Kanjo Sojo (The Covering Letter to A Treatise on Establishing the Right “Ken Rissho-i Sho (A Tract Revealing the Gist of the Rissho Ankoku-ron).” Way of Meditation),” 1995 St. Nichiren’s Nyonin Gosho: Letters Addressed to Female Followers tr. by “Misawa-sho (A Letter to Lord Misawa of Suruga),” Nichiren Shu Overseas Ministers in North America, compiled and edited by “Shimon Butsujo-gi (Listening to the One Buddha Vehicle Teaching for the First Time),” Kyotsu Hori (Tokyo, NOPPA, 1995). ‘Toki Nyudo-dono Go-henji: Chibyo-sho (A Response to Lay Priest Lord Toki: (included) “Gassui Gosho (A Letter on Menstruation),” Treatise on Healing Sickness),” “Ueno-dono Goke-ama Gohenji (A Response to the Nun, Widow of Lord Ueno),” “Honzon Sho (Questions and Answers on the Honzon),” “Shijo Kingo Nyobo Gosho (A Letter to the Wife of Shijo Kingo),” “Toki Nyudo-dono Go-henji: Hongon Shukkai-sho (A Response to Lay Priest Lord “Nichimyo Shonin Gosho (A Letter to Nichimyo Shonin),” Toki: Treatise on Overcoming Illusions of the Triple World by Provisional Teachings),” “Ueno-dono Gohenji (A Response to Lord Ueno),” “Shokyo to Hokekyo to Nan’i no Koto (The Difficulty and Easiness in Under- “Shijo Kingo-dono Nyobo Gohenji (A Reply to the Wife of Lord Shijo Kingo),” standing the Lotus Sutra and Other ),” “Sajiki Nyobo Gohenji (A Response to Lady Sajiki),” “Sandai Hiho Honjo-ji (The Transmission of the Three Great Secret ).” “Ko-ama Gozen Gosho (A Letter to My Lady, the Nun of Ko),” 2003 Writings of Nichiren Shonin, Doctrine 1, tr. by Kyotsu Hori, edited by Jay “Oto Gozen Goshosoku (A Letter to Lady Oto),” Sakashita (Honolulu, Hawaii, University of Hawaii Press, 2003). “Nichinyo Gozen Gohenji (A Response to My Lady Nichinyo),” (included) “Shugo Kokka-ron (Treatise on Protecting the Nation),” “Ota-dono Nyobo Gohenji (A Response to the Wife of Lord Ota),” “Sainan Koki Yurai (The Cause of Misfortunes),” “Nichinyo Gozen Gohenji (A Response to My Lady Nichinyo),” “Sainan Taiji-sho (Treatise on the Elimination of Calamities),” “Myoho Bikuni Gohenji (A Reply to Nun Myoho),” “Rissho Ankoku-ron (Treatise on Spreading Peace Throughout the Country by “Matsuno-dono Nyobo Gohenji (A Reply to the Wife of Lord Matsuno),” Establishing the True Dharma),” “Hyoe Sakan-dono Nyobo Gohenji (A Response to the Wife of Lord Ikegami Munenaga),” “Ankoku-ron Soejo (Covering Letter to the Rissho Ankoku-ron),” “Myoichi-ama Gozen Gohenji (A Response to My Lady, the Nun Myoichi),” “Ankoku-ron Gokanyurai (The Reason for Submitting the Rissho Ankoku-ron),” “Matsuno-dono Nyobo Gohenji (A Response to the Wife of Lord Matsuno),” ‘Yadoya Nyudo Sai-gojo (Second Letter to Lay Priest Yadoya),” “Ueno-dono Goke-ama Gozen Gosho (A Letter to My Lady the Nun, Widow of Lord Ueno),” “Ankoku-ron Okugaki (Postscript to the Rissho Ankoku-ron),” “Ueno-dono Haha-ama Gozen Gohenji (A Response to My Lady the Nun, Mother “Ko Saimyoji Nyudo Kenzan Gosho (Meeting the Late Lay Priest Saimyoji Letter),” of Lord Ueno),” “Kingo-dono Go-henji (A Reply to Lord Ota Jomyo),” “Ueno Amagozen Gohenji (A Response to My Lady, the Nun of Ueno),” “Ankoku-ron Sojo (A Letter Requesting the Rissho Ankoku-ron ),” “Ueno Amagozen Gohenji (A Response to My Lady, the Nun of Ueno),” “Muso Gosho (Record of a Dream),” “Ueno-dono Hahaama Gozen Gohenji (A Response to My Lady, the Nun, Mother “Kassen Zai-Genzen Gosho (A War Right Under Your Nose),” of Lord Ueno).” “Ken Rissho-i Sho (A Tract Revealing the Gist of the Rissho Ankoku-ron),” 1996 St. Nichiren’s Shimoyama Letter, tr. and edited by Taikyo Yajima (Tokyo, NOPPA, 1996). “Shinkoku-o Gosho (Sovereigns of Our Divine land),” (also included) “Yorimoto Chinjo (Yorimoto’s Letter of Explanation)” and “Ha-Ryokan-to “Senji-sho (Selecting the Right Time),” Gosho (A Letter Refuting Ryokan-bo and Others).” ‘Gonin-jo Go-henji (Response to Gonin’s Letter),” 1998 St. Nichiren’s Shugo Kokka-ron: Treatise on Protecting the Nation, tr. and edited “Kangyo Hachiman-sho (Remonstration with Hachiman).” Nichiren 138’ 03.10.7 2:19 PM ページ3

Nichiren Shu News (3) Rev. Myosho Obata Enters Penang Rev. Arai Becomes Head Nichiren-shu Priest of the Hokekyo-ji Rev. Nun Myosho Obata Nichiren-shu Headquarters was installed as the first resi- and gave a welcome speech. dent minister of the Penang Mr. An Tiang Soon said, Nichiren-shu Buddhist Tem- “August 2003 marked anoth- ple of Malaysia in a ceremo- er milestone for Nichiren Shu ny held at the temple on Malaysia. As from today August 7, 2003. onward we will have a resi- Rev. Obata was born in dent priest stationed Penang. the Chotoku-ji temple, “On behalf of all the Okazaki City, Aichi Prefec- members from Nichiren Shu ture, Japan. She studied Malaysia we would like to Japanese history at the Rissho extend a warm welcome to University. She completed 35 Rev. Obata. days practice of the ‘Shingyo “We are very fortunate to Dojo’ on Mt. Minobu, to have Rev. Obata to guide us become a Nichiren Shu min- in our and daily practice. ister two years ago. She was We wish you have a pleasant The main hall of the Hokekyo-ji Temple and Rev. Arai given training for an overseas stay in Malaysia.” in the circle minister in London, England, At the end of the ceremo- Rev. Chisei Arai was away of Nichiren Shonin, he from last November till May ny, Rev. Obata expressed her installed as the 145th head entered the priesthood, and of this year. determination, “I would like priest of the Nakayama turned the o-daimoku chant- The installation service to share our faith with you all Hokekyo-ji Temple, Chiba ing hall in the compound of officiated by Rev. Obata her- and I will do my best so that Prefecture at a ceremony held his mansion into a temple and Rev. Nun Myosho Obata self started at 8:00 in the the Penang Nichiren-shu on September 9. He succeed- named it as “Hokkeji,” the evening. Over 60 members Headquarters, read the con- Buddhist Temple will always ed Rev. Kanjun Hirono who predecessor of the present who gathered at the temple to gratulatory address of Rev. be filled with devotees.” recently retired due to ill Hokekyo-ji Temple. attend the ceremony were Giko Tabata, the Director of After the service, a recep- health. Toki Nichijo is credited very gratified with the instal- Missionary Department of tion was held by the mem- The Hokekyo-ji Temple for preserving many writings lation of a new resident min- Nichiren-shu Headquarters. bers. They brought plenty of was founded by Toki Nichijo of Nichiren Shonin. “Kanjin ister. Mr. Ang Tiang Soon, Presi- food for the party and (1216–1299), one of the lead- Honzon Sho” and other During the ceremony, dent of the Penang Nichiren- enjoyed themselves with the ing ley followers of Nichiren important writings are now Rev. Dairyo Tomikawa, a shu Buddhist Temple, new resident minister. The Shonin. preserved in the “Shogyo- staff of the Nichiren-shu expressed thanks to the party went on until midnight. Following the passing- den” hall of the temple. ‘Nichiren Buddhist Growing in Houston’ Rev. Ryuken Akahoshi that night, we went to Shami Caine- Nichiren Buddhist International Center Barrett’s home to have a light meal. One of her rooms is decorated as a Since my disciple, Rev. Ryuoh practice room and is the main meet- Faulconer started taking care of the ing place for the Texas sangha. The Houston group in September 2001, altar is enshrined nicely with the I’ve been willing to go there and Great and Nichiren Shon- meet Dharma friends in Houston. in’s statue. We chanted the Finally my wish came true. On Odaimoku to pay our respect to the August 23 and 24, I visited the Buddha and Nichiren Shonin. Even Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Texas though it was late at night, we kept along with Rev. Shingyo Imai and talking about the sangha, the growth Rev. Kanshin Mochida from the of Nichiren Shu in America and Nichiren Shu Shumuin Headquarters many other topics. in Japan. On the following Sunday morning Although our flight was delayed around 9 a.m., the sangha’s members two hours due to a thunder storm in and friends started gathering at Sha- Denver, Colorado, and arrived at mi Caine-Barette’s home. We had Houston at 11.30 p.m., Rev. Faulcon- breakfast and started talking and Attendants at the Sunday service on August 24 at Houston Sangha er, Rev. Shinkyo Warner of Lexing- making new friendships. This was are: Shami Lynda Caine-Barret (extreme left), Rev. Ryuoh Faulconer ton, KY, Shami Myokei Caine-Bar- their first time to meet Nichiren Shu (officiating the service), Rev. Sinkyo Warner (sitting backward), and rett and some of the Texas Sangha ministers other than their minister Rev. Shingyo Imai and Rev. Ryuken Akahoshi (far right) members picked us up at the airport. Rev. Faulconer. They seemed eager our doctrine and to hear what these deep thanks and appreciation for this After checking in to our hotel late to learn more about Nichiren Shu, ministers had to say. visit. Seeing the Nichiren Shu minis- The practice room was filled with ters helped in deepening their faith the sangha members by 10 a.m. Sun- and realize that they are not alone in day service was begun with Rev. Texas. A larger Sangha exists that Faulconer officiating, assisted by will help them in their path of fol- Rev. Shinkyo Warner of Lexington lowing the and and Shami Caine-Barrett. Everyone’s Nichiren Shonin. voice harmoniously echoed in the The Texas Sangha is working room while we chanted the Lotus hard to spread the Lotus Sutra in Sutra and the Odaimoku. The service Texas. It was nice to be able to see was followed by Rev. Faulconer’s others and have the support of others sermon about gatha (shomyo) and a who practice the teachings of the talk by Rev. Imai. A discussion fol- Eternal Buddha. Many new friend- lowed the talks and members ships were made on this weekend. exchanged their thoughts and asked “To see is to believe.” I realized questions to the ministers. For the that this phrase is true. I have heard sangha’s members, it was a very rare many things about the Texas Sangha opportunity to meet five Nichiren from Rev. Falconer, but this time I Shu ministers at the same time. was able to see them with my own The Daiseion-ji Temple Reconstructed After the exchange of questions eyes. I found that the Sangha is firm- The ceremony to celebrate the reconstruction of the Daiseion-ji and ideas we went out for lunch ly growing and the members practice Temple in Wipperfuerth City, Germany was held on July 17. Some together. During the lunch, everyone the Odaimoku with very deep faith. I 200 people, including Guido Forsting, the mayer of the city and 130 enjoyed conversation with friends, wish to be able to come back to visitors from Japan attended the ceremony. The temple was burnt and it continued even after we got Houston and support them by doing down June 6 of last year by arson. Rev. Nun Shoken Steffens, back to Shami Caine-Barrett’s home. anything I can for them in their deputy president of the temple delivered the address of thanks. The Texas Sangha expressed their growth as a Nichiren Shu Sangha. Nichiren 138’ 03.10.7 2:19 PM ページ4

(4) Nichiren Shu News 平成15年 10月 1日 第 138号

He is still in the process LOS ANGELES Church Events of learning to become a good minister. With the previous Oeshiki Service By Sandra Seki three years of training in The annual oeshiki ser- Honolulu, he feels he can do vice will be held on Sunday, his job well. “It is difficult to October 12, beginning at 11 constantly keep the faith, but a.m. The service will start Rev. Sasaki Assigned Head of Horinji Nichiren Shonin taught us to with the mando parade and have faith like the smooth the harmonious chanting of flow of water instead of the the Nichiren Shu wasan with flaming temper of fire,” says the taiko beat. A potluck lun- Rev. Kaneko. cheon will follow after the So he has been encourag- service so members are ing the members of the requested to bring their Puunene Mission to chant favorite dishes for five peo- the odaimoku everyday, ple. The main hall will be appreciate the great compas- decorated with the oeshiki sion of the Buddha and flowers after the blessing believe in His teaching. service on October 5th. Please give us a hand in dec- HONOLULU orating our temple for the oeshiki. Joint Oeshiki Service The 4th Joint Oeshiki Planting Work Completed Service for all Nichiren Mis- The work to plant trees sions in Honolulu will be around the odaimoku monu- held on Sunday, October 12 ment was completed in July. from 10 a.m. at the Honolulu The cost for the landscaping Myohoji. Please wear your and planting was paid by the “gyo-e,” the white happi pocket change donation. The worn when making a pil- temple would like to thank grimage to Nichiren temples. all those who donated small This will be the 722nd change, and aluminum cans. memorial service for our The temple would also like Founder. to express its sincerest grati- Rev. Nun Myojo Sasaki (right), wife of Buddhist priests at the holy site of . Oeshiki is one of the tude to Rev. Kanshu Ikuta the late Rev. Hojo Sasaki, who passed Through long years of toil and dedication, most important services for who wrote the characters on away this January in Sarnath, was formally they were able to build the Nichigatsuzan our temple. During the ser- the front and back of the installed as the chief priestess of the Nichi- Horinji, formally inaugurated in November vice please reflect upon monument. He is the master gatsuzan Horinji Temple, Sarnath, India. 1992. Five years later Horinji became the Nichiren Shonin’s contribu- of calligraphy of the The ceremony took place on August 25 first officially recognized Nichiren temple tion to the world and its sig- Beikoku Shodo Kenkyu Kai. with Rev. Ichimyo Fujisaki, Executive overseas in Asia. nificance in our daily lives. Director of the Nichiren Shu Propagation The temple grounds are open to the March in Place and Missionary Bureau, presenting the formal local people and the children participate in Craft Fair Keep Healthy certificate. Twenty followers assembled in the morning and evening services. On November 15, the This is a story Mrs. the hondo to witness the ceremony. Upon Some children can even recite the Jigage Fujinkai is holding a craft Kumiko Kanai heard from receiving the certificate, Rev. Sasaki placed (Chap.16 of the Lotus Sutra). fair in conjunction with the one of the temple members. it on the altar of her late husband and Although Rev. Sasaki is 81 years old, Mayor’s Cultural Festival. “There is a very famous vowed that she would continue propagating she goes to India at least ten times a year. This Fair will be held at the Japanese author who is 84 Nichiren Buddhism in India. Her goal is for Horinji to be deep-rooted in Blaisdell Center from 9 a.m. years old. Every morning The Sasakis first went to India in 1967 Sarnath and also to be able to manage to 1 p.m. she wakes up and marches in order to open a seminary for Nichiren itself. Donations of crafts and in place with 300 steps. She food stuff will be greatly does this to keep in shape so Kanai started doing this chest. The second 100 steps wrist juzu, officiating and appreciated. No bento or that she can travel through- exercise, too. The first 100 were more strenuous and she assisting services, fasting sushi will be allowed since a out Japan and give lectures.” steps were dynamic and she couldn't lift her legs up so and learning how to beat a certificate from the Board of After hearing this, Mrs. could lift her legs up to her high.The last 100 were drum while chanting. Satur- Health is required. Also only exhausting and she was day will be a day of fasting, handmade crafts will be completely out of breath no food will be taken all allowed, no ready-made when she had finished. day. The fee is $25 per per- clothing or personal items. But now, after continuing son including materials and this program for 6 months, equipment, beverages and Visitation Information Mrs. Kanai can easily do the Sunday breakfast. Please The ministers are plan- 300 steps plus she even bring your own sleeping ning to continue their visit to swings her arms all over to bags, towels and toiletry. For the Liliha Health Care Cen- receive the energy from the those who are interested ter and the Island Nursing earth. Not only has she please call Rev. Kanai at Home on the third Tuesday become slimmer but she has 323-262-7886. Space is lim- of each month. The Mission also become more agile. The ited to 14 (7 men and 7 is looking for members who moral of the story is to con- women). wish to accompany them on tinue doing something; no these visits. The residents of matter how hard it is at first, HAWAII the nursing homes are by continuing, things get always so happy to see many easier for you. News from Maui visitors. Nichiren Shu Minobusan Beikoku Betsuin (L.A.) Rev. Bungen Kaneko Three-day Training at moved to Maui on June 7 as SANGHA the L.A. Temple the resident minister of the NICHIREN SHU NEWS Rev. Shokai Kanai is Puunene Nichiren Mission. Honoring Thy Parents c/o NICHIREN SHU Shumuin Editorial Board: planning to hold a two night/ He had always wanted to Art Nerio, Margaret Ner- 1-32-15, Ikegami, Ota-ku, three day training on live alone from his college io, Sumi Onodera, Hisako Tokyo 146-8544, Japan Editor…………Keiryu Shima Tel. 03-3751-7181～3 Supervisor-Editor Nichiren Shu practices at the days and finally his wish Imamura unveiled the Board of Trustees: Tansei ………………Kyotsu Hori temple, beginning on Friday, came true. “Koichi and Toyo Nerio Iwama, Chief Administrator, Foreign News Editor November 7 from 7:30 p.m. “The town of Kahului, Dining Room” at the Keiro Nichiren Shu; Bungyo Yoshi- where the Puunene Mission Retirement Home in Boyle ………………Sandra Seki and ending on Sunday, da, President, Kaigai Fukyo is located, is quiet and we Heights. On behalf of their Staff Writers … Tesshu Saito November 9 at 12:00 p.m. Koenkai; Kurihara, The purpose of this program can often hear the roosters late parents, Koichi and Executive Director, General …………Gen-ichi Oikawa is practicing the shodaigyo crowing throughout the day Toyo, the Nerio siblings Affairs Bureau; Ichimyo (overseas)…Ryuken Akahoshi (chanting and meditation), and at times the dogs bark in made an undisclosed dona- Fujisaki, Executive Director, …………… Chishin Hirai Missionary Bureau; Giko tracing the sutra and the unison with the roosters to tion towards Keiro’s Living Advisor Hoyu Maruyama Tabata, Director, Missionary …… image of the Buddha, listen- wake us up in the morning,” Endowment Fund. Department, Nichiren Shu ing to lectures, making a says Rev. Kaneko.