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

No. 212 February 1, 2016 1 Let Us Repay the Four Favors in the New Year Honorable Rev. Nisso Uchino, Archbishop of Nichiren Shu, Chief Abbot of Minobusan Kuonji Temple

In this early spring of 2016, I give my “Flowering from the as they gave birth the relationship. But it never comes to a sincere compliments of the New Year Seeds.” This year, to him and brought happy ending. Rather, as Nichiren Shonin season to all the ministers and devotees we should show our him up to become himself realized, the tougher life gets, the of Nichiren Shu. I would also like to respect and gratitude the practitioner of more productive life we can enjoy later on. express my deepest gratitude for the as we prepare for the the Lotus ; 3) Te Lotus Sutra teaches us that we need to constant service and contributions 800th anniversary from sovereign – the strive to make friends with those who we you are rendering to Nichiren Shu and of Nichiren Shonin’s sovereign, land and consider our enemy. I believe this can be Minobusan, the Founder’s mountain. birth in 2021. conditions of t he accomplished by receiving and repaying Tis year we are commemorating the Te basic concept of country all awakened the Four Favors. 750th anniversary of Nichiren Shonin’s this phase lies in the him for his mission In Chinese astrology, 2016 is the Year mother, Umegiku. Her name Four Favors Nichiren to spread the True of Hinoe-Saru, the Monkey, and the 33rd is Myoren-songi. On September 14, her Shonin described in Dharma; and 4) from year of the sexagenary circle. Hinoe is memorial service will be held at her grave his treatise, “Open the Tree Treasures of symbolic of things brought to light and in Myorenji Temple, Chiba Prefecture. Te Your Eyes.” He says, Buddhism – Nichiren becoming prosperous. The Monkey following day, I will ofciate as Archbishop “Disciples of t he Shonin was grateful symbolizes making further progress. It is of Nichiren Shu at the Grand Ceremony Buddha and students to the Lotus Sutra, for a golden opportunity this year to improve to express the feeling of gratitude to her of Buddhism should not fail to feel revealing the true intent of Shakyamuni ourselves through our faith in Odaimoku, at Tanjoji Temple of Kominato. In our age grateful for the Four Favors received from Buddha. Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. when the breakdown in relations between people, parents, sovereign, and Buddhism, Nowadays, we tend to avoid socializing At the beginning of 2016, from parents and children is refected, this is a and repay them.” Te Four Favors are: with other people as we feel it troublesome. Minobusan, which Nichiren Shonin great opportunity to show the importance 1) from all sentient beings – Nichiren Nichiren Shonin insists, however, that we perceived as a sacred mountain, I wish of the bonds of parent-child afection. Shonin vowed to save all sentient beings should always feel grateful for the Four peace throughout the world. May all of Last April, we began the third phase and was glad to be able to practice the Favors and repay them. To feel grateful you have a happy year and signifcant lives. of our Rissho Ankoku and Odaimoku Way, because there are for the Four Favors means valuing human Finally, I would like to ask all the ministers Kechien Campaign, expressed in the various types of people, good and bad; relations highly. We live a wonderful life and devotees to give continuous and slogan Inochi Ni Gassho: Praying 2) from parents – Nichiren Shonin ofen through good human relations. Once they immediate support to Nichiren Shu and to Life. In this phase, we emphasize expressed his gratitude for his parents do not go well, we are tempted to break of the Founder’s temple. With Gassho. Inochi ni Gassho, Praying to Life and the World in 2016 Rev. Junko Kobayashi, Chief Administrator of Nichiren Shu

I would like to extend to all of you my best in spreading peace by his life. In 2022, we Beginning this coming April, we will wishes for the New Year! Last year, natural establishing the True will celebrate t he ask all the temples, ministers and devotees disasters, such as massive earthquakes, Dharma. 800th anniversary around the world to make monetary torrential rains, and volcanic eruptions Nichiren Shu has of Nichiren Shonin’s donations from the year 2016 to 2021. Our took many lives and created suffering started the Odaimoku birth. Tis is a wonder- goal is to raise ¥2,234,000,000 for these around the world. I pray for the souls of Kechien Campaign ful opportunity to projects. Tis goal cannot be achieved the victims and express my sympathy with the slogan Inochi show ou r si ncere without your help. to those damaged from the disasters, Ni Gassho: Praying gratitude to Nichiren We should unite and do our best to sincerely wishing for the earliest possible to Life. The goal of Shonin. realize our Founder’s wish to make all recovery of the afected people and areas. the campaign is to For the last two beings under the heaven and within the In Europe, people are thrown into establish a peaceful years, we have dis- four seas live in accordance with the confusion due to huge numbers of world with peaceful cussed projects and Wonderful Dharma, to keep faithful to refugees and unpredictable terrorist minds by respecting activities to honor the Minobusan, our Founder’s mountain, attacks. We all see the link between each other. Tis is the 800th anniversary. and to bring a happy life to those hatred and retaliation, but nobody wants second year of the third phase of the Last March, the Nichiren Shu Congress devoted to Nichiren Shu Buddhism. I to create more casualties among civilians campaign, “Flowering from the Seeds.” I approved nine projects. Tese include the ask you for your cooperation in realizing and increase the number of refugees. want to emphasize that each organization ceremony for the 800th anniversary of the 800th anniversary of our Founder’s Additionally, the United Nations Frame- in Nichiren Shu should reconsider what Nichiren Shonin’s birth, commemorative birth and making the projects and work Convention on Climate Change steps to take for this phase, and take gatherings to be held in 11 districts, a events successful. says that global warming will increase positive action towards its realization. campaign to spread Shodaigyo chanting, Seeing in this new year, we ask both terrorism and create even more refugees. Our Founder Nichiren Shonin said, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, a program for ministers and devotees to pay homage at We are very sad to see natural disasters, “Those who learn and practice the educating young people, repairs of the Minobusan where we can feel Nichiren warfare, confict and terrorism and now teachings of the Buddha should never Shingyo Dojo seminary, festivals and Shonin’s soul and deepen our faith in the global warming afecting so many lives all forget the kindness of their parents, publicity work at temples, revision of the Lotus Sutra. We should pray with palms over the world. Tese are urgent issues for masters, and sovereign.” Considering Nichiren Shu Encyclopedia and others. together in our daily lives and create a all humanity. It is important, therefore, for gratitude as a fundamental virtue for All of these are indispensable to support peaceful society through the Odamikou, us as Nichiren Buddhists to expound the human life, he never forgot to express his the slogan of Inochi Ni Gassho, Praying Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. value of human life and act on our belief feelings of gratitude to others throughout to Life and the World. —Translations by Rev. Sensho Komukai

YEAR OF THE MONKEY: According to the a break to save their energy temper and a tendency to a monkey saved Nichiren Shonin’s life. traditional Chinese calendar, 2016 is the during their busy schedule. look down upon others. When he was attacked by a mob at his Year of the Monkey. Though people born in From the writings of residence in Matsubagayatsu, Kamakura, People born in the Year of the Monkey the Year of the Monkey Nichiren Shonin, we can a white monkey suddenly appeared before are smart, clever, and intelligent, especially have enviable skills, they understand that there were him and led him to safety. in their career. They are lively, flexible, have several shortcomings. many monkeys living on People born in the following years are quick-witted and versatile. Tey are also Tey sometimes tend to be Minobusan. He said he born in the Year of the Monkey: 1920, gentle and honest which helps develop a jealous, suspicious, cunning, could see and hear them as 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, lasting relationship with others. Tey tend selfsh, and arrogant. Tey they scampered through the and 2016. to overwork so it is best for them to take also have an impetuous YEAR OF THE MONKEY mountains. Legend says that —Compiled by Sandra Seki 2 Nichiren Shu News No. 212, February 1, 2016 Bringing Back the Cherry Trees of Cereseto to Honor Nichiren Shonin

Text and Photography year since Nichiren Shonin’s birth in 1222. of both the United Nations Conference by Jan Deputy-Louy Bringing back the cherry trees of Cereseto on Environment and Development of would forever link the small village to the 1992 and its subsequent Kyoto Protocol Nestled in the beautiful Piedmont region life of Nichiren Shonin. of 1997. of northern Italy sits the village of When he learned of Rev. Tarabini’s To promote these goals and in apprecia- Cereseto. Over 200 years ago, this village ambition, Rev. Join Inoue of the Nichiren tion for this generous ofering, the village was graced with innumerable cherry trees. Shu Beikoku Betsuin in Los Angeles, decided to erect a commemorative plaque The name “Cereseto” comes from the California decided to join Rev. Tarabini in in honor of the Los Angeles Temple. Mayor Italian word for “cherry.” The fruit is this campaign. Afer a lengthy discussion Lavagno also stated his desire to visit Los included on the village’s coat of arms. by the governing board of the temple in Angeles and personally thank Rev. Inoue, In the late 1800s, an Los Angeles, board member Kathleen the Los Angeles Temple members and extremely cold winter Quinn stepped up to lead fundraising friends for their generous contribution killed off most of the eforts to assist Rev. Tarabini. to the people of Cereseto. As the mayor cherry trees. Years later, Los Angeles temple members and ended the meeting, he reminded those the remaining trees were friends have raised enough funds for over present of the origin of the name of the wiped out by disease. 150 trees. Contributors selected either a village of Cereseto and expressed his Cereseto is also home to the Nichiren sapling or a full sized tree. Donors were gratitude and hope that the town, through Shu Temple of Renkoji and its resident also able to buy a plaque to be attached to these eforts, will eventually return to its priest Rev. Shoryo Tarabini. From this their tree for a specifc dedication. original splendor. temple, Rev. Tarabini and his assistant, and personally thanked the Los Angeles On November 21, a tree planting cere- Rev. Keiji Oshima, propagate the Lotus Nichiren Shu Beikoku Betsuin and mony took place in the city park. A total Sutra and Nichiren Shonin’s teachings its representatives. of 207 trees have been planted since the throughout Italy and the rest of southern Rev. Tarabini, Rev. Oshima, Renkoji campaign began two years ago. Europe. Rev. Tarabini, considering ways to Temple member Federico Bombardi, Ms. Trough this efort, born from the Lotus further promote Nichiren Shu Buddhism Quinn and I were invited to City Hall to Sutra and Nichiren Shonin, the people of and honor the life of Nichiren Shonin, meet with Mayor Lavagno, Vice Mayor Cereseto will beneft from the beauty of thought of bringing the cherry trees back Angelo Borello and other city ofcials. these trees for many years. to Cereseto. During the meeting, Ms. Quinn presented As I observed these events, I was lef Te cherry tree is important in Nichiren cherry trees to the mayor. with a clear image of this small, fairy Shu. When Nichiren Shonin passed away Out of these tree donations, around 50 tale village in Italy, on October 13, 1282, the cherry trees at trees will be planted by the children of blooming with 800 Ikegami suddenly bloomed out of season. Cereseto this year. Te mayor declared cherry trees honor- Hence, cherry blossoms have become a Ms. Quinn few to Italy in person to that Renkoji Temple’s campaign would ing Nichiren Shonin. symbol representing the overall life of present the donation and the special allow him to reinstate an old local This all began with Nichiren Shonin. plaques to Renkoji Temple and the City tradition of planting a tree whenever a the simple dream Rev. Tarabini set the ambitious goal of of Cereseto. The Mayor of Cereseto, child is born. He further explained how of a single Nichiren planting 800 cherry trees, one for each Enzo Lavagno, joined the presentation planting these trees is in line with goals Shu priest.

REVEREND KANNO PREACHES (40) “ It’s okay to chant awkwardly, but do it “ I expounded the Wonderful Dharma with all your heart!” with these various expedients, and caused —Bishop Nissho Kanno the living beings to rejoice.” — Lotus Sutra, Chapter XVI, Te Duration of the Life of the Tathagata

Bishop Nissho Kanno, known for the As a Nichiren Shu minister, always “Reverend Kanno Preaches” column, imagine how to perform your duty “Rejoicing” was installed as the 83rd Chief Priest of as if you are a temple master. To me, Ikegami Honmonji Temple in Tokyo on young ministers today seem to just As you are well aware, Chapter XVI is the foundation of Namu December 1. In an interview in October, follow the manual. People do not want Myoho Renge Kyo, the Odaimoku. Tis chapter clarifes how the he shared his excitement on the ofcial us to read or chant the sutra routinely Buddha relieves us throughout eternity. announcement of his appointment. like a machine. Te point is, it is okay to chant awkwardly, but do it with all Te phrase tells us that Shakyamuni Buddha has been expounding About 50 years ago, when I came from your heart! His teachings from the innumerable past and “caused all living Hokkaido to serve at Ikegami Honmonji Moreover, we should be aware that beings to rejoice,” by letting them attain “great peace of mind.” Temple, I found it devastated by the we are serving under the living Buddha We ofen miss our aim and experience “premature joy.” Te joy calamities of the Second World War. and Nichiren Shonin. Whenever I read My colleagues and I pledged ourselves the Lotus Sutra in the morning, I am the Buddha leads us to attain is eternal and unchangeable. Tat is to revitalize Honmonji Temple. Now deeply moved to tears. Tat is because “true joy,” in other words, “the great peace of mind.” It is stated in I believe there are two ways of doing I feel that I am with the Buddha and the sutra that people in the present day will also be able to attain this. Te frst way is to bring ordinary Nichiren Shonin. “true joy, the great peace of mind” as did the people in the past. citizens to understand the wonder of the It is greatly important to show sin- Odaimoku, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. cerity all the time. Keep in mind that You may wonder, how can we attain it? Te second way is to make Honmonji people are always looking at you from Devote yourself to chanting “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” by body, Temple the center of educating Nichiren behind. I would like to train Nichiren by mouth and by mind. Tis is the basic practice for all Buddhists. Shu priests. As I spent 30 years serving Shu ministers who can lead people into “Te great true joy” is assured ahead. as a housemaster of the Buddhist , not only by preaching student seminary of Nichiren Shu, I but also by showing an attitude Rev. Nissho Kanno, Bishop of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Tokyo dedicated myself to establishing a place of sincerity. for training young priests. —Translated by Rev. Sensho Komukai No. 212, February 1, 2016 Nichiren Shu News 3

HILO NICHIREN MISSION CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

diminish. Bishop Mochizuki then decided Keishin-in Temple on Shichimenzan, to establish a temple in Hilo. Te Kapapala generously donated a statue of the Goddess Mission sat empty for 18 years with no Shichimen to the Hilo Mission. Te statue members, and it was eventually given to was enshrined on September 12, 1982 in a a group of Tibetan Buddhists. ceremony led by Bishop Senchu Murano. On April 1, 1959, the Hilo Nichiren Shu A special hall was constructed along Temple was established behind the Hawaii with an artificial hill that resembled Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Shichimenzan in order to house the special on Kilauea Street. Te three-acre lot was statue. In 1985, Rev. Issei Mochizuki of purchased on what is now Makalika Street the Kuonji Temple on Minobusan came Text and Photography for $1,000. Temple members, waiting for to Hilo to preside over the ceremony by Jan Deputy-Louy the construction on the Hilo Nichiren celebrating the completion of the Goddess Main Hall to be completed, met in their Shichimen Hall. Since then, the Hilo Te Hilo Nichiren Mission, on the Big own homes until 1965. Nichiren Mission holds a Shichimenzan Island of Hawaii, celebrated its 50th In November 1969, Rev. Junko Kaji- Festival annually. Anniversary on Saturday, December 5, yama became Head Minister and the frst In February 2010, Rev. Hosho 2015. The anniversary ceremony was to reside at the temple. She increased Sugawara, who had also served in ofciated by Rev. Chishin Hirai, Bishop Wayne Nakayama, age 90, drives to the temple membership by teaching calligraphy to Honolulu, was inaugurated as the tenth for every other Sunday service to pray for his of the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii in beloved wife, who passed away seven years ago. children of the Nisei, second generation Resident Minister of the Hilo Mission. Honolulu, Rev. Hosho Sugawara, Resi- Japanese community. She also established Rev. Sugawara revitalized the temple dent Minister of the Hilo Mission, and Rev. Sugawara spoke of his deepest desire a women’s club to help beautify the temple. after many years without a minister. Rev. Gakugyo Matsumoto of Rengeji since he originally arrived. He has wanted In 1972, Rev. Myoyo Mizuno became the He increased membership, attracting Temple, Minobusan, . to restore the wonderful energy and new resident minister. She was a devout many with his energy and attention to Te grand ceremony included chant- enthusiasm to the same level as when worshipper of the Goddess Shichimen, the temple as a place of beauty, peace ing the Lotus Sutra and a Kito Blessing. the temple was originally established. He protector of Minobusan, enshrined at and contemplation. Following the ceremony, Rev. Hirai and thanked the temple members with deep the top of Shichimenzan. Rev. Kaishuku At the 110th anniversary celebration Rev. Sugawara addressed the gathering. respect and appreciation. Mochizuki, who was in charge of of Nichiren Shu in Hawaii in 2012, Rev. Hirai presented a set of juzu prayer Archbishop Nisso Uchino visited the beads that had belonged to Bishop Kanryu Hawaiian Islands. The Hilo Nichiren Mochizuki, who founded the temple in Mission proudly welcomed the Arch- Hilo. Rev. Hirai and the late Bishop Joyo bishop as part of his tour. Ogawa found this juzu when they were Though it is small in size, the Hilo cleaning the temple storage room. Bishop Nichiren Mission plays a large role in Ogawa gave the beads to Rev. Hirai and the history of Nichiren Shu in Hawaii. explained their importance and origin. Rev. Sugawara and his wife, Kumiko, Te celebration concluded by present- will return to Japan in January 2016. ing leis to some of the original members The temple members will miss them of the Mission and recognizing the many and wish them well in their new life. members who have dedicated themselves to the temple over the years. Te Hilo temple is graced with a long history. Its original predecessor was the Kapapala Nichiren Mission. In the 1950s, changes in the sugar industry caused many Japanese workers to relocate to the city of Hilo and other urban areas. Revs. Hirai, Sugawara, and Matsumoto With the decline in religious activities, Statue of the Goddess Shichimen, ofciated over the anniversary ceremony. the protective deity of Minobusan. the Kapapala congregation began to

Appreciation for finally restored, and its bloodstream We must never forget the original Devotion to the 50th Anniversary was healthy again. It was so strong that members in Kapapala. Thanks to Our Temple we welcomed Archbishop Nisso Uchino, them, we have the present Hilo Mission In February 2010, I was assigned to the on July, 2012 for the 110th Anniversary where we can pray and practice the Talking with Mr. Nakagawa, who had Hilo Nichiren Mission on the Big Island of in Hawaii. Lotus Sutra. We must continue to keep been our temple president for a long of Hawaii. When I arrived, it seemed This is how Hilo Nichiren Mission our deep gratitude for this temple. time, I learned that many people have the entire property, including the temple came to be known as one of the more The way of thinking is changing contributed to this building, had been without a master for active temples. with the times, and people might small temple. Tese so long that it had developed a dark The bond between the temple and its feel that things are becoming old. include people who atmosphere. members has become stronger because However, as long as the temple’s blood- became members A resident minister is like a blood of our ancestors’ faith, the hard work stream is always active, it will attract but quit for some vessel. When blood flow stops, our of many Japanese immigrants and the many people. And the chanting voices reason, people who physical condition becomes bad, and leadership of overseas ministers. will never stop. didn’t have any all parts of the body deteriorate. Hilo Nichiren Mission has been pro- It is important that we can feel family to whom Since coming here, I have worked to tected and saved by many invisible powers. relaxed at the temple. When we are they could pass restore this wonderful energy to the really relaxed, we can naturally receive on their , same level as when this temple was its positive feeling without any explana- people who had founded. My first goals were to repaint tion. Anyone can receive it. To invite attended services only occasionally, or the whole building and make the garden people into a truly peaceful world is the had just come to receive blessings from and grounds beautiful. universal role of temples. This has not the resident minister. During the six years Many members and visitors noticed changed for hundreds of years. we have been here, between one hundred that the temple was getting cleaner and Please regard the Hilo Mission as and two hundred people have joined us neater. But I wanted to make it even your first home, not your second one. to chant Odaimoku. more beautiful, so I kept working every And please help, support and accept We are fortunate that several families day. I knew I had to make the temple so each other so that everyone who comes have been here from the beginning. I am wonderful that everyone who passed by to this temple receives real comfort. grateful to have heard so many valuable or visited would get a very comfortable The Buddha, guardian deities and stories directly from the members who energy from this small temple. your ancestors are always watching your have been here all 50 years, carrying on After more than two years of work, wonderful practice. the mission of the Kapapala Temple. the inside and outside of the temple were —Rev. Hosho Sugawara —Kumiko Sugawara 4 Nichiren Shu News No. 212, February 1, 2016

After the lecture, Rev. Yamamura uniting with the Buddha. Uniting with the remarked: “Tis went much more quickly Buddha through Shodaigyo brings us the than I had anticipated, there were seven power of living and the power to overcome more pages of speech that I didn’t get to. worries and difculties. Meditation is a Everybody has listened very earnestly, preparation for chanting the Odaimoku Honolulu Myohoji Mission and I am grateful to them. I just wish I and expressing our gratitude after Rev. Josho Yamamura knew more about Buddhism in America, chanting. Before starting, we must put An Afternoon of Opera so I could explain it better to Japanese our posture in order. We can put our and members.” minds in order by putting our breath in order. In this way, we can chant the As part of the monthly Friday Lecture Odaimoku properly when our body and Nichiren Mission of Hawaii Series, sponsored by Nichiren Shu and mind are in order. Rev. Chishin Hirai, held at the Head Office on the first “As Nichiren Shonin said in his Kanjin San Jose Myokakuji Betsuin Bishop of Nichiren Mission of Hawaii Friday of each month, Rev. Josho Yama- Honzon Sho, the Lotus Sutra is the Rev. Arnold Matsuda mura of Honolulu Myohoji Mission Shodaigyo Seminar Buddha’s best teaching. Te Odaimoku “Lotus in a Sea of Flames” came to Japan to give his presentation, is the essence of the Lotus Sutra. When we “The 85th Anniversary of Honolulu A special seminar on Shodaigyo, chanting have faith and uphold the Odaimoku, all Since our temple was established, Myohoji Mission, a Concert of Song and the Odaimoku, was held on October 24 of the Buddha’s virtues and enlightenment Myokakuji Betsuin has published several Dharma Talk.” and 25 at the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii are naturally transferred to us. When we scholarly books on various aspects of in Honolulu. Te instructors were Bishop receive his enlightenment, we become the Nichiren Shu Buddhism. For the com- Nissho Kanno, the newly appointed Chief same as the Buddha. We can unite with memoration of our 35th anniversary, we Abbot of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, and the Buddha. Buddhism is the teaching of decided to take a diferent approach. Rev. Taiju Ito, manager of the Nichiren the Buddha and the teaching of how to “Lotus in a Sea of Flames” presents Shu Horinouchi Dormitory. Tere were become a Buddha. Tat is what happens Nichiren Shonin’s life as a historical novel. more than 20 participants from our when we chant the Odaimoku. This book was written by Rev. Ryuei Betsuin as well as people from Wahiawa “Even with this understanding, it is still Michael McCormick and has 564 pages. and Myohoji . not easy to chant the Odaimoku properly. Copies are available from our temple for Bishop Kanno shared with us his Tis is because of our bad karma and the a donation of $25, plus $6 for handling down-to-earth wisdom and applied many worldly thoughts we have in our and mailing costs. it to our daily lives. As he explained, daily lives. We need to set aside those “Shodaigyo is a practice to chant the thoughts before chanting the Odaimoku. Odaimoku. Meditation is not the main Tat is why we need meditation to clear Rev. Yamamura held the Japanese purpose. We meditate in order to chant our minds so that we can concentrate on audience in rapt attention. He seasoned the Odaimoku better and taste the joy of chanting the Odaimoku.” his lecture with singing selections of What Bishop Kanno emphasized opera, such as Carmen, and Japanese was to forget everything around us songs, including “Like the Flow of the when we chant the Odaimoku. Then, Digital Future of River,” which was the last song recorded the great power of Buddha’s virtue and Nichiren Shu News by the famous Japanese singer Hibari enlightenment will come into our body. Misora. This power revitalizes and boosts our As we make plans for the digital future Bishop Tsumyo Ito, who ofciated the power of life. Tis power makes us see of Nichiren Shu News, we would like to Myohoji 85th anniversary ceremony on things more clearly and make us overcome hear from you. Please visit the survey page May 17, was in the audience enjoying our worries and difculties. Tis is the and share your thoughts with us. Tank the special lecture along with Nichiren greatest benefit we can obtain from you from the staf of Nichiren Shu News. Shu devotees. Shodaigyo. www.nichiren.or.jp/english/survey2016/

DRAGON PALACE TEMPLE 16TH ANNIVERSARY

On November 25, a delegation of of Modern Buddhism in was announced his at become a holy place of Buddhism on 14 members from the Nichiren Shu explained by Bishop Mochida in his this place. Te light of Buddhism shines the order of Deekshabhoomi.” International Buddhist Fellowship address to the gathering: “It is 59 years brightly in this holy site of Nagpur. We Bishop Mochida also expressed hope Association, led by Bishop Nichiyu since the Respected Dr. Ambedkar hope that Dragon Palace Temple will that Nichiren Shu would continue to Mochida, conduc ted t he 16t h support Dragon Palace Temple and anniversary service for the Dragon propagate the teachings of Nichiren Palace Temple in Kamptee City, Shonin in the land of Shakyamuni Nagpur . Tey were assisted by Buddha and the Lotus Sutra. ten members of the All Nichiren Shu Ms. Kumbare expressed her gratitude Youth Association, who conducted a to the International Buddhist Fellowship special Kito Blessing led by Rev. Jikei Association for its support, which Matsumoto. Rev. Shingyo Imai and Rev. allowed the temple to install stained- Kosho Imada were also on hand to assist glass windows and repair the outer walls in the international event. of the main hall. Dragon Palace Temple was estab- Many temple members and digni- lished in 1999 by Ms. Noriko Ozawa, taries gathered to chant the Odaimoku a Nichiren Shu devotee, and Ms. and ofer incense. Te event was also Sulekha Kumbare, former Minister extensively covered by local area news of Environment of India. Te history organizations.

Calendar for February 2016–March 2016

FEB 3 Setsubun (frst day of spring in the traditional FEB 15 Day Chinese calendar) FEB 16 Commemoration Day of the Birth FEB 4-8 Study Tour in Nepal 2016 of Nichiren Shonin FEB 10 Service observing the completion MAR 18-24 Spring Higan of the 100-day Aragyo Ascetic Training

Nichiren Shu News c/o Te Head Ofce of Nichiren Shu, 1-32-15 Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-8544, Japan; Tel. +81-3-3751-7181, E-mail: [email protected] Board of Trustees Junko Kobayashi, Chief Administrator, Te Head Ofce of Nichiren Shu; Bungyo Yoshida, President, NOPPA; Kenitsu Saito, Executive Director, Missionary Department; Momi Shiozaki, Executive Director, General Afairs Department; Kenyu Yoshida, Director, Missionary Department Editorial Board Sandra Seki, Editor; Shinkyo Warner, Assistant Editor; Alan Rowe, Art Director; Keiryu Shima, Chief Advisor Staf Kanshu Naito, Gyokai Sekido Advisor Hoyu Maruyama