January - NSTNY.org

NICHIREN SHOSHU TEMPLE
FOR
THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES, EAST CANADA AND TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Myosetsuji News
J ANUARY 1, 2016
I SSUE 175
Guidance from Sixty-eighth High Priest Nichinyo Shonin
On the Occasion of the November
Kōsen-rufu Shōdai Ceremony
Good morning, everyone!
On this occasion of the November
Kōsen-rufu Shōdai Ceremony, conducted here today at the Head Temple, I would like to express my
heartfelt appreciation to the large
number of participants in attendance.
with the Kamakura government, as
well as the Imperial court in Kyoto.
This is the month when the Third
High Priest Nichimoku Shonin
passed away.
It is taught in Articles to be Observed after the Passing of Nikko (Nikko ato jōjō no koto):
As you already know, in the third
year of Genko (1333), when the
Kamakura government fell and the
imperial regime was established by
Emperor Godaigo in Kyoto (the
Kenmu Restoration), Nichimoku
Shonin resolved to carry out his last
remonstration. In October of the
same year, prior to his departure,
Nichimoku Shonin transferred the
Heritage of the Law to Nichido
Shonin. Then, he started his journey
from Taisekiji to Kyoto, accompanied by his disciples Nichizon and
Nichigo. However, Nichimoku
Shonin became ill en route at Tarui
in Mino Province and passed away
on November 15, at the age of 74.
Nichimoku devoted himself to
remonstrating with the Imperial
Court for fifty long years, from
the eighth year of Kō’an (1285)
until the second year of Gentoku
(1330). Such achievements are superior to those of the other priests.
I leave this as documentary proof
for the ages to come. (Gosho, p.
1883)
As this passage shows, Nichimoku
Shonin devoted his whole life to
propagating the true Law throughout
the world. When we revere his behavior with the determination of not
begrudging his life, I keenly feel that
we must follow his high aspirations,
and powerfully chant Daimoku
It is said that Nichimoku Shonin
remonstrated more than 42 times
(Continued on page 2)
New Year’s Eve Gongyo - Thurs., Dec. 31, 2015 at 12 Midnight (Temple opens at 10 PM)
New Year’s Day Gongyo - Friday, January 1, 2016 at 10 AM
Gosho Quote for January 2016
Reply to Sennichi ama
(Sennichi ama gozen-gohenji)
In the five years, from the eleventh year of Bun’ei (1274) to this year, the first year of
Koan, that have already passed since I came to live here in the mountains, you have sent
your husband from the province of Sado to visit me three times. How great is your sincerity! It is firmer than the great earth, deeper than the great sea! (Gosho, p. 1253)
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
P AGE 2
G UIDANCE FROM S IXTY - EIGHTH H IGH P RIEST N ICHINYO S HONIN ( CONTINUED )
(Continued from page 1)
based on firm faith, no matter what
difficulty or obstacle may arise. We
then must make strenuous efforts to
do shakubuku—refuting heresy and
revealing the truth—aiming toward
worldwide propagation, while engraving the following golden words
into our hearts: “One’s life is insignificant while the Law is supreme.”
The achievement of kōsen-rufu is
the very will of the True Buddha
Nichiren Daishonin. When I look at
the chaotic situations at home and
abroad in recent years, I strongly
feel that each of us must be aware
that the root cause for these disasters
is the poison of heretical teachings.
This was clearly taught by the
Daishonin in his Risshō ankoku-ron.
We must teach those who suffer the
horror of slander of the Law and
sow the seeds of the Buddhism of
our founder Nichiren Daishonin, the
True Buddha in the Latter Day of
the Law—the secret Law that will
save all living beings. We then must
shakubuku as many people as possible in order to save them.
The Daishonin teaches in the Gosho, Reply to the Wife of Abutsubō (Abutsu bō ama gozen-gohenji):
Those who take faith [in the
Lotus Sutra] will attain enlightenment; those who slander it will
fall into the hell of incessant suffering. This is what is meant by,
“If a person fails to take faith
and slanders this sutra, he will
sever all the seeds for becoming a
Buddha in this world….When
his life comes to an end he will
fall into avichi hell.” (Gosho, p.
905)
Furthermore, the Daishonin expounds the following in the Gosho,
Questions and Answers between a
Sage and a Foolish Man (Shōgu
mondō-shō):
The world today is defiled with
impurities. People’s minds are
distorted, filled with envy, and
provisional and slanderous teachings abound. This makes it difficult for the true Law to be propagated. At such a time, it is of no
use to practice the reading, reciting and transcribing of sutras, or
to contemplate, meditate, or discipline oneself. You simply must
perform shakubuku. You should
powerfully vanquish slanderous
teachings and use the doctrines to
censure erroneous teachings to the
best of your ability. (Gosho, p. 403)
I firmly believe, just as these golden words teach, that if we are convinced of the vast and boundless
benefits of the Dai-Gohonzon, and
all the members of each chapter
make concerted efforts to propagate
the Law throughout the entire world,
we will achieve our goals without
fail.
The Daishonin also teaches in the
Gosho, The Selection of the
Time (Senji-shō):
When I, Nichiren, first took faith
in the Lotus Sutra, I was like a
single drop [of the ocean] or a single particle of dust [that makes up
Mount Sumeru] in the whole land
of Japan. If two, three, ten, or
hundreds, thousands, ten thousands,
hundred
millions—
eventually countless people start
to chant the Lotus Sutra, they will
form the Mount Sumeru of the
final stage of enlightenment, or
the ocean of great nirvana. You
must not seek any other way to
become a Buddha. (Gosho, p. 868)
Taking these golden words to
heart, if each of us strives hard to do
shakubuku, aiming toward the propagation of the true Law throughout
the entire world, we will be able to
receive the vast benefits for oneself
and others and build an unshakable
life condition of Buddhahood.
We have only two months remaining this year. If there are chapters
that have not yet achieved their
goals, I sincerely pray that the members of those chapters will become
united in the spirit of itai dōshin and
accomplish their shakubuku goals
for this year, so that they will be
able to report their achievements to
the Gohonzon.
I SSUE 175
P AGE 3
“C HECKIN ’ IN ” M IDTOWN /D OWNTOWN /S TATEN I SLAND A REA , D IANE L APSON , C OORDINATOR
This year we were all horrified to
see more terrorist attacks. Within
seconds the world changed for so
many people: feelings of insecurity
for oneself and loved ones returned
to society; fear of using public transportation and gathering in large
spaces. The weather has been very
unusual as well, all over the world.
You just don’t know what to expect
and a “normal” day is not so normal.
That is why we are grateful to have
this daily Buddhist practice to stabilize our lives when events could easily lead to chaos.
Especially in frightful times, people spend their lives looking for sacred spaces. We are fortunate to be
able to create a sacred space in our
own homes. Twice a day our members find themselves in a safe,
healthy, joyful environment when
they sit in front of their altars and
recite morning and evening Gongyo
and chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo
(Daimoku) to the true Gohonzon. As
we chant, we center ourselves and
our world is affected. Having an
altar in one’s home is like an oasis
on a desert. Receiving the
Gohonzon for our own home is like
having a beacon on a dark night at
sea – it is the light and the direction
for our enlightenment.
This year, our members found great solace
and encouragement
right in front of their
altars by practicing; and
attending the temple
activities with our
wooden Joju Gohonzon
enshrined and our wonderful Chief Priest and
Assistant Priest to welcome and guide us. We
had a great time preparing for our study
presentation of “What is Gokuyo”
for the beginner’s meeting in October. Members really put a lot of effort into coming together to chant
and rehearse despite work, school,
homework and so many other commitments. The teamwork and effort
felt great.
Chanting together, we can help
change this world – and yes, have
Kosen-rufu – world peace, based on
individual enlightenment. It occurred to us many times this year.
The medicine for a sick world is
Daimoku and sharing this Buddhism
and practice.
MDS wishes all of our members the
Best NEW YEAR and great success
to our Myosetsuji Temple in 2016.
Crossword - NST Terms
Complete the crossword below
1
2
3
4
5
6
Buddha Nichinyo Gokuyo Gokaihi Gojukai Shakubuku
Bodhisattva Tozan
Across
1. Pilgrimage to the Head Temple in Japan
5. Help others attain enlightenment
6. Ceremony to join Nichiren Shoshu and
have the seed of happiness planted within
your life
Down
2. Current High Priest __________ Shonin
3. Introduce the practice to someone
4. Audience with the Dai-Gohonzon
5. Enlightened One
6. Offering to the Three Treasures
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
P AGE 4
M IDTOWN -D OWNTOWN -S TATEN I SLAND M EMBERS S HARE THEIR 2016 F AITH D ETERMINATIONS
[We thought it would be a great
cause and inspiring to share some
of our members’ determinations in
faith for the coming year. New
Year’s is always a time to think
about where we have been and
where we would like to go. Hope
this encourages you to make your
own great determination. - Diane]
can receive the benefits of the
Gohonzon.” - Vinson German
"My determination for 2016 is to
make 1 hour chanting the base line of
my daily practice with stronger focus,
confidence, compassion and determination. I will build a strong life condition day by day with a more focused practice to show by example
“My determination is to continue to the immense benefit of Nam-Myohogo deeper into my Buddhist practice Renge-Kyo. I will strive to never
and keep spreading the word about
hesitate to share my personal experithis wonderful way of life. I want
ences, teach others about Buddhism
happy, healthy, prosperous and more and encourage fellow members by
enlightened lives for myself and eve- chanting together.” - Melissa
ryone in this universe, both now and Haggerty
in the future. In so doing, it is my
“In the coming year, I would like to
hope that all of us will become proschedule more home visits to memgressively better human beings, conbers, in order to chant with them and
sistently becoming more loving, more
get to know them better. Everyone in
giving and more tolerant towards ourNYC has busy schedules, however,
selves and each other. Smiling inside
when we have had home
and out! Thus, making our experiget-togethers, I was able to develop
ence on this earth much happier and
more compassion and patience as a
more productive each and every
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist. The memday!” - Ward Nixon
bers who participated also came to
the temple more than they did the
"My determination is to not only
continue to guide people to Nichiren previous year.” - Rosa Curry
Shoshu, but to do whatever I can to
“My determination for the new year
help raise our new members so they
is to not get anxious over everything
in my life! And, to shakubuku
(introduce) more people to this Buddhism!” - Donna Waters (joined in
2015)
about Buddhism so I can have more
spiritual knowledge.” - Sabrina
Thompson (youth member, High
School)
“My determination is to shakubuku
my family, especially my future husband and be able to do Kosen-rufu in
Kuwait.” - Karima Bourabah, (living
in the Middle East).
“My Determination for 2016 is
learn to fuse my life with the
Gohonzon twice a day no matter how
busy I get with work. - Teresa Malihan Haggerty
"My determinations for 2016: Keep
the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin,
"To carry out the practice of
the Buddha Way, at the center of my
Myoho-Renge-Kyo, to do shakubudaily life. Make my first pilgrimage
ku and to study.“ (from: On the Four
to our Head Temple, Taisekiji, in JaStages of Faith and the Five Stages
pan (Tozan). Complete and publish
of Practice Gosho) - Mizan Kirbymy memoirs, dedicated to the efficaNunes
cy of Nichiren Shoshu True Bud"Our family determination is to
dhism.” - Salvatore Clemente
have at least one shakubuku, go to
“My determination is to introduce
Tozan and open our house for meetas many people as I can to Nichiren
ings once again.” - CaraballoShoshu Buddhism, and to share the
GChanglerth family (Millie, José,
wonderful experience of going on
Vinceht & Vaneshka)
Tozan to have an audience with the
“I am determined to learn more
(Continued on page 5)
I SSUE 175
P AGE 5
M IDTOWN -D OWNTOWN -S TATEN I SLAND M EMBERS S HARE THEIR 2016 F AITH D ETERMINATIONS ( CONTINUED )
which will contribute to a more
peaceful world. Encourage others to
Dai-Gohonzon with new members.” – come to meetings and temple. Go
further in my voice-over career. Deal
Marnee May
with some dental issues and develop
“I am determined to overcome my
an even deeper faith.” – Victoria
health issues in 2016, which will also
Brooks
help encourage others to practice and
join this wonderful Buddhism.” –
“I am determined to see reality
more and more clearly so I can transFelicia Balicer
form negative aspects of my life and
"By the end 2016, I will do my abpersonality into positive ones. Chant
solute best to help my new members
more with other members. Successpractice correctly and share gratefully
fully encourage my guests to practice
in the joy of our benefits by doing
shakubuku. I will take to heart and
concentrate my mind on accomplishing daily goals of good health, financial stability and family unity. I will
complete 1,000,000 Daimoku by December 30th, 2016 and will follow
the guidances of our High Priest and
Chief Priest to understand more deeply the teachings of our True Buddha,
Nichiren Daishonin. I will participate
in Temple activities and will go on
Tozan in 2017!" – Susan Dobbis (Our
member in France.)
(Continued from page 4)
“My determination is to chant more
and take care of my health!” – Diane
Stein
“My determination is to sponsor a
new member to join Nichiren Shoshu
know what is around the corner; to be
kind to all people because life can
sometimes be very scary and to work
through my own fear. And I hope for
peace throughout the world and to
find the peace and happiness in myself.” – Judi Miraglia
“I am determined to go on Tozan in
2016 (pilgrimage to Head Temple
Taisekiji in Japan), shakubuku at
least one person and work with my
son to eradicate our family's negative
karma.” – Diane Sack
“My determination is to introduce
this Buddhism to everyone and have
them want to meet the great Mystic
Law.” – Norma Paniciolli
daily and join the temple. Overcome
my challenges and help change our
world into a happy and peaceful, enlightened planet! And to utilize my
writing and art commercially.”
– Diane Lapson
“My determination for 2016 is to be
able to strengthen my practice and
continue to make my relationship
with the Gohonzon stronger so that I
am confident in my decisions
throughout the year.” - Gabi Sasson
“My determination for 2016 is to
have better time management and
clarity when choosing responsibilities, so as not to spread myself too
“My determination is to chant more
thin. This will allow me to have a
in 2016 to help me accomplish the
more routine chanting schedule and
following: Be a better person, enjoy
more time and mental space to dedieach day, stay active. To accept the
cate to my practice.” - Linda Lynch
new person that I have become due to
“My determination is to have a conunforeseen circumstances and learn
sistent practice, no matter what.”
to be gentle on myself.; to take life
second by second because you never - Chrysa Chin
“Our determination is to do more
compassionate shakubuku.” – Caroline and Ken Donato
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
P AGE 6
Y EAREND P RIEST ’ S
VISIT TO
T ORONTO
Please Join Us May 25 to June 1, 2016
for Our Group Tozan Pilgrimage to the Head Temple Taisekiji
to Pray to the Dai-Gohonzon
Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM
Uptown & Bklyn Cleanup
Gongyo 10 AM
Korean Oko 12:30 PM
Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM
Group Memorial 10 AM
MDS & NJ Cleanup
Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM
Qns & West Cleanup
Gongyo 10 AM
Chinese Oko 12:30 PM
Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM
Youth Meeting 12:30 PM
Japanese Oko 12:30 PM
18
19
20
21
Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM
Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Intro Mtg 7:00 PM
(Manhattan)
11
12
13
14
Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM
Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Intro Mtg 7:00 PM
(Myosetsuji)
25
26
27
28
Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM
Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Intro Mtg 7:00 PM
(Myosetsuji)
31
24
17
10
Bronx & LI Cleanup
Oko Ceremony 10 AM
12 Midnight
1
29
22
15
8
Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM
New Year's
Gongyo 10 AM
31 MDS & NJ Cleanup
Friday
2
30
Gongyo 7:30 AM
Gongyo 6:30 PM
23
Gongyo 10 AM
Gongyo 2:30 PM
16
Gongyo 10 AM
Gongyo 2:30 PM
Gongyo 10 AM
Gongyo 2:30 PM
9
Gongyo 2:30 PM
Gongyo 10 AM
Saturday
January 2016
Myosetsuji Temple
4
5
6
7
Kosen-rufu Chanting 10 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM Gongyo 7:30 AM
Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Gongyo 6:30 PM Intro Mtg 7:00 PM
Children's Meeting 12:30 PM
(Manhattan)
Support Staff Meeting 12:30 PM
Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM
3
Uptown & Bklyn Cleanup
Friday……………………………… 6:30 PM Shodai, 1/2 hr. w/ Intro Mtg.
New Year's
Eve Gongyo
Thursday
Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs………….. 6 PM Shodai, 1/2 hr. w/ Evening Gongyo
Wednesday
Open at 10 PM
Tuesday
(Amsterdam & Broadway)
215 W. 98th St. #3B
Manhattan
Intro Meeting
Sat, Sun & Holidays……………….. 1 hr. Shodai with Morning Gongyo
January Special Shodai
Monday
9:30 AM
9:00 AM
Saturday
Sunday & Holidays
Sunday
9:00 AM
8:00 PM
7:20 AM
5:30 PM
Monday - Friday
Re-opens on Mon/Tue/Thurs & alternate Fridays
3:30 PM
3:30 PM
Close
Open
M YOSETSUJI
T EMPLE
143-63 Beech Ave.
(Entrance on
Parsons Blvd.)
Flushing, NY 11355
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