Myosetsuji News Jan_13

NICHIREN SHOSHU TEMPLE
FOR
THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES, EASTERN CANADA AND TRINIDAD/TOBAGO
MYOSETSUJI NEWS
J ANURARY 1, 2013
I SSUE 139
2013 New Year’s Address by High Priest Nichinyo Shonin
As we welcome the early spring of
the New Year, the 761st anniversary of
the establishment of true Buddhism, I
am extremely pleased that our Honorable Retired High Priest Nikken
Shonin has also welcomed this New
Year in good health and high spirits.
Let’s Strive together to Achieve
160 New Members in 2013!
“The Year of Advancing in Unity”
I am convinced that all Hokkeko
members in each overseas country
have welcomed this New Year with
refreshed spirits.
Last year, the growing momentum of
shakubuku around the world was worthy of “The Year of Advancing Kosenrufu Through Shakubuku”. Shakubuku
activities were widely known and
deeply understood through the unity of
“itai-doshin”, “harmony between priesthood and lay believers”, firm faith with
the spirit that “one’s body is insignificant while the Law is supreme”, and
“willing to give one’s life to propagate
the Law.” By doing so, we Nichiren
Shoshu experienced great progress
(Continued on page 2)
Gosho Quote for January 2013
“Reply to the Wife of Lord Omonsu” (“Mushimochi-gosho”)
New Year’s Day is the first day, the first month of a new year, and the beginning of the year and of
spring. Therefore, those who cherish this day will amass virtues and will be loved by others, just as
the moon becomes gradually full while traveling from west to east and the sun shines increasingly
brighter as it moves from east to west.
(Gosho, p. 1551)
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
P AGE 2
New Year’s Address by High Priest Nichinyo Shonin (continued)
(Continued from page 1)
toward the achievement of our goals
toward the years 2015 and 2021.
This is entirely because each chapter
fervently built single-minded unity and
stood up for achieving each shakubuku
goal, and this brings me nothing but
joy.
This year, “The Year of Advancing in
Unity,” I pray from the bottom of my
heart that every Temple and group will
further strengthen unity, and that all
chapters will develop great advancement toward the achievement of shakubuku goals by bringing forth the full
scope of their potential, and continuously advance forth by conducting great
shakubuku activities at all times and in
various places.
bit”, and goals cannot be accomplished.
Therefore, the
entire Hokkeko
should maintain a
strong sense of purpose, and should
carry the same aspiration to foster the
unity of itai-doshin
and the accomplishment of shakubuku
goals. It is important
to carry out shakubuku activities that
involve all members with unity in the
Hokkeko even though there may be
various ways that members attend
shakubuku activities.
Myoho-Renge-Kyo in itai-doshin (many
in body, one in mind) without attachment to their own minds, to become as
inseparable as fish and the water in
which they swim. This is called the
Heritage of the ultimate law of life
Therefore, the entire Hokkeko
Thus it is important that each
and death. This is the object of
should maintain a strong
Temple and group first make conNichiren’s propagation. When you
sense of purpose, and should
crete annual plans specifically for
are so united, even the great aspiracarry the same aspiration to
achieving shakubuku, preparing
tion for Kosen-rufu can be fulfilled
itai-doshin
foster
the
unity
of
both short and long-term goals for
and the accomplishment of
without fail. But among Nichiren’s
each activity. Then with the same
shakubuku goals.
disciples, if there are persons who
resolve, everyone must exert forth
practice in itai-ishin (many in body,
utmost efforts in the advancement
differences
in mind), it would be as in
of shakubuku.
In other words, if all your actions are
the case of the owner of a castle who
Without this basic plan within the
entirely carried out in itai-doshin, you
destroys his own castle from withorganization, action will become meanwill establish a strong circle of solidarity in.” (Gosho p. 514)
dering and unstable like that of “a ship
that will never be defeated by obstacles.
The Daishonin teaches the importance
without a helm” or “a horse without a
You will be able to achieve shakubuku
of itai-doshin in other Goshos as well. As
goals by forming a
with anything, when accomplishing
solid and active
something, one will obtain good results
Hokkeko.
when one joins powers as opposed to
Nichiren Daishonin separating them. In the same way, withstates the following
out the unity of itai-doshin, we can not
on the importance of achieve the great aspiration for Kosenitai-doshin (many in
rufu.
body, one in mind)
The key to obtaining the unity of itaiin the “Heritage of
doshin and spirit and courage to conduct
the Ultimate Law of
shakubuku is the practice of Shodai.
Life and Death”:
The characteristic point of the Tem“All disciples and
ples and groups around the world that
believers of Nichiren
should chant Nam(Continued on page 3)
I SSUE 139
P AGE 3
New Year’s Address by High Priest Nichinyo Shonin (continued)
(Continued from page 2)
are actively conducting shakubuku is
that Shodai has been conducted with full
effort by the Hokkeko.
Shodai and shakubuku are inseparably
related. When you conduct shakubuku,
you must carry out Shodai first. There
may be persons who are unable to physically attend shakubuku activities due to
various circumstances; however, it is
important to attend the Temple and
group Shodai Ceremonies and to pray
for the achievement of shakubuku with
full efforts of the Hokkeko.
The Daishonin states the following in
“How Those Initially Aspiring to the
Way Can Attain Buddhahood
through the Lotus Sutra”:
once we chant
Myoho-RengeKyo, with just
that single sound
we summon forth
and manifest the
Buddha nature of
all Buddhas; all
dharmas; all bodhisattvas; all
shomon disciples;
all the deities such
as Bonten, Taishaku, King Emma;
the sun, the
moon, the myriad
stars, the heavenly gods and earthly
deities, on down to hell-dwellers, hun-
Dai-Gohonzon. I also hope that you will
put forth ceaseless efforts to further
conduct this practice with the
understanding that conducting
shakubuku with the benefits and
In particular, in November of this
joy gained from Shodai is the
year, the Major Renovation
key to accomplishing each
Ceremony of the Image Hall (Mieidō)
will be held as the commemorative
shakubuku goal.
“On the teaching of MyohoRenge-Kyo: The Buddha nature inherent in us, human
beings; the Buddha nature of
event of The 750th Anniversary of
Bonten, Taishaku and the other
In particular, in November of
Revealing the Truth and Upholding
deities; the Buddha nature of
this year, the Major Renovation
Justice through the Submission of
Shariputra, Maudgalyayana and
Ceremony of the Image Hall
the Rissho Ankoku Ron. With regard
the other shomon disciples; the
(Mieidō) will be held as the comto shakubuku, we must surely
Buddha nature of Manjushri,
memorative event of The 750th
achieve each shakubuku goal in
Maitreya and the other bodhiconcert with this auspicious event.
Anniversary of Revealing the
sattvas; and the mystic Law
Truth and Upholding Justice
that is the enlightenment of all
through the Submission of the
the Buddhas of the three existences, are
Rissho
Ankoku
Ron. With regard to
one and identical; this principle is called gry spirits, beasts, asuras, humans, gods shakubuku, we must surely achieve each
and all other living beings. This benefit
Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Therefore, when
shakubuku goal in concert with this
is immeasurable and
boundless.” (Gosho p. auspicious event.
1320)
I hope that all of you
will engrave these
golden words in your
hearts and that each
Hokkeko believer will
seriously carry out the
practice of Shodai
with praying for the
achievement of shakubuku goals with absolute conviction in the
Therefore, this year, “The Year of
Advancing in Unity”, Hokkeko believers
around the world should conduct
Shodai and shakubuku in itai-doshin and
solidarity, and then all temples and
groups will surely achieve each shakubuku goal. I would like to conclude my
New Year’s address by earnestly praying for your great advancement toward
achieving each goal toward the upcoming years 2015 and 2021.
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
P AGE 4
2013 New Year’s Address Overseas Department — Chief Rev. Gyoyu Urushibata
As we welcome the early spring of
2013, I would like to wish all Nichiren
Shoshu believers around the world a
happy New Year.
As a start of the year, together with
the resident priests in overseas countries
and Nichiren Shoshu believers around
the world, I would like for us to make
the pledge to exert ourselves toward the
further progress of World Peace and
Kosen- rufu.
Last year, we, the Nichiren Shoshu
priesthood and lay believers around the
world courageously worked to accomplish shakubuku for the significance of
“The Year of Advancing Kosen-rufu
Through Shakubuku” under the guidance of 68th High Priest Nichinyo
Shonin. As a result, not only in Japan,
but many chapters around the world
were able to achieve their shakubuku
goals.
Throughout this year, we must make
further progress with increased efforts
toward Kosen-rufu by achieving an even
greater number of shakubuku than last
year.
In order for the Hokkeko to increase
its present membership
of 50 percent by the year
2015, the “770th anniversary of the birth of
Second High Priest Nikko Shonin,” I believe that
the achievement of our
shakubuku goal in what
is now our 4th year will
have great significance.
Thus, I hope that all
chapters around the
world will exert efforts
to conduct shakubuku
through accumulating serious Daimoku
with unity between priesthood and lay
believers, and accomplish each shakubuku goal.
The objective for this year is designated as “The Year of Advancing in Unity.”
The Overseas Department then set
the following three practical points for
2013:
To strengthen our faith and practice through consistent Gongyo
and Shodai
To carry out shakubuku with
unity between the priesthood and laity
diligent shakubuku is carried out. It is
especially important to make the best
use of everyone’s experiences and cooperation.
3. To promote pilgrimages to the Head
Temple in each country. Tozan is the
best opportunity of our practice to accumulate great benefits. Everyone will
have conviction in their faith and will be
able to establish firm faith.
Therefore, promoting pilgrimages to
the Head Temple is an important activity for every country in the world. In
particular, it is of great significance to
encourage people who have not yet
made any Tozan experiences.
To promote pilgrimages to
the Head Temple in each
country
I hope you will further exert yourselves toward Kosen-rufu in each country by upholding the above 3 practical
points for this year.
To strengthen our faith and practice through consistent Gongyo and Shodai.
Gongyo and Shodai are our basics
of practice. This means to increasingly solidify firm faith by conducting Gongyo and Shodai seriously
and abolishing idle thoughts.
Nichiren Daishonin states in “On Attaining Buddhahood”:
2. To carry out shakubuku with
unity between the priesthood and
laity. When conducting shakubuku, between priests and believers
and amongst the laity, many people work together and one by one
“If the people’s minds are impure,
their land is also impure, but if their
minds are pure, so is their land. There
are not two kinds of lands, pure or impure in themselves. The difference lies
solely in the good or evil of our minds.
It is the same with a Buddha and a common mortal. While deluded, one is
called a common mortal, but once enlightened, he is called a Buddha. Even a
tarnished mirror will shine like a jewel
(Continued on page 5)
I SSUE 139
P AGE 5
New Year’s Address Overseas Department — Chief Rev. Gyoyu Urushibata (continued)
(Continued from page 4)
if it is polished. A mind which presently
is clouded by illusions originating from
the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but once it is polished it
will become clear, reflecting the enlightenment of immutable truth.
Arouse deep faith and polish your mirror night and day. How should you
polish it? Only by chanting Nam-Myoho
-Renge-Kyo.” (Gosho p. 47)
Nichiren Daishonin is teaching us that
this Saha world in
which we live is the
eternal Pure Land.
So it is said that to
either turn this eternal Pure Land into
the Land of Hell’s
War or the Buddha’s
Peaceful Land will
depend on the minds
of the people who
are living there.
Therefore, if we
polish the Buddha nature in our lives, establish the life condition of
Buddhahood and progress Kosen-rufu of the
True Law, this world
will naturally become
the Buddha’s peaceful
Land and we will be
able to live a life of happiness and peace.
For this reason, we
should chant Daimoku seriously day
and night, polish our
faith, conduct shakubuku and exert ourselves for Kosen-rufu
of the True Law.
It is said that 65 hundred million people live
among the world of
chaos on Earth.
Because this is such an uneasy chaotic
time, we must uphold Nichiren
Daishonin’s teaching and propagate the
True Law by aiming to establish a
peaceful and tranquil Buddha Land.
To everyone around the world who is
putting forth ceaseless efforts to protect
and propagate the True Law, under the
guidance of the High Priest, let us exert
ourselves for Kosen-rufu of the true law
throughout this year, together in firm
faith, with the priesthood and lay believers.
I would like to conclude my New
Year’s Address by praying from the
bottom of my heart for the happiness of
each one of you, for peace in each of
your countries, and for the progress of
Kosen-rufu of the True Law around the
world.
The Overseas Department three practical points for 2013:
To strengthen our faith and practice through consistent Gongyo and
Shodai
To carry out shakubuku with unity between the priesthood and laity
To promote pilgrimages to the Head Temple in each country
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
P AGE 6
The True Entity of All Phenomena — December Oko Lecture by Rev. Shinga Takikawa
“Even with the Buddha’s wisdom, one cannot fathom the benefit of making offerings to
Nichiren and of becoming his disciple or follower… If Nichiren is
one of the Bodhisattvas of the
Earth, then his disciples must be
their followers. [The Teachers of
the Law (Hosshi; tenth) chapter of
the Lotus] Sutra states, “If one
secretly preaches the entire Lotus
Sutra, any part of it, or even a single phrase of it to even one other
person, then this person, indeed,
is an envoy of the Tathagata. As
the Tathagata’s envoy, he carries
out compassionate action in his
stead.”
First of all, I would like to thank all of
you for your great effort to participate
in the last Oko ceremony of this year.
Together with you, I have sincerely
conducted the Oko ceremony to repay
our deepest gratitude to our founder,
Nichiren Daishonin, and offered my
prayers that you can strengthen your
faith, eradicate your karma and enjoy
good health in the coming year.
I would like to discuss the quote from
the Gosho, “True Entity of All Phenomena” (“Shohō jissō-shō”) which we
have just read together. Nichiren
Daishonin wrote this Gosho on the 17th
day of the 5th month of the 10th year of
Bun’ei (1273), when he was 52 years of
age and living at Ichinosawa
on Sado Island. He addressed this letter to Sairenbo, a former Tendai priest,
who had become the
Daishonin’s disciple.
The phrase, “true entity
of
all
phenomena” (shohō jissō) is contained in the Expedient
Means (Hoben; second)
chapter of the Lotus Sutra
and we recite it everyday during
Gongyo. Sairen-bo asked Nichiren
Daishonin various questions concerning
the significance of this phrase. This Gosho is the Daishonin’s response to Sairen-bo.
This writing is divided into three major sections to address the questions.
First, the Daishonin reveals that all phenomena in this universe are, without
exception, the manifestations of the
single Law of Myoho-Renge-Kyo, and
Myoho-Renge-Kyo is none other than
the True Buddha.
Next, based on his own existence and
his conviction that he, himself, is the
True Buddha of the Latter Day of the
Law, the Daishonin explains the gravity
of the sins of those who slander and
persecute him. Conversely, he also explains the tremendous benefits that people will receive if they revere him,
make offerings to him,
and propagate the mystic Law (Myoho).
Furthermore,
Nichiren Daishonin
instructs Sairen-bo and
all his disciples that if
they uphold the same
spirit as that of the
Daishonin they all share
a karmic bond with the
Bodhisattvas of the
Earth, and through the
power of this relation-
ship, they will be able to achieve Kosenrufu without fail. He strongly encourages them to devote themselves in the
two ways of practice and study, based
on sincere faith.
In the postscript, Nichiren Daishonin
states that this Gosho, “The True Entity of all Phenomena,” contains the
doctrine that reveals the proof of his
own enlightenment. Approximately one
month prior to writing this Gosho, the
Daishonin wrote, “The True Object
of Worship” (“Kanjin no honzon sho”),
in which he revealed the entity of the
object of worship in terms of the Law
(ho-honzon) for the enlightenment of all
living beings in the Latter Day of the
Law. The Daishonin emphasizes the
essential significance of this once again
in this Gosho.
Nichiren Daishonin tells us:
“Even with the Buddha’s wisdom, one cannot fathom the benefit of making offerings to
Nichiren and of becoming his disciple or follower.”
As his words indicate, even the Buddha can never completely calculate the
benefits of those who become Nichiren
Daishonin’s disciples and believers. This
begins with the Gojukai ceremony,
chanting the great law of Nam-myohorenge-kyo and encouraging others to do
the same and protecting the Three
Treasures of the Buddha, the Law and
(Continued on page 7)
I SSUE 139
P AGE 7
The True Entity of All Phenomena — December Oko Lecture (Continued)
(Continued from page 6)
the Priesthood, to be perpetuated into
eternity.
Why can we say this? It is because
Nichiren Daishonin is the reincarnation
of Bodhisattva Jogyo, the foremost leader of all the Bodhisattvas of the Earth,
whose advent in the age of the Latter
Day of the Law was precisely predicted
by Shakyamuni Buddha in the Lotus
Sutra. Nichiren Daishonin isn’t merely
an ordinary Buddhist priest who historically appeared in Japan 790 years ago
and earnestly practiced the Lotus Sutra.
He alone is the legitimate person who
can declare, indicate, reveal, and expound the original Law of Nam-myohorenge-kyo.
In the Gosho, “Letter to Jakunichi
-bo” (“Jakunichi-bo gosho”), Nichiren
Daishonin refers to a passage from the
Wondrous Powers of the Tathagata
(Jinriki; twenty-first) chapter of the
Lotus Sutra:
“The sutra states, ‘Just as the
sunlight or the moonlight dispels
the darkness, this person will
practice [Myo-Ho-Ren-Ge-Kyo]
in the world and eliminate [the
fundamental] darkness of all living beings.’ Carefully ponder on
the meaning of these words. ‘This
person will practice [Myo-HoRen-Ge-Kyo] in the world’ means
that
Bodhisattva
Jōgyō makes his advent in the first five
hundred years of
the Latter Day of the
Law, reveals the
light of the five
characters of NamMyoho-Renge-Kyo,
and illuminates the
fundamental darkness and earthly desires.”
Here, the Daishonin reveals that he is,
indeed, the reincarnation of Bodhisattva
Jogyo.
According to the Heritage of the Law,
the living essence of Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhism, Nichiren Daishonin’s true
identity is the True Buddha from the
infinite past of kuon ganjo based on his
profound inner realization, though he is
the reincarnation of Bodhisattva Jogyo
based on external and superficial considerations.
Therefore, it stands to reason that the
benefits are immeasurable and can’t be
fathomed even by the Buddha’s wisdom
of those who become the disciples and
followers of Nichiren Daishonin and
strive in the propagation and perpetuation of the True Law.
Next, the Gosho quote reads:
“If Nichiren is one of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth,
then his disciples
must be their followers.”
Here Nichiren
Daishonin explains that
all of us who are of the
same mind as him, firmly characterized by different bodies but one
mind, unmistakably constitute the Bodhisattvas
of the Earth.
The Lotus Sutra describes that Bodhisattva Medicine King together with
twenty thousand bodhisattvas, five hundred arhats and eight thousand people
of learning, as well as eight hundred
thousand million nayutas of bodhisattvas
made a vow to preach the Lotus Sutra
without begrudging their lives. But,
knowing that they were not able to endure the difficulties in propagating the
Lotus Sutra in the Saha World in the
defiled age of the Latter Day of the
Law, Shakyamuni Buddha refused them
and the earth trembled and split open,
and out of it emerged bodhisattvas who
were as numerous as the sands of sixty
thousand Ganges Rivers.
Nichiren Daishonin declares that only
we are entrusted with the mission to
carry through the practice of propagating the heart of the Lotus Sutra, Nammyoho-renge-kyo, in the Latter Day of
the Law—a practice that even the great
bodhisattvas who gathered at the assembly of the Lotus Sutra were denied. We
must be truly grateful for this opportunity to participate in the propagation
of the True Law. Now is the time for us
to embrace the will of Nichiren
Daishonin and firmly acknowledge our
mission as followers who constitute a
part of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
Let’s engrave in our hearts that we
have been given the opportunity to
propagate the Daimoku and the su(Continued on page 8)
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
P AGE 8
The True Entity of All Phenomena — December Oko Lecture (Continued)
(Continued from page 7)
in your chanting and carrying
through shakubuku in unity.
preme object of worship in the world,
the Gohonzon. This is the task that even
the Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai or Dengyo
were not allowed to do. When we ponder this, we can deeply realize that our
greatest benefit is to have been born as a
human and encounter the Gohonzon,
the priceless treasure in the Latter Day
of the Law.
During the recent Oeshiki Tozan
pilgrimage last month, I had an
audience with High Priest
Nichinyo Shonin. I would like to
report to you that High Priest
Nichinyo Shonin happily acknowledged Myosetsuji’s shakubuku
achievement. Congratulations!
When we make efforts in sharing the
joy of faith and practice, the great compassion of the Daishonin, an experience
of receiving benefits from the
Gohonzon and our conviction and confidence in achieving Kosen-rufu, please
firmly believe that we are none other
than the Buddha’s envoys sent by the
Daishonin, whether we be priests or
believers, men or women without any
inequality amongst us.
The Nichiren Shoshu Head Office has recently announced that the
objective for the upcoming year has
been designated as the “Year of Advancing in Unity.” Under this slogan, we have set our new shakubuku
goal for next year. It is 142 Gojukais for
Myosetsuji USA, 10 Gojukais for Trinidad & Tobago and 8 Gojukais for Eastern Canada. In total, our shakubuku
pledge is to introduce 160 people to True
Buddhism.
Approaching year-end, as we review
our shakubuku efforts, we remember
our original goal of 150 Gojukais for
this year. So far this year, we have successfully introduced 202 people to the
True Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. I
truly appreciate that this noble achievement is due to the power and virtue of
the Gohonzon and your ceaseless efforts
Our High Priest Nichinyo Shonin gave
us his guidance on the occasion of the
October Kosen-rufu Shodai Ceremony
this year:
“What is important, and what
we must be aware of in conducting shakubuku is stated in ‘The
True Entity of All Phenomena’ (‘Shohō jissō-shō’):
‘Although I, Nichiren alone, at
first chanted Nam-Myoho-RengeKyo, two, three, then a hundred
people gradually began to chant
and propagate it. So shall it continue into the future.’
In order to advance toward kosenrufu, we must propagate the teaching of
the five characters of Nam-MyohoRenge-Kyo gradually to two, three, and
one hundred people, following the
Daishonin’s behavior. In fact, this passage teaches that each and every one of
us must conduct shakubuku with courage and firm determination, by reso-
lutely standing up with a sense of our
mission to achieve kōsen-rufu.”
Let’s strive with unity to achieve our
first interim goal of 20 Gojukais by
Nichiren Daishonin’s Birthday on February 16th by always keeping the High
Priest’s guidance and expectations in
our hearts.
The Daishonin states in “Questions
and Answers on Embracing the
Lotus Sutra” (“Jimyō hokke mondōshō”):
“I believe that embracing MyohoRenge-Kyo, which ensures ‘peace and
security in this lifetime and good circumstances in the next,’ is the only honor to pursue in this lifetime and is the
guide to maintain enlightenment in the
future. Single-mindedly chant NamMyoho-Renge-Kyo and encourage others to do the same. This will remain as
your only memory from this present,
human life.”
I would like to end the last Oko ceremony of this year with my hope that
you will again live a fulfilling life next
year, making the Gohonzon the center
of your life with your Buddhist practice
as the foundation.
I look forward to seeing you again at
New Year Gongyo on January 1st.
Thank you for your attention.
I SSUE 139
P AGE 9
Thoughts from Philip Burke, Coordinator of Buffalo/East Canada Areas
On September 9, 9 of our Buffalo/
East Canada members had the good
fortune to attend the “Official Bestowal of the Temple Title for Shogonzan
Myoshoji” and the “Enshrinement Ceremony for the Wooden Gohonzon” in
Vancouver, British Columbia. At that
time, we had the unique experience of
uniting with members we had shakubukued who had moved to Massachusetts and California, as well as several
priests we have practiced closely with
over the past 16 years, including our
chief priests Rev. Nagasaka and Rev.
Takikawa and our assistant priests
Rev. Hagiwara, Rev. Kimura and Rev.
Mitani.
of having a temple here.
This experience made us
realize that it is truly possible and that every effort
that everyone makes is a
cause towards that goal.
Our members are now
participating in many different kinds of Buddhist
ceremonies. We recently
had 2 Buddhist weddings
and 2 Buddhist funerals.
Several members have requested the 7-week-Toba
at Myosetsuji when their family member passed away, and we have had
Gojukai for a newborn baby.
It is difficult to adequately express
the depth of the feelings in my heart
and mind as we chanted together to
the newly enshrined Wooden
Gohonzon that day. I will simply say
that I felt at once the atmosphere of
our Head Temple and the three existences of time. Seeing the successful
completion of the Vancouver Temple
and the enshrinement of the Wooden
Gohonzon was such a great inspiration
to us. Ever since we started to take the
responsibility of developing Hokkeko
in Eastern Canada we’ve had a dream
Our High Priest Nichinyo Shonin is
giving us very specific direction on
how to accomplish kosen-rufu. With
our common mortal minds we don’t
realize how to do it. Our High Priest
knows the way and it is up to us to be
able to follow him and accomplish all
the goals set out for us.
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin declares:
“Shakubuku must be conducted
through concentrating the power within the temple. In order to
do this, it is crucial that all the
members in the temple become
unified with one mind, supporting and encouraging one another…A common awareness and
solidarity is born, and this becomes the power that enables
goals to be reached.”
We can really feel this sense of solidarity when our fellow Myosetsuji
members from other areas of the temple conduct shodai for the success of
our activities. I realized that in order
to accomplish these goals, the most
important thing is to single-mindedly
chant and advance in our own faith
first and then encourage our members
to deepen their faith and advance as
well. Each time we have a visit here
from Rev. Takikawa, the efforts we
make to accomplish successful Buddhist Seminars are based on first
chanting abundant Daimoku together.
And each time we can see how everyone advances in their faith, practice
and personal lives. At our last seminar
in Toronto, seeing our meeting room
fill to capacity, not even being able to
count the number of guests, was such
an encouragement towards the future.
Every activity, every effort that was
made became a building block in establishing the advancement of
Hokkeko in our area. We come to a
deeper realization that we are one life,
not separate – when someone is suffering it is our suffering, when someone is joyful it is our joy. One of the
most rewarding things is realizing 100
people taking one step together.
One person’s growth can have a
tremendous impact on the whole
group. Practicing together with a person for 10 years and watching that
person grow and develop in faith and
seeing their dreams and wishes come
true is so encouraging to all the other
members. This past summer our Toronto members Marida and Piu Fonseca were able to attend Tozan and visit
Sado Island with Rev. Takikawa and
(Continued on page 10)
P AGE 10
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
Thoughts from Philip Burke, Coordinator of Buffalo/East Canada Areas (Continued)
our areas – Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal,
Niagara and Buffalo – we successfully
fellow Myosetsuji Hokkeko members.
surpassed our target with a total attendThis was Piu’s first Tozan. Watching him ance for both days of more than 70, intake that leap and go on Tozan and then cluding 14 of our members who travelled
seeing and feeling his life when he reto New York. This was a surprise to us
turned, every member could actually see and became a great momentum toward
his tremendous growth. Marida and Piu our Buddhist Seminars later that month.
came home with wonderful stories and
With that upcoming weekend of semipictures. They showed us videos of Rev.
nars we had two real chances to accomTakikawa speaking to the members on
plish our shakubuku goal. As we chanted
Sado Island which inspired a renewed
together in preparation, we really strugappreciation in all of us for Nichiren
gled in our minds, feeling, “How can we
Daishonin’s persecution and gratitude for
do our best? How can we accomplish our
what He endured so that we could have
goals?” We decided to focus our seminars
this practice and this Gohonzon in this
on the Rissho Ankoku ron, and determined
lifetime. Marida and Piu were so invigorto create a presentation which would
ated and full of the spirit to share this
illustrate the oneness of life and its enviBuddhism with others. They determined
ronment and Nichiren Daishonin’s teachto have a Buddhist wedding the next time
ing:
Rev.
“If the hearts and minds of the
Takikawa visited Toronto primarily for
people are tainted, so is their land.
the purpose of shakubuku and this beHowever, if their minds are pure,
came a big part of the success of our Fall
the land will also be pure.”
Buddhist Seminar – their wedding was
Working together on this presentation,
also a beautiful and significant event just
studying the Rissho Ankoku ron, and studyafter the Seminar.
ing our High Priest’s guidance truly
Our bodies are far away from Myosethelped us see the recent disasters around
suji Temple, but in our hearts we are
the world in light of the Rissho Ankoku
close. We took to heart Rev. Takikawa’s
ron. Then, immediately after our semigoal of each area of the temple having 50
nar, Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast
people total attendance for our Oeshiki
and Rev. Takikawa was unable to return
Ceremonies, including members who
home to New York City for 4 days. We
attended by way of listening to the
had a profound realization that what we
broadcast. Through communication and
are doing is so important not only for us
encouragement to the members in all of
but for all of society. So many
people don’t understand the
Rissho Ankoku ron and the Law
of Cause and Effect. They are
unable to change their karma
and receive the protection of
the True Law. We are so very
fortunate to have this faith
and practice to understand
our relationship to what’s
happening in the world
around us, such as young people being killed in their
(Continued from page 9)
schools, families losing homes and security, so many people getting cancer and
other diseases and so many other crises.
It is clear that we have to follow our High
Priest’s guidance and do shakubuku right
now. In the past we were practicing like
we were preparing for a time when disasters would pile up in the future. Now it
feels different – everything feels urgent.
Every single thing that we did over the
past 16 years has led up to this point and
everything we do now will determine
what we will accomplish in the future. In
my own faith and practice, I made the
determination to make abundant Daimoku the basis of everything.
Every guidance of Rev. Takikawa is so
important. Every single thing he is teaching us is a road map for our faith. We are
taking that guidance and chanting about it
and trying to digest it and make it a part
of our life. Everything starts with what
Rev. Takikawa is trying to disseminate to
us from our High Priest.
Rev. Takikawa recently shared the following guidance from our former Overseas Bureau Chief, Reverend Obayashi:
(Continued on page 11)
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
I SSUE 139
Thoughts from Philip Burke, Coordinator of Buffalo/East Canada Areas (Continued)
for your life in this current existence. Your faith today is connected
“Human life is utterly transitory. to whether or not you will be
However, in this fleeting imperma- saved throughout the three existnent present existence, today is of ences. I hope you will engrave the
the utmost importance in terms of immense significance of this deep
your own determination and reso- in your heart.”
lution to practice. Now is definiteEver keeping this guidance in my heart,
ly the only time you have in order
it is my determination to grow quickly in
to be saved throughout the three
my ability to encourage all the members
existences of past, present and fuof Buffalo and Eastern Canada, sharing
ture. Your faith today - this very
the guidances of our High Priest and Rev.
day - is the most important thing
(Continued from page 10)
Takikawa with them as we chant together
in ever stronger unity and joy.
We have so many experiences over the
years of seeing our members grow and
take responsibility for other members,
and shakubukuing their family and
friends. It’s such a great feeling that even
though people are really struggling, they
are growing and becoming happier and
developing their faith.
Member Experience — Marida Fonseca
sadness within my heart.
My name is Marida Fonseca. It is
with great honor and immense joy
I made a determination I was going to
that I am able to share my experience have a family that was different. I enviwith you, today.
sioned the person I would choose to be
I was born in the Philippines, and my
family emigrated to Canada when I was
5. That was the first time I experienced
being ridiculed for being a different race,
basically just by looking different. This
was when I started questioning LIFE,
because I didn’t realize people could be
so mean. Growing up I had a strong catholic upbringing. I attended
church on a regular basis, sang in the
church choir, and attended an all girl’s
catholic high school.
My family was not picture perfect. I
had an absent father, who was a womanizer, an alcoholic, a gambler and a compulsive liar. When he did decide to be
around, he was mentally and physically
abusive towards my mother and us. My
mother was not permitted to divorce him
because she was a devout catholic. It was
an awful situation to grow up in, but I
gave the appearance or impression I was
happy-go-lucky. As a little girl and
throughout my teen years, I would always have a smile and I defended the
other children when they were bullied.
But in reality I was covering up a deep
solution.
It was at that difficult juncture in my
life that I was first introduced to chanting
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. As soon as I
loving, kind, compassionate and involved started chanting I felt an immediate
- a loving father that would be there for change inside my heart and in my behavhis children, no matter what. I did get
ior. Even though I didn’t understand the
married and we started a family immedi- words I was chanting, I felt a peace and
serenity in my heart. My behavior when
dealing with people and circumstances,
changed. At that time I was employed as
a Service Delivery Representative for the
Unemployment Insurance Branch at Service Canada. It is a very stressful job because you’re constantly dealing with people in very difficult circumstances, trying
to find the means to live. It’s usual for it
to be very busy. You have to deal with
clients who have a language barrier,
along with irate clients not willing to
wait. I often found myself also in a rage,
literally feeling my face turn red on a
constant basis. After chanting I felt less
angry and more patient. It enabled me to
assist the clients with kindness and compassion for their suffering. Practicing this
Buddhism was teaching me that my faith
had to be right there in my workplace. I
ately. However, by the time my second would actually go out of my way to help
child was born, I found my own marriage them for example, by finding a translaat the point of breaking apart. Despite
tor, assisting them in completing their
my heartfelt prayers, I could not find a
forms and giving them the best possible
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
P AGE 12
Member Experience — Marida Fonseca (Continued)
advice to get their money as quickly as
possible.
owe to our mothers runs deeper
than the vastest ocean. It is imperative that we repay the debts of
Chanting gave me the realization that I
gratitude we owe to our fathers
had fortune to be able to help people in
and mothers.“ (“Letter to Uenomy daily life and not begrudge my job.
Dono”)
Soon I was able to recite morning and
evening Gongyo Within a year I received Each time I read these words they resothe Gohonzon from our Chief Priest. I
nated within me. I no longer felt anger
welcomed the Gohonzon and enshrined towards my father. We developed our
it in the centre of my home. We
im- relationship because I opened my doors
mediately opened our home to
have meetings where people would
come to chant and learn about True
Buddhism.
My husband and children received
the Acceptance Ceremony. Naturally our family life started to improve,
as we practiced this Buddhism together. The deep sadness that I carried in my heart since childhood had
lifted. I stopped feeling sorry for
myself. Buddhism taught me that I
was responsible for my life and the
effects I receive for causes I made in the
past. I was able to recognize that it was
my karma to suffer with my father and
that I could change it in this lifetime.
ficer level at work and in my new position I could help my clients even more
than before. I received a raise, and we
were able to buy our first home. I determined that I would bring my family back
to the Head Temple with me.
Reflecting back on the past, prior to
encountering Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. I can honestly say, I do not have
any regrets or begrudges with the occurrences of my past. I look forward to
a very bright future and that I’m
able to rely entirely on the
Gohonzon, by putting my practice
first. Since returning from my husband’s first trip to Japan, I’m so
overwhelmed with gratitude he has
deepened his faith and practice. And
most importantly sharing this Buddhism with others as a team, and the
Gohonzon.
Not only did the pilgrimage
change him spiritually, he is the man
to him when nobody else would . He
I envisioned I would marry! We have
stayed with me for 3 weeks and I was
found a profound way of communicating
able to share my practice with him. This
and I wish the same for other couples, as
was great actual proof of the power of
well as families. We have found the sethe Gohonzon.
cret to keeping the family, peaceful and
Nichiren Daishonin our True Buddha,
I made my first pilgrimage to the Head happy. We have the GOHONZON! We
teaches us;
Temple in Japan to worship the Dai
are also affirming our faith by getting
“The debt of gratitude we owe to Gohonzon after my first year of practice. married in front of all members and
our fathers towers higher than Mt. This experience changed my life. After
guests, today. Thank you all very much.
Sumeru. The debt of gratitude we returning home, I was promoted to ofMember Experience — Adilson Fonseca
I was all alone, by myself. I encountered
many obstacles. Some days I had food to
eat and other days, none. At times I
would work for people and after working assumed everything was okay, but it
was not. I didn’t speak a word of English
and, because of this obstacle, the emBefore I found True Buddhism I was
ployers I would work for took advantage
catholic and I used to go to church on
of me. They would refuse to pay me for
Sundays. I prayed to be happy in life and
Even though I was in Canada, a land of
the hard work I did for them.
tried my best to be a good son for my
opportunities, I was still unemployed. I
After a couple of years of living in Toparents. My life condition was low. I was was on my own, I didn’t have family and
My name is Adilson Fonseca and I have
been chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
for almost 10 years. I, along with my
wife Marida, my daughter Maddi and son
Mason are members of Nichiren Shoshu
(Myosetsuji Temple in New York City).
unemployed with no sense of direction.
That is when I decided to immigrate to
Canada from Brasil. I didn't know what
to expect, I just wanted to have a better
life for myself. When I arrived I realized
my prayers were not being answered. If
anything, my condition seemed to get
worse.
M YOSETSUJI N EWS
I SSUE 139
Member Experience — Adilson Fonseca (Continued)
ronto, I met my lovely wife, Marida.
After meeting her, my life slowly started
to improve. Marida was the kind of person I could rely on; she had patience and
understanding when I tried to speak English. I could count on her to be there,
always.
changes in Marida. I felt she dealt with
our daily struggles more easily. Any time
she felt anger, sadness or when trying to
find resolutions, instead of being upset
and crying, she would go in front of the
Gohonzon and chant. I just wanted to
experience and feel the same thing she
did when visiting the Head Temple. As a
After having our children, I developed
couple we made a goal to take part in the
a behavior of going out with my Brasilian
Tozan that included a pilgrimage to Sado
friends, feeling no alienation because
Island too. We didn’t know how, bethey spoke my language, partying and
cause in December the entire family took
staying out late to try to lose the feeling
a trip to Brasil to visit my family. The
of the problems I faced every day with
trip to Japan would be just a few months
my language and new life. My poor beaway. Our financial situation was bad,
havior put a strain on my relationship
Marida was on leave without pay and I
with my wife, Marida. Because of the
would not get paid for taking days off.
problems we were having, Marida was
But when I started chanting with Marida
searching for a way to cope with our
and attended meetings more with the
family problems.
family, putting all my faith in the
When she found Nam Myoho
Renge Kyo, the Gohonzon and
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, she
took on the practice full force. I
remember when she received the
Acceptance Gojukai ceremony, I
saw immediate results. When she
came home she had this glow and
a smile you cannot erase. She
looked more at peace, and she
wasn’t yelling as much at me and
the children. She performed
morning and evening Gongyo
regularly and consistently attended ceremonies with the group. I
had never seen her so determined!
Gohonzon, we were able to find a way to
Shortly after, my son Mason and I also go to Tozan together.
received the Acceptance Gojukai ceremony. However, the start of my practise
was slow. I could honestly tell you I wasn't as devoted as Marida was. It wasn't
easy trying to chant since I was working
long hours and I worked as a drywall
installer. I was very tired when I finished
work, and I did not find the energy to
perform morning and evening Gongyo.
It wasn’t until she went on the pilgrimages to the Head Temple, that I saw real
gratitude for the practice, witnessing for
myself how the High Priest is determined
to share our Buddhism with the world.
My experience in Sado Island also made
me aware of the hardship and struggle
our True Buddha Nichiren Daishonin
endured, for the sake of revealing this
wonderful practice to us.
To be able to walk the earth, breathe
the same air Nichiren Daishonin did,
energized me to be more serious and
more devoted to my faith. Just to be
around the Dai Gohonzon, the High
Priest and Rev. Takikawa, made me
more at peace with myself. I felt their
peace in my heart. I also developed special relationships with people on Tozan,
since I have not been to our temple in
New York City. It also made me realize
how selfish I was, I was not introducing enough people to this practice, as much as I should. But at
the same time, I feel such gratitude for everything that has been
thrown my way.
Returning from Tozan helped
me to have a deeper appreciation
and understanding of our practice.
I could not resist trying to convince my boss, co-workers and
other people I came in contact
with, about the power of our practice. I'm also more consistent in
supporting Marida in our practice.
We chant morning and evening Gongyo
together and attend meetings too. Since
I've taken more of an active role in the
On Tozan, when I attended Ushitora
practice, our family life has improved so
Gongyo (morning Gongyo conducted by
much. Our daughter is now attending
the High Priest at 2:30am everyday for
College and our son is in his first year of
the past 750 years, for world peace), I
High School. We spend more time and
felt tremendous joy and appreciation. It
communicate with each other, regularly.
was the first time I heard our High Priest
This is why I say, this is True Buddhism
Nichinyo Shonin perform morning
Gongyo. When I first heard him chant I because if you ever have a problem, you
just have to chant with faith to the
could not help but shed tears of joy. I
was sobbing like a baby, not for sadness Gohonzon and everything will be solved.
Thank you very much!
but for realizing how special and profound this practice was. I also felt more
N ICHIREN S HOSHU
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M YOSETSUJI T EMPLE
143-63 Beech Ave.
(Entrance on Parsons
Blvd.)
Flushing, NY 11355
(718) 961 7269
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B RANCH
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New York, NY 10018
(212) 564 4423
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Rev. Shinga Takikawa, Chief Priest
Rev. Josetsu Iwakiri, Assistant Priest
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