Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1002shan Zai English
1002shan Zai English
2010
2
Volume 53
Rissho Kosei-kai
Other than Oceania and Asia Order at your nearest bookstore. Available March 2010. US$9.95tax
Guidance by President Niwano
Founder Nikkyo Niwano declared, I will travel anywhere for the purpose of world peace
and interreligious cooperation. These were not idle words: he devoted the latter part of his
life to the world peace movement. In 1979, during the hostage crisis at the American
Embassy in Tehran, Iran, he traveled to the Middle East to offer himself as a substitute
hostage. In 1994, he ignored his advanced age of eighty-eight years to attend the Sixth
Assembly of the World Conference of Religions for Peace in Riva del Garda, Italy.
What motivated the founder, why did he devote himself wholeheartedly to the pursuit of
world peace? Of course it was in an attempt to end conflicts and bring harmony to the
world. However, I believe that the motivation that brought him to risk his life for this cause
was the same thing that motivated him alwayshis determination to fulfill the Buddhas
wish at all times and to revere the buddha-nature in all people.
For the founder, who thoroughly and completely practiced reverence for the buddha-
nature in the manner of Bodhisattva Never Despise, taking part in world peace and interreli-
gious cooperation movements was exactly the same thing as revering the buddha-nature in
a single person standing right next to him. For him, these movements existed in order to
bring to perfection reverence for the buddha-nature as practiced by Bodhisattva Never
Despise by applying it to all the people of the world.
I think all of us should follow the founder in this by revering the buddha-nature in others,
starting with the person right next to one and, with the purpose of revering all people,
extending ourselves to take part in the peace movement.
The gods and the buddhas are not partial; they do not extend their protection only to one
person and not to another. They give their protection to everyone, whoever they may be,
in the same way. This is the way it should be among people as well, we should share in the
spirit of religious cooperation as a way of esteeming others.
(Hosshin [Raising Aspirations], May 1990)
In 1972 the founder was campaigning for support for the Second Assembly of the World
Conference of Religions for Peace, and paid a visit to Bishop D. Hermann Kunst, who was
the representative of the Protestant Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (Evangelical
Church in Germany) to the (then) West German government. As soon as the founder met
him, Bishop Kunst asked him quite pointedly, What qualifies you to come here to us on this
errand? The founder replied, I have no particular qualifications, nor has any person sent
me here. It is at the behest of the Original Eternal Buddha that I am attempting to meet
with world leaders. And he shot back a question to Bishop Kunst, Does not the God in
your heaven order you to call people to lead the world to peace? In reply to this question,
Bishop Kunst simply thrust out his big hand and grasped the founders hand tightly. Now I
understand, he said. Let us have faith in all you say.
The founders consistent practice was to devote himself to the wish of the Original
Eternal Buddha, who gives life to everything in existence, and thus he did not concern
himself with the superficial differences among religions nor did he criticize the religions of
others, but accepted and admired them. In this way he showed us that all religions have the
same root, which is All arises from the One Law.
When we speak of world peace, we are speaking of liberation down to the very roots, of
the complete liberation of every single being on earth. Thus when we speak of world
peace, we are speaking of the final conclusion when true liberation will be found.
(Tada Hitasura Ni [Only Singlemindedly], p. 110)
The First Assembly of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace (ACRP) was held in
Singapore in 1976. At that time, the news media carried reports of Vietnamese fleeing their
country in small boats, without sufficient food, threatened by storms, lacking permission to
land anywhere, adrift on the high seas and facing death by starvation.
At this point, even the United Nations had not begun acting to assist these Vietnamese
refugees. The officers of the ACRP and Religions for Peace cooperated on a resolution
calling on the international community to lend a helping hand to these people. The reality
of the situation was far from simple, however.
Many obstacles existed, such as the international legal difficulties of accepting more than
500 refugees at a time and the complicated political situation in Asian countries then. The
greatest problem of all, however, was lack of funds. Meeting upon meeting was held with no
satisfactory outcome, so when every means possible seemed to have been exhausted, mem-
bers of the Japanese committee of Religions for Peace held an emergency session.
The founder believed that a solution would definitely be found if only everyone would let
their hearts follow the dictates of the gods and the buddhas, and he addressed the meeting
saying, I believe the time has come when we as religious practitioners must put the truth
into practice. Having thus broached the subject, he made his initial appeal for donations.
All participants nodded in approval of the appeal of the founder, and in the end the Japanese
Committee of Religions for Peace decided to provide half of the funds needed.
In these times it is not enough just to think of yourself. Every individual must now think
of others, think of the whole planet, and act.
(San Reizan Meiso [Meditations of Three Holy Mountains], p. 147)
This decision resulted in a solution at the ACRP plenary session, and rescue operations
were launched right away. Moreover, the action taken by these religious leaders proved to
be a turning point, after which the United Nations began to assist the refugees in earnest.
In his speech at the conclusion of the ACRP assembly, the founder said, Religion does
not exist in doctrineit exists in sincere action.
I believe that, for the founder, the peace movement was not an ideal or something ideo-
logical, but was no more nor less than a clear manifestation of buddha-nature in concrete
form, and a way to revere the buddha-nature in all the people in the world.
We have the teaching that all thingsmountains, rivers, plants, trees, and indeed all
President-designate Kosho Niwano
President Nichiko Niwanos oldest daughter, Rev. Kosho Niwano was
born in Tokyo. After graduating with a degree in Law from Gakushuin
University, she studied at Gakurin Seminary, the training institution for
Rissho Kosei-kai leaders. Presently, as she studies the Lotus Sutra, she
continues to act as President-designate, making speeches for partici-
pants in the main ceremonies of Rissho Kosei-kai, and handling
activities for interfaith cooperation at home and abroad. Married to
Rev. Munehiro Niwano. Mother of one son and three daughters.
things in existencecan all attain buddhahood. The Lotus Sutra tells us that we should
recognize the value in all things and allow them to exist. This applies not just to other
living beings, but also to mountains, rivers, plants, trees, and every single thing in
existence, as all have the buddha-nature and all partake in the same gift of life. The Lotus
Sutra teaches us that, rather than resorting to confrontation, we should live allowing each
person to make the best of his or her own particular qualities. This is the concept that will
bring liberation to our present world. The teaching of the Lotus Sutra is something that
can transform a world of confrontation and disputes into one of peace based on coopera-
tion and understanding and at the same time lead humanity toward true happiness.
(San Reizan Meiso [Meditations of Three Holy Mountains], p. 147)
If there is even one person who is able to pay reverence to others, the Buddha will
certainly bring happiness to us. These are the words of the founder, who truly had faith in
people and sincerely believed that true human nature is the buddha-nature. The goal of
lasting world peace that the founder hoped for is part of what he meant when he said this.
All of us are human, and we are all the children of the Buddha. We all have life and are
nothing else but living proof of the buddha-nature itself. It is when we are faced with
difficulties that we discover whether we truly believe in that buddha-nature and whether we
can revere others without restraint.
FromKaiso-sama ni Naraite
Kosei Publishing Co.P.130138
S piritual
Journey
This personal testimony was shared during the 50th Anniversary of Dissemination in U.S. Ceremony.
This will be serialized in two segments.
In preparation for this testimony, I have spent much others to a Dharma Circle? How willing have we been to
time in deep reflection on my life, my actions, my choices do missionary work or be an attentive Dharma parent? Are
and challenges. This has been a painful, but also a we open to becoming more diverse? Can we move beyond
growth-filled blessing of the Buddha. I was given the gift the often imposing walls of culture?
of exploring those deep memories of feeling betrayed and It was Rev. William Sloane Coffin who said: Diver-
unwelcome and also the memories alive with the richness sity may be both the hardest thing to live with and the most
of being welcome. I am now aware that these deep-rooted dangerous thing to be without.
feelings have strongly influenced my actions, both If we choose the path to become more diverse and grow
conscious and unconscious over so many years. I regret RKK into the future we must explore creative ways to
any hurt I may have caused others by lack of inclusion, make Rissh Ksei-kai a known organization in the United
being unwelcoming, or building walls of division. States, and work to spread the liberating truth of the Lotus
What we offer or do not offer to others creates a karmic Sutra as guided by our founder Nikky Niwano, utilizing
ripple that continues outward and reshapes this plain of the strengths of both its American and Japanese members.
existence. Invitation, welcome and inclusion are the key. We
I have talked about my early years of family, school U.S. RKK members must move beyond our fear of
and faith when I suffered betrayal and being unwelcome. missionary outreach and spread the Lotus Sutra among our
Then my early adulthood when I found a new spiritual circles, family, school, work and in our communities. I
home at Rissh Ksei-kai and felt so welcomed by Mr. believe this difficulty, in part, relates back to our current
Sat, my Dharma parent. crossroads - preserving Japanese culture vs. spreading the
Most everyone here today is a member of Rissh Dharma and growing RKK in the U.S. Our churches must
Ksei-kai and while we may have many differences and be places where new people feel welcome and are easily
dissimilar journeys, we have found a home together. We included.
have been invited in and welcomed. Our inclusion in The Japanese missionary method is a well tested one
Rissh Ksei-kai has been strengthened by our Dharma and we North Americans must be willing to speak openly
parents. about our Society and its activities. We must be willing to
This said, how are we in turn being invitational, share how RKKs teachings and its practices have liber-
welcoming and inclusive of others? ated us from our sufferings.
If our slogan Many in Body, One in Spirit is to Omichibiki or missionary work is an excellent practice
transcend the level of simple rhetoric we must work to give for a bodhisattva-in-training. Once an individual is
it life and meaning in this country. We must explore how brought to membership, the Dharma parent must under-
we individually and collectively are striving to make, stand the great importance of this karmic connection. It is
Many in Body, One in Spirit a reality. Have we invited very important that the spiritual guidance of a fledgling
member be recognized as a valued skillful means to ings of the Buddha and founder Niwano. In so doing grow
advance both the Dharma parents and Dharma childs Rissh Ksei-kai into the future.
spiritual growth. Our Dharma parent-child relationships Together, we the members of Rissh Ksei-kai, can tear
are opportunities to share our struggles and achievements. down those walls that divide us and transform those walls
Such relationships mirror each other and together the two into ever expanding circles of compassion.
learn how to better incorporate the Lotus Sutra in their In closing, I would like to quote Founder Niwano,
daily lives. This Dharma-parent/child relationship prac- Shakyamuni Buddha stated at the end of Chapter Two of
tice, along with hza practice is what makes RKK unique. the Lotus Sutra, Skillful Means, Rejoice greatly in your
As we strive toward greater inclusion, Rissh Ksei-kai hearts knowing that you will become buddhas.
in the United States must take care not to pattern itself after If we really want to become enlightened, let us always
other North American Buddhist groups that have chosen meet people with cheer and joy. And let us guide people to
the path of individual liberation, as opposed to the bodhi- the faith. Becoming fully aware that if we walk the path of
sattva way of walking hand in hand together toward the bodhisattva way, we will, without fail, become
enlightenment. buddhas. We must also know that it is only by diligent
In addition, U.S. RKK, needs to foster Sanghas that are devotion of repeating our deeds over and over again, day
welcoming and embrace diversity making it known that by day, that we will become buddhas.
our Church community accepts all peoples, regardless of And lastly hear these words from the Buddha Shakya-
race, skin color, culture, economic status, gender or sexual muni, Make yourself a light, make the Dharma your
identity. light.
Our inclusiveness and welcome must extend to our (The End)
ancestors as well. Ancestor appreciation and respect for
parents, can also be a vital way to restore a sense of family
that has been lost to the pursuit of unbridled individualism.
If an individual does not feel a strong familial connection
with his blood family, let him or her know the compassion-
ate embrace of our Sangha in the spirit of Many in Body,
One in Spirit.
So while the work that lies ahead will be a challenge,
our efforts will be fruitful if we are willing to roll up our
shirtsleeves and take the risks required to spread the teach-
Shanzai welcomes your religious experience.Why don't you share your religious experience through Shanzai with members all
over the world?Please send the script or inquiry to the email address; shanzai.rk-international@kosei-kai.or.jp. Thank you.
The Teaching of Founder Nikkyo Niwano
Creating Harmony
through the Will of the Universe
our body and function within it; we can see how infinite
Needless to say, people are all essentially equal. But variety maintains harmony.
it is also true that people differ from one another in terms In the same way, people have infinite varieties of
of gender, physical strength, character and ability. character, physical strength and ability, so when they get
Why are we different in so many ways, despite the together, it is possible to form a society, create meaning,
fact that we are all basically equal? The answer may be and make progress through the process of mutual inspira-
that such differences simply exist because the universe tion. This is based on the will of the universe, or, to
has need of various different aspects. express it in religious terms, Gods will or the wish of the
Each eye, heart and bowel has its own function and Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni.
role. No single part can replace another. Each organ
has a unique role that only it can play. These organs form From Kaisozuikan 4 (Kosei Publishing Co.) P. 14-15 Translated by Rissho Kosei-kai International
A wave of extremely cold weather hit years ago. From the start, the Japanese- ceremony held on January 10 knew well
Oklahoma City on that day. The tempera- born minister was determined to dissemi- how this Sangha has grown. Their feelings
ture was -18C. It was the first time I had nate the Dharma to the American people of gratitude to her seemed to warm the
ever experienced such cold. However, there. But, in reality, this was a difficult task. interior of the center, as opposed to the
when I stepped into the Oklahoma Dharma She almost gave up several times. In the bitter cold outside. Rev. Ladusau
Center, I entered a different world. The midst of this situation, Kris Ladusau was succeeded the ministry at the Oklahoma
center was filled with an atmosphere of guided to the teachings of Rissho Kosei-kai. Dharma Center fromMs. Hildebrand.
warmth by members who participated in the Reverend Hildebrand brought her in front Now, lets give her and members there such
ceremony for both Ms. Yasuko Hildebrand, and sustained the members at Oklahoma hearty encouragement that the dissemina-
the former minister, and Rev. Kristen behind them. As a result, a wonderful tion by American people to American
Ladusau, the new minster. Ms. Hildebrand Sangha of American people has developed. people may be further developed.
came to Oklahoma as the chapter head 10 All members who participated in the (Kotaro Suzuki)
Rissho Kosei-kai is a lay Buddhist organization whose holy scripture is the Threefold Lotus Sutra. It
was established by Founder Nikkyo Niwano and Co-founder Myoko Naganuma in 1938. This
organization is composed of ordinary men and women who have faith in the Buddha and strive to enrich
Rissho Kosei-kai their spirituality by applying his teachings to their daily lives. At both the local community and
international levels, we, under the guidance of the President Nichiko Niwano are very active in
promoting peace and well-being through altruistic activities and cooperation with other organizations.
Sacramento
Vancouver, Canada San Jose
London, The United Kingdom Seattle Colorado
Denver
Geneva, Switzerland Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Klamath Falls Chicago
Sakhalin, Russia
Venezia, Rome Sukhbaatar
Kathmandu, Nepal New York
Seoul, Korea San Francisco Oklahoma
Paris, France Lumbini Tokyo, Headquarters
Pusan Los Angeles
Masan Tampa Bay
Delhi, India Hong kong RKI of North America (Irvine)
Taipei Dallas
Hawaii San Antonio
Taichung
Kolkata Jilung Kona
Colombo, Sri Lanka Tainan Maui
Kandy-Wattegama Pingtung
San Diego
Polonnaruwa
Habarana Las Vegas
Galle Arizona
Singapore
Chittagong, Bangladesh Bangkok, Thailand
Dhaka
Mayani
Patiya Sao Paulo, Brazil
Domdama Mogi das Cruzes
Coxs Bazar Sao Miguel
Satbaria Sydney, Australia
Laksham
Raozan