Thank you. Volume 42 Rissho Kosei-kai. Buddha's Wisdom Changes Your Life. oming to terms with Buddhism

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1 3 Buddha's Wisdom Changes Your Life 2009 C oming to terms with Buddhism Volume 42 Rissho Kosei-kai This month, we have wonderful news!! It is on page 7, so please look for it. Do you say Thank you often? Have you ever reflected how many times you say these words in a single day, or at what time you say them? Isn t it true that we can become so busy in our daily lives that we end up being unmindful of everything around us? We are able to live only with the support of others. However, we can easily develop a tendency to overlook such support, and to become unappreciative. It is only when we experience a loss that we realize how much support we have received. For instance, we may encounter a short-tempered mother, a teacher who challenges us with an advanced subject, or a senior staff member who scolds us for a failure at work. These kinds of experiences can be depressing. But have you ever asked yourself why these people behaved in such a way? Perhaps they are being so strict in order to help us grow. Maybe it s because of their love for us that they are so uncompromising. We all occasionally fail in life. However, we can grow by learning from our failures and recovering after we do make a mistake. If we realize that all we encounter and all the events that come into our life are there for our growth and development, we will be able to become more grateful for everything. If we wish to express our gratitude, we only have to say aloud, "Thank you" sincerely, rather than keeping our feelings to ourselves. The words Thank you can show, in just a couple of seconds, how much we care. Even in this incredibly short time, we can express our caring, understanding, and warmth. These really are magic words that can make anyone smile, no matter what their position in life. Why don t you become the first person who says Thank You? Thank you We couldn t exist without the natural world that surrounds us, wherever we are. For instance, the air that we casually breathe in every day the water that enriches us the sun that providing us light and warmth and the trees that provide shade. We couldn t live if even one of these were to disappear. Uranbileg hands Rev.Hagiwara her donation The members of Rissho Kosei-kai in Mongolia, Sukhebaatar area in Ulaanbaatar Chapter, do activities of visiting families which have a disabled child, reciting a sutra, and giving presents for them. A girl named Tserennadmid Uranbileg, 10 years old, participates in the activity. One day she heard making a donation is meaningful. After that, she decided to make a donation, and started in to lay by a little money from her allowance, thinking of the children with a disability, and hoping to be of help to them even if only slightly. And then, when Rev. Hagiwara, Deputy Director of Rissho Kosei-kai international, visited Mongolia in January, she handed him her money saved until now as a donation, with her much of compassion and kindness. The little Bodhsattva in Ulaanbaatar chapter was the great Bodhisattva having the great compassion.

2 Guidance by President Niwano The Belief in Putting Others First President of Rissho Kosei-kai Nichiko Niwano In March we celebrate the O-higan ceremony in the week of the vernal equinox. The origins of this Buddhist ceremony, marking attainment of the other shore, lie in the ancient Sanskrit word paramita. In China this was transliterated, and later brought to Japan, where it is read haramitsu. Haramitsu means reaching the other shore, in other words, attaining the realm of enlightenment, the highest state, perfection. Since reaching the other shore means leaving the world of delusions and crossing over into the realm of enlightenment, it can also be expressed simply with the single character for to ferry across. Since ancient times, O-higan has been a Buddhist ceremony unique to Japan. Although some people say that Buddhism, born in India, has from the beginning never had services for ancestor veneration, giving thanks for the lifetime deeds passed down from one generation to the next, from our ancestors to the parents who bore us and raised us, is only natural from the perspective of the Buddhist worldview based on the doctrine of dependent origination. Furthermore, going further into the past than just to our ancestors in tracing our roots, we will arrive at the One Great Life that is the origin of all life. In this sense, we can say that Buddhism does indeed include ancestor veneration, and that by venerating our ancestors, we are brought to the realization that we are all caused to live as manifestations of the One Great Life. At the time of O-higan, many people visit their family tombs. However, since O-higan celebrates crossing over into the realm of enlightenment, its significance is not limited to visiting tombs and chanting sutras. Through approaching the realm of enlightenment, we can achieve great happiness. One practical way to do this is through bodhisattva practice. Bodhisattva practice benefits others by bringing them joy (wishing for the happiness of others), which is based on donation, the first of the Six Paramitas (Perfections). Donation giving something to others includes being considerate and compassionate. We are apt to view things relatively and to make distinctions between ourselves and others. However, when we can bring happiness to others, we too become happy. Although our physical appearances may differ and we may have different personalities, such happiness is proof that we are all connected through our roots in the One Great Life. The pleasure we feel from bringing joy to others stems from our realization that all things are manifestations of the One Great Life and thus are caused to live. One verse of the Nirvana Sutra states, Although I myself have not yet reached the other shore, I will ferry others across first. This means that even though one may not yet have attained enlightenment, one can still help others to reach their goal of enlightenment. Indeed, Zen master Dogen described aspiration to buddhahood as giving rise to the wish to ferry others across. This means, for members of Rissho Kosei-kai, the practice we consider important of putting others first. Putting our own wishes aside, we seek to make others happy through their encounter with the Dharma. By leading our lives with this spirit of compassion and consideration, we can feel true joy and a real sense of purpose in life. The devotional service that should bring the greatest happiness to our ancestors is to conduct our lives in such a way that we bring joy to other people. Taking advantage of the week of O-higan, let us be diligent in pursuing the spirit of putting others first. From Kosei March 2009 Translated by Kosei Publishing

3 In the Footsteps of the Founder K a i s o - s a m a n i N a r a i t e President-designate of Rissho Kosei-kai Kosho Niwano Kaisosama ni Naraite "Moving forward together, becoming happier together because this is the truly humanitarian way to live." (Shinshaku Hokke Sambu-kyo [New Commentary of the Threefold Lotus Sutra], vol. 4, p. 383) In his later years, when requested to "say a few words," Founder Nikkyo Niwano often repeated the statement, "Get along with each other and be one in spirit." This was a rather concise remark from the founder full of years, but I believe it was meant to include the idea that we are all equal in that we are born into this world with the same wish. The founder also used to say that, " Even if Buddhism is true, sound and precious, unless we understand how we need to be united as a group cooperating in pursuit of a common goal, the teachings will not spread. This is why I have always spoken of how we are many in body but one in spirit." It is usually not possible for a group of individuals with different life circumstances and different ideas to consistently have the same outlook and opinions and act in concert. However, when we remember that even people with different opinions are all equal in that they have all the same wish of manifesting the buddha-natures within themselves and are born into this world as part of the great Life, this impossibility becomes a possibility. I think a state of "many in body but one in spirit" is achieved when we awaken to this truth. Once, at a meeting dedicated to interreligious cooperation, despite sincere and heated discussions, opinions remained divided and the participants failed to reach agreement. The founder stood up to deliver the concluding remarks and said, "Today, thanks to all participants, we had a wonderful meeting. Everyone participated wholeheartedly, and that wholehearted zeal was what gave rise to clashes of opinion. I thank you all for your energetic debates and your cooperation." Just as the group was about to disperse still in a mood reflecting their lack of agreement, they were suddenly reminded that they had just been furiously debating one another in pursuit of a common purpose.

4 President-designate Kosho Niwano President Nichiko Niwano s 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 participants 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. "When a variety of people are expressing different opinions, those who are listening must be of a mind to truly listen. In a context of interreligious cooperation, this is where Buddhism shines. Buddhist truth can bring about salvation through both 'agreement' and 'disagreement.' In a world such as ours today, the salvation of those who are in disagreement as well as those who are in agreement must be achieved." (Hosshin, Sept. 1990) This passage is an expression of the founder s overall view that "all of us are candidates to be buddhas who were born into this world with the same wish," and "all of our lives derive from the same one great Life." Even when people are working together toward a common goal, they will not necessarily adopt the same opinions. However, I think that when there is an awareness that the goal can be the same even though opinions may differ, as the number of people with this awareness increases, the right path toward that goal will inevitably open up. "I think a state of 'many in body but one in spirit' happens only when there is consensus among people, each of whom is continually striving for individual self-realization." (Kosei, Jan. 1962) I believe that when the founder spoke of "many in body but one in spirit," he did not mean that "everyone should think alike," but that "all living things are originally manifestations of the one great Life that is the Buddha. Kaiso-sama ni Naraite

5 Spiritual Journey Bringing Happiness to Many Through Rissho Kosei-kai s Teachings Ms. Aiko Boku, Sakhalin Hoza I m currently striving to disseminate the teachings in Sakhalin (which is part of Russia) with the wish that many families will become happy. There is now a branch of Rissho Kosei-kai in the state capital of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk; that branch has 50 members. In 1992, the seeds of the Dharma were spread in Sakhalinsk, when Rev. Norio Sakai (then the minister of the Rissho Kosei-kai Dharma Center of Sapporo) visited Sakhalin as the head of the Peace and Friendship Mission to Sakhalin. On this occasion, my mother (Misa Nagano) met Rev. Sakai and became the first member of Rissho Kosei-kai in Sakhalin. Then, my brothers, sisters and I all became members under the guidance of my mother. I was particularly interested in Rissho Kosei-kai s teachings of Ancestor Appreciation, taking care of one s parents and doing good to make people happy. At the time, though, the Kyoten hadn t been translated into Russian, so I recited the sutra in Japanese without understanding its meaning. Eventually, my friends and acquaintances gathered at my home or my brother s home and we recited the sutra together. While I couldn t understand the meaning of the sutra, which was just Japanese Hiragana written in Russian letters, I still felt an inexpressible gratitude for having encountered the teaching. Soon, leaders often came from Sapporo to disseminate the teachings, and I also started to participate in the seminars which were held in Sapporo. At that time, I would share a teaching with others, although I had just learned about it for myself. This was the way dissemination was done in those days. And, while doing dissemination activities, I started to hear people ask, Where should I go, when I want to enter Rissho Kosei-kai? Dignified Russian Orthodox churches stand in various locations around the city. My house had been the center for dissemination activities, but I was wishing for a place where people would feel comfortable to speak freely and openly; Russian people typically feel awkward when discussing their own problems in front of others. Therefore, I was very impressed when a branch of Rissho Kosei-kai opened in a room of an apartment house located in the urban area of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in 2005, and the Gohonzon was enshrined there. Afterwards, the Kyoten and Shakuson-no-Ibuki A Guide to Sutra Readhings were translated into Russian, so members were inspired to furthern disseminate the teachings. At our branch, we help each other to improve through Toban practice, monthly memorial days activities and Hoza practice. Once, I peached about the preciousness of Seika -Harmonious Family. Later, I heard from a member who said, I have begun to accept the feelings of my husband and communicate with him with a gentle mindset, so now, we don t have any arguments. My desire is to take good care of the members who receive the teachings honestly and practice them, and also to widen the circle of the Dharma. From Yakushin November 2008 Kaigai Fukyo Dayori - News of overseas dissemination 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 address; shanzai.rk-international@kosei-kai.or.jp. Thank you.

6 The Teaching of Founder Nikkyo Niwano The power of good friends As Buddhists, we strive to walk the Buddha Way, taking refuge in the Three Treasures; Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. But among the Three Treasures, which is most important? Once disciple asked Shakyamuni Buddha this very same question. One day, Ananda asked Shakyamuni, Does being with good spiritual friends mean that I have accomplished only half of the sacred Way? Then Shakyamuni taught, No, that s not the case. If you have good friends and, are part of a good fellowship, you have accomplished the entire Way, not just half of it. Good friends, in this case, indicates the fellowship who seek for the same Way. Those who walk the same way, while encouraging each other, are collectively called the Sangha. So, if you would have good friends, you should join the sangha. Shakyamuni teaches that if we are always with the sangha, we can keep on walking the Buddha Way, which is the supreme way human beings can live. Our individual minds are such that sometimes we feel very dilligent, but soon laziness overcomes us. This is why it is absolutely neccesary to be with the sangha, improving and encouraging each other along the Way. From Kaisozuikan 3 (Kosei Publishing Co.) p Translated by Rissho Kosei-kai International But his doubts vanished after he met by chance with a Buddhist priest. The priest said to Mr. Oyama, Ultimately, there are four kinds of happiness one can experience. They are: to be loved by others; to be praised; to be of great help to others; and to be needed by others. Mr. Oyama, who was awakened by that priest s words, decided to run his company and manage it with a focus on the mentally challenged workers. Currently, all of the workers at this factory are mentally disabled. There is a company with mentally challenged people making up 70 percent of its workforce. 48 years ago, company president Mr. Oyama first employed some graduates from a school in which mentally disabled children are carefully supervised and taught. Since then, he has steadily accepted students with mental disabilities for his company. Sometimes, Mr. Oyama doubted whether it is truly beneficial to employ the mentally challenged, since they may be happier in a facility specially designed for their care. Founder Niwano gave us guidance that teaches us that admiring others is just the first step toward opening and revealing our buddha nature. Through being loved, praised and affirmed, one can open his/ her heart, and the power to live begins to awaken and emerge. Since our mission is to reveal the buddha natures of all living beings, why don t you start your practice by admiring people close to you? (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 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. London, The United Kingdom Geneva, Switzerland Sacramento San Jose Colorado Vancouver, Canada Seattle Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Sakhalin, Russia Kathmandu, Nepal Lumbini Delhi, India Chittagong, Bangladesh Dhaka Mayani Patiya Domdama Cox s Bazar Satbaria Laksham Raozan Oklahoma Tokyo, Headquarters Pusan Masan Taipei Kolkata Colombo, Sri Lanka Kandy-Wattegama Polonnaruwa Habarana Galle Chicago San Francisco Los Angeles RKI of North America (Irvine) Seoul, Korea Hong kong Klamath Falls New York Florida Dallas San Antonio Hawaii Taichung Jilung Kona Maui Tainan Pingtung San Diego Las Vegas Arizona Singapore Bangkok, Thailand Sao Paulo, Brazil Mogi das Cruzes Sao Miguel Sydney, Australia Rissho Kosei-kai International Branches SHAN-ZAI Volume 42 (March 2009) Published by Rissho Kosei-kai International Fumonkan, Wada Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan TEL: FAX: shanzai@kosei-kai.or.jp Senior Editor Rev. Kotaro SUZUKI Editor Ms. Shiho MATSUOKA Editorial Staff Ms. Chika IKEBUCHI, Ms. Akiko IMAFUJI, Ms. Prapapan SRINARAT and Ms. Yukino KUDO *SHAN-ZAI will sometimes be published in other languages in addition to Japanese English, Chinese, Portuguese, and Thai. *If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at the above address. *Please request permission to use contents of SHAN-ZAI to Rissho Kosei-kai International.

7 Live Broadcasting on Web Ceremony for Anniversary of Foundation of Rissho Kosei-kai March 5th is the day of Anniversary of foundation of Rissho Koseikai. We will broadcast the ceremony at the Great Sacread Hall both in English and Japanese to the overseas branches on live by Internet. Everyone can participate in it from your location. Please join the ceremony through Internet!!! Date and Time: Thursday, 5th March 9:00 a.m. ~ (Japan Time) If you have any questions, please get in touch with Ms. Matsuoka, Rissho Kosei-kai International. address; shiho.matsuoka@kosei-kai.or.jp shiho.matsuoka@kosei-kai.or.jp

8 Instruction to participate in Ceremony of the Founding of Rissho Kosei-kai Dear All, Ceremony of the Founding of Rissho Kosei-kai will be held on March 5, Using WebEx; meeting system on the web, overseas branches can participate in the ceremony at each place. Please find the following instruction. 1. Activating web browsing application and connecting to The site named Rissho Kosei-Kai WebEx Enterprise Site shall be opened. 2. You can find two topics of meeting in the Browse Meetings in this site. We prepare two meetings for Japanese and English. Choose whichever you want to join and click Join now. 1

9 3. Please provide your information; 1. Your name, 2. address, 3. Meeting password. The meeting password is foundation And then, click OK. And click Yes if the security warning dialog box appears. 4. When the meeting starts, the dialog box of Join Integrated VoIP appears. Please click Yes. You can hear the sound and voice. 5. You can find a video in the window, and there are two buttons under the video. Left button is for Full-screen, and right one is for View Floating Video Window. If you want to watch the video in large size, please click these buttons. 2

10 6. Right side of the window of this meeting, you can find the panel of Chat. If you have any troubles or questions in the meeting, please let us know through the chat. We will reply soon through chat. 3