February 2010

Rissho Kosei-kai Holds Annual Observance of Shakyamuni's Entrance into Nirvana

Rissho Kosei-kai commemorated the annual anniversary of Shakyamuni Buddha's entrance into nirvana on February 15, in the Great Sacred Hall at the headquarters in Tokyo as well as at its Dharma Centers throughout Japan. Some 3,200 members attended the service in the Great Sacred Hall to rededicate themselves to diligent practice of the Buddha's teachings.

The event in the Great Sacred Hall opened with a recorded account of the Buddha's death, and then sixteen young women members from the Chiba Division placed offerings on the altar before the image of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni. President-designate Kosho Niwano led the assembly in sutra recitation, and she recited a prayer of dedication to the Buddha by President Nichiko Niwano.

After that, Rev. Koichi Saito, minister of the Sumida Dharma Center in Tokyo, testified to his faith, saying he missed the guiding presence of Founder Nikkyo Niwano, who devoted his life to work for world peace. He mentioned his moving experience when he went to New York last September with young members of the Tokyo eastern division for part of their religious training. He said he was impressed by their enthusiasm in calling on passers-by in Central Park to join their petition drive for disarmament and nuclear weapon reduction. He reaffirmed his commitment to be "a good friend" to other people to help them to bring out the light of their buddha-nature.

Then President Nichiko Niwano gave a Dharma talk. He said that Shakyamuni told his disciples that our life is as short as a single breath. President Niwano emphasized that people tend to live for the pleasures of the moment, but must realize the importance of living every moment to the full for the sake of their future fulfillment.

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