Pilgrimages to the Headquarters and Visits to Dharma Centers

Pilgrimage to the Great Sacred Hall, which is the principal training center in Tokyo, is one of the important practices of Rissho Kosei-kai. There we pay homage to the focus of devotion and are embraced by the Buddha’s great compassion. When we feel both the spirit of Buddhism and the vow of Founder Niwano that fill the Great Sacred Hall, we are afforded a good opportunity to feel gratitude for everyday life and to renew our vows.

In our daily lives, our minds are occupied with various concerns. To gain an insight into our hearts and minds as well as learn the teachings, we should go to the places where members of the sangha gather, that is, the religious training halls of Dharma centers and branches of Rissho Kosei-kai. Every month, the first (first-day visit of the month) and the 15th (the memorial day for Shakyamuni Buddha) are Uposatha Days. On these days, or other occasions such as Sunday Services, together with our fellow Sangha members, we look back on our daily practice and share our gratitude, joy, and self-reflections, and renew our vows to disseminate the Dharma.