Stance on Politics

The basic aim of Rissho Kosei-kai is not only to help people cultivate their hearts and minds through Buddhist practice, but to also help build peace and prosperity in the home, the community, the nation, and the world. Since politics plays an important role in securing the peace and prosperity of nations and the world, people of religion should be involved in discussions of public policy and in dialogue with legislators.

As a Buddhist organization, Rissho Kosei-kai sometimes takes clear stances on public issues in order to promote social harmony and world peace. Rissho Kosei-kai considers its political activity a form of bodhisattva practice and speaks out on public issues to defend freedom of religion and the sanctity of life for the sake of the public.

Rissho Kosei-kai does not permanently support any one political party since Buddhism teaches that all things are impermanent and interdependent. In the light of this principle, Rissho Kosei-kai supports the parties and politicians that seem right for any given time. But Rissho Kosei-kai will not form its own political party, and its officers will not seek public office. However, Rissho Kosei-kai takes every opportunity to communicate the true spirit of Buddhism to law makers.

In Japan, Rissho Kosei-kai conducts research and promotes discussion on public issues mainly through its affiliated Chuo Academic Research Institute. These issues include the revision of Japan’s religious corporation law, brain death and organ transplants, and the separation of religion and the state. Rissho Kosei-kai also publishes a weekly newspaper and periodicals in its endeavor to help members and nonmembers understand our stance on public issues.