NICHIREN SHOSHU TEMPLE FOR THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES, EASTERN CANADA AND TRINIDAD/TOBAGO

MYOSETSUJI NEWS I SSUE 135

G UIDANCE FROM S IXTY - EIGHTH H IGH P RIEST N ICHINYO S HONIN On the Occasion of the August Kosen-rufu Shodai Ceremony Reception Hall, Head Temple Taisekiji Good morning everyone!

S EPTEMBER 1, 2012

J OIN

US IN W ELCOMING M YOSETSUJI ’ S N EWEST M EMBERS Minda Malihan Robert Worhrjl Selma Arthur Pauline Cole Neil Collins Richard Euersky Gabriella Fahey-Tyson Lucyann Natasha Henry Stacey Mejias Ano Olufemi Natasha Pierre Deanne Pollard Kevin Pollard

Marianne DeGuzman Elijah Blake Talluah C. Wallace Mona Gbedobor Eugene Noone Felix Baez Nicole Baez Nicholas Baez Raphael Baez Van Minh Truong Estebania Carmona Christian Rivera Quitorah McKenzie

Raigene Andrew Kimaya Andrew Andy Lim Drew Schmetterling Sara Schmetterling Ward Nixon Gennille Alicea Rosa Alicia Kim Cruz Lyric Coleman Tykeem Coleman T'shawn Coleman Jorge Rosario Jr.

On this occasion of the August Kosen-rufu Shodai Ceremony, conducted here today at the Head Temple, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the large number of participants in attendance. In particular, I believe the Teen Group members, who are attending the First Hokkeko Teen Group Training Meeting, have gained valuable experience through their participation in today’s Kosen-rufu Shodai Ceremony. I earnestly hope that each of you will grow and develop, keeping today’s ceremony as a golden memory in your heart. Recently, I went to Taiwan, to officiate the Ceremony for the Relocation and Completion (Continued on page 2)

Bodhisattva Fukyo by Philip Burke

Gosho Quote for September 2012 “On Practicing According to the Buddha’s Teachings” (“Nyosetsu shugyo-sho”) When they do become a disciple and a believer of the true votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as it is taught, it is certain that the three powerful enemies will appear. Therefore, from the day when you first hear this teaching, you should bear in mind that after Shakyamuni Buddha’s passing, great hardships in the form of the three powerful enemies will become severe. Despite the fact that many of my disciples already heard about [the three powerful enemies], there were some who panicked and lost faith when both small and large persecutions occurred. (Gosho, p. 670)

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of Myosho-in Temple in Giranken. I also attended the Fourth Taiwan Hokkeko General Meeting. I felt the same great energy from the believers in Taiwan as I did during my previous visit there. It was truly wonderful. The Taiwan Hokkeko achieved 127 percent of its shakubuku goal last year. Each local temple in Taiwan accomplished its goal, which means that the entire Taiwan Hokkeko organization successfully fulfilled its mission. During this visit, I learned that the members already have achieved 85 percent of their shakubuku goal for this year. I am convinced that all the local temples in Taiwan will accomplish their shakubuku goals without fail this year. The Taiwan members are very cheerful. This characteristic gives them a lot of energy. Because of this, they are able to progress in their shakubuku activities. I feel that both their cheerful natures and their energy are the source of their great power. Certainly, there also are many

Hokkeko chapters here in Japan that already have achieved their shakubuku goals for this year. Recently, a chapter tozan was conducted here at the Head Temple celebrating the shakubuku achievements of the chapter members. Each member of this chapter is like a mighty warrior, following the excellent viction that faith in the Daishonin’s true teaching method of the chief priest of object of worship is the only way to gain the temple. Among them, I heard that a true happiness. female student in her sophomore year in high school, who received the Gojukai Ceremony last year, Anyone can achieve already has done shakubuku to ten people this year. Perhaps she is shakubuku if one takes participating in today’s Shodai it very seriously. It is ceremony. Another member of not necessary to this temple is an adult male who discuss difficult took faith in our teaching last year. concepts and principles He also has conductwhen conducting ed shakubuku and shakubuku. The most already has led ten important point is to people to the teach others sincerely Daishonin’s teaching and confidently that this year. Both of the path to true these believers have happiness is none other just begun their practhan faith in the tice. Gohonzon—the true These new memobject of worship of bers took faith only Nichiren Shoshu. last year, but their behavior is proof that those who recently have received Gojukai can Anyone can achieve shakubuku if one do shakubuku with a comtakes it very seriously. It is not necessary passionate determination to to discuss difficult concepts and princisave as many people as pos- ples when conducting shakubuku. The sible, if they have firm con-

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most important point is to teach others sincerely and confidently that the path to true happiness is none other than faith in the Gohonzon—the true object of worship of Nichiren Shoshu.

the Six Difficult and Nine Easy Acts” (“Rokunan kuisho”):

Even if one does not study the sutra, chanting the Daimoku alone is a tremendous good cause. The distinguishing feature of each [The Lotus Sutra states chapter that moves forward toward the that] evil people, womachievement of its shakubuku goal is the en, those of the worlds of energy of the members. They waste no animality and hell— time in taking action and have unshakea- those of all the ten ble confidence in the Gohonzon. worlds—will be able to attain enlightenment. I feel that the foundation of this enerThis is analogous to a gy is Shodai—chanting Daimoku to the rock taken from the botGohonzon. Thus, tom of a the believers of river posthe chapters that sessing Therefore, even if one proceeded to the ability to igchants the Daimoku accomplish their nite a fire, or a based on faith alone, shakubuku goals lamp having the without have been chantability to illumiunderstanding the ing Daimoku nate a place that meaning, this action is vigorously. has been dark for the good cause and Through this, one hundred and the source of they have ten million years. accumulating benefit. achieved great Such mysterious results in conphenomena are ducting shakubufound even in trivial matters of ku. society, not to mention the mystic Regarding chanting Daimoku, the power of the Law of Buddhism. Daishonin states the following in “On (Gosho p. 1244) In this passage, the Daishonin teaches that the Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra—NamMyohoRengeKyo— possesses great mystic power. Therefore,

even if one chants the Daimoku based on faith alone, without understanding the meaning, this action is the good cause and the source of accumulating benefit. The Daishonin also states that all living beings in the ten worlds, including evil men, women, animals, and those who have fallen into the world of hell can attain enlightenment. It is just like the phenomenon of a rock taken from the bottom of a river igniting a fire, and a place that has been shrouded in darkness for one hundred and ten million years being illuminated by a single lamp. In fact, mysterious phenomena do occur in everyday life, such as a rock that contains the potential to ignite a fire and darkness changing to light. Therefore, there is no doubt that women, animals, and beings in the world of hell can attain enlightenment without fail, through the mystic power of Myoho-Renge-Kyo. The Daishonin further states in “Attaining Enlightenment at the Initial Stage of Faith through the Lotus Sutra” (“Hokke shoshin jobu(Continued on page 4)

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tsu-sho”): Myoho-Renge-Kyo signifies that the mystic Law (Myoho), to which all the Buddhas of the three existences are awakened, is fused and one with the Buddha nature inherent in us humans, as well as the Buddha nature of Bonten, Taishaku, and the other guardian deities; the Buddha nature of Shariputra, Maudgalyayana, and the other disciples of the two vehicles; the Buddha nature of Manjushri, Maitreya, and the other bodhisattvas. This principle is named Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Thus, once we chant Myoho-RengeKyo, this sound calls forth and manifests the Buddha nature of all Buddhas; all phenomena; all bodhisattvas; all people in the world of learning; all guardian deities, such as Bonten, Taishaku, King Emma, the sun and moon, innumerable stars, deities of the heavens and earth; and all living beings—including individuals in the worlds of hell, hunger, animality, anger, humanity, and rapture. The benefit of revealing this Buddha nature is immeasurable and unfathomable. (Gosho, p. 1320)

The immeasurable and unfathomable benefit [of the mystic Law (Myoho)] will manifest through one’s faith and the verbal cause of chanting Nam-MyohoRenge-Kyo. Therefore, all living beings, including those who have descended into the world of hell by accumulating evil karma, will be able to attain enlightenment through the great power of the mystic Law (Myoho).

At this crucial time, let all of us—men and women of all ages—awaken a strong sense of our mission to advance kosenrufu and take action. Then, we bravely must exert ourselves to our full potential and do shakubuku, based on the benefit and joy of chanting Daimoku, conducting Shodai more than ever.

By sowing the seed of the immeasurable mystic Law (Myoho) through doing shakubuku, we can lead others to gain the benefit of attaining Buddhahood in their present form. Thus, we always must remember that this is the best way to uphold the aspiration of the True Buddha,

Nichiren Daishonin. The priests and lay believers of Nichiren Shoshu have been making concerted efforts, in the spirit of itai doshin, to advance toward the achievement of our goals for 2015 and 2021.

At this crucial time, let all of us—men and women of all ages—awaken a strong sense of our mission to advance kosen-rufu and take action. Then, we bravely must exert ourselves to our full potential and do shakubuku, based on the benefit and joy of chanting Daimoku, conducting Shodai more than ever. I would like to conclude my address by praying from the bottom of my heart that all Hokkeko chapters will achieve their shakubuku goals this year without fail, in order to repay our debt of gratitude to the three treasures.

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Flowering and Bearing Grain — August Oko Lecture If a tree is deeply rooted, its prefecture. branches and leaves will never Dozen-bo was the chief wither. If the spring is inexhaustipriest of Seicho-ji temple ble, the stream will never run dry. where Nichiren Daishonin Without wood, the fire will burn became a priest, making him out. Without earth, plants cannot his first direct master when the grow. I, Nichiren, am indebted Daishonin was twelve years solely to my late master, Dozenbo, for the old. Dozenfact that I bo was a man have become of good charDozen-bo was the the votary of acter, but chief priest of Seichothe Lotus Suwas timid. ji temple where tra and that Because of his Nichiren Daishonin now I am social posibecame a priest, widely talked tion, relamaking him his first about, both in tionship bedirect master when a good and the Daishonin was tween his bad sense. Nichiren is twelve years old. temple and like the plant, the local and my massteward and his believter, the earth. ers, he couldn’t make the right decision Nichiren Daishonin wrote this Gosho to embrace Nichiren Daishonin’s Budat Mt. Minobu in April, 1278, at the dhism though in heart, he understood age of 57, two years after his former the correctness of the Daishonin’s master, Dozen-bo had passed away. He teachings. gave this gosho to two priests named Jyoken-bo and Gijyo-bo were senior Jyoken-bo and Gijyo-bo living at Seicho priests to the Daishonin when he stud-ji temple in Tojo village in Awa provied at the temple. One of their remarkince; presently Kamogawa City, Chiba able acts was that they protected Nichiren Daishonin when the steward of Tojo village, Tojo Kagenobu attacked Nichiren Daishonin when he declared the establishment of True Buddhism at Seicho-ji

temple. They received many goshos from the Daishonin that include one of his major writings, “Repaying Debts of Gratitude” (“Ho’on-sho”). Particularly, five months after receiving this gosho, “Flowering and Bearing Grain” (“Keka joju gosho”), Jyokenbo received the Gohonzon together with another gosho, “Questions and Answers on the Object of Worship,” (“Honzon Mondo-sho”) one of the ten major writings. In Buddhism, a disciple can achieve his Buddhist practice because of the guidance and teachings from his master. Though “Flowering and Bearing Grain” is a short gosho, it expounds the importance of the master-disciple relationship and repaying the debts of gratitude to one’s master. It also explains that the blessings that a disciple obtains from practicing Buddhism and following his master, return to his master. This is because both a master and a disciple are one united entity. (Continued on page 6)

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Flowering and Bearing Grain — August Oko Lecture (continued) (Continued from page 5)

Therefore, Nichiren Daishonin states: “It is said that if a master has a good disciple, both of them will attain Buddhahood, but if a master cultivates a bad disciple, both of them will fall into hell.” Dozen-bo even confessed to the Daishonin that he had no other choice but to just continue reciting Nembutsu, as he was too old to change his religion and did not have the courage to embrace the True Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. Dozen-bo told the Daishonin as follows:

Butsu.’” Furthermore, Dozen-bo asked the Daishonin, “Though it was not my idea originally, I have had occasion to fashion five images of Amida Buddha. (Omit) Do you suppose that as a result of these faults, I will fall into hell?”

“I have neither the wisdom nor any Nichiren Daishonin, as a disciple, hope for advanceput his heart in his strict ment to an imwarning, truly wanting his portant higher pomaster to embrace the true Law sition. I am an old that guaranteed “peace and man with no desire security in this lifetime and for fame, and I cangood circumstances in the not claim any priest next lifetime” as quickly as of Nembutsu to be possible and to achieve the my eminent teachgreat benefit of enlightenment. er. But because this practice has become so widespread in our time, I simply repeat again Nichiren Daishonin thought that the and again, like so many others proper and courteous thing would be to do, the words ‘Namu Amida reason with his master in mild terms and to speak in a gentle manner. However, desiring that his aging former master would be able to escape

from sufferings at the time of his death resulting from his slanderous acts against the true Law, and also considering that he might not be able to see his master any more if he missed the opportunity, he made up his mind to speak to him in very strong terms, as follows: “By your making five images of Amida Buddha, you are certainly condemning yourself to fall five times into the hell of incessant sufferings.” Nichiren Daishonin, as a disciple, put his heart in his strict warning, truly wanting his master to embrace the true Law that guaranteed “peace and security in this lifetime and good circumstances in the next lifetime” as quickly as possible and to achieve the great benefit of enlightenment. Though his master did not summon up the courage to take faith in the true Law and cowardly kept away from the correct path of Buddhism, Nichiren Daishonin clearly indicates in this gosho, because of the principle of oneness of the master and disciple, his master Dozen-bo could still be saved when he said, (Continued on page 7)

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Flowering and Bearing Grain — August Oko Lecture (continued) (Continued from page 6)

“The great blessings which I, Nichiren, achieve from propagating the Lotus Sutra will be delivered to Dozen-bo.” We must deeply keep in mind that if we would like to repay our debts of gratitude to our master, we must embrace, uphold and propagate the true Law throughout our life. As practitioners of true Buddhism, it is very important for us to feel how deeply we owe debts of gratitude to our master and never forget them.

stood, they supposed they had understood.” Being able to practice Buddhism without straying from the correct path and being showered by the vast and boundless benefits of Gohonzon is not because of our knowledge, resources or wisdom, but solely because of “the virtue of the master” which leads us to the correct faith. Those who can truly feel this are the true practitioners of Buddhism.

We, common mortals, have a basic life tendency to manifest our arrogance if we are not careful. The Expedient Means (Hoben; second) chapter of the LoTherefore, We must deeply keep in tus Sutra deNichiren mind that if we would scribes this: Daishonin states: like to repay our debts of gratitude to our master, “What “I, Nichiren, we must embrace, uphold they had not am indebted and propagate the true attained solely to my they suplate master, Law throughout our life. posed they Dozen-bo, for had atthe fact that I tained, what they had not underhave become the votary of the

Lotus Sutra and that now I am widely talked about, both in a good and bad sense. Nichiren is like the plant, and my master, the earth.” The phrase, “a good sense” in the quote means that he was deeply respected by people and many people were chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The other phrase, “bad sense” indicates that he was spoken ill of by people and persecuted because of his efforts in propagating the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren Daishonin appreciated his master, Dozen-bo for the fact that his name “Nichiren” was widely spread in these two ways. People admire finely-shaped pine trees by saying, “What a great pine tree!” We can eat bread, bagels or pasta everyday with our meals. But there are not many people who can realize the importance of the land where trees, flowers and grain grow and likewise can appreciate the effort of the gardeners and farmers who tend them. But it is an undeniable fact that plants cannot grow without earth. (Continued on page 8)

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Flowering and Bearing Grain — August Oko Lecture (continued) (Continued from page 7)

Similarly, we owe a debt of gratitude to our parents for the fact that we have grown and become a mature person. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our teachers and seniors who have taught and aided us in the development of our skills and knowledge in our jobs. In any field, we must not only look at the surface, but remember the cause of our growth and development and that we owe a debt to and appreciate its root and origin. Needless to say, it is all the more true when it is applied to our Buddhist practice. It is because of the existence of the source of Buddhism that we can obtain happiness in our life and the great benefit of enlightenment. In this month’s gosho quote, Nichiren Daishonin teaches: “If a tree is deeply rooted, its branches and leaves will never wither. If the spring is inexhaustible, the stream will never run dry.”

Also in “Repaying Debts of Gratitude” (“Ho’on-sho”), the Daishonin states: “The deeper the roots of the tree, the more prolific are the branches. The farther the source of water, the longer the stream flows.” The pure stream of the Mystic Law that springs forth from the source of Buddhism will flow into the entire world to benefit all people and it will never be exhausted. What is the source of Buddhism? The Twenty-Sixth High Priest Nichikan Shonin declares in “The Meaning Hidden in the Depths” (“Montei hichinsho”):

virtues of sovereign, teacher and parent. At the most fundamental level, Nichiren Daishonin and the DaiGohonzon are one and inseparable.

“It is because Mt. Fuji is the origin of kosen-rufu. What is meant by the origin? It is the Dai-Gohonzon of Needless to say, it is all the the High Sanctumore true when it is applied ary of the Essential to our Buddhist practice. It [teaching].” is because of the existence of the source of Buddhism that And who, with his we can obtain happiness in great compassion to our life and the great save all living beings benefit of enlightenment. in the world, inscribed the DaiGohonon of the High Sanctuary of the Essential TeachTherefore, it is most essential to serve ing, the origin of Buddhism and the Gohonzon as the living Buddha with the source of benefits? It is none our profound faith, chant Daimoku sinother than Nichiren Daishonin, cerely to the Gohonzon and perform our true master of Buddhism. shakubuku for our attainment of enTherefore we profoundly revere lightenment. Nichiren Daishonin as the true In addition to this, after the passing of Buddha who possesses the three

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Flowering and Bearing Grain — August Oko Lecture (continued) (Continued from page 8)

they cannot accomplish anything at all.”

Nichiren Daishonin, it is truly imAs we well know, our portant for us to respectfully follow correct master of Budthe guidance of the current High dhism is presently the Priest who alone is entrusted with the 68th High Priest, Dai-Gohonzon, the true entity of the Nichinyo Shonin. ThereLaw inscribed by Nichiren Daishonin fore, the correct way of as the true purpose of his advent, and our practice based on the who receives the entirety of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism through the transmission Please etch indelibly into of the Heritage your heart that the of the Law encorrect attitude as trusted to a sinHokkeko believers who gle person. repay our debts of When we follow gratitude to our master, the current High the essential point of Priest as our Buddhist practice and the correct master, source of great benefits, is the heritage of to practice assiduously faith will flow masteraccording to the between the Dai disciple relaguidance of our correct -Gohonzon and tionship is to master. us, and then we advance tocan achieve the ward the great result of achievement enlightenment. of the High Priest’s guidance for the Nichiren Daishonin teaches us: 770th Anniversary of Birth of the Second High Priest Nikko Shonin in “If the master and the disciple 2015 and the 800th Anniversary of the do not possess the same mind, Birth of Nichiren Daishonin in 2021. Our High Priest Nichinyo Shonin conducts Ushitora gongyo diligently everyday at 2:30am and always prays for the achievement of Kosenrufu, world peace, and all people’s happiness. He is also strictly protecting the Dai-

Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary of the Essential Teaching, which is the root and origin of Buddhism, to pass it on to the eternal future. In Nichiren Shoshu, the importance of the master and disciple relationship has been taught since olden times when it says: “Always together, the master is just like a needle and the disciple is just like the thread.” Please etch indelibly into your heart that the correct attitude as Hokkeko believers who repay our debts of gratitude to our master, the essential point of Buddhist practice and the source of great benefits, is to practice assiduously according to the guidance of our correct master. With this, I would like to conclude my Oko lecture of this month. Thank you very much for your attention.

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Uptown area Report — Sonya Hensley I know just about every member Uptown. I have seen them come to the Temple to chant, listen to guidance by our Chief Priest and struggle one and all with life's roadblocks and the special obstacles that occur when we endeavor to do this practice day by day, month by month, year by year.

would like to say congratulations to all the Uptown members who have struggled to attend Tozan and have done so. I would like to say kudos to the Uptown

Chanting one hour a day with our High Priest in July was amazing. I felt everyone was thoroughly energized by doing this. Uptown also chanted one hour daily in May, which contributed greatly to our overall success, even during our many obstacles.

Uptown has now held monthly planning meetings for the past 5 years in order to ensure successful area meetings. We have new guests at almost all of our meetings. We consistently have guests at the Introduction meetings at our Temple as well. We have participated wholeheartedly in all Temple activities this year. Most recently, we had members participate in the Bar-BQ hosting the student priests, and the Chapter Tozan, including a trip to Sado Island. Many of our Uptown members regularly attend morning Gongyo with our Chief Priest in Flushing and have experienced many wonderful benefits from doing so. I have vowed to the High Priest to be as encouraging as I can be. Therefore, I

members to do Gongyo assiduously, come to the Temple, attend our area meetings to chant together and study with the Priest.

I want to thank each and every Uptown member who shows up monthly to clean our beautiful Manhattan Branch of Myosetsuji Temple and encourage our new members to join us. In conclusion I would like to thank our Chief Priest Rev. Takikawa for attending our monthly meetings. We are always promembers who share this practice with one person every year no matter what. I foundly touched by his guidance. My would like to say a warm thank you to all sincere thanks to Rev. Iwakiri, we are so of you who attend our monthly meetings fortunate to have such an energetic Assistant Priest. We are on our way to reachand communicate with each other on a regular basis. I would like to encourage ing our Shakubuku goal this year and I any of our Uptown members to host an pray for each one of our Uptown memUptown meeting, if they have the space. bers’ health and continued strong faith. I would like to remind our newer

Member Experience — Olga Shmukler I was introduced to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism by Tatijana Matano. When my daughter decided to live on her own at 17, my faith was tested. It was so hard for me to chant. Fits of my hysterical crying would not allow me to finish my Gongyos, but I tried to finish them anyway. I did not know what to do, except chant. I realized that my daughter had no future: “How would she pay her rent?” and “How would she graduate her High School?” and “How would she find a job?” All these horrible thoughts were running

in my head. I got very sick. Painful days passed with my chanting daimoku, doing Gongyo, again crying, chanting and so on. My daughter is today a responsible, loving person with a strong personality. She graduated from college, works, pays her rent, married for love and has become a very happy person. Another thing that bothered me at in the beginning of my practice was my hatred against my mother. She abused me so

badly throughout my childhood and adolescence that I needed therapy. I decided to go to Moldova, Kishinev (the capital) to fix my karmic bound with my parents. My father started chanting immediately though my mother behaved like an evil spirit. There was no hope in helping her listen and chant with us. I always thought of her as a kind of demon of darkness with her consistent cursing, hatreds and lies. Also I never called her mom. (Continued on page 11)

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I SSUE 135 Member Experience — Olga Shmukler (continued)

her grandchild who she had not seen in about 10 years. My mother is a different The next year my father called and said person now. She is chanting now. She that my mother was dying. What was told me I saved her life. I asked her how I wrong with her, nobody knew. She was did so and she told me: “you know how” in pain and did not recognize anyone. I and added, “what was wrong with me?” I was shocked; I had already bought 2 tick- do not know exactly if she meant all her ets for the trip to Moldova. I wanted to life or just the time she was sick, but I take my daughter with me but my father knew that demon of darkness had left told me it would be too late as my trip her. There is no hatred in her eyes anywould be in 13 months. more. I forgave her. (Continued from page 10)

I did not care about my mother, I hated her but as I am a Buddhist, I felt I should do the right thing. And again, I was chanting, crying hysterically, doing Gongyo, crying again. To my surprise my mother was alive when I came to Moldova. That was the right time to fix my karma with my mother. She did not recognize her daughter nor her granddaughter when we came from the airport. I told her do not be afraid, I would chant for her life and she would be fine. The next day she called me by my name and was surprised and happy to see

My husband, watching all of my drama, decided to chant too. He had his problems with his father too. Now my husband’s relationship with his father is caring, friendly, loving. Every year I go to Moldova not only to see my parents but to also promote True Buddhism. As Nichiren Dashenin states: “We are able to see ourself in the reflection of a polished mirror. There is no finer barometer with which to measure the changing fortunes of a nation than the mirror of Buddhism.”

Member Experience — Selena Blackstone A few years ago, I made a “casual” cause to reach the population of four-year-old of submitting my resume to a Headstart children. The reason I stated that I made Program. This is an educational program a casual cause is because I was not seriously looking for a new position. Nevertheless, the Executive Director of one of the programs reviewed my resume, called and gave me an interview, and then offered me a job right away.

niversary Ceremony at the Head Temple, Taisekiji, was scheduled to take place a few months later, and I would probably would have a difficult time taking off time to attend that Ceremony.

I was very honest with my prospective employer, concerning my ambivalence towards the job, but she still encouraged me to try it out which I did. In the meanI’m sure most people would have time, I had applied for a leave of absence said, “That’s great, better pay, and from my old job. The Board of Directors it’s closer to your house, go for it!” denied my request, but they instead sugHowever, I was not thrilled about gested I take a “two-week grace period” taking this new role as a Director to make up my mind towards a final job because it would not have allowed decision. me the flexibility as a CreativeMovement and Relaxation Consult(Continued on page 12) ant. Also at the time, the 750th An-

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for two weeks – because it wasn’t what I really wanted to do. And I would not Naturally, this tumultuous situation have been truthful to myself or to the that I alone created led me to chant more law of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. deeply to the Gohonzon. During this My new employer not only understood time period I was already scheduled to go my situation and wishes, but to my suron Tozan to pray to the Dai Gohonzon. I prise, she asked me to stay on part-time prayed very strongly and sincerely to the for a little longer as a consultant, to help Dai Gohonzon, to know which place mentor the teachers in the program until would be best for my life in order to she found a permanent Director. I truly fulfill my mission as a disciple of see that chanting to the Gohonzon Nichiren Daishonin. cleared the fear and confusion from my After doing a lot of chanting, and keep- mind and led me to a place of truth and ing a particular Gosho passage in my honesty with myself and others. mind, “None of Nichiren’s disciples As I look back on this experience, leavshould ever be cowardly!” I decided ing that job was clearly the right decision to take the reins of my life and leave the because only a couple of months later I new job, even though I was there only received numerous opportunities to do the work that I really enjoy, and had I stayed in the new position I would have had to turn down those opportunities. If I had stayed a Director I would not only have to stay late, but I would be responsible for so (Continued from page 11)

many other duties too. Plus as I stated before, the Board of Directors from the previous job gave me two weeks to make a decision, so this enabled me to resume my old position. Through this situation, I could clearly see and feel the power and protection of the Gohonzon. From this experience I learned the following: the Gohonzon was teaching me not to make casual causes; no matter what situation I may encounter, this great Gohonzon continuously protects me; and finally, I had learned to trust the Gohonzon more deeply and to follow the truth in my life.

Special September Events Oko Ceremony Oko/Gonan-e Ceremony* Higan-e Ceremony** Higan-e Ceremony**

Sept. 8th Sept. 9th Sept. 22nd Sept. 23rd

10 AM 10 AM 10 AM 10 AM

Manhattan Branch Myosetsuji Temple – Flushing Manhattan Branch Myosetsuji Temple – Flushing

*Commemoration of Nichiren Daishonin’s Tatsunokuchi Persecution ** Memorial Service During the Fall Equinox. Please submit all Higan-e Toba requests by September 9th.

Higan-e Ceremony September 22 & 23, 2012 The Higan-e Ceremony is held on the days of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. On these two days, the length of daylight and darkness in a day is exactly the same, and the sun rises due east and sets directly in the west. As the sutra expounds, "The Buddha desires the Middle Way." For this reason the benefits of performing positive deeds on these days are superior to those practiced at other times. The word "higan" is a translation of the Sanskrit word "paramita,” and it means, "arriving on the other shore." In his writings, Nichiren Daishonin states: “In the great sea of sufferings of life and death, the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings are but a raft or, at best, a small boat. Even if the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings can transport us from this shore of life and death to another shore of life and death, it cannot take us across the great sea of life and death to the shore of great happiness.” Thus, the fundamental signifi- cance of arriving at the "other shore," or higan, is that it is extremely important for us, as living beings, to attain enlightenment in our present form through the Daishonin's Buddhism, and in a sprit of appreciation, to present memorial offerings for our ancestors.

All Toba requests must be received by September 9th Please Print Clearly

Name of Applicant

Name of Deceased

Tobas for Myosetsuji Temple

Gokuyo for Tobas ($10.00 ea.) $

Tobas for Manhattan Branch

General Gokuyo (if any)

$

Korean Oko 12:00 PM Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM

4

25 Gongyo Gongyo 7:30 AM 7:30 AM Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM

7:30 AM 7:30 AM Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM 18 Gongyo Gongyo 7:30 AM 7:30 AM Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM

5

26

19

12

Wednesday

Gongyo Gongyo 7:30 AM 7:30 AM Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM 11 Gongyo Gongyo

9:00 AM 8:30 PM 3:30 PM Tuesday

7:20 AM 6:00 PM 9:00 AM Monday

2 Labor Day 3 Queens Cleanup Kosen-rufu Chanting 10 AM Gongyo Support Staff Mtg 12: 0 0 PM 10:00 AM Gongyo Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM 2:30 PM 10 9 New Jersey Cleanup Oko Ceremony 10 AM Gongyo Gonan-e Ceremony 10 AM Drum Practice 9:00-9:45 AM 7:30 AM Chinese Oko 12: 0 0 PM Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM 17 16 Westchester Cleanup Introductory Mtg 10 AM Gongyo Japanese Oko 12:00 PM 7:30 AM Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM Long Island Cleanup 24 23 Higan-e Memorial 10 AM Gongyo Evening Gongyo 2:30 PM 7:30 AM Chanting Mtg Queens Cleanup 30 7:00 PM Gongyo 10 AM

Monday - Friday Re-opens on Mon/Tues/Fri Sunday & Holidays Sunday

Close

Open

Gongyo 7:30 AM

Gongyo 7:30 AM

27

20

Gongyo 7:30 AM Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM

Gongyo 7:30 AM Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM

7:30 AM Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM 7:30 AM

Gongyo 7:30 AM Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM Gongyo

13

6

Friday

Gongyo

Gongyo 7:30 AM

Thursday

8

22 Flushing Temple Closed

29 Flushing Temple Closed 28

15 Flushing Temple Closed

Flushing Temple Closed

Flushing Temple Closed

1

21

14

7

Saturday

September 2012

Myosetsuji Temple

Manhattan Temple Closed

Manhattan Temple Closed

Manhattan Temple Closed

Manhattan Temple Closed

Manhattan Temple Closed

30

23

16

9

2

Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri Wednesday/Sunday Saturday Sunday

8:30 PM

4:00 PM

10

3 Study Mtg 7:00 PM

3:00 PM Tuesday

11

4

18

Manhattan Temple Closed

19 Intro Mtg 7:00 PM

Intro Mtg 7:00 PM

Intro Mtg 7:00 PM

6

20

13

Thursday

Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM

Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM

Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM

Friday

28

21

14

7

8

1

29 Uptown Cleanup Gongyo 10:00 AM Evening Gongyo 2:00 PM

Brooklyn Cleanup Higan-e Memorial 10:00 AM Evening Gongyo 2:00 PM

22

Bronx Cleanup Gongyo 10:00 AM Evening Gongyo 2:00 PM

15

Midtown Cleanup Oko Ceremony 10 AM Evening Gongyo 2:00 PM

Uptown Cleanup Kosen-rufu Chanting 10:00 AM Evening Gongyo 2:00 PM

Saturday

September 2012

Manhattan Branch

27 26 25 24 Intro Mtg Manhattan Chanting Mtg Koto Hokkeko 7:00 PM Chanting Mtg Chanting Mtg Temple Closed 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM

Study Mtg Hokkeko Chanting Mtg 7:00 PM 7:00 PM

17

5

12

Manhattan Temple Closed

Wednesday

Manhattan Koto Hokkeko Chanting Mtg Chanting Mtg Temple Closed 7:00 PM 7:00 PM

Closed Labor Day

9:00 AM Monday

Closed

Close

Open

N ICHIREN S HOSHU M YOSETSUJI T EMPLE 143-63 Beech Ave. (Entrance on Parsons Blvd.) Flushing, NY 11355 (718) 961 7269

M ANHATTAN B RANCH T EMPLE 402 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018

VISIT

US O NLINE AT : W W W . N S T N Y . O RG

S UBS CRI BE T O THE N ICHI REN S HOS HU M ONTHLY M A GAZIN E T ODAY !

MYOSETSUJI TEMPLE 143-63 Beech Ave. Flushing, NY 11355 Rev. Shinga Takikawa, Chief Priest Rev. Josetsu Iwakiri, Assistant Priest