January 2012

President Delivers First Dharma Talk of New Year

President Nichiko Niwano delivered his first Dharma talk of 2012 on January 7 in the Great Sacred Hall at Rissho Kosei-kai headquarters in Tokyo. Some 3,400 members gathered there to hear him speak and rededicate themselves to their religious practice throughout the year. The service began with 16 young women members bringing offerings to the altar before the image of the Eternal Buddha. Then President-designate Kosho Niwano led the gathering in the sutra recitation, and Rev. Yasutaka Watanabe, chair of the board of trustees, offered a New Year's greeting.

After two members testified to their experience of the faith, President Niwano gave his Dharma talk. He confirmed the responsibility of Rissho Kosei-kai as a Buddhist organization that is based on the Dharma and said its highest priority is to promote harmony among members. He said, "If members are in harmony with one another, rejoice in their association with people of the same faith, always honest and kindhearted to others, and selfless, the circle of the Dharma will expand throughout the universe." He expressed his hope that together with all members he would build a Sangha of harmony through the diligent study of the Dharma.

The ceremony was relayed by satellite TV to all Rissho Kosei-kai Dharma centers throughout Japan.

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