August 2009

Members Pray for Peace on 64th Anniversary of End of World War II

On August 15, the 64th anniversary of the end of World War II, annual ceremonies were held at Rissho Kosei-kai's headquarters in Tokyo and Dharma Centers throughout Japan in observance of the Day of Repose for the Spirits of the War Dead and Prayers for Peace.

In the Great Sacred Hall at the headquarters, some 2,000 members from the organization's west, central, and east dissemination divisions of Tokyo gathered to mourn and pray for the victims of World War II and all other wars. They prayed also for an early end to all current wars and conflicts throughout the world and for lasting peace.

The ceremony began with the singing of "The Eternal Light" by the Kosei Choir. After recitation of a poem beginning with the famous line "Give back my father" by Sankichi Toge, a poet and a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, 32 members of the Students Group from Tokyo's east division offered lighted candles at the altar before the image of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni.

Sutra recitation by all members followed, led by President-designate Kosho Niwano. The president-designate then recited a prayer by President Nichiko Niwano for merit transfer. At the altar she burned incense and offered a paper crane, a symbol of peace in Japan.

After religious testimony by one member, President Niwano offered incense and a paper crane and gave a Dharma talk. Referring to the basic Buddhist concept that all human beings are interrelated, he emphasized the importance of mutual reverence between all people, which, he said, is essential for peace to prevail. He expressed hope that parents will pass a spirit of mutual reverence and the teachings of the gods and buddhas to their children and grandchildren, and he called on all members to devote themselves to further study of the Dharma.

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