December 2009

Rissho Kosei-kai Participates in Parliament of the World's Religions

The Parliament of the World's Religions convened at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, Australia, December 3-9. About 6,000 people from some 30 countries attended. Rissho Kosei-kai was represented by Dr. Gene Reeves, advisor to the International Buddhist Congregation of Rissho Kosei-kai, and Mr. Yasutomo Sawahata, a staff member of the External Affairs Group. The Japanese Committee of the World Conference of Religions for Peace was represented by its under-secretary-general, Rev. Tomokazu Hatakeyama.

The first Parliament of the World's Religions was held in Chicago in 1893. It convened again in 1993 to commemorate the centenary of the first parliament. The parliament has met every five years since 1993, bringing together leaders and followers of the world's religious communities, experts in various fields, and officers of nongovernmental organizations.

The opening plenary session took place in the center's plenary hall December 3, and the second plenary session was held there the evening of December 5. During the seven-day parliament, various religious groups staged about 450 events, including keynote addresses, seminars, and conferences. Rissho Kosei-kai held a session titled "A Buddhism for Today: Introduction to Rissho Kosei-kai" on December 5 in Room 203 of the hall. Mr. Sawahata outlined the teachings of Rissho Kosei-kai and its social work. Dr. Reeves gave a lecture on December 8 in Room 217 titled "A Buddhist Story Just for You" and explained some of the many fascinating stories found in the Lotus Sutra.

Rissho Kosei-kai's exhibition booth displayed some of Rissho Kosei-kai's English publications, including The Threefold Lotus Sutra; Cultivating the Buddhist Heart, by President Nichiko Niwano; and various other materials introducing the organization.

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