September 2009

Rissho Kosei-kai Commemorates 52nd Anniversary of Cofounder Naganuma's Death

On September 10, Rissho Kosei-kai observed the 52nd anniversary of the death of Cofounder Myoko Naganuma, in the Great Sacred Hall at its headquarters in Tokyo as well as its Dharma Centers throughout Japan. She worked jointly with Founder Nikkyo Niwano in establishing Rissho Kosei-kai. Her firm dedication to works of compassion and donation deepened many members' faith in the Buddha Dharma. As a result, she was revered by members as a "compassionate mother."

Some 3,300 members from 85 Dharma Centers across Japan attended the memorial service in the Great Sacred Hall to pay homage to her spirit and give thanks for her teachings. The service began with sixteen young women members carrying an offering of flowers to the altar before the statue of the Eternal Buddha. A recording of a Dharma talk by the cofounder was then played. After that, Rev. Yasutaka Watanabe, chair of the board of trustees, led the sutra chanting and read out President Nichiko Niwano's tribute to the cofounder.

Then the head of Atsugi Dharma Center, Rev. Shin'ichi Hachiya, testified to his experience of the faith, and everyone sang a hymn in honor of Rev. Naganuma. President Nichiko Niwano then gave a Dharma talk, in which he explained that when people awaken to the Buddha Dharma, it is as if they are reborn. He added that no one can save other people spiritually without that rebirth. He emphasized that the Buddha as well as the cofounder rejoice when people open "the eyes of wisdom" to save not only themselves but others. He explained that "opening the eyes of wisdom" is reflected in the teachings of Rissho Kosei-kai that to change others, one first must change oneself, and that by looking at the positive side of things, one can accept everything that happens with gratitude.

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