January 2010

Members Welcome Arrival of New Year at Dawn Worship Service in Great Sacred Hall

At dawn on January 1, the first worship service of the year was held in the Great Sacred Hall at Rissho Kosei-kai's headquarters in Tokyo as well as at all of the organization's Dharma Centers throughout Japan. Some 3,000 members attended the service in the Great Sacred Hall, which began at 6:30 A.M. It opened with sutra recitation led by President-designate Kosho Niwano, and President Nichiko Niwano offered vows for the new year before the image of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni enshrined in the hall.

In offering his vows, President Niwano mentioned the significance of learning the Dharma as well as of the installation of the images of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni and the Dharma titles of the founder and cofounder at the home altars of all members worldwide. He confirmed that Rissho Kosei-kai would encourage further promotion of both activities. President Niwano then declared that Rissho Kosei-kai would teach members to recognize the true way of liberation through Buddhism and to apply the teachings in daily life. Further, he said all members worldwide should cooperate with one another according to the organization's motto, "Many in body but one in spirit," to liberate themselves and others in the light of the Buddha's wisdom and compassion.

After offering his vows, President Niwano delivered his first guidance of the new year, saying it is important for all members to be good friends by guiding and helping other people through study of the Dharma.

After the service, he paid homage at the Precious Stupa of the One Vehicle with a New Year's offering of spiced sake.

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