July 2010

Overseas Leaders Start Dharma Training

Rissho Kosei-kai International held an opening ceremony on July 12 of Dharma Training for Leaders, in Taisei Hall, an annex of the Great Sacred Hall, in the Buddhist organization's Tokyo headquarters complex. They began a two-year program with two-week summer sessions each year to deepen overseas leaders' understanding of Buddhism and the teachings and activities of Rissho Kosei-kai for further dissemination to help relieve human suffering and contribute to world peace.

This year 53 leaders, from Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Mongolia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have begun taking part. It was the third such two-year training program; the earlier ones began in 2008 and 2009.

In his address at the opening ceremony, Rev. Kotaro Suzuki, director of Rissho Kosei-kai International, referred to the organization's founding spirit of liberating all people from suffering and promoting social reform, saying, "To achieve these goals, it is necessary to understand the Buddhist teachings correctly and put them into practice in everyday life." He sought to encourage the leaders, saying, "Today we have people here from various countries, and I hope you will use this opportunity to gain a variety of experience by getting to know one another."

After worshipping at the Precious Stupa of the One Vehicle, the leaders returned to Taisei Hall for a lecture on the Lotus Sutra by Dr. Gene Reeves, an international advisor to Rissho Kosei-kai.

During July 12?24, the participants took classes in the Lotus Sutra and attended hoza sessions at headquarters facilities and the Founder's Birthplace Center in Suganuma in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. They also underwent practical training for dissemination at Dharma Centers in Tokyo and the surrounding area.

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