March 2010
Rissho Kosei-kai Celebrates 72nd Anniversary
On March 5, Rissho Kosei-kai members around the world celebrated the organization's 72nd anniversary. The celebration in the Great Sacred Hall in Tokyo, attended by about 4,000 members, was relayed by satellite TV to Dharma Centers in Japan and webcast to Dharma Centers overseas.
It opened with music performed by the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, and sixteen members carried offerings to the altar before the image of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni. President-designate Kosho Niwano led the assembly in sutra chanting and read out a pledge of dedication to the Buddha composed by President Nichiko Niwano.
After an address by Rev. Yasutaka Watanabe, chair of the board of trustees, President Niwano presented letters of thanks and commemorative gifts to two representatives of the 180 leaders and 202 other members who had rendered distinguished service to Rissho Kosei-kai Dharma Centers and the organization as a whole. On behalf of all Rissho Kosei-kai members, a Men's Group member made speech of religious affirmation.
The celebration was also attended by guests from other religious organizations, and on their behalf the primate of Nippon Sei Ko Kai (Anglican Episcopal Church in Japan), Bishop Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu, made a congratulatory address.
In his Dharma Talk, President Nichiko Niwano explained the significance of the declaration of Shakyamuni Buddha, according to legend, after he was born: "I alone am honored, in heaven and on earth." He urged members to be mindful of what the Buddha meant by that especially on the occasion of Rissho Kosei-kai's anniversary. He said it means that the lives of all living things, not only human beings, have immeasurable value, and that no one is self-sufficient, but is sustained by the great life force of the universe.
In describing the significance of learning the Dharma, President Niwano encouraged members to continue their steadfast training to attain selflessness and contribute to human harmony.
[back to News Archive]
