May 2010

Gakurin Seminary President Lectures at Meadville Lombard Theological School

Dr. Michio T. Shinozaki, president of Rissho Kosei-kai Gakurin Seminary, lectured on the Lotus Sutra from February 9 to May 7 at Meadville Lombard Theological School, affiliated with the University of Chicago. His lectures were incorporated into the school's regular curriculum. Dr. Shinozaki gave an overview of early Mahayana Buddhism and explained the background of the Lotus Sutra's development into its present form. He then elaborated on skillful means and other important teachings in the sutra. He also lectured on how some Japanese priests and lay devotees developed deep faith in the Lotus Sutra and practiced its teachings, seeking to liberate their contemporaries from suffering and bring about social reform.

Six alumni of Gakurin Seminary, including Dr. Shinozaki, studied at Meadville Lombard Theological School while they were seminarians. A seventh seminarian is studying there now. The school awarded honorary doctorates to Founder Nikkyo Niwano in 1975 and President Nichiko Niwano in 1992.

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