by Masuo Nezu

These are personal reminiscences about the late founder Rev. Nikkyo Niwano from his former chief secretary, Masuo Nezu, now in retirement. During his years of service, the writer accompanied Rev. Niwano on dissemination tours, interreligious cooperation activities, and peace promotion work, both in Japan and overseas. This series recalls not only heartwarming episodes from the founder's everyday life, but also the spiritual insights derived from his words and deeds.

8

Grateful for Time to Chant the Sutra

"During the early period after the founding of Rissho Kosei-kai, since I was running a business it was difficult to find sufficient time to talk with believers and keep them satisfied. Being suddenly asked to come to a home where a family member had become ill was another urgent demand on my time. In those circumstances, there was not enough time to recite the Lotus Sutra," Founder Niwano once recalled.

"That is why I have been always eager to have sufficient time for sutra recitation," he said. "Now, both at home and abroad, many members are earnestly spreading the teachings. It is not necessary that I alone make the desperate effort. Thanks to the endeavors of so many members, I have enough time for recitation. I am very grateful for this. I recite the sutra with joy and gratitude."

On September 1, 1955, Founder Niwano and Cofounder Naganuma (foreground) lead the sutra recitation service at Rissho Kosei-kai headquarters in Tokyo on the 32nd anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake for the repose of the spirits of its victims.

The time he could devote to dissemination work in a single day was sixteen hours. During the remaining eight hours, Rev. Niwano had to eat and sleep and run his business. He continued in this way for a long time, and it would be many years before he was able to have enough time to recite the sutra as he wished. Thus he expressed his gratitude for being given such valuable time.

Members who were running a service trade or business in the early years sometimes did not finish their work until after midnight, then gathered for a religious meeting. The founder then taught them the Dharma. And he awoke very early each morning to conduct his own business of delivering milk. It was not an easy life.

He also once said this: "From time to time, I was overcome with drowsiness while chanting, fell backward and dropped off into a doze. When I came to myself, I was lying flat on my back, still holding the sutra!"