Minister's
Message for April 2008
On April 14, the presentation ceremony of the focus of devotion (picture framed Buddha images) and our Founder and Co-Founder’s official plaques of their Dharma Titles to all ministers of U.S. was held by Rev. Kotaro Suzuki, Director of RK International, and supported by Rissho Kosei-kai International North America, which just opened in Orange County, California. The main focus for the enshrinements to all RKK members was in the occasion of the commemoration of our 70th anniversary. This presentation ceremony was a part of the program of the United States Council of Rissho Kosei-kai (RKUS) in Las Vegas 2008 where the missionary directors and representatives from each Board of the churches participated with us. I was honored to represent all ministers in North America to address our resolution.
I will refer to a portion of the resolution as follows:
“I am deeply grateful and honored to have been given this opportunity to receive our Founder and Co-Founder’s official plaques of Dharma Titles as well as the Buddha Images, the Focus of Devotion, for all members in the United States of America after the newly opening of Rissho Kosei-kai International of North America. I also am very humbled to have been able to receive the Buddha Images and the plaques for further dissemination of the Dharma, on behalf of all church members.
In 2006 during the celebration of the centennial anniversary of our Founder’s birth, President Niwano gave out a message of the rebirth for the faith dissemination of our practice according to the Lotus Sutra in the Spirit of the One Buddha Vehicle through our recognition of the law of transience. The culmination of nearly 2 years of planning to open the RK International of North America (RKINA) has successfully and completely been opened on April 8th; RKINA will be the focal point and leading force to re-energize the dissemination in North America. We will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary of the missionary in the United States next year, so the opening of this new center coincides well with this distinctive milestone.
We all as members of America should capitalize on this occasion and pledge ourselves to increase our energy for positive dissemination for the steady growth of our Sangha.”Another big theme of RKUS of this year is the ‘Convention 2009’ where members from all over the U.S. gather together, which is the commemorating event for the 50th anniversary of missionary work in North America. In the beginning of the meeting, some passive opinions were uttered not only for the venue but if Las Vegas may not be suitable for our gathering but even to have this convention at all. However, the representatives who had participated from Hawaii made themselves in one mind, and appealed for the deeper meaning of this convention and our Founder's wish. Such a wet-blanket feeling as that of ‘only Hawaii Church and other churches, who could afford should participate’, was prevailing. Yet, on the last day, such a warm-hearted wish as ‘the full-scaled missionary works covering all over the U.S. would start here’ was pervading in every participant's mind. All representative members from 5 churches in North America with the spirit of ‘many in body but one in spirit’ felt the need to have the resolution to spread wholeheartedly the precious teachings, which has been caused to learn by our Founder and President. It was nothing less than the enthusiasm of every participant of Hawaii church that moved the heart of other participants.
I think that Hawaii church is a special church. Our Founder came to the Islands first, and overseas mission started here. I was assured that the Hawaii church members would encourage and lead another American church members hereafter. It starts now! On Saturday, August 1, 2009, a total of 600 participants composed of 100 people from each branch in Hawaii church are scheduled to attend the convention in Las Vegas. Even our President is scheduled to come to our congregation on that day. This “Convention 2009” follows the pilgrimage in Japan where all members of U.S. come together following the pilgrimage to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Founder’s birth in 2006. Shall we share such a wonderful impression once again with one another?
*On Sunday, May 4, we will have the prayer service for opening the Buddhas’ eyes of the picture flamed Buddha images and our Founder and Co-Founder’s Official plaques of Darma Titles which I received on behalf of the members of Hawaii and would be enshrined to your each family alter soon. Please join the service!
Mahalo,
Hiroyasu Hosoyama
Minister