Risshu-e Ceremony
Date: 28 April 2025 (Mon)
Time: 7pm
Significance of the Risshu-e Ceremony
The Risshu-e is the ceremony where we commemorate the declaration of the establishment of True Buddhism by the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, on the 28th day of the fourth month of the fifth year of Kencho (28 April 1253).
The Daishonin knew that were he to start propagating the Supreme Law, the teaching appropriate for the age of Mappo, he would inevitably encounter innumerable great difficulties and persecutions. He had two choices: to speak out or to remain silent. The Daishonin made the determination that he had to speak out and propagate the Mystic Law.
ln his notes on “The Opening of the Eyes”, Twenty-sixth High Priest Nichikan Shonin states,
“This [passage] reveals how the Daishonin fixed the spiritual ground for performing shakubuku. This is founded in His great compassion.” (Nichikan Shonin mondan shu, p.717)
At the Risshu-e Ceremony, we offer our appreciation to the Daishonin and determine to increase our faith and practice as his disciples and believers.
(Extracted from "Risshu-e Ceremony 2021, 28 April 2021", Rev Shingaku Kato, Kaimyo Magazine Issue 108)
Kosen-rufu Shodai
Date: 2 May 2025 (Fri)
Time: 7pm
Date: 4 May 2025 (Sun)
Time: 10am
What is kosen-rufu?
The objectives of our faith are to attain Buddhahood in our position as common mortals and to transform the saha world into the entity of the Mystic Law, the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light, through embracing and practising the Three Great Secret Laws of Nichiren Daishonin. Our efforts in steadily advancing towards these objectives represent the attainment of enlightenment.
As more and more people aspire to attain Buddhahood not only in Japan but in every corner of the world, the Buddha land will naturally take form. This process is called Kosen-rufu. As we ceaselessly progress towards attaining this objective, we can establish the life condition of limitless joy within our lives.
Extracted from “The Great Objective of Kosenrufu (World Peace)”, A Lesson from the Sermon Rock, Sermons & Homilies (Part 2), Nichiren Shoshu Monthly February 1995, Kaimyo Magazine Issue 24
Oko Ceremony
Date: 9 May 2025 (Fri)
Time: 7 pm
Date: 10 May 2025 (Sat)
Time: 5 pm
Date: 11 May 2025（Sun）
Time: 10 am
Significance of the Oko Ceremony
“Ko” of Oko means to recite the sutra in reverence for the Gohonzon and our founder, Nichiren Daishonin and furthermore, to give a lecture on the doctrines and the sutras to repay the debts of gratitude. In Nichiren Shoshu, the priest conducts kenzen ceremony, recites the sutra and chants Daimoku to the Gohonzon enshrined in the main hall of the local temple. He then reads the Daishonin’s Gosho and gives a lecture on how one should practise his/her faith.
It is stated in “Letter to Niike” (Niike gosho):
“No matter what, be close to the priest who knows the heart of the Lotus Sutra, keep learning from him the truth of Buddhism and continue your journey of faith.”
(Gosho, p. 1457 MW-1, p.255)
As this passage teaches, it is important for one to visit the priest who knows the Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo of the Three Great Secret Laws, the basis of the Life Span chapter of the Lotus Sutra. In other words, one should visit his/her chief priest at the local temple and learn about the profundity of Buddhism and deepen his/her faith.
Furthermore, based on such faith, devoting oneself to the propagation of the True Law is itself repaying the debts of gratitude to the Daishonin. This will lead to one’s faith to an attitude of appreciation of the Gohonzon on a daily basis.
Extracted from “The Benefits of the Gohonzon and the Faith of Repaying Debts of Gratitude”, 2008 Summer Study Tozan, Kaimyo Magazine Issue 38
New to Nichiren Shoshu and interested to join in our ceremonies and daily chanting sessions? Do reach out to us here so we can assist you directly!