Even You Can Become a Nichiren Shu Minister

December 2021

SACRED WORDS

“Strive to carry out the two ways of practice and learning. Without practice and learning, Buddhism will cease to exist. Endeavor yourself and cause others to practice these two ways of practice and learning which stem from faith. If possible, spread even a word or a phrase of the sutra to others.”

Nichiren’s Words, “Shoho Jisso Sho”

聖語

「行学の二道に励みなさい。修行と学問を怠ると仏法は滅んでしまいます。自ら行い、他人にも行学を勧めなさい。行学は信心から始まります。力があらなら、たとえ一言でも一句でも良いから人に伝えなさい。」

日蓮大聖人『諸法実相鈔』

EVEN YOU CAN BECOME A NICHIREN SHU MINISTER

Bishop Shokai Kanai

This will be my third-year anniversary since I was installed as the Head Priest of Nichiren Sect Mission of Hawaii. But do you recall my installation message on December 9, 2018?

I said, “My goal at this temple is to educate and raise Dharma teachers, lay-leaders, substitutes of Nichiren Shu priests, part-time ministers, and full-time ministers. These Dharma teachers should be American born especially people born and raised in Hawaii.”

Since my installation, Shami Shougou (Mr. Kalei Kini) vowed to be trained as a priest on February 16, 2020. He missed DOCHO-KOFU (official recognition ceremony to be held at Mt. Kiyosumi), twice already because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Since he retired in December 2020, he has come to this temple every morning, chants together with me, and helps to keep our temple clean and neat for everyone.

There is another person who will be fully retired at the end of this year. Ms. Claire Ariyoshi will take the oath to be trained as an assistant minister on January 22, 2022. Another candidate will be Mr. Mikio Tomioka who is an immigrant from Japan and has lived in Hawaii for many years. Both have been training to assist me together with Shougou Kini since 2019.

So, if you are interested in becoming a priest, a part-time minister is someone who has a steady job and a steady income, so they are not dependent on the salary from a temple or a mission. In other words, you will be a minister on the weekend but still keep your job during the week. Or you may be a retiree looking for a more meaningful life other than traveling or watching the grandkids - so you too can be a minister serving the temple on a part time basis.

But, if you would like to dedicate your life and become a full-time minister, it takes a minimum of five to six years of training and education, many travels to Japan, and the rigorous completion of Shingyo Dojo (the official 35-day training at Mt. Minobu).

Now, I am looking for a college student or a college graduate who wishes to become a Nichiren Shu priest and I am hoping that our temple directors will invest in such a candidate financially after the 800 Year Anniversary of Nichiren Shonin’s Birthday. This young candidate needs to overcome many hardships physically, mentally, and financially. They must go to a Japanese language school in Japan for one year and must be trained at a temple like Minobusan Kuonji Temple in Japan for three or four years. They may also take the TOKUDO (oath to become a Nichiren Shu priest) on January 22, 2022. So, if you know of a young candidate, please notify me by the end of this year, so I can order the white and black robes together among other things. And good news for females – they do not need to cut their hair!

“I am committed to educate and train all of you, little by little. That is my goal at Nichiren Mission of Hawaii.” - Bishop Shokai Kanai

ハワイ育ちの日蓮宗僧侶、

志願者募集！

金井勝海

　ハワイ日蓮宗別院主任に就任してから、もう丸３年になります。就任メッセージで次のような内容を述べさせていただきました。

　「この別院での私の目標は信徒リーダー、布教師の補佐ができる人、フルタイムの僧侶養成です。ハワイ生まれでハワイ育ちの人を望んでいます。パートタイムの僧侶補佐とは、仕事を引退し自由な時間があり、定期的に収入がある人です。何故ならば、別院以外のミッションでは、僧侶に十分な給料を払えないからです。

　僧侶志願者を教育しようと張りきっていましたが、２０２０年３月からコロナ疫病蔓延によりお寺での集会や行事は中止となってしまいました。不運を好転させるZOOMで勉強会や読経会日曜礼拝を行った結果、オアフ島のメンバーだけでなく、マウイ島、ハワイ島、さらには本土や日本からも参加があり、今も順調に継続しています。

　沙弥カレイ勝仰は２０２０年２月に得度式をすませ、正式に日蓮宗僧侶となる入門式（度牒交付）に出席しようとしましたが、パンデミックの為日本へ行くことができません。しかし、彼と同じ時期（２０１９年）から朝の読経に参加し「法華経要品」の読経演習をしていた有吉クレア夫人と富岡美樹男氏が来年１月２２日に得度を決意してくださいました。得度をすませた後３月末には清澄寺で行われる度牒公式には３人で出席できる事を願っています。

　さて、フルタイムの僧侶になるにはいろいろな過程と修行と勉強が必要です。またハワイと日本を何度も往復しなければなりません。それは大変ですので、日本語をある程度取得するために日本に１年間留学し、その後は身延山久遠寺かどこかのお寺に住み込み、身延山大学に通いながら修行をするのが一番確かで立派な僧侶になれるでしょう。（私も６年間高輪承教寺で修行を致しました。）最近では、女性にも広く門を開く為、女性は有髪で良いことになりました。

　現在大学に在籍中か既に卒業した青年男女で「ハワイの人々の為に日蓮宗僧侶に志願したい方」は今年末までに金井勝海に相談して下さい。　来年１月２２日の得度式に間に合うよう白衣と黒衣を注文しなければなりません。

　日蓮大聖人ご降誕８００年を記念して、別院ではハワイ生まれハワイ育ちの日蓮宗僧侶育成の為の基金設立をお願い致します。

The Six Paramitas to Reach the Other Shore, Hi'gan (middle way and the harmony of Buddha's compassion)

March 2021

SACRED WORDS

“Each phrase and character of this sutra is truly a Buddha. The teachings of the Buddha truly benefit all living beings. Upon hearing this sutra once, you will have heard all the Teachings, as this sutra contains all the Dharma. Even though you have not practiced the Six Paramitas, the Paramitas will appear naturally in your mind. All negative karma and sufferings come from delusion. All negative karma will disappear just as the morning dew disappears with the morning sun.”

Senkyo Chodai by Nichiren

聖語

一々の文々是れ真仏なり。真仏の説法は衆生を利す。ひとたび聞けば能く一切の法を保つが故に、未だ六波羅蜜を修行する事を得ずと雖も、六波羅蜜自然に在前せん。一切の業障海は皆妄想より生ず。衆罪は霜露の如く恵日能く消除す。　

日蓮聖人『撰経頂戴文』

The Six Practices to Reach the Other Shore, Hi’gan

Rev. Shokai Kanai

Higan or “the other shore” is the week; three days before the equinox and three days after the equinox during Spring and Autumn. During this week we, Buddhists, hold Higan memorial service at temples and visit cemeteries or columbarium for our ancestors. This is typically a Japanese Buddhist custom only.

Why is it only a Japanese custom? This is because when Buddhism was introduced into Japan during the 6th Century, this new foreign religion and culture were practiced only by the imperial family and noble classes. Then, Emperor Kanmu (781-806) wished that the teaching of the Middle Way and Harmony of Buddha’s compassion should inspire the ordinary people as well. So, the emperor officially announced to hold a holiday during the equinoxes of both Spring and Autumn. The reason for the holidays was for the public, especially farmers and peasants, to rest on the middle day of both Higans, after seeding in Spring and before harvest in Autumn, to show their appreciation toward their ancestors, to cherish all living beings, and to admire nature.

Today we hardly see farmers around us, but there are many people who work hard day and night and suffer from poverty, debt, human relationships, sickness, and advanced age. Therefore, Buddha says that “this shore” is full of suffering. The cause of suffering is ignorance, attachment, and anger. When we are free from these sufferings, we will reach “the other shore” or Higan. How to reach “the other shore” is to practice the Six Paramitas as follows:

Offering = To give something to others

Keeping the rules = to follow the rules where you belong

Perseverance = to be patient

Effort = to strive or not to give up

Concentration = to control you mind righteously

Wisdom = to realize truth of all things

The above six practices are always inter-related. For instance, when you give something to others, your action involves following the rules, knowing patience of the best time to give, continuing the act of giving, knowing the right way to give, and realizing the beneficial gift for him or her. Not only are these practices for your sake but also for others’ sake, too. Therefore, the Six Paramita is the Way of Bodhisattvas.

The Six Paramitas are not only to be practice during Higan seasons, but also as everyday practice. In other words, when you suffer from sickness, old age, human relationships, and debt; this world is shi-gan. When you are satisfied with daily life and happy at every moment, you are on “the other shore,” HI-GAN. By practicing the Six Paramitas daily, we relieve our suffering as we gradually move more towards “the other shore” and realizing our inner Buddha.

This month’s SACRED WORDS are a part of the special prayer that you hear at the end of Kito blessing every first Sunday. This means that even if you cannot practice the Six Paramitas, once you see and hear the Lotus Sutra, your bad karma and suffering will vanish just as if the morning dew which naturally evaporates when the sun shines. To practice chanting Odaimoku is to perform the Six Paramitas.

彼岸（悟り）に至るための６つの修行

金井勝海

彼岸とは３月の春分の日と９月の秋分の日を中日とした前後１週間を彼岸と言います。この時期にお寺の彼岸会法要に参列したり、お墓や納骨堂にお参りして先祖供養をする事は、日本仏教特有の習慣です。

なぜ、そうなったのでしょうか？それは、六世紀に仏教が日本にもたらされ、天皇を中心とした皇族と知識階級の人々だけが信仰していました。しかし、仏様の教えを一般の人々にも恩恵がいくようと願い、桓武天皇（７８１～８０６）の代に、春の種まきが終わって農夫が一休みして自然をたたえ生物をいつくしみ、先祖を敬むように、秋には収穫前の一休みをして先祖だけでなく自然や動物にも感謝をするようと休日をもうけたのが始まりと言われています。

現在の私共の周りには農業を営んでいる人はほとんど見あたりません。しかし、病気や借金や人間関係や仕事で悩み苦しんでいる人は大勢います。この悩み苦しい世界を此岸と呼びます。その悩み苦しむ原因である無知や怒りや煩悩から解放されて、穏やかに過ごせる世界を彼岸と呼びます。

その理想の世界に至るための修行が次の六波羅蜜です。

布施＝人に施す事、

持戒＝規則を守る事、

忍辱＝我慢する事、

精進＝努力する事、

禅定＝心を乱さない事、

知恵=この世の真実を知る事

以上６つの修行はお互いに補いあっています。つまり、施しをするにも持戒や我慢や忍耐や精進や禅定や智慧が伴ってきます。また一つひとつの修行が自分の為であり、同時に他人の為になっているので菩薩の修行と言われています。

六波羅蜜の修行はお彼岸の時期だけにするのではなく、毎日行っていることであり、行わなければならない修行です。

　つまり、日々のあなたの生活が苦しい、つらい、いやだと思っていれば此岸であり、「自分は幸せだ」と思っているなら彼岸です。その状態が長く続けば理想の世となります。

　今月の聖語の内容は、毎月の法楽加持の時に私が撰経を持ち参詣者の皆様にお経を差し上げる時に唱える日蓮大聖人のお言葉の一部です。譬え六波羅蜜の修行が出来ないひとでも、法華経を見聞きしていれば、露が朝日にあたると自然に消えるように、私共の犯した罪も知らず知らずのうちに消えて、罪障消滅できるという有難いお言葉です。

Anniversary for the Birth of Nichiren Shonin is Coming in Under a Year (I wish to hold Tokudo Ceremony)

February 2021

SACRED WORDS

Rivers come together to form an ocean. Particles of dust accumulate to become Mt. Sumeru. When I, Nichiren, began having faith in the Lotus Sutra, it was like a drop of water or a particle of dust in Japan. However, when the sutra is chanted and transmitted to two, three, ten, a million, and a billion people, it will grow to be Mt. Sumeru of perfect enlightenment or the great ocean of Nirvana. There is no way other than this to reach Buddhahood.

Nichiren Shonin, Senji-Sho

聖語

一滴の水が集まって大海となる。塵が積もって須弥山となる。私日蓮が「法華経」を信じ始めた事は一滴の水、一粒の塵のようであった。しかし、「法華経」を二人、三人、十人、百千万億人が唱え伝えれば、妙法の須弥山となり、大涅槃の大海ともなる。仏に成る道はこれ以外にはないのです。　　　　　　　　　　

日蓮大聖人『撰時抄』意訳

800th Anniversary for the Birth of Nichiren Shonin Is coming in Under a Year

Rev. Shokai Kanai

If the COVID-19 pandemic ceases and the people in Hawaii are safe, then the Archbishop will be able to travel safely to Hawaii for the 800th Anniversary of Nichiren Shonin’s birth, which will be held on January 23rd, 2022. Until then, we cannot make any concrete decisions. In the meantime, some of our members have already received their first vaccine shot. I have made my appointment as well.

Although we cannot foresee how the pandemic will affect us in January 2022, I wish to hold TOKUDO (Taking Precepts) Ceremony for several candidates on January 22nd, a day before the ceremony. Preparing for this important ceremony, the timing is right because of the “Stay-at-Home” order, I have been holding three ZOOM Meetings: 1) Reading the entire Lotus Sutra in English to bring World Peace, to overcome COVID-19, and for the deceased to attain Buddhahood every evening at 5 pm, 2) Practice chanting “YOHON” (selected chapters of the Lotus Sutra) in Japanese every Monday evening, 3) Study Class on the Lotus Sutra Thursday evenings. Sometimes we have 10 or more participants. Among these attendees, I wish someone will speak up, “I want to be a Nichiren Shu priest!” Or “I wish to be an assistant!”

Shami Shougou Kini took his oath to become a Nichiren Shu priest in February 2020. He came to temple to chant YOHON in Japanese every weekend throughout the years. After his retirement, he further trained as a shami (apprentice priest) every day at the temple. He especially took care of the lotus pond and surrounding areas.

In addition, Mikio Tomioka also wishes to become a Nichiren Shu priest. He has been training together with Shami Shougou since 2019. I wish more people would follow them.

In August this year, I am planning to hold a seminar for those who would like to learn more about practicing Nichiren Shu rituals and teachings. Through this seminar and Zoom Meetings, some candidates may come to me wishing to become a priest, an assistant priest, or a Lay leader. Will you be one of them?

日蓮大聖人ご降誕８００年ハワイ大会開催 １年後に迫る

金井勝海

コロナウイルスの感染拡大が収束し、ハワイの皆様の安全と管長猊下が安全にハワイへ渡航出来るようになりましたら、宗祖降誕８００年ハワイ大会は２０２２年１月２３日に開催されます。しかし、どのような法要になるかは不明です。新型コロナウイル感染者数が増加傾向にありますが、ワクチンの普及によりメンバーの中にも第１回目のワクチンを受けた方がいます。私も高齢者ですので、ワクチン接種を申し込んでいます。

大会前日１月２２日（土）には、現地教師養成の第１歩である得度式は是非行いたいです。その為に、コロナウイル蔓延を防ぐ「在宅令」が出されて以来、ピンチがチャンスです。インターネットを通して「疫病退散・犠牲者の追善供養と世界平和祈願」では法華経２８品を英文で毎夕５時より数ページづつ読んでいます。そして英語で「法華経勉強会」を、また日本語で「要品の読経練習」を行っています。ズーム・ミーティングでの受講者が多い時で約１０人は参加します。彼らの中から法華経とお題目を現地で広めたいという希望者が現れる事を切に願っています。

昨年２月に出家得度した沙弥勝仰カレイ法師は、私が２０１８年１２月に赴任してからすぐ、僧侶となる希望を述べてくれました。２０１９年末まで仕事をしていましたので土曜日と日曜日の朝勤に毎回参加し要品を読む練習をしました。丸１年以上続きましたので２０２０年２月に得度を許しました。２０２０年１月からは、毎日午前中はお寺に来て読経し法華経や日蓮教学を少しずつ個人指導を受けています。さらに奉仕活動を続け特に蓮の池とその周りの美化には力をいれてくれています。今年２月か３月にはヒロ日蓮ミッションに夫婦で住み込み、御本尊様、日蓮大聖人様、鬼子母神様、七面大明神様、清正公様、亡きメンバーの方々に法味を捧げ、お寺の維持管理をしてくれることになっています。さらに毎月１度はオアフ島に戻り、別院で読経、奉仕活動をしてくれます。

カレイ氏の他に２０１９年から彼と共に朝勤に参加し要品の読経練習をし、今でもつづけている富岡美樹夫氏が得度を希望しています。願わくは、彼らに従って２人３人と僧侶になりたい希望者がありますように！

今年８月には得度希望者と信徒リーダー養成のためのセミナーを別院で開催する予定です。多くの人の参加をのぞみます。２２年１月２２日に得度を受けたいと思う方は早めに金井勝海までご連絡下さい。

Happy New Year! (To win against COVID-19 is to appreciate more. Odaimoku is a spell to become happier)

January 2021

SACRED WORDS

[This person] will be able to eliminate the darkness, Of the living beings of the world where [they] walk about, Just as the light of the sun and moon, Eliminate all darkness.

Lotus Sutra, Chapter 21

聖語

日月の光明が世間の暗闇を除く事が出来るように、 この人は衆生の心の暗闇を除く事ができます。

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Rev. Shokai Kanai

According to a Japanese astrological calendar, 2021 is the Sixth Star in the Nine Star Fortune and 辛丑 (Kanoto Ushi) in the Zodiac Calendar. Kanoto means distress. Ushi or the year of Ox denotes the hours between 1 AM and 3 AM, as well as early spring. Thus, the planted seeds in soil are in the beginning process of germination. These special calendars suggest that 2021 will still be a continuation of the current pandemic.

What is COVID-19 trying to tell us? I guess that the Era of Materialism has comes to an end. We thought that money could buy anything in the past, especially after the WWII.

Many people talk about the Era of Spiritualism is coming. I agree. Oahu Island where my wife and I live has ocean, rivers, and mountains full of green trees. It seems to be a paradise for us. Especially Nuuanu, where Nichiren Mission of Hawaii is located, has two famous forest hiking trails that I hike for therapeutic purposes. The thick trees embrace me as if I am living together with nature. I receive their rejuvenating energy to re-charge my batteries.

In the above sacred words from the Lotus Sutra; “[This person] will be able to eliminate the darkness, Of the living beings,” is Nichiren Shonin, the founder of the Odaimoku. He gave us the medicine to eliminate all our sufferings. Most Nichiren Shu deceased members receive their Buddhist Names included with “Nichi” just like Nichiren. This is for our assurance in becoming Buddhas in the future.

To win against COVID-19, it is important for us to appreciate more of nature and the great universe. Since I completed the first Nichiren Shu 100 Days ARAGYO Training at the age of 29, I have been chanting the above quotation, “Nyo Nichi Gak-ko Myo, No Jo Sho Yu Myo, Shi Nin Gyo Se Ken, No Mes-Shu Jo An” (DHARMA, p. 48) as a special spell a few times a day facing either to the sun or the moon. I also copy the baby Buddha statue pose of pointing with my right index finger to the sky while pointing my left index finger to the earth. I recite, “From heaven to the earth, I am the most honored one!” I bring in the father universal energy from above and scoop up the mother earth energy from the ground with both my hands. This is my way of showing appreciation to the universe and nature, in that we all live together. This is a way to keep healthy and act energetically.

Another of my methods of living together in the universe is as follows: From about five days before the full moon, I face towards the moon each night. I repeatedly say that my wish has just been fulfilled. (Do not try after the full moon because the shape has already begun to shift.) Most of my long-term goals were realized in this manner. Moreover, my missionary work in Hawaii has materialized for me without expectation. The Lotus Sutra says in Chapter Four, “…the great treasures of the King of the Dharma have come to us although we did not seek them,” If you recite the above-mentioned Sacred Words for many decades, you will receive more than you expected in the future.

Would you like to follow my example by repeating the Sacred Words starting from New Year’s Day? Over 40 years has passed since I began this endeavor; therefore, I like to say, “To continue is the source of great power!”

新年あけましておめでとうございます。

金井勝海

　２０２１年（令和3年）は九星暦では六白、十干十二支では辛丑年です。「辛」はつらい、からいと読めるように苦痛を意味します。「丑」の時刻は午前１時から午前３時の間で、土の中の種が芽をだす準備をしている時期です。つまり昨年世界中に蔓延した新型コロナウイルスは２０２１年になっても終息しそうにもないという暗示を示しています。

　新型コロナウイルスは私達に何を語りかけているのでしょうか。お金で何でも買える物質万能の時代は終わりをつげているのではないでしょうか。

これからは自然と共存した精神時代がやってくると多くの人々が語っています。私も同意します。幸い私達夫婦が居るハワイ州オアフ島では、どこへ行っても山あり川あり海ありです。まるで別世界のようです。特にハワイ日蓮宗別院があるヌウーアヌ地区には２つのハイキング・コースがあり、青々とした樹木が茂り森林浴ができ、自然との共存を楽しめます。

　上記の聖語の「この人は世間にあって衆生の闇を滅す」の言葉の「この人」とは日蓮大聖人の事です。聖人の行動と教えは太陽の光のように輝き、私達にお題目で暗闇から脱却の道を開いてくださいました。また日蓮宗の信者の法名（戒名）には、ほとんど「日」がつけられています。これは私達は皆成仏するという証です。

　今後、疫病に打ち勝つためには、自然と大宇宙に感謝することが大切と思います。私は、２９歳で日蓮宗大荒行堂を成満した時から、太陽と月に向い上記の法華経の呪文「如日月光明　能除諸幽冥　斯人行世間　能滅衆生闇」を毎日数回唱えています。その上、釈尊がご降誕なされた時になされたように、右手人指し指を天に向け、左人差し指を地に向け「天上天下　唯我独尊」と口の中で唱えて、大宇宙のエネルギーを体いっぱいに吸い込んで大宇宙と大自然に感謝しています。

　また、満月が近づくと、お月様に向かって自分が将来実現したい願望を「今まさに成就したように」唱えて感謝します。こうして私はほぼ自分が思った通りの人生を送っています。さらにハワイでの布教活動は求めてもいなかった事が実現したのです。まさに法華経で説かれている「無量珍宝　不求自得」です。「求めなくても宝が与えられる」という意味です。上記の聖語を真面目に長年唱えていると、自分のノゾミ以上の事が実現します。

　皆様も今月の聖語を覚えてお月様お日様を拝んで唱えてみてはいかがでしょうか。私はこの呪文を唱え始めてから、もう４０年になります。「継続は力なり」です。

A Letter to a Seriously Ill Woman

November 2021

SACRED WORDS

To begin with there are two kinds of illnesses: minor and major. Even a major illness can be cured, and the life span lengthened if a skillful physician is available to treat it immediately, to say nothings of a minor illnesses. Also, there are two kinds of karma: mutable karma and immutable karma. Even an immutable karma will inevitably disappear when fully atoned for, to say nothing of a mutable karma. The Lotus Sutra says in Chapter 23, “This sutra is a good medicine for the diseases of the people of the world.” . . . Therefore, when I prayed for the recovery of my ill mother through the Lotus Sutra, not only did she actually recover from her illness but also extended her life span by four years.

Nichiren Dai’Shonin "Kaen Jogo Sho"

聖語

　病には２種類あります。重病と軽病です。重病でも良い医者に早くかかれば完治し寿命を長らえる事ができます。軽病は、言うまでもありません。業にも２種類あります。定業（ジョウゴウ）と不定業です。定業（宿命的業）でも一生懸命に懺悔すれば必ず消えます。不定業は言うまでもない事です。法華経に「此ノ経ハ即チ閻浮提ノ人の病ノ良薬也」と説かれています。. . . 私日蓮は母の病気平癒を祈った結果、現実に病を癒やしたのみならず、四ケ年の寿命を延ばす事ができました。　

『可延定業御書』意訳

A LETTER TO A SERIOUSLY ILL WOMAN

Rev. Shokai Kanai

The above Sacred Words are parts of a letter from Nichiren Dai’Shonin addressed to Jonin Toki’s sick wife. He advises a good medical doctor, Shijo Kingo, to make a diagnosis using his strong faith in the Lotus Sutra. In addition, Nichiren Shonin describes an example of his sick mother’s and living another four years.

Eleven years before his mother became sick on April 28, 1253, Nichiren, at the age of 31, chanted “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo” in public and delivered his first sermon at Seicho-ji Temple. However, due to his bitter criticism on the Nembutsu faith, he received the hateful ire Tojo Kagenobu, an estate steward of Awa Kominato. Thus, he was excommunicated by his master Dozenbo and expelled from the Temple. Therefore, even if his father passed away, he could not return to his hometown.

The news of "Mother is critically ill!" caused Nichiren to go home. He returned to Awa at the risk of his life and met his seriously ill mother at her bedside. His mother who saw the appearance of her son for the first time in 11 years was filled with infinite emotion. In response, Nichiren nursed his mother from the bottom of his heart and prayed for her recovery from sickness. The result was as stated in the Sacred Word above.

The joyfulness of the mother/son reunion encouraged the mother who lay down on her sick bed to receive Nichiren's pure and sincere prayer, which finally brought about his mother's revival. She was able live another four years.

  I wake up before sunrise every morning, receive the reiki of the universe, and after chanting, I send the energy of the universe and radiances of O’Daimoku to all the believers in the Lotus Sutra in the state of Hawaii. During the morning service, I offer a memorial prayer to all their ancestors, recite the Dharani Spells to Deity Kishimojin, and pray, “Reject the plague of all members, heal the disease, and turn this great calamity into a small calamity, and small calamity turns into no calamity at all. NAMU MYOHO RENGE KYO!”

重病の信徒への手紙

金井勝海

　上記の聖語は、富木常忍の療養中の妻に宛てた日蓮大聖人からのお手紙の一部です。法華経への強い信仰と良き医者である四条金吾に診断をしてもらいなさいと助言をし、さらに大聖人の母上の病気平癒と寿命長久の実例を述べておられます。

　日蓮大聖人は満３１歳の１２５３年４月２８日に「南無妙法蓮華経」と公の場で唱え立教開宗されました。しかし念仏信仰の批判をした為に、法話の途中で地頭東條景信の怒りをうけ、師匠道善坊からは破門され、清澄寺から追放されてしまいました。従って父親が他界されても故郷へは帰ることができませんでした。

　「母危篤！」の知らせが日蓮聖人を帰郷にふみ切らせたました。命がけで安房へ帰り、重病の床にある母と対面されました。１１年振りに我が子の姿を見た病床の母は、無量の感慨に包まれました。それに答えた日蓮様は懸命の看護をし、平癒を祈念されました。その結果は上記の聖語の通りです。

　母子再会の喜びは、病の床に伏す母を勇気づけ、日蓮様の純粋で誠を尽くした祈りはついに母上の全快をもたらし、命を取り留めた母はさらに４年の長寿を保ちました。

　私は毎朝、日の出前に起き、大宇宙の霊気を頂き、唱題行の後、ハワイ州の全信徒に大宇宙のエネルギーとお題目の光を送っています。本堂での朝勤では、皆様のご先祖様に法味を捧げ供養し、鬼子母神堂では陀羅尼神呪を唱え「檀信徒皆様の災いを退け、病を癒やし、大難は小難に小難は無難に！」と毎日祈っております。

Prophet Nichiren, Savior of the Mappo Era (Rishho Ankoku Ron, True Expounder of the Lotus Sutra)

October 2021

SACRED WORDS

The Buddha preached in the Nirvana Sutra, “Various sufferings of all the people will be borne by Me alone.” Likewise, I now declare, “All the sufferings of all the people going to hell will all be borne by Nichiren alone.”

Kangyo Hachiman-Sho, Nichiren

聖語

涅槃経二云ワク「一切衆生ノ異ノ苦ヲ受クルハ、悉ク如来一人ノ苦ナリ」日蓮云ワク「一切衆生ノ同一苦（あらゆる苦しみ）ハ、悉ク是レ日蓮一人ノ苦ト申スベシ」

『諌暁八幡抄』

Prophet Nichiren, Savior of the Mappo Era

Rev. Shokai Kanai

From the February issue of this year, I have been writing about Nichiren Dai’Shonin almost every month in accordance with when he was being persecuted. October is the month when he passed away, but I have not yet mentioned a few important matters. They are the materialization of his prediction about foreign invasion described in Rissho Ankoku Ron which came eight years later and Nichiren Shonin becoming the real expounder of the Lotus Sutra.

In last month's issue, I mentioned that one of the reasons for the Tatsu-no-kuchi Persecution was his victory in challenging to make it rain, but another reason was that the prophecy of the attack from a foreign country in "Rissho Ankoku Ron” came to reality. A few official messengers from Mongolia came to Kamakura demanding tributes. Thus, Nichiren sent letters to eleven people, including the Kamakura Shogunate, Ryokan of Gokuraku-ji Temple and other high rank priests in Kamakura. It said, "If you do not immediately reconsider your faith in the Nembutsu and Zen and change to the Lotus Sutra, Mongolia will attack Japan and this country will be destroyed."

In response, the priests issued a false lawsuit to the shogunate, and the government decided to exile Nichiren to Sado Island. On the way, Yoritsuna, driven by with his own hatred, tried to execute Nichiren. But the execution was suddenly interrupted by a miraculous fireball which flew from Enoshima Island where a Deity Dragon is enshrined. The execution failed and the exile continued towards Sado Island.

From this miracle, Nichiren was awakened to the realization that he was the rebirth of Jogyo or Superior-Practice Bodhisattva predicted in Chapter 15 of the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren said in Kaimokusho, “A man called Nichiren was beheaded at Tatsu-no-kuchi, a little after midnight of the twelfth day of the ninth month of the last year. His soul remained and came here to the island of Sado.” This is similar to when Jesus Christ was crucified but resurrected three days later.

In Christianity, just as Jesus carried the sins of all men, Nichiren shouldered all the sins of the people in the Mappo Era as stated in this month’s Sacred Words. The great sins for which Nichiren bore were to speak ill of the Lotus Sutra, to ignore Sakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra, and to cause disturbance to the expounders of the Lotus Sutra. This means that all people who persecuted him will also be able to be saved if they chant the Odaimoku sincerely. Thus, it says, “We can expiate our past transgressions, do good deeds, and attain Buddhahood by the merit of this sutra. It does not matter whether we are wise or not, or whether we believe the sutra or slander it,” in Verses for Opening the Sutra.

In other words Nichiren was the Buddhist savior for all people in the Mappo Era.

I think we must be more aware of the greatness of Nichiren and seriously recite the Odaimoku. I hope everyone understands him much better than before.

予言者日蓮、末法時代の救世主日蓮

金井勝海

　今年２月号の月報より、ほぼ毎月日蓮大聖人が法難を受けられた月にあわせて日蓮大聖人の生涯を述べてきました。１０月は日蓮聖人がお亡くなりになられた月ですが、まだ大事な事を述べておりません。それは、『立正安国論』に予言された蒙古大襲来の予言的中と大聖人が末法時代の仏教の救世主であるいう事です。

　先月号で龍ノ口法難の理由の一つは雨乞いと申し上げましたが、もう一つの理由は『立正安国論』で他国から攻め寄せて来るという予言が８年後に的中し、蒙古より日本に貢物を差し出すよう使者が鎌倉へ現れた事です。日蓮聖人は鎌倉幕府と極楽寺の良寛はじめ高祖十一名に手紙を送り「直ちに念仏や禅の信仰を改めて法華経に帰依しないと蒙古が日本を攻めてこの国は亡びてしまう！」と諫めたからです。

これに対し高祖方は幕府に偽りの訴訟を出し、政府は大聖人を佐渡に流すことに決めました。その護送中に日蓮を亡き者にしようと平の左衛門頼綱によって龍ノ口断頭が企てられました。しかし、その打ち首の刑は龍神様が祀られている江ノ島の方よりマリの如く光るものが刑場の上を飛び、真夜中なのに急に辺りが明るくなったので、打ち首をする侍の眼がくらみ、稲妻が刀に落ち、刑は中止となって、後日佐渡ケ島に流罪されました。

　この怪奇現象を通して、日蓮大聖人は法華経に予言されている上行菩薩の再誕であるとの自覚をされたのです。それは正にイエスキリストが十字架にかかり死に到り、３日後に蘇ったと同じです。キリスト教では、イエス様が全ての人の罪を背負って十字架にかかられたように、日蓮大聖人は末法の人々の全ての罪を全部背負い肉体の日蓮様は龍ノ口法難で蘇生されたのです。大聖人にとって最大の罪とは「法華経の悪口を言い、法華経や釈迦牟尼仏をないがしろにすることです。つまり、お祖師様が法華経を弘めた為に大勢の人々が法華経を罵しり、法華経の説法をする法師を寺から追い出し、住まいに放火し、島流しにし、待ち伏せして殺そうとし、刑場に引っ張り出し殺そうとした人々の罪をも背負って逝かれたのです。その事を『開経偈』では「有智無智、罪を滅し善を生ず、もしは信もしは謗ともに仏道を成ぜん」と書かれているのです。

　また『開目鈔』には「日蓮といいし者は昨年９月１２日真夜中に頸を切られ、その魂魄（死者の魂）が佐渡の国にいる」と記されています。つまり、龍ノ口法難以後は蘇生（死からの蘇りであり上行菩薩―法華経を末法時代に弘める救世主）の再誕となられたです。

　私達は大聖人の偉大さをもっと認識して、真剣にお題目を唱えなければいけないと私は思います。そしてその事を皆様にも解って頂きたいと願っています。

The Challenge to Make It Rain (Severe drought of 1271)

September 2021

SACRED WORDS

I still remember vividly how you accompanied me to Tatsunokuchi holding a horse by the bridle, and breaking into tears when I was about to be beheaded there. I will never forget this no matter how many lifetimes come and go. If by chance you should fall into hell, I will refuse the invitation of Sakyamuni Buddha to become a Buddha. Instead, I will go to hell with you. If we both entered hell, how could it be possible that we would not find Sakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra there? Nichiren, Sushun Teno Gosho

聖語

　どう考えても、未だに忘れられない事は私が頸を切られそうになった時、貴殿は行列の供をして馬の手綱をとり泣き悲しんだ事は、いつになっても忘れられません。万一貴殿の罪障が深いために地獄に落ちたとして、「日蓮は仏に成るように」と釈迦牟尼仏に招かれたとしても私はそれに従うわけにはいきません。貴方と共に地獄に参りましょう。もし日蓮と貴殿が地獄に墜ちたとしたら釈迦仏も法華経も共に地獄に参られるでしょう。

日蓮『崇峻天皇御書」意訳

The Challenge to Make it Rain

Rev. Shokai Kanai

According to US Drought Monitor, ninety percent of the Western states are in severe drought. Farmers and ranchers are suffering. Everyone is facing water cutbacks. We live in Hawaii, a paradise with lots of rain. However, most of our food depends on the US mainland especially from these western states.

In 1271 extreme drought beset Japan. Due to a continuous drought, the Kamakura Shogunate ordered Ryokan-bo Ninsho of Gokurakuji Temple to pray for rain. Ryokan was a Buddhist priest who observed the 250 monastic precepts and constructed many roads and bridges. So, he was revered by the people as a living Buddha. The prayer for rain was scheduled for one week, Nichiren Shonin took advantage of the situation and sent a letter to the priest, “If you pray for rain and after seven days are successful; I, Nichiren, will become your disciple, take the 250 precepts, and cease saying that the Pure-Land teachings lead to the Hell of Incessant Suffering. If rain does not fall, you will become my disciple. I will teach you how to make it rain.” Not only was there no rain, but instead, a strong windstorm began to ravage the area instead. Nichiren gave him another seven days for him to make it rain. No sign of rain. Then, Nichiren took it upon himself and began to pray for rain near a pond asking for assistance from all the Dragon King Deities. That evening rain fell to nourish the dry earth and thirsty souls.

Defeated and having lost face, Ryokan spoke with the eminent priests of all the other schools. They submitted a false suit against Nichiren to the Shogunate. One of the charges was that Nichiren stored arms. When his samurai followers gathered to listen his Dharma Talks, they naturally carried their swords. But these high-ranking priests claimed it was a terrorist gathering.

On September 12, 1271, at 4 PM, Hei-no-Saemon-no-jo Yoritsuna, chief of military and police affairs, brought several hundred soldiers, attacked the hermitage and arrested Nichiren Shonin. It was officially decided to exile Nichiren to Sado Island; however, there was a private scheme to execute him along the way to the residence of Lord Honma, who oversaw Sado Island.

Nichiren Shonin was put astride a saddleless horse and paraded through the street like a common criminal. As they were about to pass the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, he requested the procession to stop. Facing the shrine he declared, “Here stands the sole practitioner for the Lotus Sutra who is about to be beheaded. Are you a real god who has promised to protect the practitioner for the Lotus Sutra? … Do something in hurry or I shall report to Lord Sakyamuni Buddha on Mount Sacred Eagle when I go there!”

Hearing that his master was to be executed, Shijo Kingo and his brothers rushed to Nichiren’s procession and seized the bridle. He already decided to commit seppuku to serve his master even after his death. The Sacred Words in this newsletter was given to Shijo Kingo on September 11th at Minobu seven years after the incident. These words show how Nichiren felt about his follower’s sincerity and appreciation. It is oneness with the master and the followers.

At 2 AM on September 13th, the entourage brought Nichiren to Tatsunokuchi Execution ground. They decided to execute him there.

Now, is this the end of Nichiren Shonin’s life? Please look forward to the Dharma Talk on Sunday, September 12th. Or please read page 2 of our last year September Newsletter.

龍ノ口法難の直接的な原因は雨乞い？

金井勝海

　USドラフト・モニターによると米国西部全州の９割が深刻な干ばつ状態にあり、農民や牧場主は苦しんでいるそうです。多くの住民は生活水の削減に迫られています。ハワイの楽園に住む私達の食料品の多くは、西部の各州や米国本土に依存しています。干ばつはハワイに住む私達にも既に影響を及ぼしています。

　日蓮大聖人ご存命の1271年に極端な干ばつが日本を襲いました。鎌倉幕府は、建長寺の良寛忍正に雨乞いの祈祷を命じました。良寛は250戒の戒律を厳守する律宗の僧侶で、道を作り川に橋を架けたり等色々な慈善事業をしていましたので多くの人々から「生き仏」と尊敬されていました。そこで良寛は1週間の雨乞いをすることを公表しました。日蓮大聖人はこの機会を利用して良寛和尚に手紙を送り「７日間以内に雨が降ったなら、日蓮はあなたの弟子になり250の戒律を守り“念仏を唱えると地獄に堕ちる”と言うのを止めましょう。 もし雨が降らなかったなら、貴殿は戒律を捨てて私の弟子になるが良いでしょう。」と挑戦しました。ところが、降雨の代わりに暴風がこの地域を荒らし始めました。日蓮大聖人は彼にもう1週間のチャンスを与えましたが、降雨の兆候はありません。そこで日蓮大聖人は、池のほとりに龍神を祀り雨乞いを始めました。その夜雨が降り、乾燥した大地と渇いた人々の魂を癒すことができました。

　雨乞いの挑戦にまけ、面子を失った良寛は他宗の高僧たちに話し、日蓮に対する１０の訴訟を鎌倉幕府に提出しました。容疑の一つは、日蓮が武器を保管していることでした。刀を差した大勢の武士の信者が聞法に集まればテロリストの集団とみなされたのでしょう

　1271年9月12日午後4時、平ノ左衛門尉頼綱が数百人の兵士を連れ、松葉ケ谷の草庵を奇撃し、日蓮様を逮捕しました。形式的な裁判は行われましたが、佐渡ケ島に追放することが決まりました。佐渡ケ島を監督していた本間重連の屋敷に一時あづかりとなりその護送中に日蓮を処刑にする頼綱の私的な計画がありました

　大聖人は一般の犯罪者と同じようにサドルの無い馬に乗せられ、暗い真夜中の道を連れまわされました。一行が鶴岡八幡宮を通り過ぎようとした時、日蓮様は行列を止めるように要求し、拝殿に直面して「いかに八幡大菩薩はまことの神か、日蓮、今夜切られて霊鷲浄土へ参ったなら、まず天照大神・正八幡こそ誓約を用いぬ神だと教主釈尊に申し上げるぞ。もしそれが嫌なら何か計い給え！」と正しい事をしていれば神様をも𠮟りつける自信が日蓮大聖人にはありました。

　日蓮様が裸馬に乗せられ刑場に向かっているとの知らせを聞いた四条金吾兄弟は、すぐさま行列に駆けつけ、馬の手綱を捕らえ、死後も主人に仕えるために切腹することを決めていました。

　今月号の聖言は、龍ノ口法難の６年後に大聖人が四条金吾宛に身延山で書かれお手紙です。この言葉は、恩師日蓮様に仕える為に殉死しようと覚悟していた四条金吾の真心に対する感謝と師弟愛を遺憾なく表現されておられます。逆説的な表現ですが、法華経とお題目、聖人と信徒との一体感を表しています。

９月１３日午前２時、日蓮聖人警護の者達は龍ノ口処刑場に到着しました。日蓮大聖人の生涯はこれで終わりなのでしょうか?

９月１２日(日)の法難会に是非参詣し結末をお楽しみにお待ちください。お参りできない方は昨年９月号の法話をお読み下さい。

Matsu-ba-ga-yatsu Persecution (August 27, 1960 attempt to assassinate Nichiren Dai'Shonin)

August 2021

SACRED WORDS

First of all, I, Nichiren, wrote RISSHO ANKOKU RON motivated by the severe earthquake which occurred in the eighth month of the first year of Shoka(1257).

I then submitted it to Hojo Tokiyori, lay-priest of the Saimyoji Temple, in the seventh month of the first year of the Bunno (1260). The Shogunate; however, did not question to me about it, nor accept my suggestion.

The people might have thought that it would not be a crime to kill such a monk of whom the Shogunate had no use. With the secret consent of monks and lay followers of the Pure Land Sect, as well as certain men in power, thousands of people attacked to kill me in my hut at night. However, I was somehow saved from the attack that night, and those who attacked me were not punished at all because they had acted under the secret consent of those in power. The Shogunate thus greatly erred in governing.

Nichiren, The Shimoyama Letter

聖語

正嘉元年(1257)８月に起こった大地震を動機として『立正安国論』一巻を著し、文応元年(1260)７月に、今は故人となった最明寺時頼入道にこの書を提出しました。しかし、幕府はそれについて何もお尋ねなく、また提案したことも取り上げませんでした。人々は幕府が用いない僧侶なのだから、かような者を殺しても罪にはならないとでも思ったのか、浄土宗の僧侶や在家の者たちが、権力ある人もひそかに同意したとかで、夜中数千人の者ども共に私を殺そうとして、草庵に押し寄せてきたのでした。その夜襲った者たちは権力者に同意を得てあったのか、皆罰を受ける事もありませんでした。幕府はこのようにして政道を誤ったのでした。

日蓮聖人『下山御消息』

Matsu-ba-ga-yatsu Persecution

Rev. Shokai Kanai

On August 27, 1260 a ruthless mob tried to assassinate Nichiren Shonin by torching his small hut at night. A legend states that before the arson, a white monkey appeared and tugged on the sleeves of the Saint's robe, so he followed the monkey and climbed into the mountains to safety. (The hut’s location is now AnkokuRon-Ji, where Rev. Chishin Hirai, the former chief minister of the Nichiren Sect Mission of Hawaii, is the resident priest. You can see the small hill behind the temple.) After a while, when the 38 year-old Nichiren Shonin looked back from whence he came, his hut was already in a sea of fire. This is the beginning of many persecutions that followed in the Saint’s life.

The great Saint left Kamakura, staying at the house of Jonin Toki, who was the lord of present-day Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, and gave lectures for 100 days on the Lotus Sutra. This was also the reason for opening Dai Aragyo-Do 100 Days Ascetic Training at this location.

Two thousand years have passed since Buddha’s death; the Mappo Era has already started. It is said that there was no salvation of Buddhahood even though there are Buddhist scriptures. Most people in the Mappo Era thought that "This world was considered as defiled as dirty soil without the salvation of Buddha. So, Saint Honen thought there was no salvation through the scriptures except relying on chanting the name of Amida Buddha, who was the only savior for the people in the Mappo Era. On the other hand, Saint Dogen thought the scriptures did not lead to salvation but believed that the awakening was only obtained by an individual's psychological experience by doing zazen. Saint Nichiren thought that the Lotus Sutra explained the law of heaven and earth. The teachings of Myo-ho-ren-ge-kyo shows the Buddha’s ultimate awakening; therefore, to chant the title of that sutra was the ability to change disasters of nature into a more harmonious world. It was a teaching that when the people acted according to the laws, peace and happiness of all sentient beings would naturally awaken to reality.

Similarly, when it is hot, you wear light clothes while when cold you wear thick clothes. Wear a mask when the plague is spreading, wash your hands, and get vaccinated. These are the current laws. Reach out to those in need, and drive safely according to traffic rules, then you will be blessed with safety and happiness. “Namu Myo-ho Ren-ge Kyo” is a vow that "I shall follow righteousness!” Act accordingly with your body, talk honestly with your mouth, and think virtuously with your heart. This is the rationale that will automatically bestow peace and happiness within you and with nature.

Diseases, accidents, disasters, and epidemics all occur because human beings do not obey the law of harmony. These are the warning signs for us all. If we obey the right laws, we will be more harmonious and content.

松葉ケ谷法難

金井勝海

　松葉ケ谷法難とは、１２６０年７月１６日（聖寿満３８歳）冷酷な暴徒が夜半大聖人の住まいを放火して聖人を亡き者にしようと試みました。伝説によるとその放火の前に白い猿が現れ聖人の衣の袖を引っ張るので、猿に従うようにして山道を登って行きました。その場所はハワイ日蓮宗別院前主任平井智親上人が住職されているお寺で裏に小高い山があります。しばらくして今来た道を振り返ると草庵は火の海となっていました。これが今後続く大法難の始まりです。

　大聖人は今後も続くであろう難をさけ、しばらくの間鎌倉を去り、今の千葉県市川市の領主であった富木常忍の館に留まり、１００日間の法華経講義をされたのです。これが現在の日蓮宗大荒行堂が開かれる起源ともなりました。

 釈尊が滅度されてから２０００年を過ぎ、仏典はあっても仏の救いがないという末法時代で、「この世を仏の救いがない汚れた穢土として嫌い、西方往生を勧める念仏信仰、また経典を通してでは救われないが、座禅をすることによって個人の心理的体験により覚りを得るという禅信仰、とは大きく違い、日蓮聖人の宗教は天地の法則を説き明かす法華経、ブツダの覚りの究極を示す妙法蓮華経、一言に集約したお題目によって政治を変え、天変地変の災いを除き、人々が法則に従って行動し全人類の幸福を願う教えでした。

　簡単に言うと、宇宙の法則に従い暑い時には薄着をして、寒い時は厚着をし、疫病が蔓延している時にはマスクをして、手を洗い、ワクチン接種を受け、困っている人には手を差し伸べ、交通規則に従って安全運転をすれば、安全と幸福に恵まれるというわけです。南無妙法蓮華経とは「私は正しい法則を身で行い、口で行い、心で行います」という誓いです。そうすればあえて祈らなくても、自然のうちに平和と幸福がもたらされるという道理です。

　病気や事故や災害は皆、人間が調和の法則に従わない為に起こります。私達にとっては警告です。全人類が正法に従えば世界平和になり、幸せになるのです。

How Do We Live in the Age of the Mappo Era

July 2022

SACRED WORDS

In recent years, strange phenomena in the sky, natural calami-ties on earth, famines, and epidemics have occurred and spread over all the land of Japan. Oxen and horses lie dead at crossroads and the streets are filled with skeletons. Most of the population have perished and have been touched by grief.

“Rissho Ankoku Ron”

聖語

旅客来りょきゃくきたりて嘆なげきて曰いわく、近年きんねんより近日きんじつに至いたるまで、天変地妖飢饉疫病てんぺんちようききんえきびょう、偏あまねく天下てんかに満みち、広ひろく地上ちじょうにはびこる。牛馬巷ぎゅうばちまたにたおれ、骸骨路がいこつみちに充みてり。死しを招まねくの輩ともがら、既すでに大半たいはんに超こえ、悲かなしまざるの族敢やからあえて一人いちにんも無なし。

『立正安国論』

How do we live in the age of the Mappo Era?

Rev. Shokai Kanai

As you already may know, 1222 is the year Nichiren Dai’Shonin was born, and that 1052 was the beginning of the Mappo Era. Map-po means a period when only the Buddha’s teachings remained, the practices were no longer pursued, and Enlightenment was a mere word, therefore, no possibility of salvation. However, there are three ways to accept this era of Mappo:

1. In this world, when no one can be saved, it became trendy to seek happiness in the afterlife. The belief was that no training was necessary, so even both the good and the bad who chanted “Namu Amida Butsu,” would be taken to Gokuraku Jodo or the “Extreme Pure Land" after their death. This Idea became popular around the 10th century just before the Mappo Era began. This was a way of life of not worrying about their condition in this life since Amida Buddha will help them to the Pure Land.

2. Apart from that, the Zen idea of immersing yourself in zazen (meditation) training, "Not relying on scriptures, but having no purpose, thinking about nothing, and just sitting down" spread among intellectuals and samurais. This was another way of life focused on non-attachment to navigate the hardships brought on during the Mappo Era.

3. Seeing the great earthquakes, plagues, famines, and starvations that occurred at the beginning of those years, Nichiren looked for the causes and solution in Buddhist scriptures. After reading all the sutras for four years in search of a way to eliminate such calamities, Nichiren Dai’Shonin said, "The caus-es of these calamities were where the people of Japan neglected the Righteousness (the Lotus Sutra), burned the sutra, threw the statues of Sakyamuni Buddha in ocean, but worshiped the statues of Amida Buddha.” He found revealed in the sutras that if the truth were not circulated, a revolt would occur in the

country, and foreign countries would invade." This was July 16, 1260 (he was 39 years old) when he compiled his now famous treatise Rissho Ankoku Ron and submitted it to the Shogunate. That was 781 years ago from today. Do you think these warnings apply to this period of suffering with COVID-19 which has spread all over the world and caused over 3.8 million casualties as of June 12, 2021?

Rissho Ankoku means that, "If you obey the right laws, the world will become peaceful, and people will live in safety.” For those who do not understand this theory, Nichiren Dai’Shonin showed a simple way practicing righteousness through the chanting of the sacred title of the Lotus Sutra, “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.” He was a reformer in the Mappo Era.

The above photo is the first page of "Rissho Ankoku Ron," donated to the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii. It is stored in a special box made of Hawaiian KOA wood. If you wish, you can view it. The sacred words in this month are the first four lines of the page.

末法の時代をどう生きるか？

金井勝海

既に皆様はご承知の通り、日蓮大聖人がお生まれになられた１２２２年は、仏滅後２千１７０年の末法時代の始まりでした 。この末法の時代を

どのように受け入れるか、次の３つの方法があります。

1. この世では何をしても救われない時代なら、死後の世で幸せを求めようという風潮になり、「修行などはいらない、悪人も善人も南無阿弥陀仏と唱えさえすれば極楽浄土へ往生する」という念仏信仰が末法が始まる前の１０世紀頃から流行しました。念仏さえ唱えれば、阿弥陀様が助けて下さるから心配ないという生き方です。

2. それとは別に「経典に頼るのではなく、何も目的を持たず、何も考えず、ただ座る」という座禅修行に没頭するという禅の思想が知識層や武家の間にひろまりました。末法思想に囚われない生き方です

3．日蓮大聖人は末法の初めに起こった大地震・疫病・飢饉・餓死を目の当たりに見て、何故このような災難が起こっているのか、その災難を除く方法を求めて、４年間にわたり一切経を読みこんだ結果、「真実の教え（法華経）が日本国から失われた事が原因であると説かれた経文を見つけ、正しい法を行う事により災難を退治することが出来る。さらに真実の教えが流布しないと国内に反乱が起こり、外国から侵略される」という経文も探しあてられました。その事を『立正安国論』にまとめ、幕府に提出されたのが、1260年（聖寿３９歳）」７月１６日でした。今から７８１年前の事です。近年世界中に蔓延している疫病コヴィッド１９（コロナウイルス）におびえた私達に似てい

ると思いませんか。

正しい法に従えば、自然の内にこの世が平和で安穏な世になる」という意味が立正安国です。むずかしいことが理解できない一般大衆には、簡単な修行方としてお題目を弘めたのです。日蓮大聖人は現代的に言うとリフォーマーでした

１頁の写真はハワイ日蓮宗別院に寄贈された『立正安国論』第１頁目です。ハワイ産のコア材で作られた特別な箱に保管されています。希望者は閲覧することができます。

Let Us Repay Our Favors (reciting the Lotus Sutra)

June 2021

SACRED WORDS - THE FOUR FAVORS

“Those who learn Buddhism must repay the four favors. 1. The favor received from all people = We vow to save all people in the Four Great Vows: “Sujo Muhen Seigando.” If we do not return the favor then, we cannot fulfill the vow. Among them, if there were no wicked men who persecuted me as a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra, how can I promote my practice as a Bodhisattva? 2. The favor received from one’s parents = All living beings have parents. If one’s parent was a murderer, a criminal, or a slanderer of the Righteous Law, the child may have to continue to carry the sin. However, my parents made me practice the Lotus Sutra. How precious their favors are! 3. The favor received from one’s lord = We are blessed with the rays of the sun, the moon, and stars and we also receive benefits from the earth which produces the five grains. These are all favors from the lord. I have been persecuted from the lord because of the Lotus Sutra; however, that persecution led me to attain Buddhahood. How could I dishonor the lord with such a small resentment! 4. The favor received from the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) = … Without firewood, there would be no fire, and without the earth, plants would not live. Likewise, without a monk, the Buddha and the Dharma would not be spread. If you neglect the expounder of the sutra; the Buddha and the Dharma would not exist in the Mappo Era.

“Shi-On-Sho” Nichiren

聖語 四恩

仏法を習う者は必ず四恩に報いなければならない。一には一切衆生の恩、一切衆生がいればこそ、「衆生無辺誓願度」という限りなく衆生を救いたいというの願いをおこす事が出来る。又一切衆生のなかに法華経の行者を迫害する悪人がいなければ、菩薩として法華経修行の功徳を積むことはできない。二には父母の恩、およそ全ての生き物には父母がいる。もし殺し・盗み・犯罪・正しい法を謗る等をした親の家に生まれたなら、自分が罪を犯さなくても、その報いを受けなければならない。ところが今生の父

母は自分が法華経を信じる身にしてくれた。この恩はどれほど深いか計り知れない。三には国主の恩、日月星の三光に恵まれ、地の五穀に自分の命と安穏を営むことが出来るのは皆国主の恩である。その上、日蓮は法華経を信じるが故に国主から迫害されているが、かえって生死の苦しみから逃れる事が出来るのであるから、少しばかりの怨念を受けたとて国主をおろそかにはできない。四には仏・法・僧の三宝の恩、（中略）およそ、仏も法も僧によって弘まるのである。例えば薪がなければ火は起こらず、大地がなければ草木は生えない。（中略）僧の恩はそれほどに尊いものである。

四恩鈔

Let Us Repay Our Favors

Rev. Shokai Kanai

Nichiren Dai’Shonin recited O’Daimoku for the first time at Mt. Kiyosumi in April at the age of 31. After-wards, he stood at a crossroad in Kamakura and preached the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. He wrote “Rissho Ankoku Ron” or “Establishment of the Righteousness and Security of the Nation” to the Kamakura Shogunate at the age of 38 in July. The shogunate did not respond to it in any way, but a month later a mob torched his hut in Matsubagaya in Kamakura. Fortunately, he escaped from the arson and moved to Lord Toki’s home in Ichikawa and gave lectures on the Lotus Sutra to his followers for 100 days. Those people who thought he perished in the fire were extremely surprised to see Nichiren preaching in the streets again. This time, the government officials immediately captured him and exiled him to Izu Peninsula without any trial. This was May when he was 39 years old.

Nichiren was pleased with his adversity of being exiled! He expressed his feeling and appreciation in “Shi-On-Sho” or "Four Favors”. Why Four Favors? He wrote that during the last eight years, he was too busy preaching, meeting with many follow-ers, and consulting with his followers’ day and night. So, he had been reciting only one volume of the sutra a day or one chapter, or just Odaimoku chanting. However, during the last 240 days since May 12th, I have been delighted to have time to recite the entire Lotus Sutra day and night. He expressed his grateful feeling in the “Four Favors.” They are:

1．The favor from all the people = Nichiren was exiled for disturbing society but was grateful that he became a predicted preacher of the Lotus Sutra in the Mappo Era. He proved what the sutra said to be true.

2．The favor received from one’s parents = More than thanks to the parents by ordinary people, he was grateful for the fact that his parents made him believe in the Lotus Sutra. He had not actually lived with his parents since he left home at the age of 12. He was not able to attend his father’s funeral and could not visit his father’s grave. But it was possible for him to master Buddha’s Right Teachings, as a result his parents became Buddhas. This is him returning a great debt toward his parents.

3. The favor received from one’s lord = In addition to general favors to our country like loyalty to the country and paying taxes, Nichiren believed that his

way of repaying the country was to make Japan peaceful and secure by avoiding foreign invasion, civil war, and natural disasters. He wished peace, security, and protection from sufferings with the teachings of the Lotus Sutra.

4．The favor received from the Three Treasures = It is to devote ourselves to the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Nichiren saw that the Buddha was the Eternal Original Teacher revealed in the Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra. The act of slandering the Buddha, the Lotus Sutra, and the Preacher of the sutra was a great sin. This is revealed in Chapter 3 of the sutra. He believed that to block the way to hell was to chant the Lotus Sutra and to tell the world about it. He also thanked the government who exiled him. In fact, it was predicted in the sutra. These were the reasons why he was pleased with being persecuted.

While Nichiren Dai’Shonin accepted the difficulties with gratitude, he was displeased with the result that he had let the slanderers and the government authorities create such a great sin which could not be erased. His honest feeling of pleasure and displeasure made him write “SHI-ON-SHO!”

I sincerely wish YOU will understand Nichiren Dai’Shonin’s deep compassion.

恩に報いる

金井勝海

日蓮大聖人がお題目を唱え立教開宗されたのは満３１歳の４月でした。それから鎌倉の辻に立ち説法をされ、『立正安国論』を幕府に上書されたのは満３８歳７ケ月。幕府は何の反応も示しませんでしたが、１ケ月後には暴徒が松葉ガ谷の草庵を放火しました。難をのがれて百日間千葉・市川の富木常忍の館で法華経講義され、再び鎌倉で辻説法を始められましたが、直ちに役人に捉えられ、伊豆に流されたのが満３9歳の５月でした。

日蓮大聖人は伊豆流罪地での身の逆境を喜びとされました。その喜びを表現されたのが上記の『四恩鈔』です。何故なら、過去８年間、学問や辻説法、人々の信仰相談やら何やかやと法華経を読むのは１日１巻か1品又

はわずかお題目を唱えるだけの日々でありました。しかし、５月１２日以来『四恩鈔』を書くまでの２４０余日の間、昼も夜も法華経を読誦する時間ができた事を喜び「四恩」という言葉で感謝されています。

1．一切衆生の恩＝日蓮大聖人は世間を騒がせたという罪で流罪されましたが、その事が「法華経の行者」である事の証であるとお経に予言された通りになった事を感謝されたのです。

２．父母の恩＝一般的な父母への感謝以上に、法華経を信じる身として下さった事への感謝です。実際には１２歳で出家して以来両親と一緒に暮らした事はありません。お葬式にも出られず、墓参もしておりませんが、仏の道を究め「両親を成仏させることが出来る。」此れこそが真実の報恩であると述べられています。

3．国主の恩＝自分が産まれた国に対する忠誠とか税金を納める等の一般的恩以外に、外国からの侵略や主権争いや自然災害から法華経の教えで日本国を平和に、人々を安穏にすると事が真実の報恩と信じ実践されたのです。

４．三宝の恩＝仏法僧に帰依することです。日蓮聖人にしてみれば、法華経「寿量品」に説かれている久遠実成の釈迦牟尼仏と真実の教えである法華経を謗る事が地獄へ落ちると「譬喩品」に説かれているのです。地獄への道を塞ぐ方法が「南無妙法蓮華経」と唱える事であると堅

く信じ、その事を世界中に伝えるには、法華経に予言されている通りの災難を与えてくれた国主や迫害を加えた人々に感謝し法難を喜びとされたのです。

法難を法悦と受け止められた一方で、大聖人を流罪にした 謗法者には、消すことの出来ない悪業をつくらせてしまった事への腹立たしさを感じた結果がこの『四恩鈔」を書く理由となったのです。

こうした大聖人の心の内こそを皆様に理解して頂きたいのです。

Izu Exile Persecution (May 21, 1261) (the Difficulty of Retaining the Sutra)

May 2021

SACRED WORDS

On the twelfth of the fifth month (1261), I was marooned on a beach, the name of which was unknown to me. I suffered much, and you came to my rescue. What was the relation between you and me in our previous existence? Did you practice the teaching of the Lotus Sutra in your previous life? You are a man, and a man can be courageous. I was surprised that your wife was as brave as you in serving an exile. She gave me food, water, and many other necessities.

Funa-mori Yasaburo Gosho

聖語

日蓮は去る５月１２日流罪の時、その津につきて候しに、いまだ名をも聞き及び参らせず候ところに、船より上がり苦しみ候ところに、ねんごろにあたらせ給候し事は、いかなる宿習なるらん。過去に法華経の行者にてわたらせ給へるが、今末法に船守弥三郎と生まれかわりて日蓮をあわれみ給うか。たとひ男はさもあるべきに、女房に身として食を与え、洗足てうずその外さもねんごろなる事、日蓮はしらず不思議とも申すばかりなし。

『船守弥三郎許御書」

Izu Exile Persecution (May 21, 1261)

Rev. Shokai Kanai

The 800th Anniversary for Nichiren Shonin’s Birth is scheduled for January 23, 2022. We still have several months to go. During this time, I would like for everyone to know and understand who Nichiren Dai’Shonin was. This month I would like to talk about the Izu Exile Persecution.

The above picture is a scene from “The Pictorial Life of Saint Nichiren” published by Minobusan Kuonji Temple in 1973. This picture is from a pictorial scroll from the Kamakura era that has been directly transposed. The artist, Jikisai Uenaka, spent about 60 years researching to assure that this is truly an authentic Kamakura era print. If you would like to further study this and other pictures, you may find a copy of the book in our mansion library.

On the right side of the picture is that of Nichiro who was the youngest and the most devoted disciple hanging on the edge of the official government ship, asking an officer to take him together with his master. But one of the officers struck him with an oar and broken his right arm. Upon seeing this Nichiren rose on the stern and comforted Nichiro explaining exactly as the Lotus Sutra prescribes for all who challenge the world with its truth. He said, “Kamakura and Ito are located in the east and west separated by a bay. When the sun rises, I will think about you in Kamakura.

When the moon appears in the west, think about me in Ito.” Then Nichiren recited “Hoto-ge” or “The Difficulty of Retaining the Sutra,” “Shi Kyo Nan Ji, Nyaku Zan Ji Sha ….” while the ship rode the waves going far off shore. Thus, we read the “Hoto-ge” with special rhythm just like the ship going up and down with the waves.

On the left side of the picture is Nichiren on the chopping board rock sticking out of the ocean water. It was about 4 PM when he was dropped off on a reef still some distance from the shore at low tide. The government officers wanted to go back to Kamakura before dark, so told him, “At low tide you will see the way and walk to shore.” But it was fast approaching high tide and most of the reef was completely submerged.

Now, is this the end of Nichiren Shonin's life? Please look forward to the Dharma Talk on Sunday service on May 9th.

（１２６１年５月２１日）

金井勝海

　日蓮大聖人ご降誕800年ハワイ大会が来年１月２３日に開催されることになっています。まだ半年以上ありますが、それまでに日蓮大聖人を少しでも多くの方々に正しく理解していただきたく、今月は伊豆法難について述べます。

　１ページの挿絵の説明をいたします。身延山久遠寺発行の『日蓮聖人絵伝』からの引用です。ご覧になりたい方はいつでも図書室で学ぶことができます。

　今回は５１・５２番目の絵巻です。右側は、 幕府が世間を騒がしたという罪で日蓮大聖人を捉え、即刻島流にしてしまいました。船が浜を出る前に弟子の日朗は「我は流人日蓮の弟子、師に罪あらば弟子も同罪、その船に乗せ給え！」と大声で叫びました。護送の役人は怒りの声をあらわに御用船に狼藉致さばもの見せんと船のかいで打ったので日朗は右手を骨折してしまいました。聖人は船端に立ち「日朗よ、末法に法華経を弘めれば杖をもって打たれ遠くへ流されるとは勧持品の名文ではないか。この鎌倉と伊東は西東、海を隔てての距離は遠くても、朝日が東に昇れば日朗は鎌倉に居ると思う、月が西山に傾く時は日蓮が伊東に居ると知れ」と述べられ、宝塔偈「此経難事、若暫持者。。。」と船上から唱えられ波の間に遠のくのでした。この様子を頭に浮かべながら読むので一句は伸ばし一句は短くつまり、リズミカルに読むのです。

　左側の絵は、御用船が午后4時ごろ伊東の岬に近づき、役人は日が沈まない内に鎌倉へ帰らねばと考え「あの黒き茂みは伊東の浦、潮が引けば浜づたいに歩けばすぐだ」とばかり海中の孤岩に聖人を放ちそのまま漕ぎ去ってしまいました。潮は足をひたし始め膝にも及んできました。日蓮様は泰然として大声で読経唱題。すると一日の漁を終えて帰路につく漁人弥三郎は海原で尊い読経の声に驚き聖人を漁船の中に救いあげたのです。そこは、満ち潮になれば海中に没する俎板岩だったのです。

　この続きは5月９日の法難会の法話をお聞きください。

O'Daimoku and Nichiren Dai'Shonin (April 28, 1253, birth of the O'Daimoku

April 2021

SACRED WORDS

For the past 28 years since the 28th of the fourth month in the third year of Koan (1280), I have devoted myself to nothing but encouraging all the people in Japan to recite Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, the five- or seven-character title of the Lotus Sutra. This is exactly like the compassion of a mother trying to breast feed her baby. Now is the time for us to expound the teaching of the Lotus Sutra as predicted by the Buddha to be spread in the fifth 500-year period, the beginning of the Latter Age of Degeneration after His death.

Kangyo Hachiman Sho

聖語

日蓮ハ去ル建長５年４月２８日ヨリ、今弘安３年１２月ニ至ルマデ２８年ガ間、又他事ナシ。只妙法蓮華経ノ七字五字ヲ日本国ノ一切衆生ノ口ニ入レント励ム計リナリ。此れ即チ母ノ赤子ノ口ニ乳ヲ入レント励ム慈悲ナリ。此レ又時ノ当ラザルニアラズヤ。スデニ仏記ノ五々百歳（末法）ニ当レリ。

日蓮『諌暁八幡抄』

O’DAIMOKU and NICHIREN DAI’SHONIN

Rev. Shokai Kanai

April 28, 1253 is the birthday of the O’Daimoku, “NAMU MYO-HO-REN-GE-KYO. As the first streak of the golden rays of the morning sun broke through the horizon of the Pacific Ocean, Nichiren Dai’Shonin chanted the O’Daimoku for the first time, facing towards the rising sun at Mt. Kiyosumi, in present day Chiba Prefecture.

The era when he was born and expounded the O’Daimoku was the beginning of Mappo during the Kamakura Period. Mappo Era started two thousand years after Sakyamuni Buddha’s Pari-Nirvana (the fifth five hundred years after Buddha’s death), which was thought to be 1052 AD. During this period, Buddhist doctrine alone is still alive, but there is neither practice nor enlightenment; thus, there is no salvation for the people in during this era. Nichiren was born towards the beginning of Mappo or in the fifth 500-year period.

Japan was in political turmoil during this time. Thirty years before Nichiren was born, a samurai clan who were supposed to guard the emperors and support the court in Kyoto seized power for themselves and established the Kamakura Government in a new capital in eastern Japan in 1196. One year before Nichiren was born, the Kamakura Government exiled three ex-emperors to isolated islands in 1221.

Moreover, the country was besieged with earthquakes, epidemics, famines, and starvation year after year. No one seemed to save the people of Japan. Nichiren Dai’Shonin tried to save the nation and its people during this time of chaos, where the reverse was true, low dominates high, and social pandemonium resulted from natural disasters.

There are references to Mappo in the Lotus Sutra. “A Bodhisattva-mahasattva who wishes to expound this sutra in the evil world after my extinction,” Ch. 14. “Propagate this chapter throughout the Jambudvipa or the countries where the people live in the later five hundred years after my extinction lest it should be lost.” Ch. 23. “The latter five hundred years after my extinction” means the period at the start of Mappo Era. In addition, the phrase, “The later five hundred years after my extinction” appears in several places within the Lotus Sutra, which is not the case in any other sutras.

As you already know, “The true purpose of various teachings is difficult to understand” from Chapter 2, explains that the Lotus Sutra is extremely difficult to access and comprehend. However, Nichiren Dai’Shonin created the chant, “Namu Myo-ho Ren-ge Kyo” as a simple practice method that anyone could do. If you chant O’Daimoku, you can be freed from suffering and become a Buddha even during the challenging Mappo Era. He was able to simplify and encourage everyone to practice, just as a mother can feed her child.

Reminder: Nichiren’s 800th Birthday Anniversary Convention in Hawaii will be held on January 23rd next year.

お題目と日蓮大聖人

金井勝海

　お題目が誕生したのは１２５３年４月２８日です。この日、日蓮大聖人は千葉県清澄山山頂で太平洋の水平線から昇ってくる太陽に向かって初めて「南無妙法蓮華経」と唱えられました。

　日蓮大聖人とお題目を理解するには、上記の聖語にあるように、「末法」という時代背景が強くかかわっています。末法とは、釈尊入滅後、時代が下るにつれて教えの影響力が次第に衰え、社会の混乱と退廃が起こり、ついに完全な破滅が到来する、と考える仏教の終末的歴史観です。末法時代は釈尊の滅後2千１年に始まり、教えはあっても修行する人もなく、覚りを得る者はいないから救済される人もいないと言われています。その末法初年は１０５２年と言われています。日蓮様がお生まれになられたのは仏滅後１７０年の１２２２年の鎌倉時代です。末法時代だからこそ鎌倉時代に初めて日本仏教が生まれたのです。

　政治的にみても、有史以来の天皇による支配が破滅し、天皇に仕えていた武士が実権を握ったのが１１９２年、源頼朝が征夷大将軍に任命され鎌倉幕府による武家政治の時代に大きく変わり、その３０年後に日蓮様がお生まれになられました。政治的にも混乱の時代が始まっていました。仏教の終末思想と主従が逆転した武家政治になった時代に日蓮大聖人がお題目を弘められたのです。

　妙法蓮華経の『安楽行品第１４』には「如来の滅後、末法の中においてこの経を説かんと欲せば、」とあり、『法師功徳品第１９』には 「悪世末法の時、よくこの経を持たん者は、」ともあります。さらに『薬王品第２３』には『我が滅度の後、後の五百歳の中に、広宣流布して、』と説かれているように、末法の初めの５００年に法華経を説く時と定めております。

　その他にも「末法」という言葉が法華経には数箇所で説かれています。法華経が広まるのは末法の時代だからこそ必要になる教えであると説かれているのです。それを実証されたのが日蓮大聖人です。

　皆様もご承知の通り『方便品第2』に「難解難入」と説かれている通り、法華経は大変理解しがたいお経です。そこで、誰にでもできる修行方法として「南無妙法蓮華経と唱えなさい。そうすれば、誰でも苦しみ悩みから解放され成仏できますよ！」と易行を勧められたのです。それは、母親が赤子に乳を飲ませるのと同じ慈悲です。

　日蓮大聖人ご降誕800年ハワイ大会は来年１月２３日開催の予定です。