Clap your hands twice to get started. Today’s spotlight shines on \u7acb\u6b63\u4f7c\u6210\u4f1a \u65b0\u5bbf\u6559\u4f1a \u6e0b\u8c37\u6559\u4f1a. This unique Buddhist movement has a fascinating story. It began in Tokyo.
\u7acb\u6b63\u4f7c\u6210\u4f1a \u65b0\u5bbf\u6559\u4f1a \u6e0b\u8c37\u6559\u4f1a’s roots trace back to 1938. Nikkyō Niwano and Myōdō Naganuma founded it. Both were former members of the Reiyūkai Buddhist sect. They felt the Lotus Sutra was being undervalued. So, they created their own path.
The first meeting was at Niwano’s house. About 30 people joined. The movement grew rapidly. By 1941, it had 1,000 members. \u7acb\u6b63\u4f7c\u6210\u4f1a \u65b0\u5bbf\u6559\u4f1a \u6e0b\u8c37\u6559\u4f1a emphasizes the Lotus Sutra. They also venerate ancestors. This is central to their practice.
\u7acb\u6b63\u4f7c\u6210\u4f1a \u65b0\u5bbf\u6559\u4f1a \u6e0b\u8c37\u6559\u4f1a has spread globally since its inception. As of 2010, it has over 240 churches and centers in 20 countries. Membership is about 6.5 million. Most members live in Japan. The organization has a board of directors. The President is the spiritual leader. This position is hereditary. It is only held by descendants of Nikkyō Niwano.
The central temple is the Great Sacred Hall. It features a statue of the Eternal Buddha. This statue stands over six meters tall. It represents the heart of \u7acb\u6b63\u4f7c\u6210\u4f1a \u65b0\u5bbf\u6559\u4f1a \u6e0b\u8c37\u6559\u4f1a’s devotion. Members also enshrine a Sōkaimyō. This represents their collective ancestors.
Daily practice includes chanting from the Lotus Sutra. Members also offer rice, water, and tea before family altars. Hōza, or Dharma Circle, is another key practice. It involves group discussions. Members share problems and receive advice. This fosters community.
\u7acb\u6b63\u4f7c\u6210\u4f1a \u65b0\u5bbf\u6559\u4f1a \u6e0b\u8c37\u6559\u4f1a observes Buddhist and Japanese holidays. They also hold special gatherings. These events mark important moments in their history. They also focus on interfaith cooperation.
Nikkyō Niwano met Pope Paul VI in 1965. He later helped form the World Conference of Religions for Peace. The organization supports UNICEF. They also support various UN programs. \u7acb\u6b63\u4f7c\u6210\u4f1a \u65b0\u5bbf\u6559\u4f1a \u6e0b\u8c37\u6559\u4f1a advocates the Brighter Society Movement. It also launched the Donate a Meal Movement. This involves skipping meals to donate money to charity.
The Niwano Peace Foundation promotes world peace. It awards the Niwano Peace Prize annually. This recognizes contributions to peace. The Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra is supported by \u7acb\u6b63\u4f7c\u6210\u4f1a \u65b0\u5bbf\u6559\u4f1a \u6e0b\u8c37\u6559\u4f1a. Its facilities host the All-Japan Band Association contest.
\u7acb\u6b63\u4f7c\u6210\u4f1a \u65b0\u5bbf\u6559\u4f1a \u6e0b\u8c37\u6559\u4f1a combines tradition. It embraces modern values. Its commitment to peace and community is unwavering.