Nichiren Shoshu Temple Myohoji, Los Angeles Schedule Bulletin

Nichiren Daishonin states: “All disciples and believers of Nichiren should chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo with one mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. This spiritual bond is the basis for the universal transmission of the ultimate Law of life and death. Herein lies the true goal of Nichiren’s propagation. When you are so united, even the great hope for Kosen-rufu can be fulfilled without fail.” (Gosho, p. 514; MW-1, p. 23)
Even though we are different in race, region and language, we are all of the same mind in believing and practicing the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. We all exert ourselves to propagate True Buddhism under the guidance of the High Priest. For followers of Nichiren Daishonin, the source of Itai doshin is the spirit of the Daishonin himself. In the “True Entity of Life,” the Daishonin teaches: “Always maintain your faith as a votary of the Lotus Sutra, and forever exert yourself as a disciple of Nichiren. If you are of the same mind as Nichiren, then you must be a Bodhisattva of the Earth.” (Gosho, p.666)
We, as descendants of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, have been born into this world to accomplish our mission for kosen-rufu, world peace. Right now, we are exerting our utmost efforts to fulfill the objectives given to us by our High Priest and Honorable Retired High Priest to “Double the Number of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth and Gather at the Great Assembly” in 2009.
In Japan, High Priest Nichinyo Shonin is conducting Kick-off Meetings for the advancement of the Great Assembly of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Likewise, all Nichiren Shoshu temples and propagation centers worldwide will be celebrating Kick-off meetings toward our objectives for 2009.
I would like to ask all Myohoji Hokkeko members to attend this most important meeting on July 20, where we will encourage each other in our shakubuku efforts and prepare for the upcoming Great Assembly Tozan next year. In order to achieve our objectives, unity is crucial.
Let’s keep in mind the Daishonin’s instructions that achieving goals, attaining victory, and accomplishing a great mission are the effects of itai doshin. Let’s show the actual proof of unity at the Kick-off Meeting on July 20.
—Rev. Taishin Takano

August Summer Study Tozan and Trip to Sado Island

The 2008 Overseas Members Summer Study Tozan and trip to Sado Island will take place August 21through 28. As Nichiren Shoshu believers, we feel immense gratitude for the compassion and mercy shown by High Priest Nichinyo Shonin in allowing us to visit the Head Temple and worship the Dai-Gohonzon. Make your own travel arrangements to and from Tokyo, Japan. Myohoji participants will meet at the hotel near Narita Airport in the evening of August 21 and return to Narita Airport in the afternoon of August 28. Believers desiring to attend should file an application and submit the total payment of $1,680 as soon as posssible. Applications are available at the front desk at the temple, or they will be mailed upon request.

Annual Toba Applications

By doing an annual toba application for the deceased, tobas will be inscribed for each Monthly Memorial, the Higan-e Ceremonies and the Urabon Ceremony. Please contact the temple.

Shakubuku Activities at Myohoji

Each month, on the third Wednesday evening, an introductory meeting is held in the Kyakuden at 7:00 PM. Gongyo precedes in the Hondo at 6:30 PM. Everyone is encouraged to bring guests to these highly attended and successful meetings.
On the first and third Sundays of each month at the regular ceremonies, there will be an explanation of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism and an experience by a believer.

Shodai on Saturday

Before evening Gongyo, Myohoji temple is doing Shodai starting at 3PM on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Come out and chant with your friends!

Daily One Hour Extra Shodai August 1st - 31st

One hour shodai with evening Gongyo will be held at Myohoji 8/1 through 8/31 in support of our shakubuku efforts and the success of the 2009 Tozan. Rev. Takano has asked all believers to do the hour wherever they may be.

Shodai on Thursdays

Every Thursday evening is a special Shodai night. We have had a big attendance every week for this!

Joyfully introduce this practice to others

Each month, on the third Wednesday evening, an introductory meeting is held in the Kyakuden at 7:00 PM. On the first Sunday of each month at the regular ceremony, there is an explanation of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, an address by the chief priest and an experience by a believer.

Nichiren Shoshu Websites

Nichiren Shoshu Taisekiji Website
http://www.nichirenshoshu.or.jp

	Subscribe to the Nichiren Shoshu Monthly Do you like to study? Are you interested in what the members are doing in temples all across the US and around the world? Then the Nichiren Shoshu Monthly is just for you. Don’t miss out on a thing. To learn more about our dynamic practice, we encourage that you subscribe to the Nichiren Shoshu Monthly, published 12 times a year. Since the purpose of the Monthly is specifically for study, each edition is packed with in-depth material dealing with some of the more complex issues of Buddhism, as well as the more basic Buddhist concepts. Do you like to save money? Prepaid US subscriptions are only $36 for a whole year. That’s a savings of $24 over the single copy price you’ll pay when buy each month’s issue at the temple. Subscribe today and save!
Books Available
	Gosho The Overseas Bureau has just published fifteen Goshos in English and Japanese and Volume One is available! The donation is $10.00.
	Introduction to True Buddhism This booklet with a a great general overview of our religion is now available at our counter. It's designed for those new to the practice or those looking into Nichiren Shoshu. Download this as a PDF: pdf (580k)
	Nichiren Shoshu Basics of Practice This 140 page handbook is designed to be a more complete outline of our religion and is now available at our counter. New and older believers will find this book invaluable to understanding our Nichiren Shoshu practice with far greater depth. Download: pdf (1.5mb)
	The Doctrines and Practice of Nichiren Shoshu The Doctrines and Practice of Nichiren Shoshu" covers major events in the Daishonin’s life, basic doctrine, and principles of faith and practice. Also covered are the lives of the Second, Third, Ninth, and Twenty-sixth High Priests, and a section including distinguished believers. Suggested donation price is $15.00.
	The Collected Sermons of High Priest Nikken Shonin from 1992-2002 The Collected Sermons of High Priest Nikken Shonin from 1992-2002 features the High Priest’s sermons. Compiled by the Overseas Bureau, there is a forward from Rev. Obayashi who writes, “This book will ignite in the hearts of all believers the ever increasing aspiration to achieve worldwide Kosen-rufu.” Suggested donation price is $12.00.
	750th Anniversary of the Establishment of True Buddhism Commemoration Book This beautiful 11 1/2 by 8-inch, 144 page picture book documents and displays all of the 2002’s ceremonies held at the Head Temple during the 750th anniversary’s grand celebrations. It is surely a collector’s item. Just some of the events pictured are 300,000 tozan pictures; the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Hoando, the Third Overseas General Tozans, and pictures of the exposition of the history of Nichiren Shoshu held in the Daikoto. All subtitles are in Japanese. Special donation price of $15.00; plus $3.85 postage charge to ship to any location within the U.S.
	Introductory Materials On the tables in the temple lobby, publications are available for both the encouragement and study of believers and to assist in our shakubuku activities. Introductory materials include pamphlets, booklets and books all designed for guests and new believers. Also, the "Did You Know" series of fifteen articles includes such topics as "Setting Up a Nichiren Shoshu Altar," "The Gojukai Ceremony," and "Enshrining the Gohonzon," among others. These are all helpful in getting the new believer correctly started in the practice of faith.
	100 Questions and Answers An examination of the fundamental differences between Nichiren Shoshu and SGI. Download this as a PDF: pdf (200k)

Meetings

Myohoji’s General Meeting
Kick-off for 2009 Tozan— July 20

Myohoji Temple will be celebrating its General Meeting and Kick-off for The 2009 Tozan Celebrating The 750th Anniversary of Revealing the Truth and Upholding Justice through the Submission of the Rissho ankoku-ron on Sunday, July 20 at 10 AM with a special ceremony and program. This will be a wonderful time to remember our temple’s history and renew our determination for the future.

Local Meetings

Please call the temple for further information on local area meetings that you can attend.

Young Adult Group

The Hokkeko Young Adult Group for believers in the 18-38 age range meets in the Kyakuden following ceremonies on the first and second Sundays of each month. This activity under the direction Rev. Satoh is designed particularly for the fostering and encouragement of young adults and is a way Myohoji is carrying out this year's objectives, cultivate young successors and individuals of great talent. Meetings include a presentation on doctrines of our faith and questions answered by our priests. Attendance has recently been growing. Check it out.

Introductory Meetings

Introductory meetings are scheduled at Myohoji on the third Wednesday of each month. These meetings are a wonderful way to get guests to the temple and for them to learn about our religion, Nichiren Shoshu. On the third Wednesday, Gongyo will be held at 6:00 PM in the Main Hall, and at 7:30 PM members and guests will move to the Reception Hall for the meeting. Members are encouraged to attend. Anyone wishing to assist with these meetings, please contact the Koto, Don Mentzer at 323-732-1005 or at dondonn@ca.rr.com.

Let's Do Shakubuku!

Nichiren Daishonin teaches that we can obtain the benefit of attaining Buddhahood by conducting the practice of shakubuku. He states:
“Because people accumulated much evil karma in the past, they must expect to suffer heavy retribution for everything they have done for numerous lifetimes. However, it is due to the blessings obtained by protecting the True Law that they can diminish in this lifetime their suffering and retribution, and eradicate their evil karma.” (Gosho, p. 582 [Summary])
This means that if we do shakubuku, we can, without fail, eradicate our own evil karma through the principle of lessening karmic retribution. The benefits obtained by protecting the True Law and doing shakubuku will have an effect not only in the present lifetime, but also in the next life. The “Medicinal Herbs” (Yakusoyu-5th) Chapter of the Lotus Sutra teaches that one can obtain peace in this lifetime and good circumstances in the next. We can lead a truly happy life and also be reborn in good circumstances in the next life.

Ceremonies

Morning Gongyo Schedule:

Morning Gongyo held at Myohoji Temple begins at 6:30 AM and opens at 6:15 AM each morning with the exception of Sunday. When you plan to join us, please use the north temple entrance, and park as close to the north side of the building as possible. Please remember not to disturb our neighbors by any unnecessary noise. Thank you.

Gojukai Ceremony Held Sunday Mornings

The Gojukai Ceremony, reaffirmation (Kankaishiki), and Gohonzon conferral will be held each Sunday at the temple after Morning Gongyo. Please insure that those participating arrive at the temple by 9:30 AM so that the necessary paperwork can be completed before the beginning of Gongyo (10:00 AM).There will be no further Gojukai Ceremonies on the third Thursday of each month.

Attend Oko and other Ceremonies

The second Sunday of each month, the Oko Ceremony is performed to express deepest gratitude to the Daishonin, the True Buddha, followed by a lecture in English by our chief priest. Attending these ceremonies is most important.

The Urabon Ceremony: Annual Memorial Service
for the Deceased— July 13

The Urabon Ceremony dates back to the days of Shakyamuni in India and is described in the Sutra of the Festival of the Dead (Skt. Ulambama; Jpn. Urabon). Through this sutra, we learn

July 2008	August 2008	September 2008
July 6 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Kosen-rufu Gongyo Young Adult Meeting July 13 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Oko and Urabon Ceremony Children’s Oko in Kyakuden July 16 (Wednesday) 6:30 PM: Evening Gongyo 7:00 PM: Introductory Meeting July 20 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Myohoji General Meeting Kick-off for 2009 July 27 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Monthly Memorial Chinese and Korean Lectures	August 3 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Kosen-rufu Gongyo Young Adult Meeting August 10 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Oko Ceremony Children’s Oko in Kyakuden August 17 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Shodaikai Japanese Lecture Teen Meeting August 20 (Wednesday) 6:30 PM: Evening Gongyo 7:00 PM: Introductory Meeting August 24 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Morning Gongyo August 31 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Monthly Memorial Chinese and Korean Lectures	September 7 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Kosen-rufu Gongyo Young Adult Meeting September 14 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Oko and Gonan-e Ceremony; Children’s Oko in Kyakuden September 17 (Wednesday) 6:30 PM: Evening Gongyo 7:00 PM: Introductory Meeting September 21 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Higan-e Ceremony Japanese Lecture Teen Meeting September 28 (Sunday) 10:00 AM: Monthly Memorial Chinese and Korean Lectures