April–June 2006, Volume 33
Features
Creating the World of the One Vehicle: The Centennial of the Birth of Rev. Nikkyo Niwano
Introductory Essay
As We Approach the Centennial of the Founder’s Birth
by Katsunori Yamanoi
This year, as the centennial year of the Founder’s birth, is a memorable one for Rissho Kosei-kai. But I believe that, as we plan and undertake the various public memorial celebrations, there is something else that must not be forgotten. . . .
Reflections
Living with a Generous Heart: Greeting the Centennial of the Founder’s Birth
by Nichiko Niwano
It is important that through this year’s programs and ceremonies we make the heart of the Buddha, the heart of the Founder, our own.
In Gratitude for Their Guidance
by Nikkyo Niwano
As I look back on my life, I am deeply aware that I must be one of the most fortunate men alive. Through the wonderful workings of karma, though born deep in the mountains of Niigata Prefecture, I have come into contact with many people whose help has been invaluable to me. And today I am able to walk, hand in hand, with millions of fellow believers as we move forward together. . . .
Special Contributions
In Memory of the Reverend Nikkyo Niwano
by Chiara Lubich
When the history of the dialogue among religions is written, one of the eminent figures to emerge will be the founder of Rissho Kosei-kai.
Founder Niwano: A Pioneer for Peace
by Jimmy Carter
A former president of the United States recalls his first meeting with Rissho Kosei-kai’s founder in 1979, and how over time they enjoyed a great friendship stimulated by their personal differences.
The Venerable Nikkyo Niwano and Interreligious Dialogue
by Michael L. Fitzgerald
The presence of Pope John Paul II at the opening ceremony of the Sixth World Assembly of the WCRP in the Vatican was the fulfillment of a dream for Rissho Kosei-kai’s founder.
Essays
The Lotus Sutra and Religious Cooperation
by Gijun Sugitani
The world can no longer ignore the religious conflict underlying the current ethnic clashes. People of faith have been compelled to reexamine what religion is and ought to be.
Contemporary Religion and Social Crisis in Japan
by Robert Kisala
The emergence of new religious movements in Japan can at least in part be attributed to the great social change, even social crisis, associated with the process of modernization.
The One Vehicle and Bodhisattva Never Despise: Rev. Nikkyo Niwano’s Understanding of Peace and the Lotus Sutra
by Michio T. Shinozaki
The Founder’s worldview was that the self and others are one and interrelated, so acting out in violence toward others is also acting out against oneself.
Reminiscence
The Founder and the Second Vatican Council
by Kinzo Takemura
In 1965, Rissho Kosei-kai was not yet on special terms with the Catholic Church. The invitation to Founder Niwano to attend could only have been because it was the will of God and the Buddha.
Encounters
Our Encounters with the Founder
On these pages appear comments by members of Rissho Kosei-kai overseas that describe how their encounters, either direct or indirect, with Founder Nikkyo Niwano have influenced their lives and have enabled them to understand Buddhism, especially the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. The place names below the respective writers’ names represent the Rissho Kosei-kai branches to which they belong.
The Founder’s Life
A Lifetime Devoted to the Dharma and World Peace
The Founder’s Life: A Chronological Record
Essays
A Christian Journey into Buddhism
by Elizabeth J. Harris
Buddhism starts with a question: Why is there something in human existence that is twisted, out-of-shape, violent, and unsatisfactory? This writer says that this is a question that resonated with her immediately.
Who Can Stop the Wind?
by Notto R. Thelle
Stories of the Lotus Sutra
Wonderful Voice Bodhisattva
by Gene Reeves
This bodhisattva can be understood to be teaching the Lotus Sutra not so much by words as by embodying it by taking on whatever forms are needed to help others.
