Nichiren Shu Buddhist Temple of London Newsletter

January – February 2008

Happy New Year!

This year is the year of the Mouse (not rat). The symbol of the mouse is Prosperity and Development because they have many children and grow quickly. My wish is that troubled countries will have prosperity and develop more peacefully this year.

Every year terrorism, killing, disasters and wars occur often and this is pushing people to drop into darkness. Recently we heard the sad news of the opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. Every time we hear such news we become depressed and tired. However, although we feel depressed, we must not give up praying for world peace or lose hope. If people quit praying and lose hope a dark cloud will cover the entire world sneakily and the situation will become worse. We should maintain praying for world prosperity and peace because the world needs the wisdom of Buddhism. In closing, I would like to pray and wish for all of you a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year.
Gassho, Rev. Kanto Tsukamoto.

“James’ Slope”

In Central Tokyo, there is a gentle slope which was named after a Western person. It is called “James’ Slope”. The name of this slop has never been changed since it was first named over 100 years ago, even during an antagonistic campaign during WWII. This name is derived from ‘John M. James’ (1839-1908) who was a British Captain and had come to Japan to teach navigation skills. His accomplishment greatly contributed to the Japanese Navy and he became known as ‘The Father of the Japanese Navy’. Surprisingly, there was something special about him; he was a devoted Nichiren Shu Buddhist. I believe he was the first European Congregation.

In 1860, as soon as Captain James came to Japan, he had a fateful passage to Britain along with two Japanese politicians. Unfortunately they encountered a storm and the ship was wrecked around the coast of Hong Kong. This incident led him to a turning point in his life. First, he made the decision to settle in Japan permanently. Second, he met Mr. Yoshiomi Seki who was a politician. Together they shared their fate from the coast of Hong Kong until they returned to Japan and became life long friends. Later, it is said that Mr. Seki taught Captain James Nichiren Shu Buddhism.

In 1868, he mediated for the Japanese Government to buy battle ships from Britain. After that he advised how to install arms and equipment. He also instructed the skills on how to cruise a ship and on the rescue of a wrecked ship. The Japanese Government thought highly of his contributions. He was promoted to the position of Adviser of the Navy Department and improved the immature Japanese ship skills to world class level. Because of this accomplishment, he was called the ‘Father of the Japanese Navy’. It is mentioned in his own notes that he really wanted to teach Japan how important marine affairs are, because he also grew up on an island country, Britain, like Japan. His contribution was not only great for the Navy but he also contributed to the development of Japanese Civil Marine Affairs. In 1890 he received a permanent annuity and the following year he received an honorary medal from the Japanese Government.

Privately, Captain James was a very gentle person. Beside his house there was a very steep slop which was called ‘Sengen Zaka’. Local people were inconvenienced by this slop and had trouble getting up and down. As soon as he knew that, he spent his own funds and constructed the steep slope to a gentle slope. Since that event, people began to call this slop ‘James’ Slope’ naturally and it became the official name instead of the original name ‘Sengen Zaka’. This name never changed even during an antagonistic campaign which expelled all Western names under WWII. He took very good care of the children even though he did now have children of his own. He donated large funds to a local elementary school to rebuild a new school building. In his neighbourhood, he gave children food or token money. Without his knowledge, he had been called ‘Santa Claus’. He was very popular and respected by many people.

He grew up in a Christian family home but as he stayed in Japan longer and longer, he became devoted to Nichiren Shu Buddhism. He left some words about the devotion of Nichiren Shu. He visited Asian countries which European countries tried to make them their colonies and he met Christian missionaries but he could not endure the Christian missionary’s actions; they seemed like the vanguard of European countries which expound their own colony with unscrupulous ways. And then he met a teaching of Nichiren Shu Buddhism. “All living beings have Buddha nature”. He was attracted by this peaceful teaching and received more teachings from Nichiren Shu priests and he converted to Nichiren Shu. He ordered a solid gold Shakyamuni Buddha statue and he chanted every morning and evening and promoted his faith deeper.

In 1908 his life ended at the age of 71. His funeral was held at his home directed by the 78th Hosu; the spiritual leader of Nichiren Shu. Three days before he past away, he left a special request in his will “to please cremate my body and store my ashes in Mt. Minobu.” He chanted the Lotus Sutra before his death and he meditated for a while and past away peacefully while he was chanting the Odaimoku. According to the request of his will, his grave was erected behind the main temple. His Buddhist name was “East Seas Inn Royal Devoted Righteousness Nation Sunlight great lay Minister”. One seafaring man who came from far away Europe chose a port as the final port of call, it was Mt. Minobu. This year, 2008, his 100th year Memorial Service will be held on 20th May at Mt. Minobu.

This story of Captain James does not only encourage us but also makes us peaceful. Please don’t forget everyone, 100 years ago, one British ancestor believed in the Lotus Sutra and had deep faith in Nichiren Shu Buddhism. Now it is your turn; what kind of nice story will you leave for your descendants as a message of your faith?
Gassho.

Refreshment for your Gohonzon

I think that most of the people who are reading this newsletter have a private Gohonzon. If so, recently haven’t you felt that your Gohonzon’s power is fading or it has lost power? Some people might say: “Before, the Gohonzon answered me a lot but lately it does not work like before”. Do you know that the Gohonzon needs to be refilled with energy, just like a battery?

Nichiren Shu Gohonzon is bestowed on congregation after the Eye Opening Ceremony at the London Nichiren Shu Temple. This means that the London Nichiren Shu Temple is a branch of the Nichiren Shu; this Temple is tied and linked with the Head Temple, Minobu-san Kuonji Temple or tied with the spirit of Nichiren Shonin. Individual Gohonzons can be connected with the Head Temple by way of the London Nichiren Shu Temple and your Gohonzon can receive the spiritual energy. Therefore, if you don’t visit the London Temple or have not attended the London Temple for a long time, unfortunately the connection will be silenced and the spiritual energy will fade automatically. Also, if you chant by yourself you will have the potential to become comfortable with an improper manner and develop your own way. If so, it will be difficult to receive the energy properly. Most people who chant by themselves undoubtedly will notice their own incorrect habits by themselves. Visiting the London Temple means maintaining the connection with the Nichiren Shu Head Temple: Minobu-san Kuonji Temple and keeping the proper prayer and manner by chanting together. This is ‘Refreshment for your Gohonzon’. Nichiren Shonin is very strict for all manners. We must always pay attention to proper prayer and manner.

Helpful Nichiren Shu Ceremony and Prayer

Traditionally Nichiren Temple has many ceremonies and prayers to support your living and life. The London Temple also holds such ceremonies for your private occasions.
Kisho-shiki: conversion ceremony, Tobyo-Heiyu: prayer for recovery from illness, Kaium: prayer for Raising your fortune, Shobai-Hanjo: prosperity of business, Juken: success in an examination, Shu-Shoku: finding work, Kotsu-Anzenn: free from traffic accident, Kanai-Anzen: safety of your family and security for the house, blessing for baby, house, car, property etc.  as well as Memorial Services, Marriage Ceremony and Funeral Ceremony. The cost for each ceremony starts at £20. However the cost for Marriage and Funeral Ceremonies should be discussed with Rev. Tsukamoto.

MEMORIAL SERVICE CALLENDAR

1st Year 2007               3rd Year 2006               7th Year 2002
13th Year 1996             17th Year 1992             23rd Year 1986
27th Year 1982             33rd Year 1976             27th Year 1972
43rd Year 1966             47th Year 1962             50th Year 1959
100th Year 1909

Above is the Memorial Calendar to assist you in holding a Memorial Service in honour of your ancestors for the year 2008. For example: If your grandfather passed away on 15th April 2002, this would be the 7th Year Memorial Service. This Service should be held until two weeks prior to the actual day of passing. Denomination does not matter.

-ANNOUNCEMENT-

Change in Starting Time of Service
In order that there is no more confusion or reconfirming, please note beginning January 2008, Service Time will be at 1:00pm; there will no longer be services held at 11:00 and 2:00pm

New Year Service – Sunday 6th January, 2008
A New Year has come. We will pray for a good and peaceful year. After Service, Lucky Herb sake (O-toso) will be served to everyone in attendance.

Buddhism Seminar in Rotterdam – Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th January
Rev. Tsukamoto will hold a Buddhism Seminar for two days in Rotterdam, Holland. Time scheduled 1:00pm-5:00pm. The Seminar will cover the Buddha’s biography, teachings, the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren Shonin’s life, doctoring and meditation.

Setsubun Service – Sunday 3rd February
Annually Setsubun ceremony is held at the beginning of February. Adults and children perform this traditional ceremony joyfully, throwing roasted beans from the inside of their house to the outside and say with a loud voice, “Devils go away! Good Fortune come in!” This means cleansing our evil mind and welcoming positive energy along with good fortune. We will hold this ceremony so that you and your family will be healthy and safe throughout the coming year.

The Buddha’s Nirvana Service – 10th February
Shakyamuni Buddha entered into Nirvana on 15th February. The Buddha told Ananda to inform the people of Kushingara that He would pass away during the coming night. His last words were:
“After I pass away, make your own self your light, don’t rely on others. Make the Dharma your light don’t rely on others.” “All conditioned and compounded things have the nature of decay and disintegration. With steadfast mindfulness, endeavour diligently for your own liberation.”

Nichiren Shonin’s Birthday Service – 17th February
Nichiren Shonin was born at Kominato in the Province of Awa (now known as Chiba Prefecture) on February 16th 1222. His father was culled ‘Nukina Shigetada’ and his mother, ‘Umegiku’. He was named ‘Zennichimaro’. It is said that several lovely miracles happened at his birth: many white lotus flowers bloomed in the bay; a great number of fish appeared in the sea; and a spring of water gushed up in front of their home. After the Service, we will hold a potluck luncheon. Please bring your favourite dish (Vegetarian Food) that all may share; milk, eggs and cheese are allowed.

Pilgrimage to Japan – 16th-24th May
In order to attend the 100th year Memorial Service for Captain James, the London Temple is planning a pilgrimage to Japan. The service will be held on the 20th May. The itinerary will include a visit to primary places: Seichoji Temple, Ikegami Temple, Ryuko-ji Temple and Minobu-san Kuonji Temple. Additionally, we may climb Shichimen-san that is the sacred mountain: according to tradition a dragon lives behind Minobu-san. The cost for this pilgrimage is £2000, however, depending on the number of attendees the schedule and cost may change. For more details please speak with Rev. Tsukamoto.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
October, November and December 2007
Mr. Nigel Wray; Ms. Junko Kelly; Ms. Valentina Michaels; Mr. Paul Deleeuw; Mrs. Pimjar Adcock; Mr. Simon Robins; Mr. Tom Stenman; Mr. Victory Videira; Miss Jodie Kindred; Ms. Mette Ashby; Mr. Ben Capon; Mrs. Shirley Robins; Mr. David Alder; Mr. and Mrs. Hiroshi Yoneyama; Rev. Chishin Hirai.

Painting of Hondo (main hall)
Mr. David Alder; Miss Jodie Kindred.

Thank you very much for your help and donations.

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