News and Events
Schedule of upcoming events at the London Nichiren Shu Buddhist temple.
London Nichiren Shu Buddhist Temple Newsletters
Reports of Recent Activities and Events
All are welcome - please join us!
July:
Sunday 6th July - Service at 13:00
Sunday 13th July - O-Bon Segaki Service at 13:00
Originally Obon was held in July every year because Japan used the lunar-solar calendar until one hundred years ago. Even now two traditions remain depending on the Region. Obon in July is held in the Kanto Region (Tokyo Area) and in August is held in the other regions of Japan. We respect the original Obon held in July because Nichiren Shonin did. O-bon is a special event for Buddhists. Every year, July 13th to 16th is O-bon week. Around this time, your ancestors' soul will return to their beloved one's home. In order to welcome them, please prepare O-Bon; visit your ancestor's cemetery for cleaning and praying. Please offer seasonal fruits, begetables, flowers, sweets and Shojin (vegetable meal) before your Go-Honzon and pray for their peace.
On 13th July, we will hold O-Bon Segaki Service for suffering spirits and our ancestors. Nichiren Shonin said, "The merits of the O-Bon Segaki Service extend not only to seven generations of your ancestors but also to all suffering spirits." When we pray for our ancestors, we offer Toba (wood tablet) for each spirit, because Toba works to deliver your heart and love to make the spirit peaceful. As you know one Toba costs £5.00. Please write the name of your ancestors: parents, grandparents, relatives and others on the "PRAYER APPLICATION FORM"which I mailed along with the last newsletter and return it to the Temple or bring it with you on the day of the Service.
Sunday 20th July - Service at 13:00. BBQ retreat at 15:00
Beautiful Summer Season has come! Let's go outside and enjoy nature. We will hold a barbecue retreat in our Temple's garden. Please gather at the Temple with some of your favourite Summer Season foods to share with others. What kind of food should we bring? Don't panic You may bring any type of food...fish, meat, vegetable, fruit, etc. See you there!
Sunday 27th July - Service at 13:00
August:
Sunday 3rd August- Service at 13:00
Sunday 10th August - Service at 13:00
Sunday 17th August - Service at 13:00
Sunday 24th August - Matsubagayatsu Persecution Service
On the night of August 27th, 1260, just forty-one days after Nichiren Shonin had submitted the Rissho Ankoku Ron to the government, a ruthless mob crept through the darkness towards Matsubagayatsu (Pine Tree Valley). The mob was determined to burn the habitat and to murder Nichiren Shonin. They threw burning torches into the thatched hut where Nichiren Shonin was asleep. However, Nichiren Shonin had escaped. According to legend, it was a white monkey who miraculously appeared before Nichiren Shonin and guided him into the mountain behind and led him to safety. We will hold Matsubagayatsu Persecution Service to think of Nichiren Shonin's Faith on the 24th August 2008.
Sunday 31st August- Service at 13:00
September:
19th to 21st September 2008
NBIC (Nichiren Buddhist International Center) is planning a Nichiren Shu Retreat at Renko-ji Temple in Italy - Chief Minister Rev. Tarabini. Content is for Beginner: Doctrine, Nichiren Shonin's Teachings, Service Manner, Chanting lessons, Shodaigyo, etc. More details will be forthcoming on the NBIC home page: www.nichiren-shu.org
London Nichiren Shu Buddhist Temple Newsletters
August-September, 2007 PDF Version
October-December, 2007 PDF Version
Januray-February, 2008 PDF Version
MEMBERS OF THE SANGHA ATTEND NIPPONZAN MYOHOJI MILTON KEYNES PAGODA CEREMONY - Sunday 15th May
The event was a great day out for all. It was a fantastic inter-faith celebration of the efforts of the monks and nuns of Nipponzan Myohoji, and a declaration of support for peace throughout the world. Representatives Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and Paganism gave prayers for peace; and members of the Nipponzan Myohoji, Theravada, Tibetan and Pure Land traditions all chanted.
Other speakers included Councillor Mrs Jan Llyd, Mayor of Milton Keynes, and Bruce Kent, ex leader of CND.
BUDDHISM SEMINAR IN SHEFFIELD – Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April.
Rev. Tsukamoto held a Buddhism Seminar in Sheffield. He preached about the Buddha’s life, basic Buddhism teachings, Nichiren Shonin’s life, the Lotus Sutra and service manner. There were a total of eight people who attended and shared the teachings and food. The Seminar was successful and concluded with anticipation for the next seminar.
SHINTO KENSHU (Nichiren Shu Buddhist workshop) - 23rd-24th March
As an experiment, we held 'Shinto Kenshu' (Workshop for Nichiren Shu Buddhist) on the 23rd and 24th of March 2008. It was very successful. This workshop covered mainly practice rather than study: checking and correcting chanting Odaimoku and Sutra practice, service manner, how to treat the altar, meditation and copying the Sutra, Sui-gyo (water practice) and Shodaigyo. Three people attended and everyone enjoyed the workshop and scrubbed their faith through this workshop. The cost was £30 per person which included meals and accommodation. We will plan the next Shinto Kenshu in the Summer.
Rev. Tsukamoto visits Finland - Report in Nichiren Shu News