FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Bishop Joyo Ogawa sits before the altar in the new main hall of the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii in Nuuanu.
Top ministers of one of the largest Buddhist denominations in Japan will arrive next week to join five Hawaii Nichiren Shu congregations in their centennial celebration.
The festivities will begin next Saturday with the dedication of the new $4.5 million main hall at the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii at 33 Pulelehua Way in Nuuanu. The modern, air-conditioned hall will seat 270 people, said the Rev. Chishin Hirai.
The first Hawaii Nichiren Shu mission was opened in 1902 at Kapapala on the Big Island by first-generation Japanese immigrants. When the Rev. Gyoun Takagi was dispatched from Japan to be their spiritual leader, it was the first formal Nichiren mission to the Western world, according to the group's historical records. A memorial to the pioneer members will be dedicated June 23 at the Big Island mission.
There are now three temples on Oahu, and missions in Hilo and Puunene, Maui, with an estimated 1,000 members. Bishop Joyo Ogawa heads the order in Hawaii.
Archbishop Nichiko Fujii, spiritual head of the Niter Shu Order and chief abbot of its Kuonji Temple in Minobu, Japan, will lead more than 1,000 Japan members to attend ceremonies here.
Hirai said a highlight for local members will be a special blessing ritual called "gokito." It is only performed by ministers who have undergone a rigorous 100-day "daiaragyo" discipline of self-denial, a winter retreat which includes being doused with ice water. "It is a means to focus the mind and demonstrate the strength of our faith," Hirai said.
Beyond their 100th anniversary in Hawaii, the members will be celebrating the establishment of this branch of Buddhism by Nichiren Shonin in 1253. He believed that the complete teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha, founder of Buddhism, is to be found in the Lotus Sutra.
That focus is what distinguishes Nichiren Shu from other branches of Buddhism, Hirai explained. "There are 84,000 teachings left by Buddha. Each denomination chooses which teaching suits them best. We understand that the Lotus Sutra is the best teaching.
"The differences between each teaching depended on the ability of the people. For people with education, he could teach profound teaching, but for ordinary people it was something they could understand."
Hirai said Saint Nichiren taught that people can attain enlightenment by reciting the sacred prayer "Namu Myoho Renge-kyo," which translates as devotion to the mystic law of the Lotus Sutra.
Nichiren Mission of Hawaii President Eric Kawatani described the group as "a traditional, mainstream Buddhist congregation." It includes second- and third-generation descendants of the founding members, as well as some converts.
Although both trace their roots to the same school of Buddhism, Nichiren Shu is not affiliated with the Nichiren Shoshu denomination -- which was known for vigorous proselytizing and a link with Soka Gakkai International, a lay organization involved in social action and Japanese politics. The link was severed in the 1990s. Both organizations have branches in Hawaii.
Everyone welcome
All Hawaii Nichiren Shu congregation centennial celebration events are open to the public, including the following:Friday
>> 1 p.m. The archbishop will lead prayers for world peace at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, followed by prayers at the Ehime Maru Memorial at Kakaako Waterfront Park.Saturday
>> 10 a.m. The new mission main hall will be dedicated.
>> 2 p.m. Formal services will celebrate the introduction of Nichiren Buddhism in Hawaii and the 750th anniversary of the founding of Nichiren Shu.June 22
>> 10 a.m. and noon. Commemorative services will be held at Nichiren Mission of Hawaii.
>> 1 p.m. An informational program will be presented at the Ala Moana CenterStage.June 23
>> 1 p.m. A memorial will be unveiled at the Kapapala Wood Valley Temple on the Big Island.
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calendars and events.
