In just about one month we will, as Nichiren Buddhists, celebrate our Founding Day. On April 28, 1253 Nichiren chanted Odaimoku on the top Mount Kiosumi at the temple of Seicho-ji and thus proclaimed for all the world the efficacy and importance of practicing the Lotus Sutra for this age in which we live. This act was both the culmination of years of study as well as the beginning of years of persecutions in order to teach people the truth of the Buddha found within the Lotus Sutra. We owe a deep and profound debt of gratitude for the efforts os Nichiren Shonin our founder.
To mark this special occasion and to participate in a small portion of repaying our debt of gratitude it would be appropriate to consider making a special effort to support the current mission of Nichiren Shu and Myosho-ji in continuing the work of our founder. I hope that each of you will think about your appreciation for the many merits and changes that have occurred in your life due to your faith in and practice of the teachings of the Lotus Sutra as given to us by the Buddha and transmitted by Nichiren Shonin.
I propose that perhaps you might consider setting aside $1.00, $2.00, or $3.00 for the next 30 days and then donated to commemorate and share in the support of the continued spread of the Odaimoku and the Lotus Sutra as our founder had intended. I wonder what sacrifice would this be in our lives compared to the sacrifice of Nichiren? Would it be possible to give up something every day to set aside these small amounts to ensure the continuation of Nichiren Shu and Myosho-ji?
I will be setting up a donation through PayPal button where you can make your Founding Day Special Contribution. Of course if you can donate more that would be appreciated, however even the smallest amount is important as well.
With Gassho,
Ryusho Shonin
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