Rissho Kosei-kai
was founded in Japan on March 5th, 1938 by Nikkyo Niwano
and Myoko Naganuma. They saw the need for a Buddhist practice
that would combine traditional teaching with everyday application
to help a modern and expanding world find peace and harmony.
Rissho Kosei-kai translated means - an organization based
on the Dharma (Universal Truth), whose members strive to
cultivate their character through encouraging and interacting
with each other so that everyone can lead a better life,
contribute to a better society and a peaceful world. This
path is called the "Bodhisattva Way" -- compassion
in action.
The basic characteristics of the organization
are:
- The Dharma, on
which we are based, is in accordance with the essential
Buddhist teachings and the Lotus Sutra.
- Rissho Kosei-kai
emphasizes practical application of the teaching for the
purpose of enriching people's lives.
- The "hoza" practice
("the circle of harmony") wherein members help each other
understand the teachings and their relevance in daily
life. Within this circle, all life situations are faced.
One can change anything from crisis to opportunity with
the realization that buddha nature is in everything. In
every adversity, a momentary change of attitude is the
bodhisattva way way to transform illusion into reality.
In order for people to live peacefully,
we must learn to emphasize our common aspects rather than
our differences. It is the belief of Rissho Kosei-kai that
such a world can be realized not through armed might but
through respect for humanity. In the final analysis, all
great spiritual paths can be bound together by the common
desire for human happiness and liberation.
There are 239 branches in Japan, six branches
and nine chapters overseas. Centers in the United States
are located in: Hawaii, Seattle, Pacifica, Los Angeles,
San Antonio, Oklahoma, Chicago, and New York.
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