コラム 北米開教百周年
六月末にロスで日蓮宗の北米開教百周年記念事業が二日間にわたり行われました。全米各地からの百名を超える参会者に加え、日本からも二百名以上が参加しました。
法要は日本の伝統的なもので、意味を理解できずとも、皆多くを感じていました。
法要中、カメラマンがステージの上で撮影をしたのですが、レンズを通して凛烈なパワーを感じ、鳥肌が立ったと語っていました。法華経の力がいかに強いかを身をもって感じたようです。
祭典の後、多くの日本人が私のラスベガスのお寺にも来られました。法主猊下にもお越し頂き、私のお寺の信者様も滅多に無い機会に大変感銘を受けていました。
この祭典で多くの方に米国布教の理解者になって頂けた事を確信しています。
At the end of June, I was in Los Angeles for the centennial celebration for Nichiren Shu in America and for the Los Angeles Betsuin. This was a wonderful celebration held over 2 days, with various memorial services, kito blessing and finally the big service.
Over 200 visitors from Japan came to celebrate with us. I saw many familiar faces among the crowd. About 100 members from all over North America attended this service. For many it was their first time experiencing a traditional Japanese service. Though many did not understand what was said, they felt the meaning of those words.
During the World Peace Kito Blessing, a videographer was on stage taping the priests chanting Ryaku Yohon. He felt this energy come through his lens. He never felt such energy and calmness at the same time. He got goosebumps! When he left the stage, the energy level was not as strong. This made a lasting impression on how powerful the Lotus Sutra really is.
After the centennial celebration, many Japanese visitors came to Las Vegas to see my temple. Even the Archbishop came for several hours to the temple. Many of our followers were impressed and grateful to have an opportunity to meet such a wonderful man.
The entire event turned out to be a big success. I am sure many of the visitors now have a better understanding of the types of proselytization we are doing in America.
