l What brought you to the practice of Nichiren Shoshu?
I met a Nichiren Shoshu member from the UK at a hotel in Kamakura. The member told me to go to the temple and chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to become happy. I was feeling down at that time, and I talked with her about many different things. One day Mr. Kitamura and Ms. Yamada came to the hotel to see me. Mr. Kitamura explained to me the meaning of cause and effect, what true Buddhism is, the fact that teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha’s teaching is culminated in the Lotus Sutra, that there are many different sects in Buddhism, and the meaning of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo in English. I majored in Indian philosophy at a Croatian university and studied and translated Buddhist sutras. I became interested in Buddhism when I was in high school. I was interested in the fact that people are different at the time of birth. For instance some people have blue eyes whereas others have black eyes. God in Christianity is not impartial. On the other hand, Buddhism expounds the idea of karma from the past existences. Teaching of Nichiren Shoshu made sense to me, and I sensed something deep in my heart. I decided to become a Nichiren Shoshu member.
l Have you noticed any changes since you became a Nichiren Shoshu member?
I have attended evening Gongyo (chanting sutra) and talk about Buddhism at Mr. Kitamura’s house afterwards. I also read Nichiren Shoshu books in English and carry a copy with me. When I chant Daimoku (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo), I feel confident that I have energy to overcome obstacles. I feel there is strong unity among people while I am at Gokokuji temple and the head temple Taisekiji especially when people are chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Because everyone helps me in different ways, I feel that I am not alone. I am so happy that I came to the temple.
What are your dreams?
Japan is my home. I would like to obtain a job which would allow me to obtain a visa and live in Japan as long as I can. I am looking for positions such as hotel staff and retail among others.
If you have any questions, please reply to this email. You can find out more about Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism at https://www.nst.org .
Akira Toyama
Overseas Department, Gokokuji Temple, Kamakura, Japan
