BUKKYO DENDO KYOKAI Society for the Promotion of Buddhism

Michi- The Path -

08
2019

No.

BDK
Newsletter

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Michi08- The Path -CONTENTS02BDK Japan News 2018
〜BDK Publications〜● Report on “The Teaching of Buddha” Distribution in Southern India● “The Teaching of Buddha” Update for 2018

● “The Teaching of Buddha” in Educational Institutions

Encounter with A Book of a Lifetime● The 3rd BDK Buddhist Picture Book Prize Competition “Kokoro-no-Ehon-Taisho (Picture Book for Your Heart and Mind)”● “Let it Shine!” Temple Bulletin Board Project 2018
● National Hotel Management Seminar● The 5th Competition and the 4th Exhibition for the BDK Calendar “A Wise Teaching A Day”
● Exhibition of the “Picture Story of Shakyamuni”

14● “BDK English Tripiṭaka” Translation Project〜Financial Assistance and Honoring Recipients〜● BDK Fellowship Programs＊ 2018 BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars ＊ 2018 BDK Fellowship for Japanese Scholars● BDK Fellowship “Gathering for Scholarship Holders” on June 14, 2018 at Bukkyo Dendo Center Building● The 52nd BDK Cultural Awards Ceremony on October 14, 2018 at Bukkyo Dendo Center Building● BDK Financial Assistance Programs – Update for 201823

＊ Workshop for “Buddhist Priests in Modern Society” hosted by the All Japan Young Buddhist Association〜Buddhist Lectures and Seminars〜● The Weekly Radio Program on FM Osaka “WARAIMESHI TETSUO’s Saturday★Night Buddhism”● Learning from ZEN and Yoga: Releasing and Receiving on April 14, 2018 at Soto Shu Seishoji Temple● The 48th Jissen Fukyo Kenkyukai, BDK Buddhist Missionary Seminar at the Jodo Shu Head Temple of Chion-in● Tsurumi University and BDK Co-Sponsors Seminars at Tsurumi University Hall＊ “When You Are Too Tired to Think about Being Alive or Dead” on June 23, 2018

＊ “How to Face Death” on September 1, 2018 ＊ "ZEN In Japanese Culture" on October 13, 2018

● Feel Buddhism: Experiencing SHIBA in Minato-ku, Tokyo on October 13, 2018

● "An Experiential Tour of Death with the Tastes of Buddhist Desserts" at Bukkyo Dendo Center Buildingon November 10, 2018

● Special Zazen Retreat at Soto Zen Sojiji Head Monastery on November 18, 2018
● Other BDK Related Lectures, Classes, and Events – Update for 2018

＊ Studying “The Teaching of Buddha ” for Business/Daily Life and Buddhist Yoga

＊ Elementary Course of Buddhist Lectures on “Japanese Buddhism – Learning from Scratch” in Shibuya!

From Beginner to Intermediate level – Special Lecture about Nara Buddhism and Heian Buddhism＊ Buddhism Through English – Update for 2018

BTE Students Volunteered as English Guides at WFB World Buddhist Conference● 2018 BDK Symposium● “Mita Rakugo-Kai Big-Thanks Festival” at Hamarikyu Asahi Hall on June 9, 2018

● Third Year Memorial Service for the late Rev. Toshihide Numata at Bukkyo Dendo Center Building on February 14, 2019
● Newly Installed Capsule Toy Vending Machine - Model Figure of Buddhist Statues● Take a Break38＊ Buddhist YOGA for People in the Modern World – Let‘s Try Some Yoga Poses!

BDK Aﬃliated Organization Activities
World map & Contact information● BDK AMERICA ＊ BDK America Celebrates 40th Anniversary ＊ BDK Establishes Numata Program at Princeton University＊ Numata Program Coordinators’ Meeting ＊ Toshihide Numata Book Award in Buddhism● BDK HAWAII ＊ BDK Hawaii Celebrates 40th Anniversary ＊ BDK-Fujitani Interfaith Program＊ Banner Exhibition about Buddhist Temples in Hawaii● BDK CANADA ＊ A Reflection on the “Buddhism and Ritual Performance in Pre-Modern Japan Workshop”

at McGill University Sponsored by BDK Canada and McGill University
at the Commencement of Alva Edison University● BDK ASIA ＊ “The Teaching of Buddha” Distribution at the Metalex Exhibition 2018
＊ “The Teaching of Buddha” Distribution to Senior Aerospace Ltd.
● BDK TAIWAN ＊ Visit to National Chengchi University in Taiwan＊ BDK Taiwan Board of Directors Meeting ＊ Welcoming a New Member of BDK Taiwan!
● BDK EUROPE ＊ Signing Ceremony at Leiden University in the Netherlands concerning the Numata Programin Buddhist Studies ＊ Numata Program Coordinators’ Meeting ＊ Memorial Service and Charity Concert for Victimsof the East Japan Great Earthquake ＊ Ullambana Service & Eye-witness Report by a Survivor of the Hiroshima
Atomic Bombing ＊ The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Mitutoyo Europe● BDK UK ＊ Recent Changes in BDK UK● BDK MEXICO ＊ Donation of “Budda is Our Teacher”

50“Sasaeatte”｢SHIGOTO (Work)｣

BDK Newsletter No.8 2019 - 6/1/2019 - 4,500
Copyrightⓒ2019 by BUKKYO DENDO KYOKAI(BDK)
Published by BDK
3-14, Shiba-4chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 108-0014

Edited by Kaoru Eguchi, BDK
Printed in Japan by ARC Co., Ltd.

BDK Newsletter

2019

The Beginning of a New Era
with the Spiritof Compassion and Symbiosis
We truly appreciate your generous understanding and continued support for allof Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK)’s activities.
As the Japanese era name changes from 平成 (Heisei) to 令和 (Reiwa), we
celebrate the beginning of a new era. We would like to report our 2018 activities in this issue of “Michi.” One of our primary activities for years, the distribution of “The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” in the world, has always been the
top priority of our activities, however in 2018, we started a variety of newactivities such as radio and web-related programs, lectures and seminars inprovincial cities outside of Tokyo, collaboration with other institutes, photo
exhibitions, etc. Those activities are planned and carried out on the basic ideaof promoting world peace and contributing to the public order as well.
The World has changed considerably since the birth of Buddhism to date, but
the Buddhist teachings of wisdom and mercy have been transmitted steadily.
It is essential that we must promote our educational/welfare related activities
with a deep love for people and nature, and continue to tell the “true dharma”
that transcends secular desires. To open the door to a new era, we dedicate
ourselves to progressing on our path forward to the future with the help of all
Buddhist schools, organizations, and our friends everywhere in the world.

With Gassho,

Seikoh-Kiyotaka Kimura
Chairman,
Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK)Society for the Promotion of Buddhism

1BDK JAPANNEWS 2018

BDK Publications

01
Activity

Report on “The Teaching of Buddha”
Distribution in Southern India

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) distributed “The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” in the Tibetan exile settlementin Karnataka state, Southern India.

Tashi Lhumpo School

BDK donated 10,000 copies of
TTOB in Tibetan to 53 places likeschools, hospitals, monasteries/nunneries, libraries, etc., in the settlements in Mundgod, Bylakuppe andHunsur.
We truly appreciate the help of Rev.
Myosei Midorikawa, director ofSuper Sanga (Tendai School,
Jindaiji Temple), who hosted a seminar to explain about TTOB in
Tibetan. Her efforts made TTOB to2

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─be recognized as abridge between Tibetan
Buddhism and Japanese
Buddhism, and people ineach place received
copies of TTOB withgreat respect and appreciation.
For the two-week pro- Namdroling School
gram of distributing
Myosei Midorikawa; Rev. Kunchok
TTOB in Karanataka state, BDK is
Sithar, Vice-President of the Tibetan
indebted to the following people: Rev.

Buddhist Center “POTALA COLLEGE;” Rev. Ngawang Woseung; Mr.
Lungtok, Representative of the
Liaison Office of His Holiness The
Dalai Lama for Japan & East-Asia;
Rev. Geshe Lobsang Gelek, Chief
Administrator of Depung Gomang
Monastery; Rev. Dr. Geshe Dhargyal
Phuntsok, Director of Library of02
Activity

Buddhism; Rev. Kunchok Tenzin,
General Secretary, Tashi Lhunpo
Monastery Bylakuppe Mysore
Karanataka State Kachen; Rev. Dr.
Hishe Danduv Kachen/ Geshe; Ms.
Yayoi Tsuruoka, Managing Directorof Rumi Impex Private Ltd.; and Mr.
Neeraj Puri.

Sambhota School“The Teaching of Buddha” Update for 2018

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) distributed a total of 12,511 copies of“Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” to hotels in 2018. Tourists from all over theworld numbered 3,119,000 in 2018, and we are expecting more tourists tovisit Japan in 2019 for the World Cup for Rugby. We would like to keep
distributing TTOB as an expression of “Omotenashi,” Japanese hospitalityof the highest quality.
In 2018, we distributed many
copies to “Shukubo,” which are
lodgings at temples in the Kansai
area of Japan. TTOB seemed to be
popular among tourists from foreign countries, and temples also
encouraged them to experience theessence of Buddhism through
TTOB within the atmosphere of atemple.
Also, BDK distributed 36,428
copies of TTOB to Buddhist
schools and kindergartens in 2018.
More schools requested TTOB for
distribution at important school
events such as enrollment ceremonies and commencements.
As we distribute large numbers of
TTOB copies to many places, BDK
holds a TTOB Editorial Committee

TTOB distribution to Lumbini Hotel Association

meeting every year in Japan andcarefully re-examines the content of
TTOB. We are going to continue

our efforts to make TTOB even better and update it for the modern
world.

3

Interview

Musashino University in Ariake, Tokyo“The Teaching of Buddha” in
Educational Institutions
Encounter with a Book of a Lifetime
Interview with Prof. Dr. Teruma Nishimoto, President of Musashino University
Location: Musashino University, Ariake Campus, Tokyo, Japan
Interviewer: Emi Kanemaki, Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK)
Editor/Photographer: Kaoru Eguchi, BDK
Special Thanks to Prof. Dr. Teruma Nishimoto and Musashino University
Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) has been distributing “The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” for the past
decades as one of its major activities, and the books have been utilized in a variety of ways in today’s
modern world. TTOBs have been distributed to hotels, temples, medical facilities as well as educational
institutions.
We visited the campus of Musashino University in Ariake, Tokyo, where its modern architecturally styledbuildings face the gulf of Tokyo, and we had an opportunity to talk with Prof. Dr. Teruma Nishimoto about
how he uses TTOB at Musashino University.

4

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─First of all, could you tell us
about Musashino University
and the philosophy of yourschool?

I see. Is there special significance about writing “カタチ(Katachi, shape)” in Katakana
for the motto of your school?

Musashino University was established by an international Buddhist
scholar, Dr. Junjiro Takakusu, with
the ideal of “developing student
characters based on the Buddhist
spirit,” and he founded Musashino
Joshi Gakuin (Musashino Girl’s
School) at the time. A year after theGreat Kanto Earthquake happenedin the Tokyo area, he opened aschool on the site of an aid station
inside the precincts of Tsukiji
Hongwanji Temple in Tokyo. He
hoped that this school could be abeam of hope for those who suffered so much after the disaster.
The most important educational
purpose of our school is based on
the basic Buddhist spirit of 四弘誓
願Shiguzeigan, the Four Extensive
Vows. Prof. Ryujo Yamada, thethird chancellor of the university,translated the first vow, “衆生無辺誓願度Shujou Muhen Seigando,”
as “happiness for everyone andeverything in this world,” and hehoped that our students would create a peaceful world with lots of joy
and good reasons to live as ourschool philosophy.
Therefore, we are trying to express
our founding spirit in easy-to-understand and modern ways for everyone
and we officially announced“Creating Peace & Happiness for theWorld” as our brand new motto,
which we adopted in 2016. I truly
hope that all of our students and staff
members of the university will be“happiness creators.”

We cannot create a true movement
for everyone if we settle upon only
one shape of happiness, so we dare
to use Katakana to express “カタチKatachi.” We believe that the shapeof happiness varies, and being
happy mentally and physically suffices as long as people are satisfied
with whatever shape they wanted.
Maybe happiness can be visuallyseen or maybe not. The mostimportant thing is that happinessshould not be just yours or mine,but should be for everyone andeverything.
We would like to create a school
where everyone’s life shines in theend. Students can spend their timeto create harmony with other students in a variety of shapes, andmake a good pattern of enhancing
synergies. The United Nations
recently focused on “Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)” toovercome the stereotypical ideas
and “wisdoms” with different perspectives on each task. We truly

hope that we can develop our students’ ability to “shape the happiness of the world” by blending withand enhancing each other. There
are 11 departments and 19 courses
at Musashino University at the
moment, and each one of them havejust started to give shape to eachone of the 17 SDGs.
(After the first question, the campus
chimes rang. The chime was the
melody of the Four Extensive
Vows, so everyone laughed.)
Well, there we heard thechime! Now we would like toknow how Musashino University
and BDK have been related toeach other.
We have a deep connection with
BDK. First of all, the late Rev. Dr.
Yehan Numata, the founder of BDK
and Mitutoyo Corporation, and thelate Rev. Toshihide Numata, thesecond chairman of BDK, used to
be on our board of trustees. BDK
donated 100,000 stock shares of
Mitutoyo Corporation to us in 1978,
and we were able to establish ascholarship program based on the5profits. BDK also sponsored thebuilding of our kindergarten in
1967. Moreover, our pipe organ,
which is made by Bosch, a famous
German organ company and islocated in the No. 6 building on theMusashino campus, was donated by
BDK for our 60th anniversary in
1988. We truly appreciate how
BDK has supported the Buddhist
education of our school.
We must thank Musashino
University for giving us such avariety of great opportunities.
What do you think about “The
Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)”
published by BDK?
I remember that I saw TTOB atsome hotel for the first time. The
cover of the book impacted me withthe picture of the bright morningsun. However, I did not haveenough time to read everything atthat time.
It was when I started my career at
Musashino University in 1997 that I
first read it carefully. I got my position here because Prof. Shoyu
Hanayama, who had taught at
Musashino and contributed to the
publication of TTOB, passed away.
Students loved Prof. Hanayama andhe was such a popular instructor. I
still remember one student’s comment at the end of my first year ofteaching at Musashino. The comment said that the best part of mylectures was the video of Prof.
Hanayama’s lecture, so I was kindof disappointed and ashamed(smiles). He was just exceptional.
Oh, what an experience you had
regarding Prof. Hanayama!
How did you use TTOB in yourclass?

6

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─I frequently used TTOB in my class,“Outlines of Buddhism,” which all
the students must take, until I was
inaugurated as President ofMusashino University in 2016. The
Supporter’s Association allows us to
distribute TTOB to all the new students during the entrance ceremony.
In my class, everyone chants 三帰依
文 Sankiemon, the Three Statementsof Devotion, together, then theysilently ruminate at first, and thenthey read four to five pages of
TTOB and we listen to each others’comments and reviews.
Students read TTOB little bylittle during each class! What
made you use TTOB for yourclass?
TTOB contains a lot of easy-tounderstand examples for students,
so it was very useful for me to
explain difficult expressions of
Buddhism. I even made my students explain their selection of thebest phrase from TTOB in exams.
TTOB enabled them to understandBuddhism easily and made myclasses interesting. My students
seemed to enjoy those classes, too.
“You are the strangest professor in
my entire college life.” My student’s comment like this was agreat encouragement for me(laughs). They told me that they
could learn something they cannot
learn from an “ordinary” class andthey found that learing Buddhism
this way was “fun”!
“Blossoms come about because of aseries of conditions that lead up to
their blooming. Leaves are blown
away because a series of conditions
lead up to it.” (“The Teaching of
Buddha”『 和 英 対 照 仏 教 聖 典 』
Causation II Causation No. 2 onP.82) “I have loved this body withno thought of throwing it away, but
now I make it an offering to this tigressso that I may gain Enlightenment.”(“The Teaching of Buddha”『和英対 照 仏 教 聖 典 』 The Way ofPractical Attainment II The Ways ofPractice on P. 338) Those twophrases had the strongest impact on
students. One time, we role-played
the story of the two demons thatdevoured the dead body of a man as
an example of how “all worldly
things are impermanent.” (“TheTeaching of Buddha”『和英対照仏教聖典』The Way of Purification
III Teaching of Ancient Fables No.
10 on P. 282)
I also gave students an example of
how they can face life through thesaying that “In this world there arethree wrong viewpoints.” (“ The
Teaching of Buddha”『和英対照仏教聖典』Causation III Dependent
Origination No. 3 on P. 86) I did nottell them these are wrong viewpoints
at first, and I let them discuss each of
those viewpoints. At any rate, I must
thank “The Teaching of Buddha” forshowing my students great examplesof life.
Sounds like students absorbed
the teachings of Buddhism little by little through four yearsof college.
Yes, but some new students do noteven know that Musashino
University is one of those Buddhist
universities. At our entrance ceremony, we place a Buddhist altar infront of the main hall and chant theThree Statements of Devotion andthe Four Extensive Vows. Some ofthem think that it looks like a funeral (laughs). I guess that students
gradually come to understand theProf. Nishimoto talks about his memories of TTOB

Buddhist perspectives, ways ofthinking, and how you live, andrealize the greatness of those matters through the Buddhist study
classes and school services andevents.
Speaking of that, it was about twenty years ago when I started myteaching career at Musashino that I
found my students gathered by thewindow of a classroom at the time
we were supposed to start a class.
Therefore, I asked them what waswrong. One of them answered thata poor little wandering sparrow had
hit the window of a classroom andhad just died in her hands. The sudden incident surprised everyone in
the class and it was not the rightmood for starting a class anymore.
I suggested that we should conduct
a funeral for the sparrow, and wechanted sutras and buried the sparrow in our garden. I received many
comments from my students about

the funeral at the last class sessionof that year.
Students may experience something
they do not expect during their four
years of college. I hope that theywould experience a variety ofthings, learn how to live their lives
and leave the nest of Musashinowith something other than justlearning about their academic interests.
Thank you for using TTOB in
various ways for decades! As
TTOB has been used in manydifferent countries in theworld, what do you think of
how TTOB can be used at
educational institutions?
We can see some recent trends inwhich hotels do not place religionrelated publications like TTOB in
hotel rooms anymore, but I believethat we can desterilize them at edu-

cational institutions. I have heardthat hundreds of students take classes about Buddhism at universities
abroad, so TTOB can be used efficiently as a text for survey classesof Buddhism.
And I think that the new era of“Africa” will be around the corner.
Of course, Asian countries areimportant, but BDK can look at
African countries and other areas
where most of the people do noteven know about Buddhism yet.
I encountered TTOB in Braille atthe time I was taking care of a
Braille study group in 1981. I knewthat TTOB had been translated into
various languages, but I had no ideathat BDK had prepared a Brailleversion of the book too! I strongly
recommend TTOB for those who
do not have a chance to learn theteachings of Buddhism or who haveinterests in Buddhism and hope tohave easy-to-understand publica-

7

tions about Buddhism in the world.
I totally agree. Anyway, I
heard
that
Musashino
University has welcomed
more international students
since everything tends to be
more international anddiverse. As one of the major
Japanese Buddhist universities, is Musashino doing anything about understanding
other religions and diversity?
Our school developed the “100Visions for the Globalization ofMusashino University” as we movetowards our 100th anniversary in
2024, and we have been trying to bea university where students canspread their wings and go out in theworld, and we welcome the wholeworld at the same time. About 600
international students are enrolled
in 2019, so we would like to welcome 1,500 by 2024 and 3,000 by
2034. Therefore, we will have tohave more dormitories for international students, and advertise more
widely about our unique departments and courses like our Global
Business course in which all students must take classes in English
and Data Science, and study AI,
Artificial Intelligence. AlthoughMusashino is a Buddhist university,
we have a prayer room for Muslims
because we guarantee the freedomof religion for everyone.
Well, speaking of globalization, we
started the “Global Communication
Course” in 2019, and all sophomore
students will study at one of twelve
affiliated universities in the U.S. forsix months. We eventually will add
more educational programs to provide more opportunities so that all
Musashino students can study

8

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

Cherry blossom of Ariake campus

abroad at least once in their college
years.
With the idea of globalization,
Dr. Junjiro Takakusu, the founderof Musashino University,
established the school for“women’s education” at thattime. As the university is now
a co-educational school, what
do you think of women’s education and the opportunities
for women in the modern
world?
Dr. Takakusu once said, “Onlywomen can remove the curtain of
darkness.” He aimed to establish a
women’s university at that time.
However, it was not accepted, so hestarted Musashino Women’s HighSchool then. He thought thatwomen should receive a proper
education and develop their abilities
to create a new world, and this was
at a time when women had fewer
opportunities. I believe that he hada clear vision to see into the futureof the “gender-equal society” that
we currently have today. We started co-educational programs 15
years ago in 2004. We would liketo continue the founder’s will andcreate a school in which both
women and men can work hard
together and grow with each other.
Speaking of about globalization, you studied at a university in the U.S.? Did you feelthe differences between
Japanese education and foreign education based on yourexperiences?
Yes, I experienced the differences
between the U.S. and Japan towards
the attitude of learning. Students in
the U.S. frequently ask questions of
their instructors in class, and I saw
lots of students who were struggling to finish their homework
every day at a library or elsewhereon campus. They even sat on thefloor in a line and typed on theirlaptops before class, like sparrowsperched on electrical wires. We
would like to create the mood ofsuch an atmosphere at our
University as well.
Thank you for giving us
strong messages. Lastly,
could you tell us what you
expect in the way of BDK
activities in the future? And
please give us your message
to prospective students, who
are about to start their
Buddhist studies.
As I told you earlier, we started a
new course called Data Science, inwhich we try to develop the humanresources for leadership of the AI
generation. AI can store data,process it and make decisions. AI
is about to take over most of ourjobs and work. I wonder if AI canfeel the meanings of life like wehumans do. Buddha teaches themeanings of life and speaks of the
preciousness of appreciating others.
I believe that Buddhist perspectives
and practices will be necessary forsurvival in an uncertain world.
Therefore, I hope that BDK would

provide even more opportunities indifferent “ カ タ チ ,” shapes foreveryone to learn Buddhism.
BDK established the fellowship
program for foreign scholars in1991 (see the pages of “ BDK
Fellowship”). It is a great support
for those promising scholars, andBDK has really contributed to theexchange of international students
for such a long time. Therefore, I
hope that BDK will continue these
programs from now on.
I think any learning is rewarding. It
broadens our perspectives infinitely
if you seriously push forward to try
to learn. If you engage in Buddhist
studies, you will be highlighting
things and places where people
practiced those lessons of
Buddhism throughout its long history. It doubles the fun if you take it
as a challenge to find unlimited
treasures everywhere. Moreover,
the joy of finding truths that open
up new worlds while you areengaged in deep research will resonate with your life. That eventually connects to the echo of everyone’s happiness. I truly hope that
more Buddhist scholars will emerge

and grow with the great help of
BDK.
TTOB gave us a fantastic opportunity to visit Musashino University,a leading Buddhist university inJapan. We reconfirmed our strong
relationship with the help of
President Nishimoto’s kind andcheerful tone and personality.
Furthermore, we realized how
TTOB can be used at a university,where people learn various things
about life.
BDK will continue to distribute freecopies of TTOB to schools anywhere in the world, and we aim to
publish books that will allow readers to become familiar with different religions and nationalities.
For more information about
Musashino University, please visit
their official website athttps://www.musashino-u.ac.jp/
For more information about “The
Teaching of Buddha” and BDK,
please visit our official website atwww.bdk.or.jp

Rev. Dr. Teruma Nishimoto
Born in Hiroshima, Japan in 1962. Ph. D. in Buddhist Studies from the
University of Tokyo in 1996. Studied at Harvard University, National Taiwan
Normal University, University of California, Berkeley, and the Chinese
Academy of Social Science. Inaugurated as President of Musashino
University in April 2016 after being Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences
and Dean of Graduate school of Buddhist Studies. Also served as a
Director of the International Association of Shin Buddhist Studies, Principalof Musashino University Kindergarten.
His published works include: 『三階教の研究』(春秋社) “A study of theSanjiejiao” (Shunjusha Publishing Company) and 『｢華厳経｣を読む』(角川学芸出版) “Reading the Avataṃsaka Sūtra” (KADOKAWA), etc.

9

BDK JAPAN

03
Activity

NEWS 2018
The 3rd BDK Buddhist Picture Book Prize
Competition“Kokoro-no-Ehon-Taisho(Picture Book for Your Heart and Mind)”

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) hosted the 3rd BDK Buddhist PictureBook Prize Competition co-sponsored by Suzuki Publications andsupported by Mainichi Newspaper, the Japan Buddhist Nursing
Association and the National Youth Indoctrination Council with theaim of promoting the development of the hearts and minds of children through reading.

Mr. Hiroki Hattori

We received 75 submissions for the
3rd Competition, and the judges
commented that the quality of thesubmissions was higher than in the04
Activity

past. Mr. Keisuke Nishimoto, awriter of children’s literature, Mr.
Tomohiko Fujimoto, a picture bookartist, and Mr. Minoru Haga, chief
editor from Suzuki Publications,carefully selected one work for the
grand prize, three for outstanding
awards, and five for fine works.
The grand prize went to “Rippana
Hiyoko Rippana Niwatori (Magnificent
Chick, Magnificent Chicken) written and drawn by Mr. Hiroki
Hattori. The story describes a heartwarming relationship between achick who wants everything he“Hiyoko-ga-Hoshiimono”

thinks is cool and his mother who
keeps going easy on what he doeswith her warm eyes.
Mr. Hattori’s work has been edited
as “Hiyoko-ga-Hoshiimono (Whata Chick Wants)” and was publishedin March 2019.

“Let it Shine!” Temple Bulletin Board Project 2018

This project invites SNS posts of slogans on bulletin boards at temples throughout Japan and selects a
grand prize by reviews and comments.
It started on July 1, 2018 with thesupport of Chugai Nippo andBukkyo Times. It was broadly
reported on major websites as the10

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

first Buddhist SNS project, andwebsites even in China and Taiwan
took notice of this. We received
296 posts on Twitter and 396 posts

on Instagram for four months ending on October 31, 2018.
The grand prize, “You will die
someday. Said by Shakyamuni,”was chosen from about 700 posts,
and it was posted at Ganrenji
Temple of the Shinshu Ohtani
school in Gifu Prefecture. The postshocked many people, and it was
re-tweeted more than 40,000 times
on Twitter. The Bukkyo Dendo
Kyokai special prize went to one
from Honzan Bukkoji Temple of
the Shinshu Bukkoji school in
Kyoto. We had a variety of uniqueand impressive selections andnoticed how Japanese temples concentrate on bulletin board posts as apart of their missionary work.

05

The grand prize, “You will die someday. Said by Shakyamurri.”

For more information about the project and future plans, please visit the official page at www.bdk.or.jp/kagayake2019/

Activity

National Hotel Management Seminar

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) has supported and participated in the National Hotel Management Seminar
hosted by Ohta Publications Co., Ltd. since 2017. In 2018, seminars were held in cities in Aichi, Okinawa,
Osaka, Hiroshima and Ishikawa prefectures. BDK members presented our activities for 20 minutes at
each seminar and introduced how we operate and how we can contribute to other participants in the hotelindustry.
BDK started distributing email
magazines to those who work in the
hotel industry in 2018. The magazine features a “Counseling Cornerby Buddhist Priests.” Priests

respond to problems and questions
asked by people who work in the
hotel industry, and this service has
been quite popular.

Place

No. ofparticipants

Aichi

The Strings Hotel Nagoya

61

Jun. 18

Okinawa

Loisir Hotel Naha

63

Jul. 20

Osaka

Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka

90

Nov. 19

Hiroshima

Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima

40

Mar. 27

Ishikawa

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel

36

Date

Prefecture

Apr. 26

March 27 in Ishikawa

11

BDK JAPAN

06
Activity

NEWS 2018
The 5th Competition and the 4th Exhibition for
the BDK Calendar “A Wise Teaching A Day”

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) hosted the fifth competition and the 4th exhibition for the BDK calendar “A
Wise Teaching A Day” that originally started in 2014. We received 2,147 submissions sent from 640 people and it was the highest number since 2014. We held a selection meeting on September 6, 2018 andcommittee members selected 32 out of 2,147 entries. The committee presented certificates and prize
money to those who were selected. They are available for view on our official website.

The fourth exhibition was held in threeplaces in Japan: the Information Centerat Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple in Tokyo
from April 28 to May 27, Hoshokan at
Byodoin Temple Museum in Kyoto
from June 30 to September 17, and themain hall at Zuiganji Temple in Miyagi
from October 19 to November 25. It
was the first exhibition of the BDK
Calendar “A Wise Teaching A Day” tobe held in Tohoku, the northeasternarea in Japan, and many visited theZuiganji exhibition.
About 80,000 people visited the exhibition at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple,
263,000 people at Byodoin Temple,

07
Activity

Committee members select photograhs

and 80,000 people at Zuiganji Temple.
Visitors all had a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with the

Buddha’s words in association withphotographs.

Exhibition of the “Picture Story of Shakyamuni”

Seven original pieces of the “Picture Story of Shakyamuni” painted by the Japanese artist, Mr. Kosetsu
Nosu, were exhibited with old references and photographs at Hoshokan of Byodoin Temple Museum in
Kyoto from June 30, 2018 to September 14, 2018.

On the first day of the exhibition,
Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) held apress conference and Rev. Shoryu
Katsura, BDK President, explained
how Mr. Nosu started painting thosepieces. Rev. Bunsho Kamii, head

12

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

priest of Byodoin Temple, commented
that “each body is differently drawn
with each age, and Mr. Nosu carefully
examined not only the stories, but also
human bodies.” His evaluation wasreceived with great appreciation.

Many visitors enjoyed the history of
Mr. Nosu and the references such as
his handwritten letters. BDK is grateful to have held this event with his
original pieces at a historical place like
Byodoin Temple.

08

Exhibition at Hoshokan of Byodoin Temple

Activity“BDK English Tripiṭaka” Translation Project

The BDK English Tripiṭaka Editorial Committee welcomed a new member, Prof. Dr. Kenryo Minowa, andaims to explore ways to speed up the translation and publication of the Buddhist texts selected for the firstseries and to cooperate with scholars of Buddhist studies all over the world.

The committee started a new projectwith the University of Tokyo to translate Yogacarabhumi-sastra (Yugashi
mantra) into English in 2018. This is
an important example of industry-university collaboration in Buddhist studies, and the committee aspires tomove things forward with greater
speed and efficiency.
BDK published 3 volumes as follows in
2018: THE BRAHMĀ'S NET SUTRA（梵網経）, THREE SHORT TREATISES BY VASUBANDHU, SENGZHAO, AND ZONGMI（世親・僧肇・宗密による三つの小論）and
THE CANONICAL BOOK OF THE

BUDDHA'S LENGTHY DISCOURSES VOLUME Ⅲ［長阿含経（3）］Committee meeting in the U. S.

13

BDK JAPANNEWS 2018

Financial Assistance and Honoring
Recipients

01
Activity

BDK Fellowship Programs
2018 BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) has two scholarship programs in Japan: “BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars”
and “BDK Fellowship for Japanese Scholars” to support scholars who would like to study Buddhism.

The BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars was established to promote international cooperation andmutual understanding in Buddhist studies, and it is intended to enable researchers to engage in research
on Buddhism while in Japan. The BDK Fellowship committee was established in 1991.

For the 29th year in 2019, we have selected three promising scholars at the committee meeting held in
February 2019.

The 29th Annual Awardees for BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars

Ms. Lu Lu
Affiliation in Japan : The International Research Institute for Advanced Buddhology, Soka University
Academic Advisor in Japan : Prof. Seishi Karashima
Theme of Research : Critical editions and a glossary of the Chinese non-Mahāyāna Buddhist translations of
the Later Han Dynasty
Mr. Maxwell Brandstadt
Affiliation in Japan : Department of Indian Philosophy and Buddhist Studies, Graduate School of Humanities
and Sociology and Faculty of Letters, The University of Tokyo
Academic Advisor in Japan : Prof. Masahiro Shimoda
Theme of Research : The Concept of the Icchantika in Jingying Huiyuan's Notes on the Meaning of theGreat Parinirvana Sutra

Mr. Anthony Scott
Affiliation in Japan : Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, The University of Tokyo
Academic Advisor in Japan : Associate Prof. Norihisa Baba and Associate Prof. Ryusuke Kuramoto
Theme of Research : Milindapañha-aṭṭhakathā, a modern and extraordinary Pali commentary on the
Questions of King Milinda, composed by a pioneer of early twentieth-century Burmese vipassanā meditation,
the Mula Mingun Jetavana Sayadaw (1868-1954)

14

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─The 28th Annual Awardees for BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars
Question:1 ) What made you apply for the 2018 BDK Fellowship?
2 ) What is/are the best thing(s) about being a BDK Fellowship holder?
3 ) What do you think about your future career?

Mr. Vladimir Angirov
Nationality : Russia
Affiliation in Japan : Faculty of Humanities, Kyushu University
Academic Advisor in Japan : Associate Prof. Kei Kataoka
Theme of Research : Preparation of a critical edition of Jñānaśrīmitra's Īśvaravāda

1 ) I am working on the debate
between Buddhism and Hindu religions about the creator deity. This
research requires not only an understanding of Buddhism, but also agood knowledge of multiple Hindu
schools (e.g. Nyāya, Mīmāṃsa).
This is why I had wished to study
for some time under the guidance ofProf. Kei Kataoka from Kyushu
university, who has very profoundknowledge of both Buddhist logicalschools and non-Buddhist Indianphilosophies.
2 ) The best thing about being a BDK
Fellowship holder is having very
flexible conditions and the absenceof complicated formalities. My aca-

demic advisor andI can fully determine the content
and methods of myresearch. I am very
thankful to BDK
for the generous
support.

3 ) The motivationof my studies is mywish to make acontribution to preserving Buddhist Mr, Angirov (left) and Associate Prof. Katayama (right)
teachings. I hope toronment working on translation
be able to do academic work at a
projects, educating Buddhist practiuniversity, both by teaching andtioners, etc.
doing research. But I would also be
glad to be in a non-academic envi-

Ms. Meghan Howard
Nationality : USA
Affiliation in Japan : Waseda University
Academic Advisor in Japan : Prof. Nobuyoshi Yamabe
Theme of Research : The Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra and sermon notes (Yuqie lun shouji 瑜伽論手記 and Yuqie
lun fenmen ji 瑜伽論分門記) commenting on it by Facheng 法成 /Chos grub found among the Dunhuangmanuscripts

1 ) My dissertation is focused on
Facheng 法 成 /Chödrup (Chosgrub), a monk who translated
Buddhist texts from Chinese to

Tibetan and Tibetan to Chinese in
Dunhuang during the ninth century.

15

BDK JAPANNEWS 2018
Facheng devoted the last part of hislife to lecturing on the
Yogācārabhūmi, and these lectures
were preserved in notes taken by his
students. Because the study ofYogācāra (both in India and in East
Asia) is very developed in Japan,
BDK presented a wonderful opportunity to study with some of theforemost Yogācāra scholars in theworld.
2 ) The best part of receiving a BDK
Fellowship has been the opportunity
to spend a year in Japan, which isreally the international center of
Buddhist Studies scholarship.
During my time here, I have beenable to meet exceptional scholars
and make use of superb libraries. In

such an environment,
it is easy to makeprogress on my dissertation. Since myresearch focuses on
Buddhist traditions
from long ago, I am
also grateful for the
chance to experience
Buddhism as a living
tradition in the modern world.

Ms. Howard (left) and Prof. Yamabe (right)

3 ) After completing my PhD, I hope
to find a job teaching Buddhist history in a US university. In particular, I hope to share the riches of the
Buddhist tradition with theAmerican public by researching,translating, and teaching about thehistory of Buddhism on the Silk
Road. The academic job market in
the US is very competitive thesedays, but the BDK Fellowship andthe experiences and insights I havegained through spending a year inJapan will certainly be a strong positive influence on my prospects.

Mr. Gilsan Lee
Nationality : Korea
Affiliation in Japan : The University of Tokyo
Academic Advisor in Japan : Associate Prof. Koichi Takahashi
Theme of Research : On the history of the concept of the afflicted mind in the early Yogacara tradition

1 ) I was strongly recommended by
Prof. Ahn, my advisor in Korea toapply for it. In fact, before his suggestion I had already been aware ofthis Fellowship through several
talks with Prof. Park, who often
pleasantly reminisced about his stayin Kyoto. Many others also advised
me to benefit from BDK.

2 ) Of course, I have had several benefits thanks to BDK, but it is thebest thing for me to have a chance
to benefit from the profundity of theJapanese academic tradition in
Buddhist studies.

16

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

Fall scenery on the University of Tokyo campus (photo taken by Mr. Lee)3 ) After my stay in Tokyo, I’ll finish
my doctoral thesis. If possible, Ialso hope to stay in Taiwan before I
finish my thesis. Along with myexperience in Tokyo, it would help
me enhance my local academic network for Buddhist studies in the
future, if I have a chance.

02
Activity

2018 BDK Fellowship for Japanese Scholars

The BDK Fellowship for Japanese Scholars program was established in 2012, and aims to promote international
cooperation and mutual understanding in Buddhist studies. They are intended to enable Japanese researchers
to engage in research on Buddhism while in foreign countries.

For the 7th year in 2019, we have selected three promising scholars at the committee meeting held in
December 2018.

The 7th Annual Awardees for BDK Fellowship for Japanese Scholars<For 12 months>
Mr. Yosuke Fujimoto
Affiliation : Department of Indian and Tibetan Studies, Asia-Africa Institute, University of Hamburg
Academic Advisor in Germany : Prof. Michael Zimmermann
Theme of Research : The origins and development of the Sarvāstivādin theory of defilements: with a special
focus on anuśaya
<For 6 months>
Mr. Daisei Michimoto
Affiliation : Institut für Kultur- und Geistesgeschichte Asiens
Academic Advisor in Austria : Prof. Birgit Kellner
Theme of Research : A Study of Non-Cognition(anupalabdhi)<For 4 months>
Mr. Chōjun Yazaki
Affiliation : Department of Indology and Tibetology, Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Marburg
Academic Advisor in Germany : Prof. Michael Zimmermann
Theme of Research : A Study of the Cāndravyākaraṇapañjikā of Ratnamati

17

BDK JAPANNEWS 2018
The 6th Annual Awardees for BDK Fellowship for Japanese Scholars

Question:1 ) What made you apply for the 2018 BDK Fellowship?
2 ) What is/are the best thing(s) about being a BDK Fellowship holder and what do you think about your future career?
3 ) What did you like the most about life in a foreign country?
Mr. Kazuho Yamasaki
Affiliation : Department of Religious Studies, McMaster University
Academic Advisor in Canada : Prof. Shayne Clarke
Theme of Research : A Study on Buddhist Narratives in the Kṣudrakavastu of the Mūlasarvāstivādavinaya

1 ) I have focused on the research of
Buddhist tales written after the 5th
century in India. They are based on
the literature of disciplines/laws andmake references to scriptures. I had
to solve the problem of how eachtale was historically expanded fromthe source of each tale. Therefore, I
decided to apply for the 2018 BDK
Fellowship for Japanese Scholars
because I believed that I could continue my research under the supervision of Prof. Clarke, who has
already presented excellent research
results about the literature of disciplines.
2 ) The best part about studying at aforeign research institute is that I
can participate in any type of workshop and discuss issues. It does notmatter if you are an undergraduate
student, a graduate student, or a
researcher. Participants differ intheir interests or research fields,
however, everyone speaks freely sothat I could understand a variety ofliterary interpretations and develop
my ability to have diverse perspectives.

3 ) Toronto University is near
McMaster University, where I was
affiliated, so I could attend someworkshops there, too. We often collaborated and I could deepen my

Mr. Yamasaki (left) and Prof. Clarke (right)

research on Buddhism while I was
attending presentations held atToronto University as well.

Mr. Nobuyuki Suzuki
Affiliation : Leiden University Institute for Area Studies (LIAS)
Academic Advisor in the Netherlands : Prof. Jonathan Silk
Theme of Research : A Study on the first chapter Dānapāramitā in the Śikṣāsamucaya

1 ) Fortunately, I was able to study atLeiden University in the Netherlands.
The BDK Fellowship for Japanese
Scholars was interesting to me
because I was looking for somescholarships that would enable me
to study at Leiden University. The

18

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

grant is sufficient, and even provided my airfare, too.

2 ) With the great support of Bukkyo
Dendo Kyokai (BDK), I was able tofocus on my studies and researches
without worrying about my finan-cial situation. I am also a Buddhist
priest in Tochigi prefecture, Japan.
One of my temple followers is
working for Mitutoyo. Mitutoyo
sponsors all the BDK activities andtheir efforts made my study/researchpossible. I truly appreciate it andwill do my best to complete my Ph.
D. thesis at Leiden University.
1 ) The city of Leiden is beautiful
with historical buildings and canals.
It is the oldest university city in the
Netherlands so the entire atmosphere is academic, and it is a wonderful gift from the people who
continue living there for past
decades and make efforts to support
it. I love Leiden and sincerely
appreciate the opportunity to havebeen there for six months.

Mr. Suzuki (middle) and his friends

Mr. Kisho Hatano
Affiliation : Institut für Kultur- und Geistesgeschichte Asiens
Academic Advisor in Austria : Prof. Birgit Kellner
Theme of Research : Dharmakīrti’s Structure of Apoha Theory according to Tibetan Commentaries

1 ) I wanted to experience the best
possible place that would allow
me to do research in my field ofstudy. However, I have neverbeen to a foreign country before,
so I was curious about living in aforeign country. I also hoped that
I would be able to develop myability in languages such as
English and German.

Europe on weekends on my sparetime. European people speak
English very well, and it was

impressive that they even speak
several languages.

2 ) I am thankful that I was able tosee objectively what I had done inJapan, and could learn how to
expand my research. I would liketo continue my research and haveit be available to foreign
researchers.
3 ) It was very convenient to go toother countries by plane or train
from Vienna. I was able to travelto neighboring countries in

Mr. Hatano (middle) and Prof. Kellner (second from the left)

19

BDK JAPAN

03
Activity

NEWS 2018
BDK Fellowship “Gathering for Scholarship
Holders” on June 14, 2018 at Bukkyo Dendo
Center Building

The BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars program welcomed its 29th year, and the BDK Fellowship forJapanese Scholars also turned in its 7th year in 2018.

Previous awardees have actively continued their researches and studies foryears on the front lines in the field of
Buddhist studies, and most of them
are now teaching at educational institutes all over the world. BDK encourages smoother communication
between each other and provides
more opportunities to connect students with their professors. We invited foreign scholars who are now staying in Japan and Japanese scholars
who are going to start studying
abroad.
Eight scholars from the BDK
Fellowship for Foreign Scholars program and two of their professors
attended the gathering and introduced
themselves and their studies andresearches to everyone. The BDK
Fellowship selection committee members were also invited and they shared

Dr. Watanabe (2014 Awardee)

Dr. Marciniak (2017-2018 Awardee)

Presentation given by Ms. Kamarid (2017 Awardee)ideas about how we should continue
supporting young promising scholars
who wish to study Buddhism in Japanand in other countries as well. We
intend to continue the long history of
our scholarship programs.
After their presentations, participants
toured the Bukkyo Dendo Center
Building and had a Buddhist vegetarian dinner together. Everyone enjoyedthis opportunity and reconfirmed theircommitment to study Buddhism in the
future as well.
For more information about
BDK Fellowships, please visit
our official website at

Mr. Nishiyama (2017 Awardee)

20

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

Rev. Shraman (2017 Awardee)

www.bdk.or.jp

04
Activity

The 52nd BDK Cultural Awards Ceremony on
October 14, 2018 at the Bukkyo Dendo Center
Building

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) offers the Bunka-Sho, the Cultural Award for the Promotion of Buddhism, which
was started in 1967, and the Numata Shorei-Sho, the Numata Innovation & Visionary Award, which was started
in 2012 and is given to individuals who are already exhibiting dedicated service to Buddhism, and in time will
become up-and-coming contributors to the promotion of Buddhism.
The 52nd BDK Cultural Awards ceremony and banquet were held withmany guests to celebrate Rev. Eshin
Nishimura, the Bunka-Sho winner,and Mr. Jun Miura, the Numata
Shorei-Sho winner.
Rev. Dr. Nishimura is a former chancellor of Hanazono University and hesaid, “Here I am with many relationships, chances that I was given by
many people. I just could not imagine
that I am able to be an awardee forsuch an honor as the BDK Cultural

Award. I truly appreciate
all the help and various
opportunities others havegiven to me in my life.”
Mr. Miura is a professional manga artist andan illustrator. He still
remembers his younger
days and how he Rev. Nishimura (second from the left) and Mr. Miura (second from the right)
encountered a Buddhist
The BDK Cultural Award Committee
statue for the first time. He ended his
selected the following awardees at its
speech saying, “I will continue doing
selection meeting.
my best for the future.”

BDK Cultural Awardfor the Promotion of
Buddhism

Numata Shorei-Sho, theNumata Innovation &Visionary Award

Rev. Eshin Nishimura

Mr. Jun Miura●Contributed to the research of
Zen ideology and its prevalence inand out of Japan for decades.

●Leads the boom of creating
Buddhist statues and sends strong
messages about the Buddhist spirit to younger generations

BDK Received “Jun Miura Awards”

Mr. Jun Miura, who is a Numata
Shorei awardee hosts the “ Jun
Miura Awards” for honoring peopleor thing(s) that were symbolized foreach year.
2018 was the 21st year for thisaward and BDK was selected forthe prize. The scene of BDK
accepting the award was networkedon the online video streaming service, “GYAO!” on December 25,
2018.

For more information about BDK Cultural Awards, please visit our official website at www.bdk.or.jp

21

BDK JAPAN

05
Activity

NEWS 2018
BDK Financial Assistance Programs – Update for 2018
Workshop for “Buddhist Priests in Modern Society”
hosted by the All Japan Young Buddhist Association

For one of the 2018 BDK Financial Assistance Programs, BDK supported the workshop for “Buddhist Priests inModern Society” hosted by the All Japan Young Buddhist Association that sponsors seminars and workshops foryoung priests throughout Japan.

The participants discussed the futureof their missions based on their local
circumstances and social environment
and established new relationships
with other colleagues from other partsof Japan.
BDK staff members also attended
each workshop and introduced BDK
activities and exchanged informationthat supports the younger generation.
The relationship that we were able tobuild through these workshops will bea big step for our future activities.

Hodenji in Shizuoka prefecture on September 6

Date

Name of Temple

Prefecture

No. of Participants

Apr. 3Apr. 11
Apr. 17
Apr. 27
May 16
May 30Jun. 16
Jun. 19
Jun. 25
Jul. 2
Jul. 31
Sep. 6
Sep. 7
Sep. 12
Sep. 13
Oct. 19
Oct. 31

Jonenji
MyokeiinGanoji
Jodoshin Shu Hongwanji School Nara Kyomusho
Young Buddhist Association Kobe office
Chokokuji
Shin Shu Ohtani School Kanazawa Kyomusho
RinshojiJodoinJobutsuji
Shoeiji
Hodenji
Seianji
Soto Shu Shimane No.2 Shumusho
Enryuin
Korinji
Tsukiji Hongwanji

Miyagi
Hirosihma
Aichi
Nara
Hyogo
NaganoIshikawa
Niigata
Yamagata
Kanagawa
Yamaguchi
Shizuoka
Gifu
ShimaneTottori
Tochigi
Tokyo

12
11
15
5
13
12
12
5
20
8
11
7
16
15
12
8
28

For more information about the BDK financial assistance programs, please visit our official website atwww.bdk.or.jp

22

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─01

Buddhist Lectures and Seminars

Activity

The Weekly Radio Program on FM Osaka“WARAIMESHI TETSUO’s
Saturday★Night Buddhism”

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) started a weekly radio program for those who do not have many opportunities toknow about Buddhism in their ordinary life. The program presents fun and easy-to-understand talks.

Tetsuo with “The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)”

Tetsuo with his autographed message boards for the listeners

Tetsuo from Warimeshi, a Japanesestand-up comedy duo, is one of thewell-known comedians who adores
Buddhism. BDK collaborated withhim and started a weekly radio program from June 1, 2018. We have amain theme for each program suchas Obon (Festival of the Dead),
Ohigan (Equinoctal week), Goshuin(a red stamp given at a temple or
shrine to show that you have visited
there), but most of the time, Tetsuo

freely talks about tips about
Buddhism. He is famous for beinga “Buddhism Geek,” and his talks
for this radio program mix his richknowledge of Buddhism with hissense of humor. The program lasts
only for five minutes, but it has
been popular among the younger
generation of those in their teens
and twenties.
The official website for the program welcomes various questions

and comments. For instance, “Hi
Tetsuo-san! I became interested in
Sanskrit after I started listening to
your program.” “I listen to the program before I go to bed. Buddhism
sounds like fun!” We received somany comments from listeners who
used to have no idea about
Buddhism. We have heard from listeners that five-minutes are too
short, therefore, we regularly post it
as a “Podcast,” which is available
in Japanese with no charge. The
number of counts has always beenin the top 20 and the program is
now getting more popular outsideof the Osaka area as well. The program has been continuing through2019. Please tune in!
For more information, please visit
our official website at www.bdk.or.jp

23

BDK JAPAN

02
Activity

NEWS 2018
Learning from ZEN and Yoga:
Releasing and Receiving
on April 14, 2018 at Soto Shu Seishoji Temple

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) held a Zazen and Yoga event in the middle of the skyscrapers in Tokyo.
Established in 1476, Seishoji Temple
is one of three of the oldest Soto Shu
temples, and people in the neighborhood of the Atago-area in Minato-ku,
Tokyo have been familiar with thetemple for such a long time. 50 people participated in the Zazen, Dharma
talk and Yoga event. Participants
gathered in the main hall and first listened to a dharma talk given by Rev.
Mukan Kamata from Seishoji Temple,
and then moved to the Zazen Hall andexperienced real Zazen with instructions on how to sit. Most of them had
never experienced Zazen before, andthey all enjoyed the solemn atmosphere of the historical temple in what
was a memorable experience. After
Zazen, everyone moved to the
Kannon Hall and attended a Yoga

03
Activity

Zazen lecture by Rev. Kamata

workshop.
Mr. Akira Watamoto is one of theleading Yoga instructors in Japan, and“the world of Watamoto” creates a
special atmosphere. The Yoga session
lasted for an hour and a half.
In the discussion between Rev.

Kamata and Mr. Watamoto after
Yoga, they talked about “releasing
and receiving.” They are in two different worlds, but participants could
find similarities and differences
between Yoga and Buddhism that
aroused their interest and curiosity.

The 48th Jissen Fukyo Kenkyukai, BDK Buddhist
Missionary Seminar at the Jodo Shu Head Templeof Chion-in

The Buddhist Missionary Seminar (BMS) encourages participants to experience and practice the path of
the founders of various Japanese Buddhist schools. Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) hopes participants will
deepen their understanding of Buddha’s teachings by listening, thinking and sharing with everyone.
Starting from 2018, BDK began to provide more opportunities for participants to discuss and communicate with others on the day before the actual seminar dates. On June 5,2018 at Avanti Kyoto Hall of Ryukoku University, we had a24

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

small Bunka-kai, in which participants discussed one specific topic and later presented the results of their discussions
to the whole group. 13 priests attended the study group andparticipated in enthusiastic discussions.

BDK hosted the 48th BMS with thetheme of “Learning from Master
Honen” for two nights and three days
at Jodo Shu Sohonzan Chion-in in
Kyoto. We welcomed 43 priests andtheir family members from different
sects, and they practiced Nembutsu
chanting and learned from lots of discussions among participants.
Rev. Yuishin Ito, the 88th Monshu headof Jodo Shu Sohonzan Chion-in
Monzeki, greeted the BMS participantsat the opening ceremony on the firstday. On the following days, participants
attended the lectures given by Rev.
Tengen Tanaka, Rev. Kowa Nakamura,

04
Activity

and Mr. Sachiya Hiro and practiced
Nembutsu chanting, etc. They also
practiced Nembutsu under the bell of
the temple, and completed their threeday training with calm feelings.

For more information, please
visit our official website atwww.bdk.or.jp

Welcome Speech given by Rev. Yuishin Ito, 88th Jodo Monshu

Tsurumi University and BDK Co-Sponsors
Seminars at Tsurumi University Hall

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK)co-sponsored two seminars on
the theme of thanatology, andone in English for foreign people
in 2018.

“ When You Are Too Tired toThink about Being Alive or Dead”
Lecturers: Rev. Tesshu Shaku and
Dr. Yasufumi Nakoshi
Date: June 23, 2018
“How to Face Death”
Lecturer: Rev. Jikisai Minami
Date: September 1, 2018
“ZEN in Japanese Culture”
Lecturer: Rev. Issho Fujita
Date: October 23, 2018

Dr. Nakoshi (middle) and Rev. Shaku (right) on the stage

Tsurumi University is one of thelargest Soto Shu schools in Japanand is located next to Sojiji, theSoto Zen Head Monastery in
Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi. The
university has conducted continuing
education programs and seminars
for the past twenty years, and peo-ple from the neighborhood haveenjoyed a variety of lectures andseminars. With the great help of
Tsurumi University, BDK hosted
three seminars at Tsurumi University
Hall.
For the June seminar, we invited
Rev. Tesshu Shaku, who is a profes-

25

BDK JAPANNEWS 2018
sor at Soai University and is thechief priest of the Jodoshin Shu
Hongwanji school Nyoraiji Temple,
and Dr. Yasufumi Nakoshi, who is a
psychiatrist and critic. The themeof the June seminar was “When you
are too tired to think about being
alive or dead.” Dr. Nobuko Maeda,
vice-chancellor of Tsurumi University,
facilitated the seminar and the discussion between Dr. Maeda, Rev. Shakuand Dr. Nakoshi. Their witty comments created a friendly atmosphere.
For the September seminar, Rev.

05
Activity

Jikisai Minami, who is the chief
priest of Soto Shu Reisenji Temple
and Osorezan Bodaiji Temple and awinner of the Kobayashi Hideo prize
for his book “超越と実存（Choetsu
to Jitsuzon–Transcendence andExistence）,” talked about “How toface to death.” His humorous comments made the audience laugh all
the time during the seminar, but eachparticipant had a chance to think seriously about his or her own perspectives of “death.”
The October seminar was held in

English and welcomed many foreign participants as well asJapanese who study Buddhism inEnglish. Rev. Issho Fujita is a Soto
Shu International evangelist andinterpreter who has extensive experience abroad. The seminar started
off with high-fives of each other.
After the lecture about Zen, all participants experienced Zazen withchairs. It provided a great opportunity to learn Zen and Japanese
Buddhism with different points ofview for everyone.

Feel Buddhism: Experiencing SHIBA
in Minato-ku, Tokyo on October 13, 2018

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) is located in the Shiba area of Minato-ku, Tokyo, and Shiba has historical
temples of various schools. Under the co-sponsorship of temples in the Shiba area, the Minato Travel
and Tourism Association and the Japan Buddhist Federation, BDK hosted a one-day field trip visiting thetemples located in Shiba, Minato-ku with the theme of feeling the teachings of each Buddhist school.

“Feel Buddhism” consisted of amorning tour and an afternoon tour.
The morning tour was based on“feeling the atmosphere of temples
and experiencing Zazen.” The one
in the afternoon was “experiencing
Buddhist chanting, dharma talks,
Ajikan meditation and communication.”
For the morning group, participants
first visited Zojoji Temple, the chief
temple of the Jodo Buddhist Sect,
located in Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku,
and toured the precincts of the temple. After the visit to Zojoji, everyone moved to Seishoji Temple in
Atago, Minato-ku. Seishoji is oneof the most historical Soto Shu tem-

26

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

ples in Tokyo, and people enjoyed Zazen in
the solemn atmosphereof the temple.
For the afternoon
group, everyone visited
Komyoji, a Jodoshin
Shu Hongwanji school
temple in Toranomon, Gathering at Shinpukuji
Minato-ku, and chantall those visits and had tea while
ed a Buddhist sutra together and listalking to each other along withtened to dharma talks. After thepriests.
visit to Komyoji, participants
moved to Shinpukuji Temple, a
For more information, please
Shingon Shu Chizan School temple
visit our official website atin Atago, Minato-ku, and experiwww.bdk.or.jp
enced Ajikan meditation. About 30
people gathered at Shinpukuji after06
Activity

An Experiential Tour of Deathwith the Tastes of Buddhist Desserts
at Bukkyo Dendo Center Buildingon November 10, 2018

This special event welcomed Rev. Tetsuya Urakami, chief priest of Jodoshin Shu Nagomian temple, as
the facilitator of the “experiential tour of death,” and Rev. Yuken Kihara from Komyoji Temple of Jodoshin
Shu Hongwanji School, who provided “Buddhist desserts.”

Rev. Urakami (left) and Rev. Kihara (right) with “Buddhist desserts”

Participants shared stories after the workshop

The “Experiential Tour of Death” wasoriginally created for those who workat hospices in Europe and the U.S. tohelp them understand the feelings ofloss and suffering of dying patients. It
is said that you can face your real self
and the families of patients by simulating the experience of fear and sorrow. Rev. Urakami adjusted theworkshop in his own way to makepeople think about “what is life anddeath to you?” “what is the mostimportant thing for your life?” byParticipants wrote down important things for life

telling stories of what some people
have gone through. He usually invites
a small number of people in a regular
workshop, however, this special
opportunity welcomed more than 40
people.
After the workshop, participants
enjoyed seven different kinds of“Buddhist desserts” at a buffet table(Zenzai, sweet red bean soup; Sudachi
citrus jelly; Yuba chips, which are
deep-fried soymilk skin; Milk jelly
with cranberry jam; SO, a milk curdwith Bodhi-tree honey and sliced
lemon; dried apples; and mixed
organic nuts) with decaffeinateddrinks prepared by Rev. Yuken
Kihara. Rev. Kihara served each participant Zenzai one by one withfriendly comments. We all need to eat
something every day to stay alive.
This event provided an opportunity
for participants to rethink about “eating” in their daily lives in a comfortable setting.

27

BDK JAPAN

07
Activity

NEWS 2018
Special Zazen Retreat at Soto Zen Sojiji HeadMonastery on November 18, 2018

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) held a special event combining Zazen, Yoga and Shojin Ryori (Buddhist
vegetarian food) at Sojiji to provide more opportunities for people to experience Buddhist culture and its
spirit as we had in 2016 and 2017.

2018 was our third year of holding a
special Zazen event at Sojiji, and weagain welcomed Mr. Go Sato, a Yoga
instructor. About 100 people, including seven elementary school children, participated in the event.
For the previous times in 2016 and2017, we started the Yoga workshop
first. This time, however, we started
with a dharma talk by Rev. Komyo
Hanawa from Sojiji. He explained
the history of Sojiji and the teachingsof Soto Zen as well as Shojin Ryori(Buddhist vegetarian food). After histalk, participants learned how to sit,
experienced Zazen at the Zazen halland came back to the main hall topractice Yoga. After Yoga, those
who were interested in experiencing
the Buddhist way of vegetarian foodenjoyed the authentic Sojiji style of a
Shojin Ryori lunch and visited some

08
Activity

Lecture about Zazen by Rev. Hanawa

halls in Sojiji. The children seemed
to be having fun at a big temple for aday. BDK will continue to improvethe content of each event so that
more people including kids can easily access and learn about Buddhism.
For more information, please visit
our official website at www.bdk.or.jp

Yoga instruction by Mr. Sato

Other BDK Related Lectures, Classes, andEvents – Update for 2018

One of the missions of Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) is to “support education programs that advance theBuddhist sprit, culture and its study.” Seminars and lectures geared toward specific and general interests
are sponsored throughout the year.
Studying “ The Teaching of
Buddha (TTOB)” for Business

28

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

This lecture series was establishedmainly for business people who desirea background in Buddhism to help
them operate and manage their busi-

nesses with opportunities to learn
about the spirit of compassion and thewisdom of Buddhism. For 2018, wewelcomed Rev. Tozen Nakano, headpriest of Soto Shu Ryuhoji Temple,
and Rev. Gishun Yamada, head priest
of Jodoshin Shu Rinkoji Temple, andhosted a monthly lecture on every
third Wednesday at 6pm.
Studying “ The Teaching of
Buddha (TTOB)” for Daily Life
This monthly lecture shares the Dharma
with participants who learn how to live
their daily lives with the spirit of the
Buddha through reading TTOB. The lectures were held in a relaxed atmosphere
during the day and were delivered by Rev.
Ryojo Shioiri, head priest of Shokannon
Shu Sensoji Hozenin Temple, and Prof.
Rev. Ichigyo Oyama of Musashino
University. We hosted a monthly lecture

09
Activityon every fourth Tuesday at 1:30pm.

Buddhist Yoga
The two aspects of Buddhism andYoga can help in developing a calmand healthy life. BDK hopes that
more people can easily connect to
Buddhism through Yoga, and has held
monthly Yoga classes since 2015.
For 2018, we invited Rev. Yuuka
Gazzo, vice head priest of Jodo Shu
Seiganji Temple as our instructor
again. She combines her dharmatalks and Yoga along with a monthly
theme.

Lecture by Rev. Shioiri

For more information about
Buddhist Yoga, please refer to
P. 35 to P. 37, “Take a Break –Buddhist Yoga for people in theModern World.”

Lecture by Rev. Yamada

Elementary Course of Buddhist Lectures on“Japanese Buddhism – Learning from Scratch”
in Shibuya!

2018 is our third year of holding this series of lectures, and we changed the venue to Shibuya for the year
2018.
The lectures are about the basics ofeach school in terms of its principles, history and the life of eachfounder with dharma talks about
each lecturer’s own experience andbeliefs. As we held the seminar in
Shibuya, where we had not had
activities before, more new people
attended and had more chances tocome into contact with Buddhism.

For 2019, we are in Ikebukuro(TKP Garden City PREMIUM
Ikebukuro) and continue providing
a precious opportunity for more
people.

From Beginner to Intermediate level – Special Lecture About Nara
Buddhism and Heian Buddhism

BDK received many requests fromprevious participants that theywould like to learn more deeply
about Japanese Buddhism, and wetherefore held a special lecture
about “Nara Buddhism and Heian29

BDK JAPANNEWS 2018
Buddhism” at the Bukkyo Dendo
Center Building on January 29,
2018.
The first part of the lecture wasabout Hosso Shu delivered by Rev.
Tetsujo Ohtani from Yakushiji
Temple in Nara. He prepared adetailed resume and booklet foreach participant and explained
about the various schools of Nara
Buddhism and their histories aswell as vijñapti-mātratā.
The second part of the lecture was a
discussion by three Buddhist
priests; Rev. Tetsujo Ohtani, Rev.
Ryojo Shioiri from Shokannon Shu
Sensoji Hozenin Temple and Rev.
Ryukai Matsushima from Koyasan
Shingon Shu Kudokuin Temple.

Rev. Ohtani, Rev. Shioiri and Rev. Matsushima (from the left)

They discussed the differences
between Nara Buddhism and Heian
Buddhism, the relationship with
Shinto, and the future of Japanese

Buddhism. 70 people participatedin the event and enjoyed thedetailed lectures.

Lectures in 2018
Month

Theme

Apr.

Tendai Shu Founder SaichoRev. Ryojo Shioiri, Sensoji Hozenin Temple

May

Shingon Shu Founder Kukai

Rev. Ryukai Matsushima, Kudokuin Temple

Jun.

Jodo Shu Founder Honen

Rev. Tatsuo Yoshida, Banryuji Temple

Jul.

Jodoshin Shu Founder Shinran

Rev. Shingyo Saito, Zenryuji Temple

Sep.

Nichiren Shu Founder NichirenRev. Eikan Hayashima, Myotokuji Temple

Oct.

Rinzai Shu Founder Eisai

Rev. Shinsuke Hosokawa, Ryuunji Temple

Nov.

Soto Shu Founder DogenRev. Kakudo Shimomuro, Yokokuji Temple

Rev. Shioiri

30

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

LecturerRev. Matsushima

Rev. Yoshida10Rev. Saito

ActivityRev. Hayashima

Rev. Hosokawa

Rev. Shimomuro

Buddhism Through English – Update for 2018
BTE Students Volunteered as English Guides at
WFB World Buddhist Conference

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) offers the BuddhismThrough English (BTE) course, which was started in2011, and many attendees have continued learning Buddhist ideas through English in Level 2 and Level 3
courses. For 2018, 38 students completed the Level 2 course, and 15 successfully finished Level 2.

In 2018, The World Fellowship of
Buddhists (WFB) hosted the 29th
WFB World Buddhist Conference,the 20th WFBY World Young
Buddhist Conference, and the 11th
World Buddhist University (WBU)
Conference in Narita-shi, Chibaprefecture as well as at Soto Zen
Sojiji Head Monastery in Tsurumiku, Yokohama-city from November
5 to 9, 2018. BDK invited 27 volunteers from our past BTE students
who had successfully passed thosecourses, and they helped 300 people
from 15 countries with their knowledge and language ability.
BDK also has recommended those
who finished Level 2 to temples inTokyo that needed the help of
English guide volunteers. For theyear 2018, six BTE graduates volunteered at Tsukiji Hongwanji
Temple. We will continue to man-

BTE student volunteers at WFB World Buddhist Conference

age and improve this program toenable others to actively contributewith their language ability.

For more information about BDK lectures, classes, and events, please
visit our official website at www.bdk.or.jp

31

BDK JAPAN

11
Activity

NEWS 20182018 BDK Symposium

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) invited a variety of accomplished people as our lecturers, and sponsored
events for the 2018 BDK Symposium listed below.
The 15th BDK Symposium heldon August 30, 2018 in Hiroshima
Theme : “Scenes of Buddhism by
Bedsides – with patients, families
and medical workers.”
Lecturer : Rev. Norihiro Nagakura,
chief priest of Jodoshin Shu
Hongwanji School Zenpukuji
Temple, and lecturer of Shiga
University of Medical Science

The 15th (Rev. Nagakura)Rev. Nagakura, the 47th BDK
Cultural Award Numata Shorei-Sho
winner, gave a lecture about terminal and palliative care. He talked
about “taking care of patients with
an appreciation that resonates witheach other. Buddhism gives meaning to life and creates chances forsavoring medical care, Buddhism
and life. That is the reason why
Buddhism and medical care canwork together.”*Entrance fees for the 15th BDK
Symposium were donated to “Japan
Floods and Landslides 2018” throughthe headquarters for emergency disaster32

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

control in the Aki-area of Hiroshima.

The 16th BDK Symposium held
on February 13, 2019 in Tokyo
Theme : “Deciphering Japanese
History – The Mystery of Japanese
Buddhism.”
Lecturer : Prof. Atsushi Kawai,
Visiting Professor of Tama
University, and lecturer of Waseda
University

Prof. Kawai explained how Buddhism
developed in Japanese history throughthe relations between Buddhism andhistorical figures. His bestsellingbook “「お寺」で読み解く日本史の謎 (Deciphering Temples – The
Mystery of Japanese History)” and his
TV show “世界一受けたい授業(The Most Popular Lecture)” aredrawing a lot of attention in Japan.

Lecturer : Rev. Shundo Aoyama,
head priest of Aichi Senmon Nisodo Shobo-ji
Canceled due to lecturer’s personalreasons.
The 18th BDK Symposium heldon March 19, 2019 in Tokyo
Theme : “ Consent to History,
Wonders of Buddhist Statues –Origins of Buddha”
Lecturer : Prof. Satoshi Yabuuchi,
Sculptor, Professor of Tokyo
University of the Arts

The 18th (Prof. Yabuuchi)

The 16th (Mr. Kawai)

The 17th BDK Symposium heldon March 6, 2019 in Aichi
Theme : “A Gift for You – The
Path of Life”

The form of “Buddhist statues”
varies and the reason can be foundin history. Prof. Yabuuchi, who is acreator of “Sento-kun,” the mascot
character for celebrating the
1,300th year of the old capital ofNara, explained why.
For more information about BDK
Symposium, please visit our official website at www.bdk.or.jp

12
Activity“Mita Rakugo-Kai Big-Thanks Festival” atHamarikyu Asahi Hall on June 9, 2018

The festival consisted of two performances, one in the afternoon andanother one at night. The matinee
performance featured Mr. Gontaro
Yanagiya, Mr. Risho Takigawa, Mr.
Sentatsu Irifunetei, and Mr.
Hakushu Togetsuan. The night performance featured Mr. Sankyo
Yanagiya, Mr. Iccho Shunputei, Mr.
Shinji Tsuyuno, and Mr. Sanza
Yanagiya. Joke after joke threw theaudiences into convulsions oflaughter, and the festival ended as a
success.
Mita Rakugo-Kai used to be hosted
by Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK)at the Bukkyo Dendo Center
Building in Minato-ku, Tokyo, but

13
Activity

Rakugo master, Mr. Sankyo Yanagiya

the event is now hosted by MIT
Gathering Co. Ltd. and Nippon
Cultural Broadcasting Inc. from
October 2018 with BDK supporting
the event.

For more information about Mita
Rakugo-Kai, please visit the official website at mita-rakugo.com

Third Year Memorial Service for the late Rev.
Toshihide Numata, Former BDK Chairman, andBDK Memorial Service for the Deceased at Bukkyo
Dendo Center Building on February 14, 2019

It has been two years and the thirdtime of holding the memorial service since the late Rev. Toshihide
Numata, the former Bukkyo Dendo
Kyokai (BDK) Chairman, passed
away in February 2016. BDK hosted a memorial service for the thirdyear anniversary as well as for thedeceased who contributed to thework of BDK. About 100 people
attended and reminisced about Rev.

Numata and other people during theceremony and dinner.
The memorial service was led by
Rev. Norio Numata, chief priest of
Jodoshin Shu Hongwanji School
Jorenji Temple. Rev. Koshin
Ohtani, Zenmon of Jodoshin Shu
Hongwanji School, Rev. Taiho
Fukuyama, Kanshu of Soto Shu
Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple, and Rev.
Shotoku Tanaka, Kansu of

Shokannon Shu Sensoji Temple,
offered incense and prayers, followed by Mr. Yoshiaki Numata, sonof Rev. Toshihide Numata andPresident of Mitutoyo Corporation. All
the attendees followed after that.
Rev. Shoryu Katsura, President of
BDK, gave a dharma talk, and Mr.
Yoshiaki Numata greeted everyone
with appreciation. After his speech,
everyone sang “ Mihotoke ni

33

BDK JAPANNEWS 2018
Idakarete (Embraced by Amida
Buddha).”Rev. Sikoh-Kiyotaka Kimura,
Chairman of BDK, gave the opening remarks at the beginning of thedinner. Mr. Toru Nakagawa,Chairman of Mitutoyo Corporation,offered a toast, and Mr. Harumi
Aoki ended the event with his
speech.

14

Rev. Katsura

Activity

Mr, Nakagawa

Everyone sang togther “Mihotoke ni Idakarete”

Newly Installed Capsule Toy Vending Machine- Model Figure of Buddhist Statues

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) installed a vending machine featuring capsule toy Buddhist statues withcommentary leaflets on the first floor of the Bukkyo Dendo Center Building in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

The leaflets have information about each Buddhist statue
and its affiliated temples, and visitors to the building
enjoyed them. BDK changes the model figures every
month, and messages placed beside the machine are also
updated monthly.

*BDK held the Cultural Awards ceremony on October 4,2018 and the Numata Shorei-Sho winner, Mr. Jun Miura(left) and his colleague, Mr. Seiko Ito (right) visited themachine and had their photo taken.

34

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─Mr, Miura (left) and Mr. Ito (right) in front of the machine on the first floor of
BDK Cente Building

Take a Break
Buddhist YOGA for People in the Modern World“BDK Buddhist Yoga” marked its 5th year since it
started in 2015. The combination of Yoga andBuddhism has been popular among people who seek
to have a healthy life-style and are interested in
Buddhism and its culture as well.

At the end of the fourth year, we asked some questions of our instructor, Rev. Yuuka Gazzo, who cameback from her maternity leave at the end of 2018.
She introduced three poses for the morning, afternoon and night with some tips about nurturing goodfeelings throughout the day.

Buddhist Yoga instracted by Rev. Gazzo

Welcome back to BDK Buddhist Yoga and congratulations on your baby!
How was your 2018?

Thank you! 2018 was a big year forme because I had so many changes in
my life since I gave birth to my child.
I was a little bit anxious because I wasaway from the front stage for almost
half a year and made everyone who
was looking forward to my Yoga
classes anxious because of myabsence. However, my colleague
instructor, Sayuri, who was in chargeof the BDK Buddhist Yoga instead ofmyself for five months, really focusedon what we are doing and she did awonderful job. I truly appreciate her
effort!
Although I was trying to do Yoga
everyday before and after I gavebirth, it was difficult to manage myown body and that was surprising tome. Ever since I started doing Yoga, I
have never felt that way, and I really
had to face up to my body and mind.

I got nervous with morning sickness,gained weight, felt anxiety from mypregnancy and had to deal with somany other things. However, I tried
not to fall into a depression of feelingas if I could not do anything and wasable to face myself. I could focus onwhat I was doing and enjoyed practicing my Yoga even more.

35

Wow! It is really a changing of the way you think!
But you were nervous for a long six months?
Yes. I was very nervous about nothaving been in front of a lot of people
for a long time when I came back to
the BDK Buddhist Yoga in November
2018. However, right after I lookedat everyone in the class, those feelings
disappeared and I felt that I was evenmore powerful than before. I truly
appreciate everyone who gave me thisopportunity and welcomed me again
just as it had been before. Now I cantalk about how much fun Yoga can beafter my own precious experience ofpregnancy and childbirth, and believethat I will be able to teach this classwith greater depth.

Dharma talk given by Rev. Gazzo

We are looking forward to the 2019 classes, too!

Could you tell us your 2019 slogan for this class?

“Anytime and anywhere!” (with a big
smile). You won’t be able to start
anything if you just wait for the perfect situation for getting started. Yoga
does not require a special place ortool. You can start NOW being just
who you are. Stop making excusesand just start doing it! After you keep
at it for a week, it will turn into yourdaily habit. Of course, you should
consider your health condition at first,
and I do not want anyone to force
themselves if they are sick. However,please just show up if you are healthy

enough to do Yoga and sign up for the
BDK Buddhist Yoga even for just asingle session though you might not
feel like doing Yoga after a long day.
Participants frequently tell me, “I felt
so energetic after class even though I
was exhausted from hard work anddid not want to come to the class.” I
would like to suggest that everyonecome to a class without thinking ofanything or making any excuses.
Fortunately, we human beings candesire to make an effort. To control
your breath, close your eyes, or chantProfile Yuuka (Rev. Yuuka Gazzo)

Nembutsu, you can incorporate those
things into your daily life. For thisyear, I strongly recommend that you
start doing Yoga anytime and anywhere without planning.
“BDK Buddhist Yoga” is held monthly in 2019 under the instruction ofRev. Yuuka Gazzo. Please feel free tomake a reservation on the scheduled
day and find out more about “BDK
Buddhist Yoga” on our official website at http://www.bdk.or.jp.

Rev. Gazzo is a Jodo Shu Priest at Seiganji Temple in Yamagata Prefecture, and is a Japan International
Certified Yoga Instructor. She is Director of the online Yoga lesson website, “Yogalog” and is the Official Real
Stone Yoga Wear Ambassador.
Rev. Gazzo practiced at Jodo Shu Daihonzan Zojoji Temple and has 13 years of Yoga teaching experience.
She gave birth to a baby girl in 2018. She teaches people how to have a calm and healthy life style andexplains the possibilities of Yoga and Buddhism in the modern world. She also participates in the training of
Yoga instructors and frequently appears in TV commercials, magazines, etc. in Japan.
Yuuka’s Official Website https://terayoga.amebaownd.com/

36

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─Let’s Try Some Yoga Poses!
Important Points about Trying a Yoga Pose
Try to relax your body.
Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose five times per pose.

A Yoga Pose for Energetic Mornings
Upward Salute - Urdhva Hasta Asana
How toStand straight and bring your arms up towards the ceiling while breathing.
Try to hold your shoulders down and push your hands forward to the ceiling.
PointStand firmly on the floor and stretch your entire body to touch the ceiling.
What this is good forInhaling fresh air and absorbing the sunlight.
Feel the energy of mornings.

A Yoga Pose for Powerful Afternoons
Warrior 2 - Virabhadrasana 2
How toStraddle your legs and turn the right toe at a 90 degree angle outwards
and keep the left toe pointing inward. Bend your right knee and stretch
both arms and keep your eyes to the right.
Point
Turn your right knee with the toe pointed in the same direction. Try not
to direct it inward. Straighten your back and remain vertical to the floor.
What this is good for
Try to pretend like you are a warrior!
Stand firmly on the floor and awaken the power deep inside of yourself.

A Yoga Pose For Relaxing Nights
Reclining Bound Angle - Baddhakonasana
How toBend both knees outward. Bring your heels gently together andstraighten your back. Put your hands in a comfortable position.
Point
Loosen up your shoulders and relax.
Bend your body forward toward your feet if you feel comfortable.
Breathe deeply.
What this is good for
Calming the nerves and healing your tired body.
Long and quiet breathing can help you fall asleep smoothly.

37

BDK Affiliated
Organization Activities

38

BDK AMERICABDK ASIA

BDK HAWAIIBDK TAIWANBDK CANADABDK EUROPE

BDK MEXICOBDK UKBDK SOUTH AMERICABDK POLAND

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─BDK Affiliated Organization Activities
World Map & Contact Information
1

BDK EUROPE(EKO-Haus der Japanischen Kultur e.V.)
Brüggener Weg 6, 40547 Düsseldorf, F.R. GERMANY
Tel: +49(211)577918-0 Fax: +49(211)577918-219
E-mail: bdk@eko-hause.de
http://www.eko-haus.dec/o Mitutoyo Canada Inc. 2121 Meadowvale Blvd.
Mississauga, ON, CANADA L5N 5N1
Tel: +1(905)821-1261 Fax: +1(905)821-4968
E-mail: honjo@bdkcanada.com
http://www.bdkcanada.com

2

BDK U.K.

4

BDK CANADA

c/o Mitutoyo(UK)Ltd. Joule Road, West Point
Business Park, Andover, Hants SP10 3UX U.K.
Tel: +44 1264-353123 Fax: +44 1264-354883
E-mail: BDK.UK@mitutoyo.co.uk

BDK AMERICA

5

1675 School Street,
Moraga, CA 94556 U.S.A.
Tel: +1(925)388-0067 Fax: +1(925)388-0331
http://www.bdkamerica.org

3

BDK POLAND
c/o Mitutoyo Polska Sp.z o.o.
UL. Graniczna 8A 54-610 Wroclaw, POLAND
Tel: +48(71)354 83 50 Fax: +48(71)354 83 55

6

BDK HAWAII
1757 Algaroba Street, Honolulu, HI 96826, U.S.A.
Tel: +1(808)942-1511 Fax +1(808)942-2622
E-mail: bdkshi@hotmail.com
http://www.bdkhawaii.com

4
2

1

3
5

7
6

8

10

11

9

BDK JAPAN

7

3-14, Shiba 4-chome, Minato-ku,
Tokyo, JAPAN 108-0014
Tel: +81(3)3455-5851 Fax: +81(3)3798-2758
E-mail: bdk@bdk.or.jp
http://www.bdk.or.jp

BDK TAIWAN

8

c/o Mitutoyo Taiwan Co., Ltd.
4F., No.71, Zhouzi St., Neihu Dist.,
Taipei City 114, TAIWAN (R.O.C)
Tel: +886(2)5573-5913 Fax: +886(2)8752-3267
E-mail: bdktaiwan@yahoo.com

BDK ASIA
c/o Mitutoyo Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
24 Kallang Avenue, Mitutoyo Building,Singapore, 339415, SINGAPORE
Tel: +65 6294-2211 Fax: +65 6299-6666
E-mail: bdk@mitutoyo.com.sg

BDK MEXICO

10

Prolongacion Eugenia No. 17, Colonia Napoles,
Delegacion Benito Juarez, CDMX, C.P. 03810, MEXICO
Tel/Fax: +52(55)5669-1088
E-mail: bdkmexico@prodigy.net.mx

9

BDK SOUTH AMERICA

11

a/c Mitutoyo Sul Americana Ltda.
Rodovia Índio Tibiriça 1555, BAIRRORAFFO, CEP 08620-000 SUZANO-SP, BRASIL
Tel: +55(11)5643-0006 Fax: +55(11)5641-3745
E-mail: bdk@mitutoyo.com.br

39

BDK America
BDK America Celebrates 40th Anniversary
On May 2, 2018, we began with a
special service conducted by BCA
Bishop Kodo Umezu and BDK
President Shoryu Katsura. After theservice, we hosted a luncheon reception at our office in Moraga. In addition to guests from the Bay Area, wewelcomed BDK President Shoryu
Katsura, Executive Director Harumi
Aoki, and members of the Tokyo
Editorial Committee headed by Dr.
Kenneth Tanaka. It was a beautifulday, and everyone enjoyed the food,friendship and entertainment under alarge tent in the back of our property.
After the reception, we held our annual meeting of the Board of Directors
and Advisors.
On May 3rd, we sponsored an all-day
symposium on the topic of
Translating Buddhist Texts at the Jodo
Shinshu Center in Berkeley. The
keynote address was delivered by Dr.
Jan Nattier, a noted translator of
Buddhist texts, followed by presentations by Prof. Stefano Zacchetti, theYehan Numata Professor at Oxford
University, Prof. Paul Harrison of
Stanford University, Dr. Kenneth

Presenters at a symposium on the topic of “Translating Buddhist Texts”

Tanaka of Musashino University, and
Dr. Charles Muller of Tokyo
University and Chairman of the BDK
America Publication Committee.
After the symposium, we enjoyed adinner with about 35 guests at the
Hotel Shattuck in Berkeley.
On May 4th, the Tokyo Editorial
Committee and the BDK America
Publication Committee met to discuss
ways of improving the work of translating Tripitaka texts. The meeting
was held at our Berkeley office building, and from there we went on a tourof the wine country in Napa.
During the three days of business andRev. Katsura’s speech at the ceremony

pleasure, we affirmed BDK’s basic
mission of promoting a better understanding of Buddhism in the modern
world.

BDK Establishes Numata Program at Princeton University

BDK sponsors Numata Programs in
Buddhist Studies at 15 universities
throughout the world and added a
16th program in 2018 at Princeton
University. BDK President Shoryu
Katsura led a delegation from BDK
Japan and BDK America at the signing ceremony held on April 30. The
inaugural celebration also included atour of rare Buddhist manuscripts in
the Princeton Library, and a sympo-40

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

sium followed by a dinner. The addition of the Princeton program
enhances BDK’s reputation of being

Participants at the signing ceremony

the single most important sponsor of
Buddhist studies at major research
universities.

Numata Program Coordinators’ Meeting
Every year, the coordinators of the
Numata Program in Buddhist
Studies at American and Canadianuniversities meet in a special session
held in conjunction with the annual
conference of the American
Academy of Religion. In 2018, themeeting was held on November 16
in Denver, Colorado. Program coordinators reported on their activities,
which included hosting visiting professors, sponsoring conferences,

supporting research projects andadministering fellowships foradvanced graduate students.

“Numata Program in Buddhist Studies” coordinators at American and Canadian universities

Toshihide Numata Book Award in Buddhism
On November 9, 2018

The “ Toshi
Book Award”
for the best
book publishedin 2018 on
Buddhist studProf. Tzohar
ies was awarded to Professor Roy Tzohar of Tel
Aviv University for his book, A

Yogacara Buddhist Theory of
Metaphor (Oxford University
Press). The prize is administeredby the Buddhist Studies Program at
UC Berkeley and is awarded annually. The award ceremony was held
on November 9 at the Jodo Shinshu
Center in Berkeley. Professor
Tzohar gave a lecture about his

research, and it was followed by alively discussion led by three scholars invited for the occasion.
Initiated in 2010, the Toshihide
Numata Book Award in Buddhism
is now recognized as the premieraward recognizing the research andpublication of Buddhist scholars
throughout the world.

41

BDK Hawaii
BDK Hawaii Celebrates 40th Anniversary

All Buddhist Gathering at the Pacific Buddhist Academy

Like BDK America, BDK Hawaii
was established in 1978 and celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2018.
Representatives from Japan were led
by BDK President Shoryu Katsura
and Executive Director Harumi Aoki.
Three days of events began with ourannual meeting of directors and advisors held on March 9.
On March 10, an All-Buddhist
Gathering took place at the Pacific
Buddhist Academy. This was a gathering of representatives from themany Buddhist groups that are in
Hawaii. A total of 45 participants rep-

All Buddhist Gathering at the Pacific Buddhist Academy
42

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

resenting 23 different organizations
attended the all-day meeting to discuss the challenges and promises
faced by Buddhist temples and layorganizations. This was the first timein the modern history of Hawaii thatso many different Buddhist organizations came together for a meeting.
After the All-Buddhist Gathering,
invited guests attended our 40th
anniversary dinner at the Koolau
Ballroom located at the foothills of
the beautiful Koolau mountains inwindward Oahu. President Katsura
joined BDK Hawaii President George

Tanabe in welcoming the guests.
Dinner was followed by entertainment
provided by ukulele and guitar master
Benny Uyetake, and songs and huladances by students from the Pacific
Buddhist Academy.
On March 11, George Tanabe hosted
a lunch at his home in Waialua, an old
sugar plantation town on the northshore of Oahu. The group visited
Waialua Hongwanji, the temple atwhich Yehan Numata lived andworked before going to California tocomplete his education.

Visit to Waialua Hongwanji

Ukulee and guitar master, Mr. Benny Uyetake

Directiors and advisors of BDK Hawaii

BDK-Fujitani Interfaith Program

Prof. Wilson

On April 29, the BDK-FujitaniInterfaith Program sponsored a public lecture given by Professor Jeff
Wilson. Professor Wilson teaches
at Renison University in Canada
and was the Numata Visitiing
Professor at the University of

Hawaii in the spring of 2018. The
event was held at Chaminade
University, a Catholic institution in
Honolulu, and he spoke on the topic
of Buddhism in the Age of the
Refugee.

Banner Exhibition about Buddhist Temples in Hawaii

This exhibition consists of 12 large
banners depicting various aspects ofJapanese Buddhist Temples in Hawaii.
It explores the traditional and uniquearchitecture of temples, the sectarian
founders, major objects of worship,
temple art and furnishings, objects
unique to Hawaii, and other aspects of
the 90 temples that still exist in Hawaii.
The exhibition was held at the Hilo
Hongwanji in conjunction with their
Bon Dance on July 13-14, and later
moved to Hilo Taishoji Soto Temple.
From Hilo, the exhibition was sent to
the San Diego Buddhist Temple in
California, where it was displayed on
September 15-16. This banner exhibition is co-sponsored by BDK
America and BDK Hawaii.

Banner Exhibition

43

BDK Canada
A Reflection on the “Buddhism and Ritual Performance in
Pre-Modern Japan Workshop” at McGill University
Sponsored by BDK Canada and McGill University
On September 28, 2018, McGill
University’s School of Religious
Studies (SRS) hosted a one-day workshop on “ Buddhism and Ritual
Performance” organized by ProfessorMikaël Bauer of McGill University.
The workshop received continued
support from BDK Canada and
McGill’s Centre for Research on
Religion (CREOR). Scholars from
Canada, the United States, and theUnited Kingdom explored the relationship between Buddhism and ritual
performance in Pre-Modern Japan
from the perspectives of literature, art
history, history, anthropology, andBuddhist studies.
Throughout the day, scholars delved
into Buddhist material culture, as an
inquiry of the ways in which ritual
performance represented and reshaped
Buddhism in pre-modern Japan.

Participants visited the collection of rare books and antigues at McLennan library

During the lunch break, Professor
Bauer took the speakers to McGill’s
McLennan library to visit the collection of rare books and antiques,
including the copy of the Hyakumanto
Dhāraṇī (百萬塔陀羅尼經) acquiredby McGill in 1968 and the 15th century Yuima-e Shoya Kengaku ku-shaku(维 摩 會 初 夜 研 學 矩 释 ), an
Ashikaga(Muromachi)-period manu-

script acquired in 2018.
The workshop continued in the afternoon. Prof. Bauer shared with the
speakers and the audience his current
research on Jion’e and ritual performances in the Hōsso School, andProf. Aaron Proffitt of Albany
University closed the workshop.
After the workshop, the guests had adinner at McGill University.

BDK Mexico
Donation of “Budda is Our Teacher”
at the Commencement of Alva Edison University
Rev. Joshin Todaka, Mexico Ekoji
head priest and professor emeritus ofAlva Edison University in Mexico
City, was invited to the commencement on July 30, 2018. He joined Mr.
Jorge Leon, chancellor of Alva Edison
University, Mr. Jaime G. Castaneda,
chairman of the board of education forthe state of Puebla and Mr. Apolinar

J. Morales, an army officer, in handing out the graduation certificates aswell as copies of “Buddha is Our
Teacher” to each student.
It is not hard to imagine that mostyoung people in the modern world try
to satisfy their own material desires
and to have no interest in spiritual
education. Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai
Handed out “Buddha is Our Teache” to each student

44

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─(BDK) Mexico tries to develop students’ hearts and teaches how to control their desires. Also, BDK Mexico
teaches the importance of how weshould live in society.
Alva Edison University emphasizes
the education of morality and discipline. Therefore, “Buddha is Our
Teacher” can be a great book for theirlives and we hope that it brightens
their future.

Rev. Todaka (fourth from the right) on the stage

BDK Asia“The Teaching of Buddha” Distribution at the Metalex
Exhibition 2018
On November 21-24, 2018, Mitutoyo
Thailand, which manages the activities of BDK Asia, exhibited Mitutoyo
products at the “Metalex Exhibition”
at Bitec Bangna in Thailand. In a
Mitutoyo Booth, BDK Asia promoted“The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” totheir customers, dealers and visitors
who attended this event.
BDK Asia distributed copies of “TheTTOB at Mitutoyo booth

Handed out TTOBs to visitors

Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” to 400
interested people during the four daysof the exhibition.

“The Teaching of Buddha” Distribution to Senior
Aerospace Ltd.
Senior Aerospace (Thailand) Limited
in Thailand, one of Mitutoyo’s valued
customers that has over 60 units of
Mitutoyo CMM, is very interested in
Buddhism.
On December 20, 2018, BDK Asia

distributed “The Teaching of Buddha”
in celebration of the New Year o 2019
to Senior Aerospace. A total of 520
copies in Thai and 20 copies inEnglish-Japanese were distributed.

Mr. Matsuike, Director of Mitutoyo Thailand (left)
and Ms. Tassaneewan, HR Manager of Senior
Aerospace (right)
45

BDK Taiwan
Visit to National Chengchi University in Taiwan
December 5, 2018
In order to establish a Numata
Program in Buddhist Studies at
National Chengchi University in the
future, President Shoryu Katsura andExecutive Director Harumi Aoki fromBDK Japan visited Taiwan in
December, 2018. On December 5th,
they visited Professor Chen-Kuo Lin
of the Department of Philosophy at

National Chengchi University andagreed to establish a supporting program at the university. This is the first

Campus of National Chengchi University

At the Department of Philosophy at National Chengchi University

attempt to establish a Numata
Program for Buddhist Studies at auniversity in Asia.

BDK Taiwan Board of Directors Meeting
On December 6, 2018
BDK Taiwan holds its Board of
Directors meetings every two years,
and the latest meeting took place on
December 6, 2018. Mr. Harumi Aoki,
Executive Director of BDK Japan,
described BDK activities taking place
all over the world and Professor Ben-

Hang Chang, President of BDK
Taiwan and a famous calligrapher,also gave a lecture on "Footprints
from Tradition to New Technology."
It was a very meaningful time foreveryone who attended the meeting.

Participants of BDK Taiwan Board of Directors meeting

Welcoming a New Member of BDK Taiwan!
My name is Fu
Yuchuan, and I
am now responsible for the Taiwan
branch of Bukkyo
Ms. FuDendo Kyokai(BDK Taiwan). I help with the promotion of “The Teaching of Buddha

46

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─(TTOB).”
Being a native to Taiwan, I am fully
aware that almost everyone is familiar

with Buddhism and I certainly will do
my best to carry out this meaningful
work. Thank you!

TTOB Distribution from January to December 2018
Volumes

ENG/CHINESE

ENG/JAPANESE

Total

3,959

264

4,223

BDK Europe
Signing Ceremony at Leiden University in the Netherlands
concerning the Numata Program in Buddhist Studies
On July 5, 2018, Prof. Shōryu Katsura(BDK President), Mr. Harumi Aoki
(BDK Executive Director), Rev.
Shōjun Ogi (BDK) and Prof. Hisao
Matsumaru (Director of EKO Houseof Japanese Culture) visited Leiden in
the Netherlands and were welcomedby Prof. J. Silk, who holds the
Numata Chair for Buddhist Studies atLeiden University. Firstly, they visitedthe university library and saw especially some historic exhibits concerning old Japan, guided by Ms. N.
Kreeft (Subject Librarian andCurator). Then, in the presence ofProf. M. Rutgers (Dean of the Facultyof Humanities), Prof. Silk and otherpeople concerned, Prof. C. Stolker(Rector of Leiden University) andProf. Katsura signed a contract about
the Numata fund in a time-honored
memorial hall of the university.
The Numata Chair for Buddhist
Studies at Leiden University wasestablished on March, 1991. Since

Signing ceremony at Leiden University : Rev. Katsura (second from the right) and Prof. Silk (right)that time BDK has provided the chairwith funds in order to maintain it
financially. As this fund now hasreached a certain amount of accumulated capital, this signing ceremony
was held to recognize that this chair
program will be maintained for a longtime based on this reserved capital.

The attendees recognized the great
importance of the Numata Chair at thehistoric Faculty of Humanities ofLeiden University. After the ceremony, a luncheon party was hosted by
Leiden University in an agreeable
atmosphere on a very summery day.

Numata Program Coordinators’ Meeting

The 2018 meeting of the coordinatorsof Numata Chair programs in Europe
took place at EKO House on July 7. In
this meeting, the coordinators, Prof. S.
Döll (University of Hamburg), Prof. J.
Silk (Leiden University), Prof. K. D.
Mathes (University of Vienna), Prof.
S. Zacchetti (University of Oxford)
and Prof. L. Dolce (University of
London), gave presentations concerning the Numata Chair program at eachof their universities and exchanged
views among the participants.

“Numata Program in Buddhist Studies” coordinators at European universities

47

Memorial Service and Charity Concert for Victims of theEast Japan Great Earthquake
On March 11, 2018, we held a memorial service for the victims of the East
Japan Great Earthquake of sevenyears ago. About 50 people representing many nationalities attended thememorial service at EKO temple.
After the service, some professionalmusicians, teachers, selected pupils
and their parents from the Düsseldorf
Music Studio, performed a charity
concert at EKO Hall in collaboration
with KAWAI Europe. About 120
people attended. In addition, Ms.
Mariko Fuchs was invited to the concert as MC and guest speaker. She
gave us a vivid account about the current situation in the disaster area
where many people are still living inevacuation centers. A contribution

Memorial service coducted at EKO temple

from the participants in the amount of€800.62, was donated to a nonprofit
organization, “Children’s Village
Tōhoku,” which is active in support-

ing many children who cannot live
together with their families because of
the disaster.

Ullambana Service & Eye-witness Report by a Survivor of
the Hiroshima Atomic Bombing

On August 11, 2018, we held theUllambana Service at the EKO temple and about 70 people took part init. We chanted the “Amida-Sutra,”listened to Dharma talks in German
and Japanese and to the “Gobunshō”(Rennyo’s letters).
After the service, Mr. Michimasa
Hirata gave a presentation titled “～
The Testimony～ the Day on which I
became a HIBAKUSHA (atomic
bomb survivor).” Mr. Hirata is one of
the last eyewitnesses of the atomic
bombing of Hiroshima. He was
exposed to radiation at that time.
Regardless of age, sex, or nationality,
about 100 people listened to his reportand seemed to be deeply impressed.
This lecture ended with a dramatic
appeal to convey this touching story

48

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

about the deep grief of war to the next
generations so that this tragedy may
never be repeated. The presentation
was translated into German at thesame time.
Mr. Hirata (right)

Presentation “~The Testimony ~ the Day on which I bercame a HIBAKUSHA (atomic bomb survivor)”

The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Mitutoyo Europe
Mitutoyo Europe celebrated its 50th
anniversary on September 17 and 18,
2018. Over two days, about 280
guests from Germany and other
European countries participated in
the ceremony. At the ceremony held
at Areal Böhler, some of the invited
guests gave us interesting presentations. The Japanese Consul General,
Masato Iso, delivered a short speech
as well. After the ceremony, guests
had chances to experience Mitutoyo’s
measuring products. Later they visited the EKO House in Düsseldorf andwere officially welcomed by Prof.
Matsumaru, director of EKO House,and listened to an explanation about
the foundation of the EKO Cultural
Center by Rev. Nottelmann.
Under a blue sky in the portico of thetemple, the Taiko EnsembleWADŌKYŌ enchanted the guests
with an energetic drumming performance. The celebration ended in
the evening with a gala dinner party
held at Hotel Nikko in Düsseldorf.
On the first evening of the party,
guests from outside of Germany
were invited, and those within
Germany were invited on the next

evening. Prof. Matsumaru, Ms.
Ehard (Chief of EKO Kindergarten)

and Rev. Shoju were also invited on
the first evening.

50th anniversary ceremony at Areal Bönler

Taiko Ensemble WADŌKYŌ Performance at EKO House

Recent Changes in BDK UK
Mr. David Thomson, who had worked
for BDK UK for decades, resigned at
the end of December 2018. Mr.
Raymond Penny replaced him at the
beginning of January 2019 and started
working together with Mr. Shunsuke
Suma, director of BDK UK.

Mr. Suma (left) and
Mr. Penny (right) with TTOB

49

Shigoto (Work)“Shigoto” is generally defined as work, occupation, duty but properly speaking, since the characters mean to serve, work really means to servewith all of one’s physical and spiritual strengths.
Therefore, we are called upon to engage in a task
or work to find something on which to stake ourwhole lives in service to that purpose.
If one considers whether working to feed oneself
or working for a living is truly one’s genuine
work, that seems not to be entirely the case.

50

BDK Newsletter

Michi

─The Path─A person who works reluctantly because he has toor for the sake of money is a person who is unable
to find his true work or calling.
To find a purpose to serve with all one’s efforts,
to have a true profession or calling─is that not themost important thing for those who must live inthis world?
To find one’s work, to live for this work─thereinlies the joy of living.
Taken from “Sasaeatte” authored by the late Rev.
Toshihide Numata, former Chairman of BDK