BUKKYO DENDO KYOKAI Society for the Promotion of Buddhism

Michi- The Path -

07
2018

No.

BDK
Newsletter

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07

Michi
- The Path -CONTENTS

02

New Path - Aiming for a Spiritually Enriched World
Introducing the New Organizational Structure of BDKBDK Japan News 2017
〜BDK Publications〜● Free Downloads of E-Books Available! “Tottemo Yasashii Hajimete no Bukkyo (Very Easy First Step to Buddhism)”and “GUIDE TO BUDDHISM IN JAPAN ”New Publication, “around TOKYO TEMPLE MAP”

● BDK Sponsors “Japan Hotel Management Seminar”● “The Teaching of Buddha” Update for 2017

● “The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” in Hoshi Ryokan, a Long-Established Inn with 1,300 Years of History＊ Interview with Mr. Zengoro Hoshi, the 46th Owner of Hoshi-Ryokan● BDK Tour for “The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” Donation and Visits of Buddhist Sites in Myanmar● The 2nd BDK Buddhist Picture Book Prize “Kokoro-no-Ehon-Taisho (Picture Book for Your Heart and Mind)”● New Book Arrival! “Buddha is Our Teacher” in English● The 2017 Competition and Exhibition for the BDK Calendar “A Wise Teaching A Day” at Tsukiji Hongwanji and Byodoin● “BDK English Tripitaka” Translation Project〜Financial Assistance and Honoring〜● BDK Fellowship Programs＊ 2017 BDK Fellowships for Foreign Scholars＊ 2017 BDK Fellowships for Japanese Scholars● The 51st BDK Cultural Awards● BDK Financial Assitance Programs - Update for 2017

〜Buddhist Lectures and Seminars〜● The 47th Jissen Fukyo Kenkyukai, BDK Buddhist Missionary Seminar, at Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Head Temple in Kyoto● Special Zazen Retreat at Sotoshu Daihonzan Sojiji Temple in Yokohama● “Things You Want To Know About Zen and Food” at Sotoshu Headquarter’s Training Facility● The 18th “Buddhist Music Festival - BUDDHASPEL- Peaceful Light “ at Kioi Hall in Tokyo● Other BDK Related Lectures, Classes, and Events - Update for 2017

＊ Special Fall Program: One-day Field Trip in Tokyo Studying TTOB for Business and for Daily Life

● Buddhist Yoga

＊ Buddhist Approaches to Yoga: “Let’s Begin Buddhist Yoga!”● “Tokyo Shugyo Taiken (Tokyo Buddhist Training Experience)” Experience of Buddhist Training in the center of Tokyo● Elementary Course of Buddhist Lectures “Japanese Buddhism - Learning from Scratch”● Buddhism Through English - Update for 2017 “Buddhist English Guide Program”＊ 2nd Grade/ 3rd Grade Exam for “Buddhist English Guide Program” at BDK Center in Tokyo● 2017 BDK Symposium＊ The 13th BDK Symposium on July 11, 2017

＊ 14th BDK Symposium on February 27, 2018

● First Year Memorial Service for the late Rev. Toshihide Numata, the Former BDK Chairman● Take a Break: Buddhist Vegetarian Recipe＊ Let’s Try “SHOJIN LIFE” Once A Month with the Recipes from Rev. Yuken Kihara

36-Soy Milk Pudding with the Sauces of Four Seasons

BDK Aﬃliated Organizations
World Map & Contact Info.
● Report for “BDK Global Meeting”● BDK America＊ Tripitaka Translation Project＊ “Buddha's Words in the Landscape of India”＊ 2017 Toshihide Numata Award in Buddhist Literature＊ Ekoji Temple in Washington D.C.

● BDK Hawaii＊ Workshop on Peace in the Workplace＊ Hawaii Book and Music Festival＊ New Building Dedication at the Pacific Buddhist Academy● BDK Mexico＊ Report for “Japanese Temple Tour 2017”● BDK Asia

＊ “The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” Distribution at “Koma Competition 2018” in Thailand＊ Recent Changes in BDK Asia - Introducing New BDK Members● BDK Europe＊ Recent Changes in BDK Europe - Introducing New BDK Members

44"Sasaeatte - Heiwa (Peace)"

BDK Newsletter No.7 2018 - 6/1/2018 - 4,500
Copyrightⓒ2018 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

2018

New Path - Aiming for a Spiritually
Enriched World
We truly appreciate your generous understanding and continued support for all of
BDK’s activities.
Since Rev. Toshihide Numata, former Chairman of BDK, passed away in February, 2017, I took on the heavy responsibility of replacing him as Chairman.
Rev. Toshihide Numata followed his father’s will and contributed to a more peaceful world and the happiness of mankind by spreading the teaching of Śakyamuni
Buddha. He engaged in a variety of activities to promote the teachings to the world
by distributing “The Teaching of Buddha” as his primary focus for decades.
However, we are facing new challenges such as the reduction of the birth rate, thegrowth of an aging population, the centralization of population, and the depopulation in suburban areas.
In the light of these difficult situations, we must take the opportunity to reconfirm
our belief that the “attainment of a peaceful society will be completed only upon
the perfection of the human mind,” and we must reconsider the ways in which wesearch for new directions appropriate to our changing times as well as to thecontinuation of our previous activities.
We hope to enrich everyone’s minds so that the world will be more peaceful. We
should keep moving 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Introducing the New Organizational
Structure of BDK
Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) experienced a great loss when Rev. Toshihide Numata, former BDK
Chairman, passed away in February, 2017. We revised our organizational structure in order tobest pursue his goal of promoting Buddhism to the rest of the world.

We changed our articles of organization in
June, 2017 and selected Seikoh-Kiyotaka
Kimura as Chairman, Shoryu Katsura as
President, Tadashi Ikuta as Executive Director,
and we strengthened our commitment to ouractivities.
At the end of December, 2017, Tadashi Ikuta

retired, and Harumi Aoki replaced him as
Executive Director.
We, the BDK board of directors and staff
members, will work together as a team tospread Buddhist teachings, culture, and studies throughout the world from now and into the
future.

New board members of BDK are listed as follows as of April, 2018.
Title

Name

Proﬁle Information

ChairmanSeikoh-Kiyotaka Kimura

Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo

President

Shoryu Katsura

Professor Emeritus of Hiroshima University

Executive Director

Harumi Aoki (full-time）

Former Managing Director of Mitutoyo Corporation

Director

Daishun Ueyama

Professor Emeritus of Ryukoku University

Director

Kunihiko Kadowaki

Honorary Chairman of Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.

Director

Kunitake Nomura

Former Managing Director of Fuji Bank

Director

Yoshiaki Numata

President of Mitutoyo Corporation

Director

Tadashi Ikuta

Former Director of Mitutoyo Corporation

AuditorTozen Nakano

Head Priest of Ryuhoji Temple

AuditorTomoji Matsumura

Former Director of Daiichi Kangyo Bank

TrusteeIsshin Yamada

Head Priest of Kongoin Temple

TrusteeTadataka Koide

Chancellor of Aichi Gakuin University

TrusteeChikou Ichikawa

Schoolmaster of Ikegami Honmonji Temple

Trustee

Ryojo Shioiri

Head priest of Sensoji-Hozenin Temple

Trustee

Shiro Hirata

Principal of Konodai Joshi Gakuin

TrusteeJunko Oka

Honorary Head Priest of Enyuji Temple

Trustee

Teruma Nishimoto

Chancellor of Musashino University

TrusteeTadao Nakaya

Former Managing Director of Mitutoyo Corporation

Trustee

Toru Nakagawa

Chairman of Mitutoyo Corporation

TrusteeTakafumi Nakagawa

Senior Director of Mitutoyo Corporation

From left to right :Seikoh-Kiyotaka Kimura, Chairman
Shoryu Katsura, President

Hanumi Aoki, Executive Director

2

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─BDK JAPANNEWS 2017

BDK Publications

01
Activity

Free Downloads of E-Books Available! "Tottemo Yasashii
Hajimete no Bukkyo (Very Easy First Step to Buddhism)"and "GUIDE TO BUDDHISM IN JAPAN"
New Publication, "around TOKYO TEMPLE MAP"

We have released new tools for the younger generation of people who frequently use digital
devices and for tourists from all over the world in

We are living in an era in which people can easily get necessary information online as much as they like.
Younger people do not read books
that are printed on paper anymore.
Therefore, we are considering otherways in which they can become
familiar with the teachings of Buddha
and Buddhist culture. We started publishing an e-book version of “Tottemo
Yasashii Hajimete no Bukkyo (VeryEasy First Step to Buddhism)” as afree download from our official website (http://www.bdk.or.jp/).
The booklet explains things you thinkorder for them to understand Japanese Buddhist
culture and the spirit of Buddhism.

you know but really do not know, anddeals with basic questions such as“ What is Buddhism?” “ Who is
Shakyamuni?” There are also someeasy-to-understand illustrations andpictures. The booklet can be browsed
on portable devices and you can carry
it wherever you go.
Moreover, we released the e-bookversion as well as the printed version
of “GUIDE TO BUDDHISM IN
JAPAN” for the growing numbers of
tourists from all over the world. Most
tourists visit temples and shrines inJapan, however, there are not enoughJapanese people who can speak
English or other languages to takecare of them when they ask questions.
It would be fantastic if they were able
to know more about the cultural background and etiquette at Japanese temples and shrines. The booklet deals
with those questions about Buddhism
in a very compact format that is easyto-read and carry. We have donatedand placed them at major temples,concierge desks at hotels, and tourist
information centers.
In addition to the guidebook, we havepublished “around TOKYO TEMPLE
MAP” to introduce temples andshrines that are able to welcome
tourists from foreign countries. It isalso available at major hotels andtourist information centers. At the
moment, "Tottemo Yasashii Hajimete
no Bukkyo (Very Easy First Step to
Buddhism)”" is downloadable forJapanese speaking readers in our official website (http://www.bdk.or.jp),
and BDK is working on making it
available in the future for English
speakers as well.

3

BDK JAPAN

02
Activity

NEWS 2017
BDK Sponsors"Japan Hotel Management Seminar"

BDK has distributed “The Teaching of Buddha”
throughout the world as one of our main activities.
As of 2018, we have donated and placed copies of
The number of copies of “ The
Teaching of Buddha” placed in hotels
has been declining year by year, and it
has become more difficult for us toplace copies in new hotels. We sponsored a “Japan Hotel Management
Seminar” to try to explain BDK activities to people in the hotel industry, toexpress our gratitude for their support,
and to ask for their help to place more
copies in hotel rooms with the backing of Ohta Publications Co., Ltd.
We organized the seminar around thetheme of “OMOTENASHI, Japanese
Hospitality in the Global Age” bysponsoring a talk and having a panelsession with a Buddhist priest andnotable people in the industry. It wasa great opportunity for them to learn
the methods of taking care of tourists
from all over the world.

03
Activity

Seminar at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo

For the fiscal year of 2017, we had thefirst seminar at the Sapporo Grand
Hotel in Hokkaido on May 29, 2017,a second one at the Shinagawa Prince
Hotel in Tokyo on August 28, 2017, a
third one at the Hotel Okura in
Fukuoka on October 24, 2017, and the"The Teaching of Buddha"
Update for 2017

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) distributed more
copies of “The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” tohotels in Japan for 2017. Since Japan is expecting
large numbers of tourists from all over the world to

For hotels outside of Japan, we have
distributed a large number of copies

4

the book in 1.5 million rooms in 13,700 hotels in 62
countries in the world.

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

last one at the Hotel Granvia in Kyoto
on February 13, 2018. We welcomed
50 to 80 participants at each seminarand provided a good opportunity forparticipants to learn more about thespirit of Buddhism and BDK activities.

attend the Olympic Games in 2020, more hotels
have been built in Tokyo. BDK plans to approach
those new hotels to distribute more copies of
TTOB.

this year. The hotel association in
Myanmar offered us an opportunity to

distribute a 100,000 copies of TTOB
to about 1,100 hotels throughout thenation. Moreover, 20,000 copies havebeen donated to Tibetan schools in
India. It was our great pleasure toprovide this service to people whohave already been familiar with
Buddhism from ancient times.
We are encouraged by the fact thatsince 2011, we have distributed
38,535 copies to 241 Buddhist
schools and kindergartens in Japan.
The total of donated copies comes to327,000 as of 2017. We are willing to
distribute more copies of TTOB to
hotels, hospitals, schools, etc. fromnow on.

04
Activity

TTOBs donated to a Tibetan monastery school in India

BDK Tour for "The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)"
Donation and Visits of Buddhist Sites in Myanmar

BDK donated 100,000 copies of TTOB in English
and Burmese to 1,100 hotels in the Republic of theUnion of Myanmar (Myanmar) with the support ofDonation from BDK to the temple in Bagan

We had donated those books in
Myanmar and organized a tour with
BDK Chairman, Seikoh-Kiyotaka

Mr. H.E. U Ohn Manung, Ministry of Hotels andTourism.

Kimura as the group leader. The
tour lasted from March 28 to April
2, 2018 and 20 people participatedin the tour.
The group attended a children’s
ordination ceremony, which BDK
supported, visited the cemetery forJapanese in Yangon and travelled tosome Buddhist sites in major cities
such as Bagan and Mandalay. Also
one of the highlights of the tour was
the ceremony of delivering copies
of TTOB at the hotel association.
Participants felt the difference of
how Buddhism is integrated intolife of the two countries, Myanmar
and Japan. The group experienced
everyday life in Myanmar with astrong influence of the spirit of
Buddhism.

5

Interview

Entrance of Hoshi with a festival Noren curtain“The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” in
Hoshi Ryokan, a Long-Established Inn
with 1,300 Years of History
Interview with Mr. Zengoro Hoshi, the 46th Generation Owner of Hoshi-Ryokan
Location: Hoshi-Ryokan, Komatsu-shi, Ishikawa-ken, Japan
Interviewer: Masanori Yamamura, Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK)
Editor/ Photographer: Kaoru Eguchi, Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK)Special Thanks to Mr. Zengoro Hoshi and Hoshi-Ryokan
Interviewed in February, 2018.
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 Hoshi-Ryokan in the Awazu-hot spring town of Komatsu-shi, Ishikawa prefecture, and had an
opportunity to talk with Mr. Zengoro Hoshi, the 46th generation owner of Hoshi-Ryokan.

6

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─Hoshi-Ryokan (Hoshi) officially opened in 718, and2018 is their 1,300th anniversary year. Hoshi once
appeared in “The Guinness Book of Records” as the“world’s oldest inn.” Why is TTOB used at such a hisFirst of all, could you tell us
the founding philosophy of
Hoshi? Do you have any special connection between
Buddhism and the name of“Hoshi”?
To follow our long history back to
our origins, Taicho-Daishi, a
Buddhist priest, founded an Onsen(hot spring) in Awazu in 718. We
got the name “Hoshi” (one of designations for a Buddhist priest) after
him, and we welcomed our 1,300th
anniversary year in 2018. Ourancestor, Gengoro Sasagiri, was thesecond son of a lumberjack who
was a guide in Hakusan-mountainwhen Taicho-Daishi first went
there. Gengoro was ordained by
Taicho-Daishi and became a
Buddhist priest. That is why wereceived the name “Hoshi” fromTaicho-Daishi for our last name aswell as for our inn. Hoshi was
opened to give everyone happinessand peace from this rich land ofwater, which comes from Hakusanmountain. We use the character “和Wa” of “平和Heiwa (Peace)” invarious ways, and we often say “和えるaeru (to mix).” When you
cook, you make “和え物aemono(mixture).” When you mix something sweet and sour, you create a
totally different and new flavor, andthe result is a single good flavor
from two different ingredients.”
The ingredients do not fight eachother, and they draw on eachother’s power with a synergy. You
know the famous Japanese proverb,

torical inn? What is the connection between “Hoshi”
and Buddhism? We posed these questions to Mr.
Zengoro Hoshi.

“和をもって貴しとなすwa wo motte
toutoshi to nasu (harmony is to bevalued).” The spirit of this proverb
has been part of our local history.
People in Awazu have spent a longtime understanding each other withthe cultural mixture of God andBuddha.
Buddhism is blended well into
your everyday life. How did
you encounter TTOB for the
first time?
I remember that when I firstencountered TTOB, it was before
the first Olympic Games in Tokyo.
I was working in Tokyo at thattime. The Christian Bible was themost popular book in the drawers inhotel rooms at the time, but I also
received some copies of TTOB
from BDK for our inn (with asmile). We just placed both of themin the rooms at Hoshi without any
special thoughts.
However, I encountered TTOB
again shortly after that when I
stayed at a hotel in Osaka. I happened to know that someone had
died in the room I was staying in,
and I could not fall asleep at all. I
even had a nightmare. There it wasagain. I remembered that TTOB
was right by my side and I started
to read it for the first time. I wasinto reading TTOB and noticed
something about myself. Whatever
I feel or think is what I am. After I
read some pages of TTOB, I feltthat my mind was stable. Until thatmoment, I was just living myeveryday life being a Buddhist, but
not believing in any school of
Buddhism. BDK does not belong
to a certain Buddhist school, andthis was also the case with the lateRev. Taido Matsubara, an active
Buddhist priest who did not careabout schools and such.
That is totally true. BDK has aconnection to the late Rev.
Matsubara as well. He wasone of the greatest Buddhist
priests of all time, especiallyin the Showa and Heisei eras.
I have heard that he frequently
stayed at Hoshi. Is that true?
Could you tell us your communication and exchanges
with him?
Rev. Matsubara was the same age
as my deceased father, so he waslike my father. Moreover, his wife

Mr. Zengoro Hoshi (left) and his daughter, Ms. Hisae
Hoshi (right)7was also the same age as mydeceased mother, and we had frequent communication, especiallywith her. His wife taught our executive chef how to cook Yubeshi andTakuan that are very important in
the Zen world. She tested them
many times and taught him withpatience. Rev. Matsubara had sucha big heart. Once while he wasstaying at our inn, some of our distributors asked him to autograph his
books. He took a long time to takecare of each one of them.
Oh, that sounds totally like him!
How did you meet Rev.
Matsubara for the first time?
I had some of his books for a longtime and was very much interested
in him and his activities. I had aconnection with an art director, whoknew Rev. Matsubara. He gave
him a call right in front of me, and I
got a chance to talk to him on thephone. Since then, we have welcomed Rev. Matsubara for a Rotary
Club lecture and he gave a dharma
talk to our employees. Rev. andMrs. Matsubara stayed at our inn
and they loved our onsen, hotspring. They repeatedly visited us
and even their son, the late Rev.
Tetsumyo Matsubara, and his wife
often came. We had a friendly relationship with the Matsubaras as if
we were relatives.
You had such a good relationship with him and his family.
How do you use TTOBs at
Hoshi? And why do you like to
use them in your inn?
We are living up to our name,“Hoshi,” and are handing Buddhism
down at our inn to the next genera-

8

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

tion. That is why we can be here
after 1,300 years. We place TTOBs
in each room, and are happy tohand TTOBs to guests who preferto take them back home. We do notforce TTOB on our guests because
we want people to take TTOB and
Buddhism seriously. Therefore, we
do not distribute copies of TTOB toeveryone. One time, a large tour
group from Taiwan stayed at Hoshi,
and their tour-guide tried to distribute copies of TTOB and other related booklets to all of them. But I
asked the guide to hand them only
to those who really wanted to takethem back home. We like to give it
to people who will take care of it
and read it seriously. On the other
hand, we provide them with as
many copies as they need. We are
happy to help people by giving
them good opportunities.
Thank you very much for taking great care of TTOBs. By
the way, we walked aroundthe inn and saw the explanation that Hoshi is a member of
Les Hénokiens, which was
founded in 1981 in France andaccepts only companies thathave over 200 years of history. Hoshi is a very popular
Japanese inn for tourists fromall over the world, too. Do
you make any special
attempts as a long established inn to understand different cultures from aroundthe world?
99 % of our guests in the 1990s
were Japanese, but now people fromvarious countries have visited us inrecent years. (Families fromSingapore and a big tour group from
Malaysia checked in while we weretalking.) The Japanese/English version of TTOB means a lot to us.
People from other countries canunderstand what the book says.
You can see Japanese side-by-side
with English, so they can be interested in Japanese as well as theirown language. When you are curious about Japanese and our culture,
I believe that it can be a wonderful
opportunity for them to learn
Japanese and about Japan.
I repeatedly have to say this, but wemust offer Buddhism to the worldin return for Buddhism having
made it possible for us to run ourbusiness for the last 1,300 years.
When I lost my son and could not
do anything for some years, I
remembered this feeling and tried
to come back here and do what I
could. I am still trying to explain
the attractiveness of Awazu andBuddhism to people coming fromall over the world.
I know you tried a variety of“OMOTENASHI,” Japanesehospitality, and I have heardthat you started talking to
your guests every morning
after the East Japan Great
Earthquake and Tsunami happened. What made you do
this? Could you tell us about
that?
It was when the Hanshin Awaji
Great Earthquake happened that I
saw people screaming on the TV
news, “I want to take a bath!” I
drove a small bus to Kobe andpicked them up to bring them to
Awazu and stay at Hoshi. We tried
to treat them like they were kings
and queens because we just wanted
them to enjoy our hot spring and toease the pains of their bodies andHoshi lobby area

Traditionall Hina dolls for Girl’s festival in Marchsouls from the life at emergency
shelters. They tried to pay us, but
we did not accept anything because
they were already suffering fromthe disaster. I said to them, “Please
try to get over this terrible situation
with a big smile” and saw them off.
Seven or eight years after that, I
think it was in November, a groupof four people visited us and said,“We are the four with big smiles
who enjoyed seeing the sun comeup.” I was so happy to see themagain with their big smiles and I
talked with them for a long time
together with my son and employees, who welcomed them back. A
few months later, on March 11,
2011, the East Japan Great
Earthquake and tsunami occurredand everything changed forever.
On that day, everything, including
houses and even people, was swept
away by the Tsunami. Even if you
disliked someone, you will never beable to see him or her again. It canhappen to anyone. Yet you mightwant to see that person so badly
after a while. We have life only for
one time, so we must live our lives
very carefully and meaningfully.
That is what I thought after the disaster.
I believe that no one wants to die inan earthquake or tsunami, but I lost
my son and even my grandson after
that. One of our long-time customers once told me, “I lost my son
when he was in his 40s, but he hadhope and left with happiness.” I
could not agree with his idea andargued, “It cannot be true! My son
wanted to live longer.” However,this conflict between us gave us a
special opportunity to discuss“death” and to understand eachother. This chance was given to me
by my son and Buddhism.
I was suffering from the fact that I
lost my son and grandson after I
turned 70. I have no idea how
many more years I can live, but I
am certain that I have to live therest of my life with my strong

belief. It feels like I was controlled
by something I could not see. I
decided to live according to what
my son and grandson wanted.
I learned a lot from the death of myson. I feel that I am just living mylife now. It gave me a chance torethink “life and death.” Before thedeath of my son, he would give oneorder to about 100 employees attheir morning meeting every day.
After his death, 100 employees tellme one by one what my son told
them each and every day. Our
grand chef told me a story about myson, who said, “ I am sure that
Washoku, Japanese traditional cuisine, will be huge like French andChinese food after some years. So,
we must keep providing attractive
dishes on Wajima or Kutani plateswith safe Japanese ingredients.
That would be our OMOTENASHI
for a long time.” You cannot fully
explain something at an everyday
meeting, and I just had no idea how
my son tried to tell a simple thing to9each of our 100 employees. I
noticed his efforts and learned how
to live now.
You cannot turn the clock back.
Even a moment cannot be taken
back. (Pauses for a long breath.) I
really want a moment to have aconversation with my son. I knowthat I should not think about this all
the time, but I do have conversations with him in my heart.
One of my favorite phrases (looking at the scroll of calligraphy
donated by a Buddhist temple in
Osaka hanging in the lobby) is “無事是貴人 buji kore kijin” I firstthought “無事 buji” meant “noaccident,” and that “貴人 kijin”
meant “aristocrats.” However, I
learned later that “buji” means thatyou do not wish to get any returns
and “kijin” means Buddha.
Therefore, Buddha does not wish to
get any returns from everyday life.
If you do not have any desires andare satisfied with what you have,that is Buddha. If you have a few
appropriate desires, you may impartstrength and vitality to society. It
develops the world in a good way.
But you just cannot do this. I thinkthat we should learn somethingfrom the spirit of the Mitutoyo
Corporation. They are trying togive things they earned back tosociety through 50-years of Bukkyo
Dendo Kyokai (BDK) activities. It
is the perfect idea of spreading thegreat teachings of the Buddha to theworld. I, myself would like to besomeone who can be trusted andcounted on. I keep thinking aboutthat and try to talk to our guests
every morning.
Your stories sound like dharma talks! Could you now tell
us some stories in terms of

10

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─TTOB and other BDK books placed in each roombusiness and management?
It was way before the Olympic
Games in Tokyo were held. My
mother always told me, “You must
be very careful with fire. You willlose everything in a fire.” However,in 1961, we had a fire at our inn andsix of our old rooms built of woodand some old trees in the garden
burned. Fortunately, there was no
injury or no other damage to neighboring properties. My mother kept
saying and apologizing, “I cannot
tell this to our ancestors. I did a terrible thing…” But I thought it wasa good opportunity to build somebrand new facilities and to attracteven more customers, and I actuallybuilt twenty-one new steel-framed
concrete rooms over the ruins of thefire. It was in the middle of theperiod of rapid economic growth inJapan at that time. Our businesswent smoothly without any problems. The more we built, the morecustomers came. When I thinkback on it now, my father, the 45th
Zengoro, let me do what I wanted

to try. I just did not think about
anything else besides removing
those traditional wooden constructed rooms and replace them withsteel-framed concrete rooms
instead. After a while, we started tohave a hard time attracting people
to our inn. What had I done? It
was just my great regret that I
destroyed the precious woodenbuildings, which were long-established from the time of our ancestors. I thought that my business
was succeeding at that time, but I
did not even notice that failure
would approach so soon. My mother always thought that she was failing, and learned something fromeveryday failures. But I had tried ashortcut to success in the end. On
the other hand, avoiding calm selfexamination makes you fail big,and you won’t even notice it iscoming right next to you.
You are right. (Everyone nodded and agreed.) Success andfailure, life and death, they are
two sides of the same coin!

Lastly, what do you think
about the future of BDK activities? What is your expectation?
I truly appreciate what BDK has
done for us for such a long time.
Buddhism and Hoshi cannot be separated. BDK has donated TTOBs
and other useful materials to us at
no cost, and we are really thankful
for your continued efforts.
I would say that it would be very
nice if BDK could provide something for the people who read
TTOB to move forward one more
step farther. I think that TTOB in
Japanese and in other languages isuseful for people coming from allover the world. It would be goodfor them to study Japanese. Also, itwould be great if you could publish
something easy to understand foreveryone, something from which
you can learn the basics of

Buddhism.
TTOB gave us a fantastic opportunity to visit Hoshi, one of the longestestablished inns in Japan and to talkwith Mr. Zengoro Hoshi, the 46th
generation owner of Hoshi, in person. I was a bit nervous when I first
visited Hoshi, however, Mr. Hoshi
welcomed us with a big smile andhis gentle kindness helped us toenjoy our time at Hoshi. We had achance to listen to his morning talkand learned that life has meaning,
and nothing should be wasted. His
energetic yet generous talk warmly
enveloped us and all the guests.
TTOBs have been gently placed in a
traditional Japanese-style letter box
in the rooms. I was simply touchedwith this gesture of treating TTOBs
so nicely. I realized that Mr.
Zengoro Hoshi is able to welcome
many guests from all over the world
with his big smile because he expe-

rienced a variety of ups and downsof life for himself over a long periodof time.
BDK will continue to distribute freecopies of TTOB to hotels in theworld. At the same time, we aim to
publish a book that will allow readers to become familiar with different religions and nationalities.
For your reservation or any
inquiries about Hoshi, pleasecheck the official website of Hoshi
at http://www.ho-shi.co.jp/

For more information about “The
Teaching of Buddha” and other
BDK publications, please visit theofficial

BDK

websiteat

http://www.bdk.or.jp/

Hoshi-Ryokan (Hoshi)
The history of the inn began in 718 when Awazu Onsen town was established. They continued maintaining the business for the last 1,300 years
since then. The first son of the Hoshi family was named “Zengoro,” and now
the 46th Zengoro runs the business. They have different types of hot spring
facilities such as a large public bath, an open air bath, and a private hotspring bath. The quality of the hot spring water is very precious and famous,and Hoshi guests can drink for free hot spring water as well. There areabout 60 rooms in four buildings, and a traditional Japanese style garden has
aged trees planted by Japanese royal family members a long time ago.

Zengoro Hoshi
Born in Komatsu-shi, Ishikawa-ken in 1938. Graduated from Keio University.
Worked at Japan Ryokan & Hotel Association. At the age 42, succeeded tothe position of the 46th Zengoro. Held the chairmanship of the Awazu
Onsen Sightseeing Association, chairman of Komatsu-shi Sight-seeing
Association, and director of the International Ryokan Association, etc. He is
still engaged in efforts to further the development of the local community.

11

BDK JAPAN

05
Activity

NEWS 2017
The 2nd BDK Buddhist Picture Book Prize"Kokoro-no-Ehon-Taisho (Picture Book for Your
Heart and Mind)"

In 2016, BDK started “Kokoro-no-Ehon-Taisho (Picture Book for Your
Heart and Mind)” co-sponsored by Suzuki Publications, and supported by
the Mainichi Newspaper, the Japan Buddhist Nursing Association and the
National Youth Indoctrination Council, with the aim of promoting thedevelopment of the hearts and minds of children through reading.

We welcomed Mr. Keisuke Nishimoto,
Professor Emeritus of Showa
Women’s University, as a judge alongwith Mr. Tomohiko Fujimoto andother judges. We received 80 submissions and selected one for First Prize,
three for Outstanding PerformanceAwards, and five for Fine Works.
The First Prize of the 2nd BDK
Buddhist Picture Book Prize competition went to “Hashiru Ojizo-san(Running Jizo, the Guardian Deity ofTravelers, Children, and Pregnant.

06
Activity

Women)” written by Mr. Jun Saito. It
is a heart-warming story about Jizo,
who tries to help an old lady standing
in a street. Mr. Saito, the author of thebook, usually works as an illustrator
and published a variety of works inthe past. He received JPY500,000
and the book was published in March2018.
BDK has started accepting submissions for the 3rd BDK Buddhist
Picture Book Prize in April 2018. For
more information about the picture“Hashiru Ojizo-san”

book prize, please visit our official
website at http://www.bdk.or.jp/kokoronoehon/

New Book Arrival!
"Buddha is Our Teacher" in English

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) published “Buddha is Our Teacher” as an
English version of “Buddha-ga-Sensei” to help children develop “kind,right and strong” minds for living in today’s world.

“Buddha-ga-Sensei” is one of our best
sellers, which has already sold
220,000 copies since 2017. Withcharming illustrations, the bookrelates the “really important words of
the Buddha” that children should
know. It touches upon not only children’s feelings but the sensibilities of

12

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

adults as well.
BDK received many requests frompeople overseas who want to introduce this book to children in theircountries, and so we published it inEnglish. The book can be used bypeople who would like to learn about
Buddhism for the first time. It also

describes how people can make use of
the teachings of the Buddha in theireveryday lives no matter what country
they live in or what generation they
belong belong.

07
Activity

The 2017 Competition and Exhibition for the
BDK Calendar "A Wise Teaching A Day" atTsukiji Hongwanji and Byodoin

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) hosted the fourth competition and exhibition for the BDK calendar “A Wise
Teaching A Day” that originally started in 2014. We
organized an exhibition of selected works at Tsukiji
Hongwanji Temple in Tokyo and Byodoin Temple in
Kyoto. We received 1,740 submissions sent from 525
people for the competition, and this was the largest
number ever since 2014.

BDK hosted an exhibition for the
3rd competition of the BDK
Calendar “A Wise Teaching A Day”
at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple from
July 15 to 30, 2017. Following theshowing at Tsukiji Hongwanji
Temple, we held the exhibition at
the Hoshokan museum of Byodoin
Temple in Kyoto from August 4 to
27. We had an opening ceremony
at Byodoin, which was attended bysome award winners living in theneighborhood; Mr. Kenji Ishiguro,
chairman of our selection committee; Mr. Mori Suzuki, a Japanesecalligrapher who wrote the sayingsfor the calendar; and Rev. Bunsho
Kamii, the head priest of Byodoin
Temple.
Rev. Kamii said, "As people
advance along the paths they cultivate for their lives, all kinds of scenarios spread out around them, andwhat this exhibition does so well is
to slice out single moments fromthose scenarios as photographs andmatch them with the words of the
Buddha." He was also impressed

Our selection committee chose 32 of them on
September 4, 2017, and awarded them cash prizes
and certificates. All of the selected photos were also
published in “Japan Camera,” one of the leading
Japanese magazines for photography. Those works
can be viewed on our official website as well. The
BDK Calendar “A Wise Teaching A Day” for 2019 withthose selected photos will be published in June 2018.

with the quality of the photography
and said, “The exhibition itself is anexpression of the Buddha that

embodies the prospects of the many
people who supported the exhibition.” At the ceremony, Mr. Mori

Exhibition at the Hoshokan museum of Byodoin

Calligraphy performance by Mr.Mori Suzuki

13

BDK JAPANNEWS 2017
Suzuki demonstrated his calligraphy
and many people came in to see his
performance. Approximately 10,000

08
Activity

people visited Tsukiji Hongwanji
Temple and 120,000 people visited
Byodoin Temple, and they all had a“BDK English Tripiṭaka”
Translation Project

The BDK English Tripiṭaka Editorial Committee

The BDK English Tripiṭaka Editorial Committee is
exploring ways to speed up the translation and publication of Buddhist texts selected for the first series.
Towards this end, Chairman Kenneth Tanaka visited

In order to introduce the English
Tripiṭaka to scholars, BDK set up special booths at the meeting of theInternational Association of Shin
Buddhist Studies at Musashino
University, and the Book Publishing
Symposium for the English translation of “Denkoroku” held at the14

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

wonderful opportunity to become
familiar with the Buddha’s words inassociation with the photographs.

“BDK English Tripiṭaka”

translators overseas to confirm the progress of eachwork. He aspires to move things forward with greater
speed and efficiency.

Sotoshu headquarters.
The new publication in 2017 is“The Collection for the Propagation

and Clarification of Buddhism,
Volume II.”

For more information about the “BDK English Tripiṭaka” project, “The
Teaching of Buddha” and other BDK publications, please visit the BDK
official website at http://www.bdk.or.jp/

Financial Assistance and Honoring
Recipients

01
Activity

BDK Fellowship Programs2017 BDK Fellowships for Foreign Scholars

The BDK Fellowship was established to promoteinternational cooperation and mutual 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 28th year in 2018, we have selected three promising scholars below.

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

Ms. Meghan Howard
Nationality : U.S.A.
Affiliation in Japan : Waseda University
Academic Advisor in Japan : Prof. Nobuyoshi Yamabe
Theme of Research in Japan : 『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) commentary by by Facheng 法成/Chos grub found among theDunhuang manuscripts

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

15

BDK JAPANNEWS 2017
We hope our newest three members of the BDK Fellowship family will have successful stays in Japan for the year
2018, and it is with great pleasure that we present reports about previous scholarship holders of the year 2017.

Questions for the 2017 BDK Fellowship holders
1 ) What made you apply for the 2017 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?

Name : Ms. Katarzyna Marciniak
Nationality : Poland
Affiliation in Japan : The International Research Institute for Advanced Buddhology, Soka University
Academic Advisor in Japan : Prof. Seishi Karashima
Theme of Research in Japan : A new edition of the Mahāvastu on the basis of the oldest extant Manuscripts
Sa and Na

1 ) I have been engaged in the studyof the Buddhist Sanskrit text entitled Mahāvastu for many years
now. It had been my dream to beable to come to Japan and carry out
research under the supervision ofProf. Seishi Karashima, an outstanding scholar in the field of
Buddhist Studies. Therefore, I
decided to apply for the BDK
Fellowship, hoping to be given achance to come here and carry out
advanced research as well as meeting Japanese scholars whose interests are the same as mine.
2 ) The best thing about being a BDK
Fellowship holder is being able tocarry out advanced research at agreat academic institution in Japan
as well as getting to know the culture and the people of this country.
The Fellowship enables me to carryout my academic projects and at thesame time enjoy many different
aspects of everyday life in Japan,such as participating in cultural
events, as well as learning theJapanese language.

16

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

Prof. Karashima (left) and Ms. Marciniak (right)

3 ) I wish to continue my research on
Buddhist Sanskrit literature and, atthe same time, to encourage andsupport students who are interested
in Buddhist philology in Poland. I
am hoping to be able to employ theskills I am learning now in myfuture research projects and academic career.

Name : Rev. Juti Rakkit Shraman
Nationality : Bangladesh
Affiliation in Japan : The Department of Indian Philosophy and Buddhist Studies, The Division of AsianStudies, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo
Academic Advisor in Japan : Prof. Dr. Minowa Kenryo
Theme of Research in Japan : Textual Analysis of 'Tathāgata' in the Context of Itivuttaka

1 ) I am a Theravada Buddhist monkand have been involved with studying as well as training and practicing Buddhism for the past 15 years
with a focus on Pali texts. Since mychildhood, I had learned from myreligious teacher (Guru), that Japanis a Buddhist country, that Japaneseculture is well known all over theworld, and that Japan has had ahuge influence of the interpretationof Buddha's teaching. So, in orderto further my studies of Buddhism
and to be able to become directly
familiar with Japanese culture, I
searched for an opportunity to cometo Japan. Finally, I learned about
BDK’s activities and decided toapply for a BDK Fellowship. Now,
my expectation is going to be fulfilled.
2 ) The best thing about being a BDK
Fellowship holder is continuing mystudy in my dream country of Japanand being able to take part inProf. Minowa (left) and Rev. Shraman (right)

advanced research on Buddhism
and Japanese culture with an eminent Japanese scholar at the worldfamous University of Tokyo.
Moreover, the Fellowship provides
assistance and support to continue
my research.
3 ) I sincerely aim to dedicate myself
to do advanced research on the

Buddha’s teachings so that I can
promote Buddhism. After finishingmy academic studies, I hope toenter the teaching profession inorder to promote mutual national
and international understandings,
and to create a more compassionate,harmonious and prosperous society
based on the Buddha’s teachings.

Name : Ms. Dörte Kamarid
Nationality : German
Affiliation in Japan : International College for Postgraduate Buddhist Studies (ICPBS)
Academic Advisor in Japan : Prof. Akira Saito
Theme of Research in Japan : Cultural Transfer between India and Tibet and its implication for the development of Prāsaṅgika Madhyamaka in Tibet: The Commentary on Mūlamadhyamakakārikā by Pa tshab Nyi
ma grags
1 ) In general, Japan has made great
contributions to the research and aca-

demic work in the field ofMadhyamaka in the Tibetan tradi-tion. I am working on the manuscriptof Pa tshab Nyi ma grags’ commen-

17

BDK JAPANNEWS 2017

Prof. Saito (right) and Ms. Kamarid (left)tary on Mūlamadhyamakakārikā
and am researching the Cultural
Transfer between India and Tibet
and its implication for the development of Prāsaṅgika Madhyamaka in
Tibet, which is a suitable topic forworking under the guidance of Prof.
Akira Saito. After being accepted towork under Prof. Akira Saito´sguidance and to study at theInternational College for Postgraduate
Buddhist Studies (ICPBS) in
Tokyo, I applied for the BDK
Fellowship. This fellowship offers
me a great opportunity to meet andcooperate with various scholars in
the field of Buddhist Studies inJapan itself. I took notice of thisprogram and applied for a fellowship because BDK showed a genuine interest in making it possible
for students or researchers of
Buddhist Studies to study in Japanfor one year with the aim of promoting international engagement ofresearch in Buddhist studies.
2 ) Being in Japan has provided agreat opportunity for deepening my18

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

knowledge of Japanese Buddhism
as well as for being inspired by thephilological research work carriedout by Japanese and international
scholars about Buddhism in generaland about the specialized researchin the field of Madhyamaka philosophy. Being a BDK Fellowshipholder has given me the chance to
get to know BDK activities more indetail. BDK has many different
activities and being a part of the
BDK family with support for one
year provides a very unique opportunity and shows the concern of
BDK to develop the next generationof researchers in Buddhist studies aswell. It has been wonderful to beable to participate in different activities and to join different events andexperience the activities of BDK atfirst hand.
3 ) My goal for the future is to be
active in the academic field of
Buddhist Studies in general and in
Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan
Buddhism in particular while
engaging in and advancing the

research and translation work of
textual sources in Classical
Buddhist languages. My aim is tomake these sources accessible in
English and other European
Languages as well as South Asian
languages. With a critical approach
as well as with an understanding of
Buddhist sources not only from anexternal perspective but also fromwithin, I aim to contribute to theacademic field of Buddhist Studies
in order to preserve the rich heritageof Buddhism in the modern world
with a practical approach in the academic field as such. My aims are tocontribute to this field with publications in the near future, and to
inspire a great exchange between
the East and West regarding academic and philological studies in
the field of Buddhism itself.
Regarding my study and researchtime in Japan, I am aiming to complete the PhD course within three
years. I am very grateful to BDK
for supporting my stay in Japan
with the BDK Fellowship 2017.

02
Activity

2017 BDK Fellowships 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.

The BDK Fellowship committee selected three scholars for the 2018 grants listed below.
<For 12 months>
Name : Ms. Kazuho Yamazaki
Affiliation : McMaster University, Canada<For 6 months>
Name : Mr. Nobuyuki Suzuki
Affiliation : Leiden University, The Netherlands

Name : Mr. Takao Hatano
Affiliation : The Academy of Sciences in Austria, Austria

We are pleased to introduce two of the 2017 BDK Fellowship holders with their comments.

Questions for the 2017 BDK Fellowship Holders

1 ) What made you apply for the 2017 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?
Name : Mr. Ryo Nishiyama
Affiliation : Department of Religion, Boston University
Academic Advisor : Prof. David Ekel
Theme of Research : A Study of Theory of Bhāviveka and Avalokitavrata

1 ) I met Prof. David Ekel, my academic advisor, in the U.S. and was
inspired by him when I saw him in
Kyoto in 2014.

2 ) When you come to understandBuddhism in Japan, you use traditional Chinese translations like
Nirvana. However, you cannot dothe same thing in English.
Therefore, I tried to understand themeanings of each word. I hope that

I will be able to express my ideas insimple yet precise words.

3 ) I met people who are good atenjoying research, everyday life,and life as a whole. And, I am often
surprised by seeing wild turkeys on
the street!

Prof. Ekel (right) and Mr. Nishiyama (left)

19

BDK JAPANNEWS 2017
Name : Hiroko Matsuoka
Affiliation : Institute for Indology and Central Asian Studies, University of Leipzig
Academic Advisor : Prof. Eli Franco
Theme of Research : A Study of the Beginnings of the Buddhist Treatises

1 ) I have been doing my researchon Kamalasila’s “Dharmakirti’s
Proof of Self-Awareness” in 8th
century India. I would like toapply for another round of the
BDK Fellowship with the adviceof Prof. Franco and other professors.

2 ) It was such a great experienceof spending two years inGermany and Austria doing
research about Buddhism inIndia. I would like to engage infurther educational research activities, and to carry out an “annotation” project for the next three
years.

3 ) I really like being in a location
where I can move around to otherEU countries. At the moment, I
am participating in a researchgroup on “Chinese materials for
Indian pramāṇa traditions” organized by Prof. Toru Funayama.

Ms. Matsuoka

BDK has established a new program for Japanese scholars that allows them to stay in a foreign country for ashorter period of time. For more information about BDK Fellowship programs, please visit the official BDK website at http://www.bdk.or.jp/

20

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─03
Activity

The 51st BDK Cultural Awards

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) offers the Bunka-Sho,the Cultural Award for the Promotion of Buddhism,
which was started in 1967, and the Numata ShoreiSho, 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 BDK Cultural Award Committee selected the following awardees at its selection meeting in July 2017.
The 51st Bukkyo Dendo
Bunka-sho, BDK Cultural Awardfor the Promotion of Buddhism
Ms. Michiko Ishimure

The Numata Shorei-Sho,the Numata Innovation& Visionary Award
Rev. Tesshu Shaku●Born in Kumamoto in 1927. Published “Kukai
Jodo,” which raises questions to society about the
Minamata-disease (a type of poisoning caused byindustrial mercury pollution) from a Buddhist pointof view. Also published various religious and highly artistic literary works.

●Born in Osaka in 1961. Contributed
to missionary works and activities
involving many Buddhist schools.
Also manages a welfare NPO.

The 51st Cultural Award Ceremony

Ms. Michiko Ishimure was notpresent at the ceremony and banquet, but her son, Mr. Michio

Ishimure, attended and delivered
Michiko’s comments on her award.

─ First of all, I must thank Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) and the selection committee members, who gave me such an honor for “Kukai Jodo.” This bookinternalizes the modernism of Japan with the help of people throughout Japan.
Some vulgar words can be heard in many places, and they weaken the meanings
and characters of words. You can say the same for relationships among people
in general, I guess.
An old lady patted the head of a child who was playing on the street near somefields.
“Darling, you have such a deep soul.”

These words came from the mouth of an old lady who had no connection to any
authorities whatsoever, and the girl would never forget her words. She thoughtthat the words were so precious, coming from a person who treated her like
Buddha. Here I am. I still live my life as it was.
I hope for your great success in the future from the bottom of my heart.
January 1, 2018
Michiko Ishimure

Ms. Ishimure left a heartwarming
message for us. However, she passed
away on February 10, 2018. We
would like to commend her for all ofher achievements once again, and we
humbly publish her kind message
here in our newsletter, Michi.
Also, Rev. Shaku told us how happy
he was. “I am so proud and honored
that I have received this award from21

BDK JAPANNEWS 2017
the respected BDK. When I was in
my master’s degree program, I was
treated so nicely by Mitutoyo employees in Germany, where I was as aninternational student. 30 years havepassed by and now I have received anaward with the name of the late Rev.

04
Activity

Numata! I feel nervous when I take alook at the list of previous awardees.
They are all legends. It is an opportu-

nity for me to look back at what I
have done and I will keep trying mybest with each step I take.

For more information about BDK Cultural Awards and the pastawardees, please visit our official website at http://www.bdk.or.jp/

BDK Financial Assistance Programs - Update for2017

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) started an open systemthat allows all groups and organizations to submit
applications for high quality public programs to promote Buddhism and its culture in 2016. For 2017, we

received 28 entries and the BDK Financial AssistanceCommittee selected 21 groups/organizations at a
meeting and granted them financial assistance as listed below.
Name of Project

Name of Individual / GroupThe Japanese Association of Indian and Buddhist Studies

International academic exchanges and promotion of cultural contributions, etc.

HIGANJI

Online Temple, website for Higanji Temple

General Incorporated Association KOGEN

Temple Festival, KOGEN

General Incorporated Association SHINJIN-KAI

Invites children who survived the East Japan Great Earthquake andTsunami in Fukushima

General Incorporated Association

Educates Buddhist priests to cooperate with the medical industry

Dainihon Bukkyo Jizenkai Zaidan (Japan Buddhist Charity Association)
Kokoro no Sodanshitsu (Counseling Room for Hearts)

Counseling on the phone

Public Interest Incorporated Foundation

Train and educate Buddhist chaplains

Zenkoku Kyokaishi Renmei (Japan Buddhist Chaplain Union)
Religious Organization

Japanese Buddhist studies and courses

Rinzaishu Myoshinji Sect Butsumoji Temple
General Incorporated Association

Establishment of a council

The University of Tokyo Buddhist Youth Association
Tohoku University Graduate School Practical Religious Studies Course

Programs for educating Buddhist chaplains/counselors

NPO Mejirushi Koryu wo Moriageru Kai

Promotes learning more about the Brahmin monk Bodhisena

General Incorporated Association Japan Composers Council“Prayer” special event for the Asian Music Festival 2017

“Juya Fes” Executive Committee

Manages “Juya Festival”“Teracho” Conference Executive Committee

Activates temples in Kitakyushu

All Japan Young Buddhist Association

Mindfulness Retreats of Thich Nhat Hanh

Ryukoku University Museum

Fall special exhibition 2017 “Jigokue (Drawings of Hell) Wonderland”

Public Interest Incorporated Foundation The Nakamura Hajime Eastern Institute

Reports for 2017 research activities

Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Shanti Volunteer Association

Book improvement project for children in Myanmar 2017

University of California, Berkeley The Center for Buddhist Studies

Numata Program in Buddhist Studies

The University of Chicago Divinity School

Numata Program in Buddhist Studies

Leiden University

Special Conference In Honor of the 60th Anniversary of Leiden University

For more information about BDK financial assistance programs, please visit our official website at
http://www/bdk.or.jp/

22

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─01

Buddhist Lectures and Seminars

Activity

The 47th Jissen Fukyo Kenkyukai, BDK
Buddhist Missionary Seminar, at Jodo Shinshu
Hongwanji-ha Head Temple (Nishi Hongwanji)

The Buddhist Missionary Seminar (BDK) study
groups encourage participants to experience andpractice the path of the founders of various Japanese

Buddhist schools. BDK hopes participants will deepen their understanding of Buddha’s teachings by listening, thinking and sharing with everyone.

The lecture by Prof. Becker

Ryukoku Museum

Nishi Hongwanji Temple

BDK hosted the 47th BMS with thetheme of “Learning from Master
Shinran” for two nights and threedays at Nishi Hongwanji Temple in
Kyoto. We welcomed 52 priests
and their family members from different schools.
On the first day, Monshu Kojun
Ohtani, Head Priest of the Jodo
Shinshu Hongwanji school, greeted
the BMS group, which then toured
the main sanctuary, study hall,
Hiunkaku Pavilion, etc. On the fol-lowing days, participants listened toProf. Carl Becker from Kyoto
University and Rev. Prof. Sencho
Fukagawa from Ryukoku University,and also visited Ryukoku Museum.
Participants were divided into fivegroups and discussed “How to talkabout the afterlife to modern people” at the Bunka-kai, one of themost popular events of BMS, inwhich all of the participants discussed this one topic and later presented the results of their discus-

sions to the whole group.
Everyone enjoyed the three days
and were impressed with the morning chanting at Hongwanji Temple
and the discussion and communication between people from other
Buddhist schools.
For more information about BMS,
and its history, please visit our official website at http://www.bdk.or.jp

23

BDK JAPAN

02
Activity

NEWS 2017
Special Zazen Retreat at Sotoshu Daihonzan
Sojiji Temple

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) held a special event
combining Zazen, Yoga and Shojin Ryori (Buddhist
vegetarian food) at Sotoshu Daihonzan Sojiji Temple
BDK held the second annual Zazen
event at Sojiji Temple. More than 100
people attended the event, whichbegan from the early morning of
October 1, 2017. Participants started
Yoga practice at the large auditoriumof Sanshokaku. Mr. Go Sato, professional Yoga instructor, directed theworkshop. As Mr. Sato usuallyorganizes some Yoga classes only formen, there were more male participants this year. After the one-hoursession of Yoga, Rev. Komyo Hanawa
and Mr. Sato had a discussion sessionin which they explained the connection between Buddhism and Yoga andthe difference between Zazen and
Yoga.
After that, everyone moved to the
Zazendo Hall and practiced Zazen.
Participants tried Zazen at their own
pace in the quiet atmosphere of the
Zazendo. Moreover, those who were03
Activity

Yoga practice at the large auditorium

interested in experiencing theBuddhist way of vegetarian foodenjoyed the authentic Sojiji style of a
Shojin Ryori lunch and visited somehalls in Sojiji after the special zazen
session.
Participants were satisfied with theevent. One person said, “This was
such a great opportunity for me
because I am very busy on weekdays
for work. It was just an amazing

experience.” Another person said, “I
would like to come back again fornext year’s event”

Mr. Sato (left) and Rev. Hanawa (right)“Things You Want To Know About Zen and Food”
at Sotoshu Headquarter’s Training Facility

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) heldan event for people to learn about therelationship between Buddhism andfood on October 21, 2017.
About 50 people attended the event at
one of the Sotoshu Headquarter’s train-24

to provide more opportunities for people to experience
Buddhist culture and its spirit.

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─ing facilities in Tokyo. Participants practiced Zazen under the instruction andassistance of Sotoshu priests, and thenlistened to a lecture about the history andways of thinking about food in Sotoshu.
We had Rev. Shoyo Yoshimura fromSotoshu Fumonji Temple, who
appears frequently in a TV programand publishes some books about food.
“What is Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian food)?” “What is the etiquetteof Tenzo (one of the six administrators

of a Zen temple, mainly in charge offood)?” “ How is the meat dietdefined in Buddhism?” His easy-tounderstand explanations to thosequestions were helpful for participants
who just started learning about
Buddhism.
After the lecture, everyone enjoyed
the food cooked by Ms. Komaki Fujii,
a chef/owner of a Shojin Ryori café inTokyo. The menu for the event was
ginger streamed rice, deep fried
Kurumafu, stewed Chinese cabbage,
Kokushojiru soup, and braised dried
daikon radish. The food was servedon Oryoki dishes (Sotoshu style dishes especially for monks) and participants experienced traditional tablemanners under the instruction of Rev.
Yoshimura. Everyone said, “The04
Activitytable manners were difficult to manage.” “I had a lot to learn for the firsttime about Shojin Ryori.” “The event
gave me a moment just to focus on
eating and it was fantastic.” Shojin

Ryori is considered to be one part of
Buddhist training. Participants had achance for learning something newabout how to eat in their everyday
lives through this event.

The 18th "Buddhist Music Festival –BUDDHASPEL- Peaceful Light " at Kioi Hall in Tokyo

One of BDK’s major activities is the “modernizationof Buddhist music and its popularization.” Thiswas our 18th “Buddhist Music Festival –BuddhaspelWe welcomed eight Baikaryu school
masters of Goeika (traditional songs
in praise of the Buddha) and introduced a new song called “Kuge (animaginary flower in the air)” with theaccompaniment of an orchestra.
The theme of the 18th festival was“Peaceful Song,” and we had Mr.
Baku Yumemakura, a song lyricist,
Mr. Isao Matsushita, a composer, andRev. Michio Henmi, chairman of the
BDK
Music
Popularization
Committee, talk about how they cre-

Peaceful Light” on November 8, 2017 at Kioi Hallin Tokyo.

Baikaryu school masters of Goeika and an orchestra

25

BDK JAPANNEWS 2017ate songs about hopes for Buddhist
peace. Following their presentations
Ms. Sara Kobayashi, a soprano, sang
three songs, and Mr. Andreas Blau, aflute player, played “JODO” as aprayer for the late Rev. Toshihide
Numata, former BDK Chairman.
Moreover, Mr. Kazuki Sawa,
Chancellor of Tokyo University of theArts, and Mr. Kota Nagahara, a vio-

05
Activity

linist, played a violin concerto. For
the very last program of the festival,
we welcomed Mr. Eitetsu Hayashi,
who played the Wadaiko (Japanesetraditional drums) powerfully together
with the orchestra.
It has been about 30 years since wehave had an orchestra consisting of 50
players, and we introduced a newsong for the first time in 17 years.

More than 600 people came to theevent and enjoyed the solemn atmosphere of live Buddhist music in thehistorical Kioi Hall.
BDK distributed the sheet music to allmembers of the audience, and mailed
it to chorus clubs of Buddhist schools
in Japan as well as to members of the“Bukkyo Gassho Koryukai (Buddhist
Chorus Organization).”

Other BDK Related Lectures, Classes, andEvents - Update for 2017

One of BDK’s missions is to “support education
programs that advance the Buddhist spirit, culture
and its study.” Seminars and lectures geared
Studying “The Teaching of Buddha(TTOB)” for Business

The lecture by Rev. Nakano

This lecture series was establishedmainly for business people who
desire a background in Buddhism tohelp them operate and manage theirbusinesses with opportunities to learn

toward specific and general interests are sponsored throughout the year.

about the spirit of compassion andthe wisdom of Buddhism. For 2017,
we welcomed Rev. Tozen Nakano,head priest of Sotoshu Ryusenji
Temple, and Rev. Gishun Yamada,head priest of Jodo Shinshu Rinkoji
Temple, and hosted a monthly lecture
on every third Wednesday.

Studying “The Teaching of Buddha(TTOB)” for Daily Life
This monthly lecture shares theDharma with participants who learn
how to live their daily lives with thespirit of the Buddha through reading“The Teaching of Buddha.” The lec-

The lecture by Rev. Ichishimatures are held in a relaxed atmosphere
during the day and are delivered by
Rev. Shoshin Ichishima, head priest of
Tendaishu Senzoji Temple, and Rev.
Dr. Kenneth Tanaka, Musashino
University/Jodo Shinshu priest.
People gather on every fourth
Thursday.

Special Fall Program: One-day Field Trip in Tokyo Studying TTOB for Business and for Daily Life

The two separate study groups above
get together and hold a special program once every year in Tokyo. For
2017, 38 people participated in a tour

26

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─of the most famous representationsof Fudoson, Acala, the God of Fire,each rendered in five different colors.
Participants visited Eikyuji Temple

and Saishoji Temple, both of whichhave a yellow Fudo, Kyogakuin
Temple with its blue Fudo,
Gohyakurakanji Temple, andRyusenji Temple, both of which havea black Fudo, Nankokuji Temple
with its red Fudo, and Konjoin
Temple, with its white Fudo. We
also visited Rakantei restaurant
inside Gohyakurakanji Temple andhad Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian food) for lunch.

BDK Zazen-Kai Meditation Retreat
for Business People
BDK offers an opportunity for people
to reflect on their way of life and toprovide some calm and peace amidst
today’s stressful society. We heard
from many people that they cannot
have a relaxed time to rest their minds
in everyday life. We welcomed Rev.
Junsho Oka, the instructor who led theretreat last year and held a monthly

06
Activity

One-day Field Trip (Ryusenji Temple)

gathering on every third Tuesday

Mita Rakugo-Kai
Some of the traditional Japanese arts
are said to be related to the Buddhist
Fushidan Sekkyo, which is the originof Rakugo. Mita Rakugo-Kai introduced the traditional stories and provided opportunities to experience thespirit of Buddhism. The 2017 eventswere held in February, April, June,
August, October and December.

Buddhist Yoga
Buddhist Approaches to Yoga:“Let’s Begin Buddhist Yoga!”

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) holds monthly Yoga
classes on every first Wednesday. In addition to
the regular class, we focused more on Buddhist

We welcomed Rev. Yuuka Gazzo,
who is a regular instructor for monthly
classes, and Rev. Kosho Nishikawa, a
Sotoshu priest, for this special occasion.
Rev. Gazzo taught “Nembutsu (chanting)” and “Yoga,” and Rev. Nishikawa
taught techniques of “stretching,”“breathing,” and “Chair Zazen.” 40participants learned the common
points between Buddhism and Yoga.
After those experiences, participants

aspects and held a derivative Yoga event on
August 27, 2017.

had a lunch box of Shojin
Ryori (Buddhist vegetarianfood) with the two instructors. Everyone relaxedand spent quality time.
Participants commented,“It was an unusual experience of beating a
Mokugyo, a Buddhist
wood block.” “I learned
how to focus.” BDK hopes to offer
more opportunities for everyone tofeel a connection to Buddhism
through Yoga.

27

BDK JAPAN

07
Activity

NEWS 2017“Tokyo Shugyo Taiken (Tokyo Buddhist Training
Experience)” Experience of Buddhist Training in
the Center of Tokyo

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) has
held a variety of lectures and seminars in recent years. Some people
are interested in the experience ofauthentic Buddhist training and practice that goes beyond the “stereotypical image” of Buddhist “Shugyo, or
training.”
We welcomed Rev. Shinsuke
Hosokawa, head priest of Ryuunji
Temple for instruction in Zazen, andRev. Tatsuo Yoshida, assistant headpriest of Banryuji Temple, for
Nembutsu chanting. Participants
tried these two different types of
Buddhist trainings.
Everyone learned and experienced
the teachings of Buddhism by themselves. We heard from participants,“I noticed my worldly thoughts.” “Ibeat a Mokugyo for the first time.”

08
Activity“It was refreshing yet comfortable tolisten to Nembutsu voices throughout
the room.” “I experienced two trainings from two different schools at thesame time and really enjoyed them.”
It is usually difficult to experience

Elementary Course of Buddhist Lectures“Japanese Buddhism – Learning from Scratch”

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) started a new seriesof monthly lectures, “Japanese Buddhism –Learning from Scratch.” The 2016 lectures attracted more people than we expected. Therefore, we

April (Rev. Oka)

28

two different types of Buddhist
schools in a single event. However,it was a perfect opportunity for BDK
to be able to provide precious time
for people to experience the difference between two Buddhist schools.

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─May (Rev. Matsushima)

decided to hold another year of lectures welcoming new lecturers for people who hope to learn
about Buddhism through various perspectives.

June (Rev. Inoue)

July (Rev. Maeda)

September (Rev. Hosokawa)

The first half of each lecture is about
the basics of each school in terms of
its principles, history and the life ofeach founder, while the second halfconsists of Dharma talks about eachlecturer’s own experience and beliefs.
This was our second year to holdthose lectures, so we left it as an

October (Rev. Sakai)

November (Rev. Chiba)“introduction for learning about
Japanese Buddhism” and added new
information for those who would betaking the course for a second time.
The course was held at our BDK
Center in Minato-ku, Tokyo for 2016
and 2017, however, we are offering
the third year course in Shibuya-ku,

Tokyo for 2018 to give more opportunities for people who live in different
areas.
For more information about BMS,
and its history, please visit our official website at http://www.bdk.or.jp/

Lectures in 2017
Month

Theme

Lecturer

April

Tendai Shu Master SaichoRev. Junsho Oka, Enyuji Temple

May

Shingon Shu Master Kukai

Rev. Ryukai Matsushima, Kudokuin Temple

June

Jodo Shu Master Honen

Rev. Kobo Inoue, Korinji Temple

July

Jodo Shin Shu Master Shinran Rev. Hisao Maeda, Musashino University

September Rinzai Shu Master Eisai
October08

Nichiren Shu Master Nichiren

November Soto Shu Master Dogen

ActivityRev. Shinsuke Hosokawa, Ryuunji Temple
Rev. Naho Sakai, Koouji Temple
Rev. Koji Chiba, Horinji Temple and Komazawa Womenʼs University

Buddhism Through English – Update for 2017
“Buddhist English Guide Program”

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) offers the Buddhism
Through English course which was started in 2011,

From 2016, BDK renewed the content of the course and started the“Buddhist English Guide Program”
as a part of the Buddhism ThroughEnglish course to educate more

and many attendees have learned Buddhist ideas
through English.

people so that they can be able toexplain Buddhism in English totourists from all over the world.
Moreover, the new program for2017 offered Level 3 for first-timelearners, and Level 2 for those who
already completed Level 3 andpassed the final exam.
The 2017 Level 3 course was filled
to its maximum of 80 people and29

BDK JAPANNEWS 2017
the Level 2 course was taken by 38
people who passed Level 3 lastyear. BDK has issued a certificate
and recommendation letters for a
volunteer English guide for theWorld Fellowship of Buddhists
conference, which will be held in
November 2018.
BDK hopes that more people who
finished Level 2 will succeed in the

future, and we interviewed one ofthose successful participants who
passed the final exam. Ms. Yumi
Yoshimura works as a professional
interpreter and resides in Tokyo.

First of all, please tell us how
you decided to take thiscourse “ Buddhist English
Guide Program”?

when I read it. Immediately after
that, I decided to take this courseand called the BDK office to bookmy seat. It was right before the
new course started and that was theperfect timing for me to start learning about Buddhism.

were not sufficient at all. “The
Buddhist English Guide Program”
sounded so unique and I thought itwould be fantastic if I could study
and get the certificate for that, in
addition to “Government Licensed
Tour Guide” certificate which I
already had.

Yes, that was just a coincidence.
My parents’ house needed to be
sold, because my father had passed
away years before and my motherwas moving to a residence for elderly people in my neighborhood.
So, everyone in my family now
resides in Tokyo and we thoughtthat it got difficult to visit our family grave and we needed to relocate
it near us so that we could visit it
often. One day, I visited Tsukiji
Hongwanji Wadabori Byosho
Mausoleum and noticed a flyer
about the “Buddhist English Guide
Program” placed in the office. I
could not take my eyes off it and30

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

Wow, what a coincidence!
Then, what was your purpose
for taking this course?
I had two purposes. One was simply to “learn about Buddhism.”
Being an interpreter, I thought thatbeing able to learn Buddhism inEnglish would be great. The otherwas to “get certified as a Buddhist
English Guide.” I have occasionally visited temples to guide myclients. But looking back, I now
think the explanations I provided

You definitely had several purposes for taking this course
for sure! You finished Level 3
last year and now, you completed Level 2 as well. Have
you changed your motivation
for a higher-level course?
I have always kept thinking ofstudying Buddhism somewhere in
my mind for a long time, but I justdid not have a chance to learn it.
The Level 3 course was fun and useful so I was able to keep my motivation for Level 2 high with no problem at all. But by moving forward
to the higher level, my interests
broadened and deepened, I guess.
For Level 3, I learned from scratch
the beginning of Buddhism in Indiaand its overall perspective in theworld. For Level 2, I studied howeach Japanese Buddhist school wasestablished and so on. While I was
taking the Level 3 course, I often
visited Kyoto and Shiga where
there are so many temples. When Istarted the Level 2 course, I had
more opportunities to visit temples
in my neighborhood, preferred visiting museums and attended some
Buddhist related lectures, etc. I
even chose TV shows and books
that contained Buddhist related
matters. The more I learned, themore I noticed something in myeveryday life. I can now realize
things that I had not even noticed
before.
That makes sense! Your worldis getting broader with what
you learned, and it is amazing.
You studied for a year to finish each course. What do you
think about the duration of the
program?
To receive the certificate, I don’t
consider it as being too long.
Studying continuously for one year
was good for me. Since we, adultstudents are usually very busy, oneclass per month is a very good pace.
And we had a lot of homework
between classes!
I liked that we can learn about
Buddhism in general, not just about
a specific Buddhist school, andstudying in both languages wasquite effective. Japanese as a language sometimes is fuzzy, especially for Buddhist terms, which I
found very difficult to understandfully. However, reading in English
clarifies the vagueness of eachword and I can understand better.
Thinking and comparing in bothlanguages made my study a lot easier and more logical.

Moreover, learning from a superb
instructor, Prof. Kenneth Tanaka,with the help of the trusted organization, BDK, is the best part of thiscourse. Prof. Tanaka knows
Buddhism both in Japan and the
U.S. and he helped us a lot in afriendly and polite manner. I am
extremely grateful that I cameacross this rare opportunity.
Thank you very much for saying that. By the way, youpassed the Level 2 final exam.
Congratulations! Any special
thoughts on using what you
learned for the last two years?
Yes, it was very precious that I
learned about Shishotai, The Four
Noble Truths of Buddhism, which
are the basics of the Buddha’s first
sermon, and Hasshodo, The Noble
Eightfold Path, which represents
each of the eight spokes of the
Wheel of Dharma. So I would liketo make use of those ideas in various situations in my life. Those arealso the basic ideas of Buddhism,
but I have never had a chance tolearn about them even though I
have lived in Japan which has
Buddhist culture within it. I’m surethat I will be able to think moreobjectively about my condition or
maybe others’ too, and overcome
my worries in difficult situations.
As an interpreter, I have a lot ofopportunities to explain about Japan
to my clients. It took me two years
to complete those courses, however,it was worthwhile, because I cannow explain things with a deeper

Ms. Yumi Yoshimura

understanding. Now I’ve got moreinterested in temples/shrines,
Buddhist statutes, fine arts than
before. Moreover, I am interested
in old temples/shrines, Buddhist
statues, fine arts, etc. with no special intention. I’ve begun my study
about national treasures so as topass the exam and get a license forthat. But more than anything,
Buddhism is an always will be at
the center of my mind and an
anchorage in my life.
I enjoyed talking and listening to
Ms. Yoshimura, who broadened theworld of her learning. The Buddhism
Through English course has beentaken by people who have interests
in taking care of guests from overseas, or want to learn about
Buddhism from different perspectives, but have not had a chance tolearn about Buddhism in English
before. BDK is offering the “Buddhist
English Guide Program” again for2018. For more information about
the program, please visit our official
website at http://www.bdk.or.jp/31

BDK JAPAN

09
Activity

NEWS 20172017 BDK Symposium

Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK)sponsored a lecture and a panel discussion for the 2017 BDK
Symposium listed below.
The 13th BDK Symposium on
July 11, 2017
Theme : “Buddhists Facing Society:
Living Today As If It Were Your Last
Day.”
Lecturer : Mr. Hidemori Gen, Presidentof Public Interest Incorporated
Foundation, Nihon Kakekomi Dera
(Japan Buddhist Temple Shelter)

The 13th BDK Symposium on July 11, 2017

Mr. Gen talked about his background and childhood in terms of
Buddhism. As president of Nihon
Kakekomi Dera, he tries to be by
the side of people who are sufferingfrom various problems. He gave us
an opportunity to think about whatrole Buddhism can play in modern
Japan.

14th BDK Symposium on February
27, 2018
Theme : “Let’s Talk About the
Future of Religion”
Panelists : Rev. Masahide Haresaku,
Asakusa Catholic Church
Rev. Daiko Matsuyama, Rinzaishu
Taizoin Temple
Rev. Koji Yano, Asakusa Shrine
Mr. Nasser Nagano, JapaneseMuslimPeople’s attitudes have been changing significantly for the last32

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

14th BDK Symposium on February 27, 2018

decades, and we are facing a worldin which we must think about ourselves and make choices. The panelists answered questions such as,“Can a religion be a guide for making choices in today’s world?”“What can a religion do to meet theneeds of people who want tobelieve in something that can deal
with their fears?” “What is the
future of religion?” etc.

Over 120 people attended each ofthese events. BDK will continue tooffer more opportunities for people
to establish a closer relationshipwith Buddhism.
For more information about the
future BDK Symposium schedule, please visit our official website at http://www.bdk.or.jp

10
ActivityFirst Year Memorial Service for the late Rev.
Toshihide Numata, the Former BDK Chairman

It has been a year since the late Rev. Toshihide
Numata, the former Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK)
Chairman, passed away in February 2016. BDK

Rev. Seishu Yamamoto from Tsukiji
Hongwanji Temple led the ceremony.
Rev. Takao Honda, also from Tsukiji
Hongwanji Temple; Mr. Yoshiaki
Numata, the late Rev. Numata’s sonand President of Mitutoyo; Mr. Toru
Nakagawa, Chairman of Mitutoyo;Rev. Seikoh-Kiyotaka Kimura,
Chairman of BDK; Rev. Shoryu
Katsura, President of BDK; Rev.
Shotoku Tanaka, Kansu, head priestof Shokannon Shu Sensoji Temple;
Rev. Taiin Murakami, Kanshu, headpriest of Hossoshu Daihonzan
Yakushiji Temple; and many otherattendees offered incense and prayers
in front of a picture of a smiling lateRev. Numata.
After the Dharma talk by Rev. Michio
Henmi, head priest of Jodo Shin Shu
Jodoji Temple, Mr. Yoshiaki Numata

and Mitutoyo Corporation (Mitutoyo) held the 1stanniversary memorial service at Tsukiji Hongwanji
Temple in Tokyo on February 7, 2017.

related some of his memories of his
father, and said to everyone, “I have a
lot to live up to, and I believe that I
must try my best to fulfill my duty aspresident of Mitutoyo and contributeto society as well. This can lead us to
our founding spirit of supporting
BDK activities to make people
happy.”The dinner after the ceremony started

off with greetings from Rev. SeikohKiyotaka Kimura and Mr. Toru
Nakagawa. After Ms. Xiaoyan Jian
played the Erhu, a two-stringed
Chinese instrument, Rev. Shoryu
Katsura also spoke about his memories of the late Rev. Toshihide
Numata, and everyone recalled theirown memories about him during theceremony and dinner.

33

Take a Break: Buddhist Vegetarian Recipe
Let’s Try “SHOJIN LIFE” Once A Month with the
Recipes from Rev. Yuken Kihara
Soy Milk Pudding with the Sauces of Four Seasons
Recipe: Rev. Yuken Kihara
Report & Photography: Kaoru Eguchi, BDK

Visiting a temple and eating authentic Shojin Ryori(Buddhist vegetarian food) with traditional etiquette, and eating vegetarian dishes at cafés andrestaurants in your neighborhood are some “SHOJIN” eating choices for today. However, in themodern world, most people do not have time tothink about and choose this cuisine for every single meal, and it is very difficult to carry this out inpractice.

Therefore, we suggest that you consider the “SHOJIN LIFE” once amonth with healthy and easy-to-cookrecipes that use ingredients with anappreciation of the things we have.
Shojin Buddhist vegetarian dishes canpurify your body and mind, and Rev.
Yuken Kihara, priest of Jodo Shin Shu
Komyoji Temple and manager of“Kamiya-cho Open Terrace,” introduces recipes exclusively for our
newsletter.

Soy food products are popular examples of food with high nutritional
value from ancient times in Japan, andthere is a variety of soy food out there
in today’s world. “Soy milk” is oneof those products that we can purchase at most grocery stores in Japan.
“Soy milk” can be consumed as adrink and cooked for desserts, andthere are many other ways of using it
as can be seen everywhere in Japan.
For our newsletter, Rev. Kihara tried
to create a dessert that children andeven elderly people can enjoy. He
introduces an easy-to-cook “Soy milk
Pudding” and sauces which can add
the touches of the four seasons.

34

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─“SHOJIN Dessert,” which does notcontain any animal ingredients, will
surely satisfy your body and soul. We
would like to introduce the benefits of“soy milk,” not only for drinking but
also for making a dessert.
Rev. Kihara, who provided the“Shojin Dessert” recipes for us, works
as a manager of “Kamiya-cho OpenTerrace,” a so-called “temple café,”
which is located inside Jodo Shin Shu
Komyoji Temple in Minato-ku,

Tokyo. He offers handmade desserts
and tea for visitors (reservations necessary) and listens to the problems,troubles, and any other concerns of
his visitors.
Komyoji Temple opens their terrace
for everyone in the neighborhood, so
people working near the temple often
visit there during lunch time with theirlunch boxes and drinks. The temple aswell as the terrace are familiar to people in this neighborhood, and you cansee flowers and greenery and even theTokyo Tower from the temple.
Komyoji also holds “Otera-no-Yogakyoshitsu (Temple Yoga)” and “Oterano-Ongakukai, TASOGARE (Temple
concerts)” and other activities.
For more information about Komyoji◆Soy Milk Pudding<Ingredients for 4 servings>● Soy milk 300ml ● Water 50ml

Temple, please visit their official website
at http://www.komyo.net/web/kamiyacho.html
For reservations for “Kamiya-cho
Open Terrace,” please check the blog
at http://www.komyo.net/kot/english/

Recipe: Rev. Yuken Kihara● Powdered Kanten agar 4g(1) Put water and powdered Kanten agar into a pot. Boil and mix
completely. Keep stirring until the surface simmers, and keep
stirring for another two minutes.
(2) Add sugar to (1) and melt sugar completely.
(3) Add soymilk to (2) and mix.

◆The Sauces of Four Seasons●SPRING<Ingredients>● Salted cherry flower 4 flowers● Sugar 60g“Kamiya-cho Open Terrace”● Water 60cc

(1) Remove salt from flowers and soak in water for twenty minutes.
(2) Drain (1)(3) Boil water and add sugar to it. Boil down to 2/3 of its volume.
(4) Turn off the heat. Put flowers into (3) after it cools and mix.

●FALL
<Ingredients>(A) ● Apple (medium size) 1/4 ● Honey 10g● Lemon juice 5cc(B) ● Apple (medium size) 1/2 ● Honey 15g● Sugar 15g ● Lemon juice 15cc

(1) Dice apple (A) into 3mm-5mm pieces. Add honey and lemon
juice, and mix well.
(2) Grate apple (B). Add honey and sugar. Mix it over medium heat.
(3) Cool down (2), add lemon juice and mix.

● Sugar (white refined sugar is preferred) 40g***When you add soymilk all at once, it will curdle. So please add
it little by little.
(4) Turn off the heat and pour (3) into heat-proof containers or
molds. Leave for an hour or so until it becomes firm enough.
***You may cool it in a refrigerator. It also tastes good, too!

Recipe: Rev. Yuken Kihara●SUMMER<Ingredients>● Powdered green tea 3g ● Hot water 15cc
● Water 60cc ● Sugar60g(1) Add hot water to powdered green tea and mix completely.
(2) Boil water and add sugar. Boil down to 2/3 of its volume.
(3) Turn off the heat. Add (2) and mix completely.

●WINTER<Ingredients>● Yuzu citron (medium size) 200g
● Water 80cc

● Honey 40g(1) Cut Yuzu citron in half. Squeeze the juice out of it. Remove
seeds and skin.
(2) Cut skin into small thin pieces and boil.
(3) Boil skin, honey and water together and reduce to half over
low heat.
(4) Cool down (3). Add Yuzu citron juice and mix.

Rev. Yuken Kihara
Born in Kanagawa-prefecture in 1978. Jodo Shin Shu priest belonging to Komyoji Temple.
Manager of the café called “Kamiya-cho Open Terrace.”
Actively visits other temples and welfare facilities in order to listen to people who need to talk.
Co-authored “小さな心から抜け出す １日１分説法 (Getting Away from Your Small Mind – A
Minute Teaching A Day) ”(Nagaoka Shoten) and “おてらの癒やし甘味プログラム (Temple
Dessert Recipes for Relaxing)” (Fellissimo) Available only in Japanese at the moment.

35

BDK Affiliate 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: pool@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@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
E-mail: orders@bdkamerica.org
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

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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

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5

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BDK JAPAN

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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: sharon@mitutoyo.com.tw

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

36

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─BDK MEXICO

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Prolg. Eugenia No. 17, Col. Nápoles, C.P.03810
México D.F., MEXICO
Tel/Fax: +52(55)5669-1088
E-mail: bdkmexico@prodigy.net.mx

9

BDK SOUTH AMERICA
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

11

The 4th BDK Global Meeting
There are ten BDK offices in nine countries outsideof Japan at the moment. These affiliated offices
overseas have cooperated with BDK and its activi-

BDK executive members

Thirty-two executive members fromthe U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany,
U.K., Brazil, Singapore, and Taiwan
gathered in Tokyo at a meeting heldon October 31 and November 1,
2017.
On Day 1, BDK Japan presented areport about its overall activities, andeach administrative section explained
their activities and their future plans
after that. Overseas offices explained
how they distribute “The Teaching of
Buddha (TTOB)” according to the
traditions of their respective countries
and their local cultures. The branch
offices’ reports about how they sponsor activities and use methods appropriate for each country inspired everyone and gave a fresh sense of the different ways of achieving our common
goals.
BDK Asia in Singapore reported

ties with our primary goal of promoting Buddhism
by distributing “The Teaching of Buddha.”

about their activities in Thailand.
People in Thailand are familiar with
Buddhism, and they have Buddhist
monuments placed in public commercial complexes. This helps BDK tohave a friendly relationship with local
communities, and to distribute TTOBs
as well.
We also noticed reports about how thenumbers of Buddhists are growing in
the modern world even in countries
and areas where Buddhist philosophy
and culture have not been historicallyfoundational.
BDK has been making efforts to distribute TTOB to hotel rooms eversince it was established. However, we
are having increasing difficulties in
distributing copies to hotels in Japanbecause hotel policies have changed,
and hotel rooms are becoming more
simplified with a stricter focus on

purely business needs. The situationdiffers within each country and area,
but everyone is experiencing difficulties with hotel distribution.
On Day 2, we considered our discussions from the first day, andexchanged ideas about how we manage each BDK office, distribute
TTOBs in the modern world, use
websites, cooperate with each other,and so on. We decided on basic policies regarding English publications,sharing and enriching our respective
websites, and communicating about
current conditions of each affiliatedoffice.
We reconfirmed that we are all going
to cooperate with each other fromnow on, to keep an open and broad
perspective within our traditions, andto innovate as we move forward inthis global society.

37

BDK America
Tripiṭaka Translation Project
BDK America continues its project ofworking with the Tokyo Editorial
Committee to translate Buddhist texts
from Chinese into English. In 2017,
three new translations were published,bringing the total number of volumes
to fifty-four. The BDK translations
are recognized as the best compilationof the Buddhist canon in English.
BDK America is now publishing thenewer Tripiṭaka translations using
print-on-demand (POD) technology.
Anyone interested in obtaining print
copies of the books can purchasethem through Amazon.com, theUniversity of Hawaii Press website,
and the BDK America website.
In February, 2017 BDK America
made pdf versions of the Tripiṭaka
translations available as free pdf

downloads from our website. By theend of 2017, there were 50,000 downloads! Obviously, there is a tremendous demand for Buddhist texts.

“The Buddha’s Words in the Landscape of India”
BDK Japan produced this photo exhibition of photographs of India pairedwith sayings of the Buddha. BDK
America translated the brochure andlabels into English. The exhibition
was presented at the Jodo Shinshu

Center in Berkeley, California, the
New York Buddhist Temple, Ekoji in
Washington D.C. and the Los Angeles
Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin. The exhibition has been well received, especially because the sayings of the“The Buddha’s Words in the Landscape of India” at Jodo Shinshu Center38

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

Buddha are easy to understand and is
still relevant today. It will continue tocirculate to any temple or organization
requesting it.

Toshihide Numata Award in Buddhist Literature

Prof. Stone (left) and Dr. Tanabe (right)

Established in 2009, the Toshi Award(as it is commonly known) has
become the premier program forhonoring the best book published on
any aspect of Buddhism in a given
year. The Center for Buddhist
Studies at UC Berkeley administers
the program, and in 2017 the award
was given to Professor Jacqueline
Stone of Princeton University for her
book, Right Thoughts at the Last

Moment: Buddhism and Deathbed
Practices in Early Medieval Japan,
published by the University of
Hawaii Press.
In December, 2017, the Center for
Buddhist Studies sponsored an award
ceremony that also included a symposium featuring presentations by
three scholars followed by a lively
discussion among the many guests
who attended the event.

Ekoji Temple in Washington D.C.
Established in 1981 by Rev. Dr.
Yehan Numata, the founder of BDK,
Ekoji is a member of the Buddhist
Churches of America and is partiallyendowed by BDK America. Its
membership is ethnically diverseand has been growing. It sponsors a
Dharma School, meditation classes,
and a variety of other activities, suchas the popular Bon Dance, whichdrew over a thousand people fromthe Washington D.C. area. Ekoji’s
minister is Rev. Nariaki Hayashi,
who was born in Hawaii and raisedin Japan. Ekoji is his first temple
assignment, and under his leadership, the temple faces a promising
future.

Ekoji Temple in Washington D.C.

BDK HawaiiWorkshop on Peace in the Workplace
The BDK Hawaii-Fujitani Interfaith
Program sponsored a workshop on theimportance of creating good relationships with people we work with. The
keynote speech was given by Dr.
Maya Soetoro-Ng of the University of
Hawaii. Dr. Soetoro-Ng is the halfsister of former President Obama.
Representatives from the Buddhist,
Catholic and Hindu communities
responded to the keynote speaker.
The event was held at Chaminade
University in Honolulu, and wasattended by over 70 people.

The Keynote speech by Dr. Soetoro-Ng

39

Hawaii Book and Music Festival
BDK Hawaii participated again at the
Hawaii Book and Music Festival, anannual event held in May on the
grounds of the City Hall of Honolulu.
Volunteers helped to distribute copiesof the Teaching of Buddha to some of
the 20,000 people who attended thetwo-day event.
BDK Hawaii also sponsored Haemin
Sunim to be the keynote speaker at
the Festival. Haemin Sunim is a
Korean Zen monk who wrote a booktitled “The Things You Can See Only
When You Slow Down”, which has
sold over 3 million copies.

BDK Hawaii booth

New Building Dedication at the Pacific Buddhist Academy

The Pacific Buddhist Academy is
the only Shin Buddhist high schoolin America, and its new building
was dedicated in September, 2017.
The building is located on the
grounds of the Honpa Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii. His Eminence
Monshu Otani Kojun, the spiritual
head of the Jodo Shinshu
Hongwanji-ha, participated in the
dedication ceremony.
Mr. Pieper Toyama, the past head of
the Academy, gave a presentation
about the unique Onaijin (mainaltar), and acknowledged theimportant support received from thelate Numata Kaicho. Rev. Masahiro
Furusawa from BDK Japan, Mr.
Mikio Yamashita from BDK
America, and George Tanabe fromBDK Hawaii also attended the celebration activities.

His Eminence Monshu Ohtani Kojun, the spiritual head of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha

From left, Dr. Tanabe (BDK Hawaii), Rev. Furusawa (BDK) and Mr.Yamashita (BDK America)40

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─BDK Mexico
Report on the "Japanese Temple Tour 2017"

Ekoji kindergarten (Utsunomiya)

Hiroshima atomic bomb dome (Hiroshima)

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (Narita)

Ekoji Temple (Utsunomiya)

BDK Mexico hosted the “Japanese
Temple Tour,” which started from
November 6, 2017 and lasted for 20
days. Twelve people participated in
the tour. It was the best season for thechanging colors of the leaves everywhere in Japan. The tour group was
accepted to stay at seven training
facilities of the “Ningen Zen Dojo,”
of which BDK Mexico president,
Rev. Koichi Todaka, is a member.
The group has facilities in Ichikawa,
Nippori, Atami, Kyoto, Okayama,
Hiroshima, and Kitakyushu. Moreover,
one of Rev. Todaka’s good friends,
Rev. Taiun Araki, a Sotoshu priest,
agreed to guide the group throughout
Japan.
The first day of the tour started offfrom Narita Airport, and the group visited Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in
Narita, Chiba, which is not far from theairport. After the visit to Shinshoji
Temple, we stayed at the Ichikawa
training facility for a night. On the following day, Rev. Todaka led the groupto the headquarters office of Bukkyo
Dendo Kyokai (BDK) in the BDK
Center, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Mr.
Tadashi Ikuta, Mr. Harumi Aoki and
BDK members welcomed everyone.
Rev. Todaka gave some souvenirs from
Mexico to them, and the group visited
the BDK Museum, which is also located in the BDK Center. After the luncheon hosted by BDK, the tour group
moved to the Nippori training facility,
which is also in Tokyo. The group visited the Ekoji Temple in Utsunomiya,
and Rev. Shuichi Sozaki, the headpriest of Ekoji Temple, guided them.
Everyone chanted together and stepped
into the main hall and precincts of thetemple. The group also visited thekindergarten that is in the neighborhood, and Rev. Todaka handed out
some souvenirs and explained theactivities of BDK Mexico.
After the visit to Ekoji Temple and thekindergarten, Rev. Sozaki led thegroup to Ekoji Temple in Tsukuba,
Ibaragi. The group enjoyed lunch andvisited the Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency (JAXA) TsukubaSpace Center. At night, the group was
invited to Kioi Hall for the “18thBuddhist Music Festival –BUDDHASPEL” hosted by BDK. The
harmony of Japanese drums andorchestra was powerful and dynamic
and everyone was deeply impressed.
After that, the tour group kept a wellregulated schedule at each training
facility in Japan and experienced avariety of temple activities and traditional Japanese culture before safely

41

returning back to Mexico. Everyone
could feel the real kindness ofJapanese people and the beauty ofJapanese/Buddhist culture in each andevery place they visited in Japan.
We are happy to introduce some of
the feedback submitted by the tour
participants below.
● Mrs. Maria Gloria Granados

Guzman (Age: 57)
We were deeply
impressed withthe hospitality of
BDK! The chanting experience at
Ekoji Temple in
Utsunomiya andthe Buddhist Music Festival were thehighlights of my stay. Moreover, wetruly enjoyed meeting the kindergarten kids and were fascinated withthe combination of Wadaiko, traditional Japanese drums, with the chanting of Japanese Buddhist priests. The
first three-days gave me a lot of great
experiences in Japan!!!

● Mr. Ricardo Sanchez Camboa(Age: 32)
It was just amazing how punctual the

Shinkansen
super express
trains, the local
trains/subways,
and the buses
cruising aroundthe big cities
could be. Rev. Todaka always tells us,“Time is a small unit of life, so you
must follow it strictly.” I realized thateveryone in Japan pays attention totime and this naturally makes society
harmonious. I have learned that training our spirit instead of depending onmaterial things is more important.

● Mr. Angel Martinez (Age: 36)

The visit to the
BDK headquarters on Day 2
was the greatest
experience of the
tour. I have been
visiting Ekoji
Temple in Mexico and it reminded meof those days. We could spend quality
time because all the Japanese people
warmly welcomed us everywhere in
Japan. I tried to practice Zazen meditation every day, however, this was
my first experience of receiving
Keisaku, the Zen stick. It struck mybody and soul and I learned a lot from
that. All the training facilities we visited were very well organized even in
the restrooms and the public bath! I
thought it all came from the spirit ofJapanese Buddhism.
● Mr. Pablo Estrada (Age: 36)

As a BDK Mexico
member who is
working fulltime at Ekoji
Temple in Mexico,
I was eager tovisit the headquarters in Tokyo. It was my dreamcome true and I was so grateful. It
was my first experience of sleepingwith Japanese Futon, beddings on
Tatami mats, and straw matted floors.
You can practice Zazen, dine, andsleep in the same room. This is “life”
and daily life itself. People clean theroom, put things back to where theywere, and pull things out again when
it is necessary. They do that every single time when they use the room. In
Mexico, this world would be justunbelievable. I hope that I will makeuse of those experiences and that thetour will be held again for a second
time in the near future.

BDK Asia“The Teaching of Buddha (TTOB)” Distribution at theKoma Competition 2018
Mitutoyo Thailand Co., Ltd. (MTC)
promoted “The Teaching of Buddha”
through a Japanese traditional event
called “Koma, the Spinning Top
Competition,” which was held at theThai-Nichi Institute of Technology(TNI), Bangkok Thailand on the 24th42

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

of January in 2018. 16 teams, 8 comprised of TNI students and 8 comprised of external Vocational College
students, attended the event.
100 copies of “The Teaching of
Buddha” were distributed to guests,
students and Mitutoyo customers.

They recognized us as a good community supporter for being not only
a company known for high quality
measuring instruments but also anorganization sponsoring social
activities.

“Koma Competition”

Koma (spining top)

Recent Changes in BDK-Asia
Mr. Yuichi Yamaguchi was appointed
as a director of BDK-Asia Ltd. effective from February, 2018. He will be
the second director along with Mr.

Naotatsu Fujiwara. Mr. Rick Lim willbe the primary contact person in
charge of the BDK-Asia activities
from January 2018. Ms. Correen

Leow, will assist him with the BDKAsia activities as well.

BDK Europe
Recent Changes in BDK Europe
Message from Rev. Dr. Matsumaru
My first encounter with Prof. Aoyama
took place when I was called to theoffice of BDK Japan for the purposeof meeting Prof. Aoyama, who was atthat time the director of EKO-Haus.
That was just after I had been
approved to succeed him as chair. It
was at the beginning of autumn in theyear before last, as I recall. Talking tohim, I noticed that he had a marvelous
memory and could remember exactly
the month and the year of events orhappenings. In those days he was 75
or 76 years old, but he had an amazingly retentive memory. Even now, I
can still clearly remember him as suchwhen I directly made contact with
him in Duesseldorf.
Message from Rev. Shoju
Staying at EKO-Haus for my master’sRev. Matsumaru (left), Rev. Aoyama (middle) and Rev. Shoju (right)

thesis research 4 years ago, I met Rev.
Eda for the first time and learned a lot
from him and his experience, particularly with Buddhism in Europe. He
not only organized Buddhist services
but also many events regarding
Japanese traditional culture and concerts by Japanese musicians who livein Germany. Thanks to him, these
relationships are still continuing. So I
think that he has really contributed tothe development of EKO-Haus in var-ious fields.
We carry on the relationships thatmany predecessors have built, and we
do our best to further develop EKOHaus as the place from which
Buddhism and Japanese culture canspread in Europe. With that in mind,
we will try to create an atmosphere inwhich everyone feels free to comehere and attend Buddhist services andcultural events.

43Enman (Perfection)

When we talk about “enman” today, as we use itin phrases such as a “harmonious” person, orthat the matter was settled “amicably”; it connotes “unabrasiveness and gentility,” or an “amiable” face. It also connotes “plumpness andgood health.”
In Buddhism the condition that is fulfilled withnothing missing is described as being “enman,”or perfect. The Shakyamuni Buddha stated thatsince attaining enlightenment at the age of 35,
and until he entered parinirvana at the age of 80,
he “lived with the single purpose of seeking to
do good” for 45 years. What Shakyamuni
Buddha meant by “good” was performing deeds
which benefited the self as well as others.

44

BDK Newsletter Michi ─The Path─

Self-benefit (jiri) is that which truly benefits theself, while “rita” is that which truly benefit others. When one fulfills both aspects at the sametime, then that state is the perfect fulfillment or“enman.” The true benefit is to eliminate suffering and bring about happiness. “Suffering” inBuddhism is limitation, and “happiness” is freedom. To live one’s own life 100% is said to represent freedom. When this condition is realized,
and everyone can live fully, then this represents
fulfillment or “enman.”
Taken from “Sasaeatte” authored by the lateRev. Toshihide Numata, former Chairman of
BDK