UPDATE: Letter from Chief Priest, Rev. Murata
March 17, 2011
Dear Members of Myosenji Hokkeko Chapter,
I would like to share with you the most recent information we have received concerning Nichiren Shoshu in the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
1. Expression of Sympathy from High Priest Nichinyo Shonin
High Priest Nichinyo Shonin has issued an expression of His sympathy for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. We will share His words with you as they become available.
2. Head Temple Taisekiji
As announced in the previous e-mail sent from Myosenji Temple, Head Temple Taisekiji suffered no physical damage or human casualty from this catastrophic earthquake. There was an M6.4 earthquake on the night of March 14 (Japan time) with its epicenter located in the environs of the city of Fujinomiya, where Taisekiji is located. There was no damage from this earthquake at the Head Temple. Taisekiji is situated more than 200 miles from the troubled nuclear reactor, so at this time there is no urgent concern over radioactivity to the Head Temple.
3. Local Nichiren Shoshu Temples in the areas affected by this earthquake
Nichiren Shoshu was able to contact all of its local temples and confirm their safety.
4. Hokkeko members in the affected areas
As of yet, we have no information concerning the safety of all Hokkeko members in the affected areas.
5. A Fund to Aid Recovery
Nichiren Shoshu Head Office announced that they have established a fund for donations from Hokkeko members of Japan, to be used to aid Nichiren Shoshu temples damaged by this earthquake and tsunami, their Hokkeko members and victims in general of this tragedy. As of yet, members outside of Japan have not been invited to donate to this fund.
6. Shodai at Myosenji Temple
Shodai is being conducted on an ongoing basis at Myosenji temporary facility for the peace and security of Japan and for all of the victims of this earthquake. Please participate as much as you possibly can, and for those of you who are challenged by distance, please conduct Shodai at your homes or in local groups. Let us chant sincere Daimoku for the rebuilding of a safer and stronger Japan to overcome this tragedy that has beset Japan, which is home to our High Priest and the Dai-Gohonzon!
Schedule for Shodai at Myosenji Temporary Facility:
Saturday, March 19: 9AM-10AM, 12PM-4PM
Sunday, March 20: 9AM-11AM
Monday, March 21: 10AM-12PM
PLEASE CHECK THE TEMPLE SCHEDULE FOR FURTHER SHODAI HOURS.
Lastly I would like to send prayers from the bottom of my heart for the lives lost in this tragedy. I would also like to express my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this catastrophic earthquake and tsunami.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Rev. Yuzui Murata
Chief Priest, Myosenji Temple
