I was one of the 27 participants of the first Rainbow Workshop on September 10th for members of all of our missions in Hawaii and I enjoyed the variety of subjects that were covered. Although I have practiced Nichiren Buddhism since childhood and I thought I knew how to chant, I was pleasantly surprised to learn a different way of chanting the Odaimoku and the sutras, i.e. the "ichi ichi mon mon" way (very slowly, one word at a time). It has a meditative rhythm when chanting.

Our chief instructor from Hayward California, Reverend Ryuken Akahoshi lectured on Buddha’s transmission of the Lotus Sutra and explained that after Buddha entered nirvana and disappeared from this world, He wanted someone to continue to serve all living beings. Reverend Akahoshi noted that Nichiren Shonin believed that he represented the Bodhisattva during the Mappo period and that he was dispatched by the Buddha to spread the true teachings.

Reverend Akahoshi reminded we participants that when practicing the Lotus Sutra, we receive its transmission not only from our parents and grandparents but also from the Buddha and Nichiren Shonin; therefore, it was important to transmit the Odaimoku and sutras to our children, grandchildren, etc. so that we are able to share the joy of practicing together.

Reverend Eijo Ikenaga from Honolulu Myohoji demonstrated how to prepare for Shakyo, the copying of the Odaimoku, with reverence, right posture, concentration, and using correct calligraphy strokes. Holding my brush lightly between my fingers and keeping my vertical strokes straight was quite a challenge!

Reverend Chishin Hirai lectured on the Nichiren Shonin’s life while using the map of Japan and highlighting the historical places where Nichiren Shonin lived or spent his lifetime studying and propagating Nichiren Buddhism. I found Reverend Hirai’s Chronology chart outlining Japan’s Mappo period and Nichiren Shonin’s life against significant events occurring in China and Europe very informative.

After Shodaigyo, led by Reverend Akahoshi, Eric Kawatani led the participants in a discussion of the day-long session. Consensus was that the workshop was very helpful and everyone benefited from it. I for one feel that I learned a lot more than I expected and would like to encourage others to attend similar workshops when held in the future. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet members from the various missions and enjoy their fellowship. I would like to thank Bishop Ogawa, Reverend Akahoshi, all of our ministers and their wives, and Eric Kawatani who worked hard to assure a successful outcome.