Declaration of the State of Affairs in Myanmar

By Rev. Joshin Komatsu, Chief Administrator
Nichiren Shu Buddhist Order in Japan

Based on the spirit of our Founder, Nichiren Shonin, expressed in his "Treatise on Spreading Peace Throughout the Country by Establishing the True Dharma," the Nichiren Shu Buddhist Order in Japan has been for seven centuries spreading Sakyamuni Buddha's teaching of the Lotus Sutra, chanting its title (Daimoku) as the practical way of Realization of the Buddha Land in this world, Peace and Tranquility of the entire world.

The Nichiren Shu Order of Buddhism is shocked by the use of armed force by the government of Myanmar against its Buddhist priests and citizens. We cannot help expressing our deep anxiety and indignation upon the news report that several citizens of Myanmar including Buddhist priests were shot to death.

We urge the government of Myanmar to immediately stop the use of arms and to work in a peaceful manner to solve the problem. We also urgently request the Japanese government, the United Nations and other international organs to do their best to solve the problem in Myanmar peacefully.

October 1, 2007