Nichiren Shoshu Opens First Temple in Canada
Saturday, September 9th, 2012 the official Bestowal of the Temple Title for Shogonzan Myoshoji and the Enshrinement Ceremony for the Wooden Gohonzon were held in Vancouver, Canada. The occasion crowned many years of dedication and hard work by the Canadian members, and the great compassion of our High Priest Nichinyo Shonin.
The commemorative ceremony was conducted by the Deputy for the High Priest, Overseas Department Chief, Reverend Gyoyu Urushibata, and attended by the Chief Priests and representatives from various North American temples including Myogyoji (Chicago), Myohoji (Los Angeles), Myosenji (Washington DC), Myosetsuji (New York), and Myoshinji (San Francisco). In all nearly 250 people attended the ceremony at the temple, which was at overflow capacity.
The large crowd grew silent as the ceremony began with the sounding of the temple bell announcing the entrance of Reverend Urushibata who conducted the members into a lively shodai. As the doors to the Altar were opened revealing the wooden Joju Gohonzon many felt like they were on a mini Tozan and in the presence of the Buddha.
Kenzen (offerings of food) were brought in as the Diamoku filled the temple. Reverend Urushibata led members through Ceremonial Gongyo and delivered the High Priest's address in commemoration of this auspicious event. High Priest Nichinyo Shonin's message reminded us that this great achievement was not an end goal, but a time of beginning, and encouraged the members to work hard to protect the temple and help it grow toward our goals for 2015 and 2021.
The official Bestowal and Enshrinement ceremony was concluded with the completion of Ceremonial Gongyo, Shodai, and Daimoku sansho. This was followed by a number of congratulatory addresses by Reverend Kendo Kasahara, Overseas Department Supervisor, and Ms. Ann Chang, a representative of the Vancouver Hokkeko. The attendees were also treated to a history of Myoshoji's establishment and words of gratitude by Reverend Shobo Hagiwara, Chief Priest of Myoshoji Temple.
History of Shogonzan Myoshoji
March 1991
The vision for a temple in Canada has been in the hearts of Canadian members for many decades. This vision was given form in March of 1991 when an era of true propagation efforts for kosen-rufu were led directly by the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood.
December 10, 2002
A guidance meeting for believers was held by our former Overseas Department Chief, Most Reverend Obayashi.
May 29, 2007
Five years of hard work and dedication in looking for a suitable location for the temple culminated in Nichiren Shoshu being able to formally purchase and possess the property upon which Myoshoji temple now sits.
June 22, 2008
Due to the great compassion of our High Priest Nichinyo Shonin, the grand opening ceremony of the Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist Center was held. Reverend Kimura and the Canadian members welcome Reverend Shobo Hagiwara.
September 9, 2012
The Official Bestowal of the Temple Title for Shogonzan Myoshoji and the Enshrinement Ceremony for the Wooden Gohonzon is held.
Inspiration for All
The opening of Myoshoji temple was truly inspiring for all who attended. The Vancouver members who have been working day and night to make this temple a reality in their area acted in itai doshin to achieve this great goal. Each area should aspire for the same and at least achieve a propagation center by 2021!
