Traveled to San Jose Saturday to attend the 35th Anniversary of Myokakuji Betsuin. The program for the ceremony offered this excerpt from the history of the Nichiren Buddhist Temple of San Jose:

THE ORIGIN OF MYOKAKUJI BETUIN
(The following log appears on the first page of the temple history book)

In the 700 memorial of Nichiren Daishonin, I built the Betsuin (Branch) of the head temple, Myokakuji in Kyoto, Japan, on this site in order not only to respond to Nichiren Daishonin’s wish to spread the teachings of the Lotus Sutra world-wide, but to also reciprocate his kindness.

Since this great project was my wish, in 1978, the first significant step taken was the installation of Reverend Ryusho Matsuda as the 2nd resident minister of this Betsuin with the support of Myokakkuji in Kyoto, Joenji in Tokyo, Honryuji in Hachioji, and Myokoji in Okayama.

Dedication date: November 23, 1980
Honzon: One stupa with statues of Sakyarnuni Buddha and Taho Buddha
Nichiren Daishonin (transferred from Myokakuji, Kyoto)

May all of us reciprocate Nichiren Daishonin’s kindness and dedication to world
peace.

May all supporters of this project fulfill their wishes.

November 23, 1980
Shingaku Nisshu Oikawa (Signature)

Inside, the ceremony opened with a procession of priests who have been associated with the temple. The ceremony was officiated by Ven. Nisshu Oikawa, the head priest of Kyoto Honzan Myokakuji, and Tokyo Joenji, and chairman of the board of the San Jose temple.

As part of the 35th Anniversary, the temple had the stupa with statues of Sakyarnuni Buddha and Taho Buddha and the statue of Nichiren Daishonin restored. Here’s Rev. Arnold Matsuda’s explanation of the preservation project:

In preparation and observation of the temple’s 35th anniversary in Autmnn, 2015, we commenced a preservation project of the Itto Ryoson Gohonzon.

This statue was brought by Bishop Shingaku Oikawa of Kyoto Honzan Myokakuji at the establishment of Myokakuji Betsuin in 1980 along with the statue of Nichiren Shonin. The statue of Nichiren Shonin is a life-size statue which the preservation work was started first and completed five years ago. In the back of the statue of Nichiren Shonin, there is a record that this work was made in 1798. It is more than 200 years ago.

The Gohonzon also has a record that it was restored in 1831. Over the past 10 years, we had research work performed by distinguished Buddhist Professors at Rissho University including Professors Nakao, Annaka, and Terao about the Gohonzon’s history.

At the time of initial contact with the professors, we witnessed that Nichiren’s statue had several exfoliations. If we leave it as it is, the condition would worsen over time.

We asked Prof. Akita for his opinion. He sent us a report: These statues are valuable in the history of Nichiren Shu, so we should preserve its history and condition.

Also, as the object and focus of our worship, so we must avoid incongruity.

Then, after discussion with Bishop Shukai Oikawa, Chairman of Board of our temple, we decided to commence restoration and preservation work for the statue of Nichiren Shonin at the 30th anniversary and for the Gohonzon at the 35th anniversary.

The ideal condition for this project was to have the statues shipped to Japan and have the restoration and preservation work performed in a controlled environment. However, their size and weight made it prohibitive and risky. Additionally, due to the age of the statues, we must be careful to avoid additional damages by air pressure or jolts.

We inquired with a moving company on whether shipping the statues would be feasible, but they said that these are cultural relics and properties. Therefore, they would have to send a professional from Japan to prepare and pack the statues. There would also be additional cost for shipping, taxes/duties, insurance, etc. The estimate that was returned was more than we had expected.

We are so lucky Prof. Akita and his staff – Naomi Sasaoka and Tomoyo Nosaka – shared their busy time, and came to San Jose in 2014.

1st work from June 4· 9

2nd work from Aug. 26 to Sept. 3

3rd work from Nov. 6 to 12

On June 7 and August 31, more than 100 persons of our temple had a rare opportunity to see the restoration and preservation work. They normally see the statues in the depth of the altar, but this time they were so happy to see them closely, and they listened attentively to the lecture given by Prof. Akita. Among many questions, all of them were surprised when they heard these statues were created about 400 years ago. “It is around the time the Mayflower came to America!”

Both statues have records written in the back. In the center, a Mandala is written. Downward, Name Signature and Kao signature: Nichiryo. In the right side, these statues had been enshrined at Great Guest House (Daikyakuden), but had a bad damage at the fire in Tenmei. Observing 550th memorial year of Nichiren Shonin, a good man and woman named Yamamoto restored these statues with a prayer that the Dharma would be succeeded and propagated forever. On the left side, “2nd year of Tenpou” written downward, Yamamoto Tobei, Fuki and their Buddhist names are written.

However, there was a question. Nichiryo was not the abbot but Niccho was the abbot in the era of Tenpou. However, this question was solved by Motoichi Tsumori Sensei of Joeriji Nichiren Kenkyusho (Research Laboratory). According to his idea, this statue was created at the time of Nichiryo in Kan’ei Era and at the time of the restoration work in Tenpo 2nd year, additional records were written in both sides.

As a matter of fact, while performing the work, Akita Sensei found a board under a statue to protect the strength. In the board, it is written, 11th month of Tenpou 2nd year, Senmyoin Niccho.

Prof. Akita said: “I do not know if this board can be removed. If so, we may find some new data.” But the board had been attached firmly, and could not be removed. However, through a tiny hole, research was done by using a small camera. Though there was no writing inside, Prof. Akita found the method of how the statue was created.

I cannot explain precisely how the work has been performed, because I am not an expert. However, looking back at close to 10 years, Professor Akita and his team followed this process and protocol. In October, 2015, we are so pleased to observe the 35th anniversary of our temple in front of newly restored Gohonzon.

At this time I would like to express my appreciation for your good supports and understanding. I had a help from Ven. Ryusho Matsuda to get the source and for the translation into Japanese.

Rev. Arnold Matsuda