Welcome to Rissho Kosei-kai. You have just encountered Rissho Kosei-kai, one of the many Buddhist groups worldwide. You are unique among the seven billion people on earth, a special friend of the Buddha, and we are very glad to have met you.
People are born in different countries and belong to various ethnic groups, each with its own languages, cultures, and traditions. However, we share a common humanity and live on the same planet.
But what makes us human? According to Mahayana Buddhism, it is our buddha nature, in other words, the capacity to nurture the Buddha’s four infinite virtues in our hearts: kindness, compassion, joy at others’ happiness, and equanimity. The Lotus Sutra teaches that all people can attain buddhahood by manifesting their buddha nature.
Rissho Kosei-kai helps you learn how to live life to become a buddha. In the hope that you will find true happiness, the Eternal Buddha will always be with you, guide you, and encourage you. The door of the Buddha’s teachings is open before you. Let’s walk the path to buddhahood together.
Rissho Kosei-kai was founded in Tokyo, Japan, on March 5, 1938, by Founder Nikkyo Niwano and Co-founder Myoko Naganuma. They aspired to liberate all people from suffering by sharing the wisdom of the Threefold Lotus Sutra.
“Rissho” means establishing the teaching of the true Dharma in our hearts and minds; “Kosei” means aspiring to perfect oneself through interaction with many people, learning together, and encouraging each other; and “kai“ means “society“ or “organization.“ Our main scripture is the Threefold Lotus Sutra: the Sutra of Innumerable Meanings, the Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma, and the Sutra of Meditation on the Practice of Bodhisattva Universal Wisdom.
Life can be stressful in today's world. A Buddhist practice can help one navigate life's challenges and gain perspective. Learn the Dharma, gain a positive outlook filled with gratitude, and share the joy with compassion to create a brighter future.
Our Gohonzon, or focus of devotion, is the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni—Great Benevolent Teacher, World-honored One. Our principal training center is the Great Sacred Hall located in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, where the statue of our Gohonzon is enshrined. We have Dharma Centers and branches in many parts of Japan and worldwide.
Rissho Kosei-kai is a global Buddhist movement of people who hope to manifest the Buddha’s teachings in our lives, applying them in our homes, workplaces, and local communities, thereby making a more peaceful world. Every one of us cultivates our hearts and minds through close relationships with our family, coworkers, friends, and neighbors, and by doing so, we become people who contribute something to society.