2005, Dharma School 50th Anniversary Year

Golden Anniversary Celebration

• 50th Anniversary Slide Show (5Mb PDF File)

• Messages

Special Pilgrimage Tour

• Itinerary

• Pilgrimage Tour Message

• Jidou-Nembutsu Hoshidan Program, Day 1

• Kikyoshiki Ceremony

• Jidou-Nembutsu Hoshidan Program, Day 2

• Commemorative Photo

• Message from Rev. Ryoga Suwa

• Visit Peace Park and A-Bomb Museum

• Venice Hongwanji in the News

Words of Congratulations offered by the Gomonshu upon the receipt of the Dharma Name (Homyo)

Today, in the main hall of the Honganji, you have participated in a Confirmation Ceremony. As expressed in the "Statement of Confirmation," I hope you will renew your self-awareness as a Buddhsit revering the teaching of Jodo Shinshu, and henceforth endeavor ever more earnestly to listen to the Dharma.

Jodo Shinshu, which was founded by Shinran Shonin, is the path through which I, receiving Namo-Amida-Butsu, that is the working of the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha, live the life of the Nembutsu, and become a Buddha in the Pure Land. Thus, in having gained genuine refuge in life through Namo-Amida-Butsu, I am freed from superstitious beliefs; I become broadly aware of the preciousness of all life, not only of fellow human beings but also of animals and plants.

On the occasion of this cerempony, may you live in appreciation of each day saying the Nembutsu, Namo-Amida-Butsu, Namo-Amida-Butsu, Namo-Amida-Butsu.