Rissho Kosei-Kai

Based on the long history and traditions of Buddhism, Rissho Kosei-kai was born in the world that we live in today, with the aspiration to liberate all people from suffering and make a better world.

Rissho Kosei-kai was founded in Tokyo, Japan, on March 5, 1938, by Founder Nikkyo Niwano and Co-founder Myoko Naganuma. “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.

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, and the statue of our Gohonzon is enshrined there. We have Dharma Centers and branches in many parts of Japan and throughout the world.

Rissho Kosei-kai is a global Buddhist movement of people who hope to manifest the Buddha’s teachings in our own lives, applying them in our homes, workplaces, and local communities, thereby making a more peaceful world. Each and every one of us cultivates our hearts and minds through close relationships with our family, coworkers, friends, and our neighbors, and by doing so we become people who contribute something to society.

Members’ Vow

We members of Rissho Kosei-kai

Take refuge in the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni

And recognize in Buddhism a true way of liberation,

Under the guidance of our revered founder, Nikkyo Niwano.

In the spirit of lay Buddhists,

We vow to perfect ourselves

Through personal discipline and leading others

And by improving our knowledge and practice of the faith,

And we pledge ourselves to follow the bodhisattva way

To bring peace to our families, communities, and countries and to the world.