Doing morning and evening Gongyo and chanting Daimoku form the foundation of our faith. They are essential practices for overcoming hardship and fulfilling our prayers.

Let us set a fixed time each day and carry out Gongyo without fail.

With firm confidence in the boundless power of the Buddha and the Law of the Gohonzon, let us engage earnestly in Gongyo and Daimoku, take action with the resulting benefit and joy, and courageously carry out shakubuku toward the fulfillment of our shakubuku goals.

New members should be encouraged to enshrine the Gohonzon as soon as possible. Those who have not yet received the Gohonzon should visit the temple regularly to do Gongyo and chant Daimoku.

(2026 New Year’s Greetings Overseas Department Chief Most Rev. Urushibata)

The tozan pilgrimage to the Head Temple carries profound significance as it allows you to attend the Gokaihi Ceremony to pray to the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary of the Essential Teaching, led by High Priest Nichinyo Shonin, who has received the direct transmission of the Lifeblood Heritage of the Law.

Nichiren Daishonin states in “Reply to Shijo Kingo”:

Now, this place is no different. This place is where the Buddhas and bodhisattvas dwell, and innumerable benefits abound. Here, I have spent many years reciting the Lotus Sutra. Its benefit is vaster than the sky. As you have frequently come to see me, year after year, definitely within this lifetime you will expiate the karma you have accumulated since time without beginning.  You must put forth your utmost efforts in faith more than ever.

(Gosho, p. 1502)

From this, we learn that tozan enables us to eradicate negative karma from the remote past and receive immeasurable benefit.

Let us always keep tozan in mind, devote ourselves in faith and practice, explain the significance and benefits of tozan to our fellow members, encourage them to participate, and share the benefits and good fortune of the Dai-Gohonzon.

With these benefits, let us redouble our efforts in shakubuku.

(2026 New Year’s Greetings Overseas Department Chief Most Rev. Urushibata)

Discussion meetings are vital opportunities to learn the Daishonin’s teachings, strengthen correct faith, and deepen solidarity with fellow practitioners.

Each Hokkeko group is a gathering of good friends in faith who encourage each other and strive together.

During his exile on Sado, the Daishonin expressed deep concern for his believers in Kamakura and encouraged them with these words:

Those who are earnest in faith should gather together, read this letter, and encourage one another.

(“Letter from Sado” [“Sado-gosho”] Gosho, p. 583)

Inspired by this guidance, the believers in Kamakura encouraged one another and further strengthened their unity in itai doshin.

Study and discussion meetings may be held at the temple in conjunction with the monthly Oko Ceremony or the kosen-rufu Shodai meeting, or in the homes of believers in local districts or groups. These meetings are meaningful gatherings for uniting in itai doshin, strengthening our shared determination, and advancing toward kosen-rufu.

With new members’ participation, these meetings become vibrant and refreshing. Thoughtful planning will help create meetings that inspire joyful determination.

(2026 New Year’s Greetings Overseas Department Chief Most Rev. Urushibata)