My Religious Experience:

The first day I entered the temple will be a lasting memory for me. It was a very momentous day for me. It was a Saturday afternoon - the temple was quiet and tranquil and I was alone. As I sat down in the first pew and marveled at the beauty of the temple, I couldn't help but feel relaxed. It was a beautiful feeling. I then looked at the statue of St. Nichiren from my pew. Could I be hearing things: I felt that I was hearing St. Nichiren say to me "Thank you for coming... Welcome to my house." These beautiful words seemed so real as if he himself was actually speaking to me.

The next day, the sun was shinning. It was a beautiful day. It was Sunday and was the first time I had actually attended service in the temple. I was very excited about this and looked so forward to it. The feeling I had in my heart was the same feeling I had experienced the day before. I enjoyed my first experience chanting - my pulse went fast - and yet I could feel a sense of love - a sense of respect.

On that day, I also had a new encounter, I learned about the word, "En " in Japanese and its beautiful meaning. Many words are difficult to translate directly from other languages into English and I feel "En" is one of them. To me, it means "perhaps this is part of all that is meant to be as no one really knows the answer." I feel this word really applies to me and my experience at the temple.

I am a Christian and I believe in loving and respecting all people, religion, and culture. I feel I get to experience my "En" not only in the temple and church, but outside of it as well during daily prayer. It is a beautiful experience which I wish to share with all and will always be my "On Going Blessing."

by J.M.

Lotus #17

July, 1998