"This" is a symbol of the 750^th Anniversary of Nichiren Buddhism. Red in the center stands for brightness of the sun which eliminates all darkness, green around the sun stands for the lotus which is not influenced by muddy water, and blue or outer part stands for Gassho and embraces the sun and the lotus. It is the symbol for us to eliminate all darkness of our minds and also not to influenced by wrong environment.

This symbol also represents 2002. The outer blue is number 2, red and green are zeros. The year of 2002 is the 750^th year after St. Nichiren recited Namu Myoho Renge Kyo the first time. It was April 28, 1253, when he was 31 years old. At this temple, we climb up to the top of Mt. Wilson in California every year, face to the rising sun, we chant the Odaimoku. It is the Kaishuue or beginning of Nichiren Buddhism.

When St. Nichiren chanted the Odaimoku, he was alone. Later on the same day, his parents also chanted Namu Myoho Renge Kyo. When he stood on streets of Kamakura and preached, more and more people began to chant the Odaimoku. We chant it at the Ohigan Service, memorial service, funeral, wedding ceremony, birthday celebration, and so on. Odaimoku is energy that gives us strength to live and overcome sadness.

We chant not only for ourselves, but also for others. This afternoon, our chanting was for the deceased family members of ours. Let us place our hands together and pray for them "rest in peace." Our ancestors are glad to hear your chanting.