October 31, 2023
The First Foreign Language Nichiren Shu Shingyo Dojo
8 people from abroad dive into the gate
Shingyo Dojo is the educational institution that marks when one becomes an officially recognized Nichiren Shu priest. 8 students from America, England, Italy and Brazil participated in the first English language Shingyo Dojo in Minobusan that started on September 26 running for a total of 35 days, with all participants successfully graduating on October 30.
Rev. Keiji Oshima, manager of the International Section, Nichiren Shu Head Office explained the effort, “Even though this Shingyo Dojo was conducted in a foreign language, the curriculum is no different from the regular Shingyo Dojo held 3 times a year (May, June and August). Our aim was not to hold a Shingyo Dojo tailored for non-Japanese students but a regular Shingyo Dojo that removes the gaps of misunderstanding and miscommunication. The true value of doing it in English is when all the teachers from the top down can covey the spirit of Shingyo Dojo in the same language.”
Creating an English language Shingyo Dojo was a decade long effort that required recreating the entire NIchiren Shu priest training program in English of which there are many components: textbooks, pre-recorded course lectures, Sodo Rin training at Seichoji Temple, and more, all of which incorporate the combined work and resources of many people and organizations within Nichiren Shu: The Nichiren Buddhist International Center, the Nichiren Shu Overseas Propagation Promotion Association, all the departments and staff of Nichiren Shu Head Office, and the teaching staff assembled for English language Shingyo Dojo: Revs. Moriwaki Chiryo, Oshima Keiji, Ito Yuon, Myofu Ervinna <four more names to be added for a total of eight teaching staff members>.
In addition there are many behind the scenes personnel who will never receive proper credit for their contributions and guidance over the years. We are deeply grateful for your time and efforts. You are all deserve a heartfelt thank you and congratulations for transforming an English Language Shingyo Dojo wish into a successful reality.