DAY 8
October 10th Monday
This would be a very special day for the group as we would be doing Rinban today. Rinban is the rotation system started by the six senior disciples to take care of Nichiren Shonin's remains. We would be adding to the long line of the faithful that have taken care of Nichiren Shonin.
The original site of Kuon Ji was near the Mausoleum on the map. When there was not enough room a new building was needed. As the space was limited, a new space was selected close to the original. This is were Kuon Ji sets today. As the Arch Bishop of Minobu is supposed to watch over Nichiren Shonin's remains they were moved from the original Mausoleum into the Columbarium over beside the modern Temple complex. Some of his remains are still in the original Mausoleum but the majority now rest in the new building, the Goshinkotsudo.
We went to Kuon Ji for morning service at 5:30 then back to the Bo for breakfast. We then when up to Kuon Ji, over to the Arch Bishops residence and began our journey.
After Rinban we would meet with the Arch Bishop of Minobusan Kuon Ji. We had about an hour with the Arch Bishop asking questions and discussing the future of Nichiren Buddhism. Everyone was very happy and pleased to have been able to have this personal audience.
A screen depicting Nichiren Shonin's life.
The Arch Bishop's garden.
A little free time for sight seeing.
The Bodai steps. The top is in front of the main hall of Kuon Ji.
Entry of Shingyo Dojo. The training monastery of Nichiren Shu.
We would head up to Nichiren Shonin's Mausoleum for evening service.
At dinner that night we would celebrate Shami Ryusho's Birthday. Our host would supply a birthday cake and gifts.
