Last weekend there was a celebration at the Southern California Nichiren Shu Temple honoring their 90th anniversay. I was, unfortunately, not able to attend; but from what I've read it was fine gathering.
Until this celebration was announced I was not aware that Nichiren Buddhism has been a presence in the U.S. that long. Buddhism in the U.S. is very new; we're all baby Buddhists in some ways. So 90 years is a long time for a Temple to have been active.
Congratulations to all, and particularly Nichiren Shu for bringing the daimoku to these shores.
Dharmajim
Jim and all -
I was fortunate enought to be able to attend the service, along with the Nichiren Order of North America Convention. I enjoyed the service very much, and the convention as well.
I was able to meet old friends, make many new ones, and put faces and handshakes to many I have previously met only online.
It was also very refreshing to be a part of the inner workings of a truly democratic Buddhist organization. We elected a new slate of officers for NONA for the next four years, ratified the Minister's Council selection of Bishop (also a four year term), voted on amendments to the Bylaws, AND not only received financial reports but were able to make motions and vote on the disposition of funds.
There are also two new NONA temples: One in Lexington, KY, headed by Rev. Shinkyo Will Warner; and the Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Texas here in Houston.
Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett
P.S. One of the Nichiren (Shu) Mission temples in Hawaii recently celebrated its centennial, but they belong to a different organization; NONA deals with Nichiren Shu temples on North American continent.