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On Saturday, April 6, 2024, the 60th Anniversary Ceremony of the founding of the Gakurin and the Joint Entrance Ceremony of the Gakurin were held at Great Sacred Hall of Rissho Kosei-kai, Tokyo, Japan. In the presence of Rissho Kosei-kai President and first Gakurin President, Rev. Nichiko Niwano, over 3,000 people attended the ceremony. Marking the 60th anniversary as an international training center for engaged Buddhism and interfaith dialogue and action, a renewed commitment was made to educating the younger generation, empowering them to shape the future of the world as pioneers of the Bodhisattva path.
Dr. William F. Vendley, International Honorary Secretary General of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (RfP/WCRP), visiting from New York, delivered a congratulatory address on behalf of the distinguished guests, including former UN Under-Secretary-General Yasushi Akashi; Prof. Susumu Shimazono, Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo; former Toyo University President Makio Takemura; and Prof. Renta Nishihara, President of Rikkyo University. Newly enrolled seminarians from the Gakurin Daiju, Koju, Hoju, and Renju programs entered the ceremony to the accompaniment of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra and solemnly recited their pledges.
During the ceremony, Rev. Kyoichi Sugino, the fifth president of the Gakurin Seminary, presented the Gakurin Vision, affirming that the seminary’s core mission as a Buddhist institution is to cultivate engaged Buddhist leaders while embracing a spirit of openness to the “global,” “interfaith,” and “multigenerational” community. This commitment to interfaith dialogue and action has already been realized through various initiatives, including the inclusion of Christian students at Gakurin.
Additionally, Rev. Sugino emphasized the seminary’s dedication to fostering a multigenerational community by raising the age limit for Gakurin Daiju and opening opportunities for short- and medium-term experiential learning to both members and non-members nationwide. He further announced the establishment of the Nikkyo Niwano School for Global Leadership, a program designed to train leaders of all religions—members and non-members alike—from around the world. This initiative aims to promote engaged Buddhism, interreligious dialogue, and cooperation for peace, in alignment with the vision of Gakurin’s founder, Rev. Nikkyo Niwano.
The study of engaged Buddhism at Gakurin is further strengthened through a partnership between Gakurin and the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), based in Thailand. In this collaboration, Gakurin seminarians engage with Buddhist youth worldwide to address shared human challenges, including conflict, poverty, and environmental issues.
In addition to the Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation program—which includes a soup kitchen for the needy in Japan, jointly organized by the Mother Teresa Home and Gakurin—lectures and dialogues are conducted by leaders from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and other religious traditions from around the world.
Under the 60th anniversary theme, “Feeling the Wind from the Future, Tradition-ing the Tradition (Transformation and Creation),” Gakurin Seminary reaffirms its commitment to becoming “an international training center for engaged Buddhism and inter-faith action.” It also strengthens its dedication to cultivating “pioneers of the Bodhisattva path” who will shape the future of the world.
In his congratulatory address, RfP/WCRP International Honorary Secretary General William F. Vendley stated, “We must begin by developing a bodhisattva’s view of things. We need to understand how the neglect of human nature lies at the root of all contemporary problems.” He further encouraged the new students who have chosen to “walk the path as Bodhisattvas,” saying, “Behind that choice, the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni has chosen you all.”
In his Dharma talk, Rev. Nichiko Niwano, President of Rissho Kosei-kai and the first president of Gakurin Seminary, reflected on his early days at the seminary and shared memories of climbing Mt. Daibosatsu with Gakurin students. He also read a passage from Parents Are the Best Teachers by Isao Ishii, highlighting the profound impact parents have on their children. Concluding his speech, he expressed his heartfelt aspiration, stating, “I wish to continue dedicating myself to the world alongside all of you, with the hope that humanity will not engage in war and that true peace, founded on religion, will prevail.” (See articles in the Chugoku Nippo, The Buddhist Times, etc.)
Part II: Panel Discussion “The Founding Vision of Gakurin and the Leadership that Shapes the Future”
The second part of the event was a panel discussion titled “The Founding Vision of Gakurin and the Leadership that Shapes the Future”. The panelists were Dr. Willliam F. Vendley, WCRP/RfP International Honorary Secretary General, Dr. Masaya Kobayashi, Dean of Chiba University Graduate School of Social Sciences and Gakurin Lecturer, Rev. Kyoichi Sugino, Gakurin President, and Ms. Tomoyo Ikeda, 59th class of Gakurin Daiju program. Rev. Megumi Wada, a trustee of RKK and a 12th graduate of Gakurin Koju program, served as coordinator.
Dr. William F. Vendley emphasized to the audience that human beings are inherently connected to everything around them, underscoring the importance of leaders cultivating this awareness. Similarly, Dr. Kobayashi expressed his admiration for the younger generation’s pure aspirations and their sincere, earnest efforts to address global challenges. He also conveyed his deep appreciation for the spirit of Gakurin, where individuals with a keen awareness of real-world issues and a heartfelt desire to bring happiness to people worldwide come together to learn and grow.
Next, Rev. Sugino reflected on the many lessons he learned from Dr. William F. Vendley during his tenure as Deputy Secretary-General of WCRP/RfP International. Among these, one particularly profound insight was Dr. Vendley’s belief that “future religious leaders must be fluent in both a first and a second language, seamlessly navigating between the two.” He explained that the first language is the language of faith, while the second is the language of the public sphere. Rev. Sugino emphasized that it is Gakurin’s mission to approach social issues and tackle global challenges with a deep understanding of both languages.
In response to an audience question about the “potential of religion,” Ms. Ikeda, representing the Gakurin Daiju Program seminarians, referred to Gakurin’s philosophy of “Engaged Buddhism.” She asserted that religion has the power to transform the world, as it simultaneously fosters self-awareness, societal transformation, and global transformation.
Rev. Sugino expanded on Ms. Ikeda’s remarks, stating, “True Buddhism envisions a world where personal awakening and our relationship with the world are seamlessly integrated and harmonized. I believe the greatest potential lies in the engagement of those who embrace this faith in society.”
Dr. William F. Vendley further elaborated, emphasizing the importance of living one’s faith with humility and sincerity. He described faith as a way to cultivate love for both the beauty of the world and one’s own life—an approach that can be understood as “bodhisattva practice.” He asserted that it is these “creative minorities” who will be the driving force behind real change in the world.
Following this, Dr. Kobayashi introduced the concept of positive psychology. He explained that research has shown how gratitude and altruistic behavior contribute to an increased sense of well-being, providing scientific validation for the core moral and ethical values of religion. He noted that we are now living in a time when religion and scholarship are once again converging, and he echoed Dr. William F. Vendley’s notion of the “creative minority”: “People like you, who have the capacity to understand both religiosity and spirituality, while also mastering scholarship and effectively communicating in both religious and public discourse, are the ones who can turn this understanding into true knowledge.”
The final question came from a 19-year-old male seminarian in the 49th class of the Gakurin Koju University program. He shared that during his year of studying the activities of Rissho Kosei-kai, he had learned the importance of seeking peace through harmony and embodying peace through practice. He then posed a question: “I am currently studying reconciliation studies at university. From a religious perspective, what does reconciliation truly mean?”
Dr. William F. Vendley, who has been engaged in conflict reconciliation efforts worldwide for over 30 years, responded. He explained that there are many ways in which a religious person can approach reconciliation, recalling moments when he had witnessed individuals genuinely living their faith in difficult interfaith dialogues—such as an Islamic leader and a Buddhist monk sitting across from each other in conversation.
He reflected, “The compassion that arises from one’s own faith—expressed through a gentle gaze, a warm voice, or a sincere attentiveness—awakens compassion in the other person. It is through this sacred depth of faith that we can truly understand one another. That is what I believe.”(From Kosei Shimbun Digital)
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Afterwards, in a special reception room on the 6th floor of the Great Sacred Hall, the following professors and experts gave their impressions and suggestions for Gakurin education.
Dr . William F. Vendley (Honorary Secretary-General of WCRP/RfP)
Mr. Yasushi Akashi (Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations)
Dr. Makio Takemura (Former President of Toyo University)
Dr. Susumu Shimazono (Professor Emeritus of Tokyo University)
Dr. Toshio Koike (Professor Emeritus of Tokyo University)
Dr. Tadao Saito (Professor Emeritus of Tohoku University)
Dr. Masaya Kobayashi (Professor of Chiba University)
Dr. Renta Nishihara (President of Rikkyo University) )
Dr. Nobuyuki Sato (Vice President, Chuo University)
Dr. Yoshihide Uchiyama (Professor, Aoyama Gakuin University)
Dr. Kathy Matsui (Professor, Seisen Women’s University)
Dr. Yoshinobu Soeda (Professor, Miyazaki University)
Mr. Hazime Ozaki (Editor in Chief, Kyodo News “Media Strategy Information”)
Ms. Kosen Hamasaki (Professor, Dai Nippon Tea Ceremony Association Headquarters)
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Dr. Kathy Matsui (Professor, Seisen Women’s University) Today’s ceremony filled me with optimism for the future. I firmly believe that education plays a crucial role in unlocking an individual’s potential. Gakurin offers workshop-style classes, and it was deeply inspiring to see how Ms. Ikeda, who graduated from our Seisen Women’s University Department of Global Citizenship and later joined Gakurin, has grown into a remarkable religious practitioner committed to action.
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Dr. Makio Takemura (Former President, Toyo University) The investiture ceremony took place in a profoundly spiritual atmosphere, making it an incredibly moving experience. I was particularly struck by the moment when the new members confidently declared their vows aloud—it was truly uplifting. The emphasis on Gakurin as a place to cultivate leaders who will advance practical Buddhism and interfaith dialogue deeply resonated with me. I hope that each Gakurin seminarian will be nurtured in alignment with this founding philosophy, using it as the foundation of their education.
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Ms. Kosen Hamasaki (Professor, Dai Nihon Chado Gakkai)
Visiting Gakurin is always a pleasure. At the heart of the tea ceremony lies the spirit of Zen and hospitality—a mindfulness that enables us to act with consideration for others. I sense that Gakurin seminarians, through their study of religion and their engagement with the tea ceremony, are cultivating both spiritual sensitivity and a compassionate heart. |
| Dr. Tadao Saito (Professor Emeritus, Tohoku University)
Gakurin offers a holistic education and an exceptional network. Today, conflicts persist in many parts of the world, and I have heard that the establishment of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP/RfP) was partly driven by the regret that religious leaders failed to prevent World Wars I and II. I sincerely hope that Gakurin will continue to nurture individuals capable of addressing such critical global challenges. |
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Dr. Yoshinobu Soeda (Professor, University of Miyazaki)
Today’s ceremony reaffirmed my understanding of Gakurin as an open and inclusive forum. I was reminded that all academic disciplines are inherently interconnected. I believe that exposure to diverse fields of study will be a valuable and transformative experience for Gakurin seminarians. |
| Dr. Nobuyuki Sato (Vice President, Chuo University)
In today’s world, there is growing recognition that secular ethics and morality alone are insufficient. Ethical, moral, and religious values must serve as a foundation for resolving fundamental questions—many of which cannot be adequately addressed within the framework of existing legal discussions. I believe that the role of religion in law and ethics will become increasingly significant, and my dialogue with Gakurin seminarians has been a deeply enriching learning experience for me. |
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Mr. Hajime Ozaki (Editor-in-Chief, Kyodo News “Media Strategy Information”) I teach on the theme of communication, and one defining characteristic of modern media is the shift from text-based explanations to video-based storytelling. Additionally, the phenomenon of “news avoidance” is spreading globally across generations, as many people feel overwhelmed by crises such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, pandemics, and climate change—issues that seem too vast to address individually. As a result, people tend to engage only with information that aligns with their personal interests. At Gakurin, I have been exploring ways to foster meaningful communication and knowledge-sharing in this evolving media landscape. In these discussions, I have learned a great deal from the students.
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Dr. Renta Nishihara (President, Rikkyo University) As both a university president and a bishop of the Anglican Church, I find it crucial to reflect on the biblical phrase “salt of the earth and light of the world” and to consider how I can contribute to society as part of a creative minority. This reaffirmation aligns with my role at the university, where I strive to communicate Christian values to nearly 5,000 students—most of whom have little to no religious background—without explicitly using Christian terminology or referencing the Bible. Mastering this secondary language of public discourse is essential to my role as president, and in this sense, Dr. William F. Vendley’s speech today was particularly encouraging.
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Dr. Toshio Koike (Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo) My field, water research, is deeply intertwined with climate change, disasters, poverty, health, gender issues, and peace. Solving these multifaceted challenges requires catalysts—facilitators who can bridge traditional knowledge and modern science, translating academic insights into tangible actions. However, academia has historically failed to nurture such integrative figures. I believe we must cultivate individuals capable of playing this facilitative role. Additionally, strengthening the Gakurin alumni network will be crucial in amplifying these efforts.
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| Dr. Yoshihide Uchiyama (Professor, Aoyama Gakuin University)
Having grown up in Gakurin, this place holds profound significance for me, a realization that was reaffirmed through today’s ceremony. My academic path was shaped by Professor Yoshinori Sanada of Chuo University, a former Gakurin lecturer who entrusted me with continuing his work. As a scholar specializing in the intersection of economics and Buddhist philosophy, I aim to bridge primary religious language and secondary academic language. While I have yet to reach the level of Dr. Sanada, I will continue to dedicate myself to Gakurin’s education in any way I can. |
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Dr. Masaya Kobayashi (Professor, Graduate School of Chiba University)
The distinction between primary and secondary language has become increasingly significant in my research on the teachings and philosophy of Kosei-kai. Buddhist wisdom takes on profound relevance when applied to pressing contemporary issues, such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza or discussions surrounding the former Unification Church. Furthermore, maintaining a close relationship between religion and science is crucial, and Gakurin plays a pioneering role in this integration. In the future, I believe redefining religious teachings through primary and secondary language will be vital, particularly as contemporary Japanese politics seems to be regressing toward prewar ideologies. Reevaluating the founder’s teachings in a modern context will be essential. |
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Dr. Susumu Shimazono (Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo) From the perspective of modern Japanese religious history, I believe it is important to shift from a priest-centered model to an all-inclusive, lay-centered approach. In this model, individuals facing personal struggles can engage in mutual support and open dialogue (Hoza), expressing their pain in ways that foster empathy and understanding. Today, I was profoundly moved by the Gakurin seminarians’ vows—their commitment to the Bodhisattva vow to save all sentient beings deeply resonated with me. From this perspective, I hope to further explore Rissho Kosei-kai and its role within modern and contemporary Japanese Buddhism.
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Mr. Yasushi Akashi (Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations) Today’s discussions evolved into a truly global dialogue, thanks to the distinct leadership of those present. I believe that the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP/RfP), guided by the leadership of Dr. William F. Vendley and Rev. Sugino, has been instrumental in fostering interfaith collaboration on an international scale. Their presence in New York—a global hub of diplomacy and religious diversity—enabled unprecedented engagement across nations and faiths. I am also deeply grateful for Rev. Sugino’s support in my peacebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka. For Japan, a nation historically isolated from global religious dynamics, embracing Gakurin’s pioneering peace initiatives will be crucial as it seeks to engage more openly with the world.
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