Risshō Kōseikai

Risshō Kōseikai. One of the Buddhist-derived new religions of Japan, whose name means ‘Society for Success in Establishing the Right’. This religion was established in 1938 when Mrs Naganuma Myōkō and Niwano Nikkyō (1906–99), two members of Reiyūkai, another such new religion, left to form their own group based on devotion to the Lotus Sūtra. After Naganuma's death in 1957, Niwano became sole president, holding office until 1991, when he retired and was succeeded by Niwano Nichiko (1938– ). Risshō Kōseikai is a lay organization, having no monks, nuns, or ordained clergy of any sort. Although its success has enabled it to grow to great numbers, at its core is the small group that meets for ‘group counselling’ (Jap., hōza). This provides an intimate setting in which members, often feeling at a loss for companionship and support after a move into a new city, can find friends and assistance. The group's religious practice is based upon the Nichiren Buddhist teaching of the supremacy of the Lotus Sūtra as the pre-eminent Buddhist scripture, and the efficacy of simply chanting its title (Jap., daimoku) as a means to salvation. It runs many business and social-welfare concerns in Japan and abroad, and has been very involved in world peace movements and inter-religious dialogue. As of the year 2000, the organization estimated its membership at 6.15 million individuals.