Renkoji Temple and the history of Propagation of Buddhism in Europe

The beginning of propagation in Italy began after the establishment of the first European Nichiren Shu temple in London by Rev. Chishin Hirai. During his tenure at this temple, Rev. Hirai not only taught Buddhism in the United Kingdom, but also started propagating the Dharma in other European countries as well. Consequently, Rev. Hirai came to Italy in the late 1990s and taught people about Nichiren Shu faith, practice and philosophy. Today, there are three Nichiren Shu temples in Europe, one in the United Kingdom, another in Central Germany and one more in northern Italy.

In 2001, Rev. Shoryo Tarabini made his first trip from Japan to Italy and continued propagation work in Italy. He opened Guhozan Renkoji Temple in a small rented house in the province of Monza, northeast of Milano on 8^th April 2005 in commemoration of the Buddha's birthday, taking up permanent residence in Italy. Renkoji Temple was later transferred to its larger and present site in Piemonte, located one hour between Torino, Milano and Genova. Renkoji is nestled in the peaceful Monferrato hills and situated next to a medeival castle, surrounded by vineyards and cherry tree forests. From the hilltop just above Renkoji, one can see the spectacular Italian alps extending from France all the way to Switzerland.

Upon opening Renkoji Temple in 2005, the membership of Italy began to grow, with small groups of believers first in Rome, Toscana and Milano, and later expanding into other areas throughout Italy. Today, the members, believers and followers of Renkoji temple are found not only in Italy, but also in France, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, Greece, Poland and Africa.

But what does Renkoji mean? Following ancient Chinese and Japanese tradition, the temple name name was estanblished, complete with "mountain name" (because traditionally temples in ancient times were situated atop mountains). Our temple's full name is: Guhozan Renkoji. Guhozan is the mountain name and Renkoji is the actual temple's name.

In explaining further the deeper meaning of our temple's mountain name: "Gu" of Guhozan signifies to disseminate, spread or propagate. "Ho" means the Dharma - the teachings of the Buddha, the Lotus Sutra and of Nichiren Daishonin. "Zan" means mountain. Guhozan then signifies: "Mountain for the propagation of the Dharma, the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha's and Nichiren Daishonin's teachings."

In the case of the name of Renkoji, "Ren" means Lotus, and here signifies the Pure White Lotus or Pundarika which in turn, symbolizes the pure and unadulterated - complete enlightenment of the Buddha. It also represents our faith and practice of the Lotus Sutra. "Ko" signifies the rays of the sun, and demonstrates how the rays of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo illuminate all living beings in all the varied states of life. "Ji" is temple, the Dojo or sacred place where we all carry our Buddhist devotion, practice and research of the Dharma. Here, under the guidance, instruction and care of qualified and certified Nichiren Shu priests, we learn about Buddhism, how to improve and polish our lives, while experiencing faith in the very temple and by the priests that have received the transmission of the Dharma from our Head Temple. In this way, we can create, strengthen and enjoy a profound tie to Buddhism, to our Original Master Sakyamuni Buddha and of course, to our founder, the Great Bodhisattva, Nichiren Shonin. The name Renkoji, therefore, signifies "The Temple where the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo radiate like the rays of the sun."

Activites of the temple include weekly services, Sutra recitation classes, meditation, Shakkyo (traditional copying of Sutras), lectures on the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren Shonin's writings; varied topics, concepts and history of Buddhism. Also special holiday ceremonies, weddings, funerals, memorial services, special traditional ceremonies, blessings, conversion rites, bestowal of Mandala Gohonzon, discussion groups, lectures and retreats. Our temple presently contains a Main Hall, office, library and resident monks' residence.

Renkoji Temple thus serves as a spiritual home and dojo for all of its members, followers and friends interested in sincerely learning the teachings of the Eternal Buddha Shakamuni through daily practice and study, under the direct instruction of certified Nichiren Shu priests. We welcome guests anytime. Please join us in our temple and experience the Buddha's teaching and joy, gain tranquility, study and learn to grow in life, nutured by a very rich and practical Buddhist practice.