Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawaii

Rissho Kosei-kai was established on March 5, 1938 by Nikkyo Niwano and Myoko Naganuma. Nikkyo Niwano choose to spread the teachings of the Lotus Sutra as the perfect way in which to save people both physically and spiritually. Two of its teachings suited his innermost feelings exactly: the way of compassion of the bodhisattva (helping others and serving all people in the world) and the ability of the lay believer both to save and be saved.

By 1941, membership reached one thousand and the construction of a separate headquarters began. It was completed in May 1942. During this time Founder Niwano and Cofounder Naganuma devoted themselves full-time to their religious activities. Reverend Naganuma devoted all her remaining years disseminating the Lotus Sutra. She worked tirelessly providing guidance to members until September 10, 1957, when she passed away.

In 1958, Founder Niwano moved actively into a new phase of Rissho Kosei-kai. The first step was the affirmation of the focus of devotion, the Great Benevolent Teacher and Lord, Shakyamuni, the Eternal Buddha. Another important step taken, was educating the members by guiding them to study the Lotus Sutra and to apply its teachings in practical ways in their daily lives.