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Biography of Nikkyo NiwanoName: Nikkyo NiwanoBirth Date: November 15, 1906 Death Date: N/A Place of Birth: Japan Nationality: Japanese Gender: Male Occupations: religious leader Nikkyo Niwano Nikkyo Niwano (born 1906) was president of Rissho Kosei-kai and one of the most important religious leaders of modern Japan.President Nikkyo Niwano of Rissho Kosei-kai, a Japanese lay Buddhist organization, received two international awards in the late 1970s: the Albert Schweitzer (United States) and the Templeton (England). Both were given in recognition of his leadership in religion, marking him as one of the most important religious leaders in Asia and the world. This was quite an accomplishment for a man who only had a primary school education (but became a lifetime student) and whose sect of Japanese Buddhism was related to Nichiren Buddhism (often noted as the most nationalistic and narrow of Buddhist groups). In addition, his involvement in international concerns did not begin until the late 1960s. His life was a testament to overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness.Born in the snow country of northern Japan on November 15, 1906, as …showed first 150 words…
…showed last 150 words…Asian soil.Niwano built in Rissho Kosei-kai the most international religious organization in Asia as evidenced by the relief campaigns for Southeast Asia and Africa in the 1980s. His Niwano Peace Foundation gave annual recognition to persons whose activities advanced religion and peace. Another measurement of his influence was his work with the United Nations (UN), the Vatican, and the World Council of Churches; there was growing expertise within Rissho Kosei-kai (RKK) in international diplomacy. A stream of dignitaries passed through RKK's headquarters to talk with Niwano or the RKK staff. Niwano's efforts for peace and worldwide cooperation made him one of the most active religious leaders in the world. Associated Organizations Further Reading Niwano's autobiography has been translated into English as Lifetime Beginner (1978); other writings by him include The Richer Life (1975), Buddhism for Today (1976), and A Buddhist Approach to Peace (1977); Liberal Religious Reformation in Japan (1984) by George M. Williams. |