[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15410]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    IN CELEBRATION OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF EKOJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 12, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ekoji 
Buddhist Temple on the occasion of its 30th anniversary and to 
recognize the commemoration of the 750th Memorial for Shinran Shonin, 
the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
  Ekoji Temple, which was founded in 1981 by Rev. Kenryu T. Tsuji and 
Rev. Dr. Yehan Numata, shares the Pure Land Buddhist teachings of 
Shinran Shonin, which is based on the Nembutsu Teaching of Amida 
Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Life and Light. The Nembutsu Path is to 
become aware of the ignorant self and to transcend the petty 
selfishness of the individual. The aim of the Ekoji Temple fellowship 
is to live the life of gratitude and share the rejoicing with others.
  The name Ekoji, selected by Rev. Numata, means ``The Temple of the 
Gift of Light.'' Ekoji Buddhist Temple shares this gift with all who 
wish to enter. Ekoji is a place where the differences of race, color 
and creed disappear and all who seek the truth are welcomed.
  The 11th Congressional District of Virginia is blessed by its 
diversity. This district is more than 40% minority and is home to 
people of many ethnic heritages, cultures, and religions. Ekoji Temple 
adds to this rich tapestry and benefits our entire community by its 
presence.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise and join me in 
congratulating the Sangha of the Ekoji Buddhist Temple in the 
celebration of its 30th anniversary, and also in thanking the Rev. 
Kazuaki Nakata and Rev. Shojo Honda, Emeritus for their leadership and 
inspiration.

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