Myōkō Naganuma

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Poster of Ms. Naganuma

Mrs. Myoko Naganuma (長沼妙佼: Naganuma Myōkō) (1889-1957) was the co-founder and first vice-president of the Buddhist religious sect Risshō Kōsei Kai.

Involvement in Rissho Kosei-kai

Ms. Naganuma had meant Mr. Niwano because he delivered milk to her house. At this time she was sickly and he encouraged her to put faith in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and to practice Reiyūkai Buddhism. She did and her health improved, after this she began to work with Mr. Niwano in the missionary field. The two became close friends, despite the age difference between the two, Ms. Naganuma being seventeen years his senior. In 1938 the two attended a Reiyūkai meeting where the leadership made comments about the Lotus Sutra being outdated. Both agreed that they could not belong to a group that held such views. They decided to found Rissho Kosei-kai and on March 5, 1938 held the founding meeting at Mr. Niwano's house. She became the Vice-President and was known for being able to receive messages from the spirit world and being very devoted to the faith. She supported Rev. Niwano and Rissho Kosei-kai, traveling with him and giving guidance to members.

Death and legacy

Mrs. Naganuma died on September 10, 1957 and was buried at Kosei Cemetery. At her funeral thousands of members came to pay their respects. She is still highly regarded and respected by members of Rissho Kosei-kai and her picture, along with that of Nikkyo Niwano, appears by every church altar.

Websites

• Official Proflie