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On April 6, 2025, the Joint Entrance Ceremony of Gakurin Seminary was held with solemnity at Horinkaku Hall in Tokyo. Presiding over the event was Rev. Nichiko Niwano, President of Rissho Kosei-kai and founding principal of Gakurin. New seminarians from Japan and overseas marked the beginning of their shared journey in Buddhist learning and service.
Gakurin’s programs, though diverse in focus—ranging from university, high school, and international studies to leadership and ministry—were united in purpose. Each new seminarian pledged to walk the bodhisattva path with sincerity and resolve, committing themselves to spiritual growth and compassionate action.
Rev. Kyoichi Sugino, President of Gakurin, delivered an inspiring address, quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” He emphasized that the true purpose of Buddhist training is to transform the self so that one’s inner light may shine outward—to society, and ultimately, to the world. He called upon the new seminarians to carry forward Buddhism’s 2,600-year legacy with creative courage, making its wisdom relevant to the needs of our time.
A Highlight: Hon. Ela Gandhi’s Message to the Next Generation
A highlight of this year’s ceremony was a special congratulatory message from Hon. Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi and former member of South Africa’s Parliament. A lifelong advocate for nonviolence, human rights, and interfaith harmony, Hon. Gandhi offered five guiding principles to support the new seminarians on their path:
- Immerse Fully in the Gakurin Experience – Embrace learning as a way to nurture mind, body, and spirit.
- Live Universal Values – Let compassion and humility shape one’s daily actions.
- Practice True Faith – Like the “Vaishnava Jana To” ideal, be one who understands the pain of others.
- Rely on Prayer – Prayer anchors the heart and strengthens one’s resilience.
- Serve Others Selflessly – A life of service is a life of joy and meaning.
Her words reminded the audience that spiritual development is not isolated from society but interwoven with acts of peace and compassion.
A Journey of Growth and Reflection
Rev. Takanori Kumano, Chair of Rissho Kosei-kai’s Board of Directors, described the Gakurin experience as a journey through both challenges and joys—a space for deep personal transformation. In his final address, Rev. Nichiko Niwano drew upon Japanese poetry and language to reflect on the power of daily habits and the importance of maintaining “kokoro”—a mindful heart—in a busy world.
This year’s entrance ceremony not only celebrated the start of a new academic term but also marked the emergence of a new generation of spiritually grounded, globally conscious leaders. Gakurin remains committed to nurturing practitioners who embody wisdom, compassion, and service for the betterment of all life.
Congratulatory Address
Hon. Ela Gandhi
Thank you to your presidents Rev. Niwano and Rev Sugino and to all faculty staff and
students my warmest greetings. I am happy to give a message to your seminarians who are
presently standing at the threshold of a life changing path. Firstly may I congratulate you on
being admitted into this prestigious and precious Seminary. Indeed the next few years will be
inspiring and will no doubt fully prepare you for your calling. In this presentation I will
briefly discuss 5 tips I have learnt from the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi which you may
find useful on this journey on which you are now embarking.
1. Immerse yourself fully in the experience of being at this seminary, for true education is
about the development of the mind body and soul. A true seminarian is a life long learner, a
humble learner ready to learn from all life experiences and emerges as a person of faith of
deep understanding of both one’s self and the broad purpose of life.
2. Try to carefully understand and internalise the Universal values that all seminaries uphold.
Suthinthra Kulkarni in his biographer of Gandhiji, writes, “Gandhiji’s agenda was not
limited by national boundaries. It was universal in the conception of its goals, such as the
march towards a peaceful and cooperative world order, exploitation free economy, dignity
and justice for all, the empowerment of women and respect for nature and all her creatures.
These goals could be achieved through adherence to the eternal values of truth, nonviolence,
love, justice, kindness and compassion-all central to the teachings of this institution. Over
the months try to internalise these values. Let them become a way of life for you.
3. Be aware of the qualities of a true devotee. These are summarised in a hymn which was
Gandhiji’s favourite hymn and it says,
“A true devotee is one who understands the pain of others, one who performs good deeds
without any expectations, one who remains humble despite receiving accolades and praises
and is never arrogant, one who never speaks ill of anyone and accepts all without judging
them, one who is not easily influenced but remains steadfast in his beliefs and values, one
whose mind is open to listening and understanding others, one whose actions and thoughts
are always pure. ” These are attributes that you will cultivate as your training proceeds.
Dwell on these essentials and let them shape your life your being.
4. Always remember the power of prayer
The power of knowledge, power of service and power of self control are essential in your
training You can achieve this through meditation, deep breathing and prayers. It is prayers
that gives you the strength to continue, to overcome obstacles and be resilient. So try to
make prayers an essential part of your life.
5. Finally your ultimate aim should be to serve
Chiara Lubich of Italy reminded us when she said, “Life is a time of trial and at the end of it
too, an exam has to be taken….”For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and
you gave me drink” These works of mercy will be the subject of the exam.” Service is an
important part of the life of a seminarian. Service has a broad definition and includes service
provided to fellow humans, to animals to nature and to the universe. It is in this service that
we can attain ultimate bliss. For we are interdependent upon each other and upon nature.
Remember these 5 Gandhian thoughts. I wish you success in your journey. Thank you.
