About us
***ZOOM ID: 592-315-1980 Please Email or message for current password***
We are the Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Greater New England (Shingo-Zan Kosen-Ji 眞行山廣宣寺) a Nichiren Shu temple located in Haverhill, MA. Nichiren Shu Buddhism came to the U.S. with Japanese practitioners over 100 years ago and has now become accessible here in New England with services and Dharma talks conducted in English. We are also the first outside of Japan to to become a branch temple of Saijo Inari Zan Myokyo-Ji (最上稲荷山妙教寺) in Okayama, Japan.
We offer a form of Buddhist practice based on the Lotus Sutra and the teachings of the 12th century monk Nichiren Shonin. While there are nearly forty schools of Buddhism based on Nichiren’s teachings, we are the orthodox school practicing Mahayana Buddhism based on the Lotus Sutra. Our main temple is Minobu-zan Kuon-Ji（身延山久遠寺）located in Minobu, Japan. We have rich traditions and rituals modeled closely on practices in Japan and our services combine shindoku (faith reading) with modern English for understandability. We enshrine and offer amulets for many deities and Bodhisattvas at our temple; including our main protector Inari (最上位経王大菩薩), Daikoku-Ten, Kishimojin, Kanzeon, Tuer Shen (protector of the LGBTQ community), and many others.
We offer meditation, Lotus Sutra study, study of Nichiren Shonin's writings, and sutra chanting practices on a regular basis. We are known as the “noisy” Buddhists because of our intense, percussive manner of chanting and use of drums in service. All are welcome, no experience necessary, or classes required before attendance. Special ceremonies such as weddings, memorial services, child blessing, etc. can be arranged by appointment.
If you are new to Buddhism, you can watch a typical service on our Youtube page (link below). We also suggest you attend our slow chanting service on Sundays, to learn more about the practice of Buddhism and to answer any questions you have about getting started with your practice.
Visit our official website here: www.kosen-ji.org You can also learn more about Nichiren Shu and our temples around the world here: www.nichiren-shu.org
Upcoming events
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Izu Persecution Observance
·OnlineOnline## 🕯️ Morning Service – Izu Honan-e Observance
Our temple holds a formal Morning Service each Saturday, and everyone is always welcome. This particular service includes a special observance of Izu Honan-e, commemorating Nichiren Shōnin’s exile to Izu. During this service, we will include a Gosho reading related to the event, and the Dharma talk will reflect on its meaning—especially themes of perseverance, conviction, and compassion under pressure.
Aside from this special focus, the service follows the same format as our regular Saturday Morning Service. We encourage all members to attend in person when possible to practice together with the Sangha. If you need to join via Zoom, please see the information below.***
### 📿 Service Details
Zoom Log-in: 592-315-1980
Email or message us for the most recent password. See end of this description for full log-on instructions.***
### 📖 Liturgy & Materials
Romanized Lotus Sutra
See the board in the back of the Hondo (main hall) for this week’s chanting sections. If joining online, refer to the Zoom chat.
Book available: https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/NichirenSangha/
Black “A Phrase A Day” Book (Sokun / Founder’s Writings)
Passage corresponding to the calendar day.
Handouts & Service Materials:
https://kosen-ji.org/downloads
Includes:- Yokuryōshū (English)
- Chapter 21 (Beppuzoku) in English
- Holiday Sokun (used for special observances like this one)
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### 🪷 About the Service
During Morning Service, we chant portions of the Lotus Sutra (dokyō) along with the Odaimoku:
Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō
This follows the traditional daily practice of Nichiren Shū. Chanting is done at a faster pace, which may feel challenging at first, but becomes more natural with practice. A slower-paced service is available on Sundays for those learning.- Service length: approximately 1 hour
- Begins 5 minutes after the scheduled time
- Doors open 30 minutes prior for questions or quiet preparation
Lotus Sutra passages are chanted in Shindoku (faith reading), using Sino-Japanese pronunciation. Understanding is not required during chanting—this is a meditative practice. Monthly study classes are offered for deeper learning.
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### 🧘 Dharma Talk
A Dharma talk is offered during each Saturday service. For this observance, the talk will focus on the meaning of Nichiren Shōnin’s exile to Izu and its relevance for practice today. Time for questions is available before or after service.
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### 📚 Books & Materials
Copies of the Romanized Lotus Sutra and Morning & Evening Service books are available to borrow or purchase at the temple. We encourage practitioners to obtain their own copies for regular practice.
- Romanized Lotus Sutra: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/NichirenSangha
- Yohon (Selected Readings): http://www.nichiren-shu.org
- Morning & Evening Service: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/NichirenSangha
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### 📍 Location
We are located on the lower level of the Landmark Building
Suite 11
www.kosen-ji.org***
### 💻 Zoom Instructions
Meeting ID: 592-315-1980
Download Zoom on your device (free).
Join 15–30 minutes before service.
Please mute your microphone upon entry to avoid echo. You may unmute during Q&A before or after service.4 attendees
Past events
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