Komatsubara Persecution Memorial | In Person + Zoom
Details
# Komatsubara Persecution Memorial Service
### 小松原法難 | Komatsubara Hōnan
Join us at Kosen-ji as we commemorate the Komatsubara Persecution, an important event in the life of Nichiren Shōnin.
Everyone is welcome, whether you are a longtime practitioner, new to Nichiren Buddhism, or simply interested in learning more about Buddhist teachings.
This service is available both IN PERSON and ONLINE via Zoom.
## About the Komatsubara Persecution
On November 11, 1264, Nichiren Shōnin and his followers were attacked at Komatsubara in Awa Province (present-day Chiba Prefecture, Japan).
During the attack, Nichiren Shōnin was injured, and two of his followers, Kudō Yoshitaka and Kyōnin-bō, lost their lives.
Nichiren Shū commemorates this event as one of the Four Great Persecutions of Nichiren Shōnin. It is an opportunity to reflect on courage, perseverance, compassion, and the challenges of maintaining one’s faith in difficult circumstances.
Our Saturday morning service will include a special observance and Dharma talk reflecting on the significance of Komatsubara Hōnan.
## What to Expect
Our temple holds a formal morning service every Saturday, and visitors are always welcome.
During the service, we chant selections from the Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku, Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō, the sacred title of the Lotus Sutra.
Chanting is performed in the traditional Nichiren Shū style, including shindoku, the Japanese pronunciation of classical Chinese Buddhist texts.
The chanting may seem fast to beginners, but no previous experience is necessary. You are welcome to participate at your own pace, listen, or simply observe.
The service generally lasts about one hour and includes a Dharma talk.
After the service, please join us for coffee, tea, light refreshments, and conversation. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, meet members of our Sangha, and learn more about the temple.
There is no potluck for this observance.
## Attend In Person or Online
IN PERSON
Shingyozan Kosen-ji
76 Merrimack Street, Suite 11
Haverhill, MA 01830
We are located on the lower level of the Landmark Building in downtown Haverhill.
Doors open approximately 30 minutes before service. We encourage visitors to arrive early, especially if attending for the first time.
PARKING: Please use the nearby public parking garage or clearly designated public street parking. Do not park in private lots or reserved spaces. Towing has increased in the area, so please check posted parking signs carefully.
ONLINE VIA ZOOM
Although Meetup lists this event as in person, you can also attend remotely via Zoom.
Zoom Meeting ID: 592-315-1980
Please email or message the temple for the current meeting password.
To join:
- Open Zoom on your computer, tablet, or phone.
- Select “Join Meeting.”
- Enter the meeting ID and password.
- Please keep your microphone muted during chanting to avoid audio feedback.
You are welcome to unmute and ask questions before or after the service.
We recommend joining 10–15 minutes before the scheduled start.
## Chanting Books and Service Materials
You do not need to bring anything to participate.
A limited number of liturgy books are available to borrow at the temple.
Our service uses selections from the Romanized Lotus Sutra, the Odaimoku, and passages from Nichiren Shōnin’s writings.
For in-person participants: The week’s chanting selections are posted in the Hondo (main worship hall).
For Zoom participants: Chanting selections will be shared through the Zoom chat when available.
Free service handouts:
https://kosen-ji.org/downloads
These include English translations of selected liturgical passages.
Romanized Lotus Sutra and Morning & Evening Service books:
https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/NichirenSangha/
## Everyone Is Welcome
Kosen-ji is a Nichiren Shū Buddhist temple serving the Greater Haverhill community.
We encourage in-person participation whenever possible because practicing together helps build relationships within the Sangha. However, we recognize that attending in person is not always possible, and we warmly welcome our online participants as well.
Whether you have practiced Buddhism for years or have never attended a Buddhist service, you are welcome to join us.
Temple Website: https://kosen-ji.org