2 (A) Shinryo's wife is an "Osage Watashi" from Nikken High Priest (p 41-51)

From a book, "Great Evil Acts of Nikken's Inner Circle" (p 41-51)
Written by Nichiren Shoshu Yushu Goho Domei
(Representative: Rev. Myoei Koitabashi)

Why Rev. Shinryo Ishii was appointed to the most important position in Nichiren Shoshu, that is, the Treasurer of the High Priest? He takes care of all the money Nikken and Masako receive and spend.

Shinryo was an "Uchideshi" (a disciple who serves as an apprentice) of Nikken when Nikken was a chief priest of Heianji, Kyoto. He has been close to Nikken for many years. Shinryo has a talent as a secretary. Further, he has a special talent of managing money. He would be successful if he were to become a businessman. But that's not all. The key is that his wife, Natsuko, is a "Osage Watashi" of Nikken's women.

"Osage Watashi" literally means that something already being used by someone - clothing, jewelry or whatever it is -- is transferred to his successor, junior or children. But in Nichiren Shoshu priesthood, this means to transfer his own lover to his junior priest as a spouse.

By doing so, the original priest can be released from any condemnation or trouble, and the priest who received the woman as his wife can become a "True Disciple" and his future promotion is guaranteed.

Testimony from Rev. Hodo Nose (Hojoji, Shiga Pref.): "Shinryo have witnessed many occasions whereby Nikken had a relationship with women who worked in Heianji. That's why Shinryo is a copy-cat, and always creates problems with his female employees. By the way, I heard from the ex-worker of Heianji that Nikken had a relationship with Natsuko (Shinryo's wife). So, Shinryo must have a very mixed feeling toward Nikken."

Why then Nikken likes Natsuko? Well, let's look at the "Roots" of Shinryo and Natsuko.

Shinryo Ishii was born at "Horyuji", a temple of Nichiren Shoshu, in Fukagawa in Hokkaido. As his father died so early, his mother and his five brothers and sisters had very poor lives. After Shinryo graduated from high school, he worked as a truck driver. At that time, his brother, Eijun Ishii, who had entered into Nichiren Shoshu priesthood earlier, sent him a letter and said, "Become a priest. We can eat without any worry." Shinryo didn't have a faith at all, however, he trusted brother's words, and followed his brother. It was in April in 1962, the time when he was 20 years old.

Around the year of 1962, Nichiren Shoshu made a tremendous development because of sincere offerings from Soka Gakkai. Many buildings were contributed to be built one after another. Nichiren Shoshu also increased its real estates and priesthood. So, it can be said that Shinryo got the best timing.

After Shinryo became a priest, he became Nikken's apprentice disciple at Hongyoji in Tokyo. Of course, at that time Nikken was quite absorbed in having a fun every day. (See Chapter 10 of other book, Great Scandals of High Priest Nikken)

66th High priest Nittatsu asked Soka Gakkai to build a new temple in Kyoto for the convenience of the young priests to study in Kyoto. It was contributed by Soka Gakkai, and the name of the temple was given as Heianji. The first chief priest was Nikken and Shinryo also went there together. Although we have little information about Shinryo in those days, he seemed to have kept the finance of the temple very well. Other priests acknowledged his ability, which got the Nikken's trust.

Natsuko was born in Kumamoto in 1946. The life was severe. Her family was a poor farmer. After she graduated from junior high school, she once worked in cotton company. Later, she went to Taisekiji through her relative's introduction. Everyone knew that Natsuko was a hard worker.

It happened that Heianji in Kyoto became busy because there lived many acolytes. Myoshu-Ama needed a maid. So, Natsuko was recommended to this position and transferred to Heianji in 1964. Soon, it was frequently seen that Shinryo and Natsuko were dating.

Since Nikken and his mother Myoshu-Ama were living there, Natsuko learned cleanings, washings, and cooking from Myoshu-Ama. Especially, Natsuko learned what kind of food and taste Nikken likes. So, after Myoshu-Ama died, Natsuko became the most precious woman who can cook just as Nikken's mother did. (Of course that's why Nikken favored to keep Natsuko close to his residence in Taisekiji even today.)

In Heianji, Natsuko played a role of Nikken's secretary. She not only took care of cooking, but also scheduled Nikken's daily activity, and even when to take medications. Nikken evaluated Natsuko as a very handy woman. Nikken often stayed in a hotel room in Kyoto by saying that he has to prepare manuscripts. He called Natsuko to bring books. An acolyte drove for Natsuko, but the driver was asked to go home and Natsuko stayed in his room. Soon, Natsuko got a driver license, and she drove to the hotel by herself.

Nikken favored Natsuko more and more, day by day. When Natsuko became 20 years old and celebrated (In Japan people celebrate at the age of 20 for becoming an adult), Nikken gave her 7 or 8 expensive clothes, and took her photos in each of the clothes.

People around Heianji started whispering that Nikken got a new lover!

We don't know how did Shinryo feel about this rumor, but somehow, Shinryo kept loyal to his mentor. Shinryo graduated Ryutani Buddhist University in Kyoto. In March 1973, Shinryo was appointed as the chief priest of Shin-enji, Saga Pref. He married with Natsuko and left for his new post.

Nichiren Shoshu Yushu Goho Domei
(Representative: Rev. Myoei Koitabashi)

Please also visit other book: "Great Scandals of High Priest Nikken"

http://members.aol.com/nigelloyd/nichiren-shoshu/
highpriest-nepotism/evilact.htm
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