Rissho Kosei-kai Los Angeles History

  • Rissho: means establishing the teachings of the true Dharma (Lotus Sutra) in the world.
  • Ko of Kosei: signifies mutual exchange of thought among people seeking spiritual growth – that is, the principle of spiritual unity among all human beings
  • Sei: stands for perfection of the personality and the attainment of buddhahood
  • Kai: means association or society.

RKLA is proud to celebrate 61 years in Southern California. Under the initial leadership of Mrs. Kazuko Nakamura who was sent to the U.S. from Rissho Kosei-kai headquarters in Japan as a Branch Leader of the Los Angeles Branch in 1959 one year after Founder Niwano's visit in 1958, she initially held services and hoza in her home in Los Angeles for a group of mostly Japanese war brides married to American GIs. The founding members all congregated in Mrs. Nakamura's home until 1976 when Rissho Kosei-kai bought a building that continues to serve as RKLA headquarters in it's present location on First Street in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles chapter of Rissho Kosei-kai was incorporated on June 12, 1972.

In 1977, Rissho Kosei-kai appointed Reverend Hayashi who stewarded the next phase of RKLA. He served until 1982. The 25th anniversary of RKLA for 1984 was set as a target date to design a new annex as the existing building was too small and didn't have heating or air conditioning and was in need of renovation. RKLA members contracted for the annex which was completed ahead of the September 1984 anniversary date. Soon after completion of the Annex, RKLA acquired more space to add on a community center, kitchen and classrooms. The new addition was completed in 1991.

Founding of Rissho Kosei-kai

In 1938, the late Nikkyo Niwano and Myoko Naganuma together with about thirty other people founded a Sangha named Rissho Kosei-kai for the purpose of following the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, a scripture that incorporates the innermost essence of Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment. In 1991, Rev. Nichiko Niwano succeeded his father as president. Under his continuing leadership, members of the Sangha have been active in sharing the Buddha's compassion at home, in their places of work and their communities, and wherever they are in the world.

Rissho Kosei-Kai has 1.8 million members and 250 centers worldwide.

Visit the Worldwide Rissho Kosei-kai website and the Rissho Kosei-kai International North America website.

RKLA Sangha

The three pillars of Buddhism are the Buddha (the Teacher), Dharma (the teachings or truth), and the Sangha (the spiritual community). The Sangha are the members of the church who practice together to realize Buddhism in their daily lives and to make a more peaceful and compassionate world. All are welcome to join the Sangha.

Office Hours

Mon - Fri: 8am-8pm

Saturday: 9am-7pm

Sunday: 9am-8pm

Contact Us

2707 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Tel: 1 (323) 269-4741

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