Entering and Leaving the Hondo (main hall)

Gassho is an expression of our gratitude and reverence.  Upon entering, gassho (put your palms together with fingers and thumbs aligned, with both elbows close to the body and hands should be at mid-chest level and bow towards the shrine) facing the shrine area.  Take your seat and wait quietly for service to begin.  Before leaving the Hondo, at the doorway, turn to face the shrine and gassho.   

Obutsudan

The statue of the Buddha is the centerpiece of the obutsudan.  The statue is symbolic of Amida's wisdom and compassion, and not an object to be worshipped.

On the right side of the statue of the Buddha is the scroll of Shinran Shonin, the founder of our sect.  On the left side of the Buddha is the scroll of Rennyo Shonin, the eigth descendant of Shinran Shonin.  These are placed in the obutsudan as a sign of respect and gratitude to the founders of the sect.

Several items are placed on the obutsudan, such as flowers and rice.  Flowers are symbolic of the impermanence of life.  Rice is an expression of thankfulness and gratitude.

Oshoko

Oshoko is the burning of incense, a symbolic gesture of cleansing before approaching a person or object of reverence.  The burning symbolizes the extinction of impure thoughts and the transitory nature of all existence.

Oshoko is performed in the following manner:

   1)  Walk toward the incense burner.  Stop two or three steps before the burner.  Bow lightly.

   2)  Step up to the incense burner, leading with your right foot.  With your right hand, take a pinch of ground incense and drop it into the burner.

   3)  Recite the Nembutsu (Namu Amida Butsu) as you gassho.

   4)  Take two or three steps back, leading with your left foot, then bow and return to your seat.

Gatha Books (The "purple book")

The gatha book should be handled with respect and care.  The gatha book contains gathas (songs) and sutras (chants) that are an integral part of the service.  Gathas are sung in either English or Japanese.  Sutras are the teachings of the Buddha and his disciples and are written in an ancient form of Japanese.

Sensei

Sensei means teacher in Japanese.  The reverend of the temple is always referred to as "Sensei".

Sample Service Order

1.  Ringing of the bell.

2.  Meditation (silent)

3.  Reading of Three Treasures

4. Sutra Chanting

5. Incense Burning (performed during Sutra Chanting; can be done before service starts)

6. Gatha

7. Dharma Talk by Sensei

8. Gatha

9. Meditation reading

10. Announcements

11. Closing Gatha