March 10, 2024
Dharma Message

There are many rituals, customs and traditions in Jodo Shinshu. These rituals are always in reverence and respect to the Buddha and the teachings. We come to temple to learn and offer our gratitude by following a few simple rituals. These rituals can be a “gateway” to our understanding and furthering our understanding of Nembutsu.

Before we enter the hondo (main seating area), we take a slight bow and enter with the left foot. We are entering the realm of the Buddha, a place of safety, tranquility and Wisdom and Compassion. We come to receive a bit of enlightened wisdom. We forget the “outside world” and bring our consciousness to the present moment of hearing, listening, learning and thoughts to the teachings. When we exit, we step back with the right foot, turn on the left foot and exit on the right because we are taking the Buddha Dharma, which has been shared and heard.

Since we had just entered, it may be a good time to Oshoko or offer incense. We stop a few paces from the central incense burner and bow. We approach the burner leading with the left foot and slightly bow. Using only the right hand, we place a pinch of incense on the burning charcoal. We put our palms together in Gassho and recite Nembutsu/Namu Amida Butsu. Incense offering is never with the left hand because throughout history, the left hand was used for the “other unmentionable” actions.

Still facing the myogo (scroll) or statue, whichever the temple has, we step back with the right foot, bow slightly and step to the right or left. This last step allows others to begin their Oshoko. Those who are chairing a service or approaching the podium would Oshoko first before taking the position. Some prefer to Oshoko at the end of service as well. However, we must always remember to take a slight bow when we cross in front of the scroll or statue. We generally say, “Excuse me” when we cross in front of others, so this is no different. It is out of respect and courtesy to the Buddha.

A kansho (large bell outside) is rung to call our attention to service and preparation for hearing and listening. This is a moment of silent meditation and a time to prepare our 6 senses to the Buddha Dharma. We stop our socialization or idle chitchat and turn our thoughts away from the outside world. The hitting of the kansho can also reveal the mood of the ringer. If it is their first time ringing the bell, the sound may be timid and soft. Some express “feel good” mood by hitting the kansho loud and with gusto. This kansho can also set the mood for the service.

A tradition is to Gassho before chanting. There is a tradition that has been lost and it is to Gassho after hearing a dharma message. We have let this tradition “fall through the cracks”. We share our thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation for that bit of wisdom we gained so that we can live a more peaceful life in the light of the Buddha.

In these rituals, the Buddha is directing us to look at the right direction. We are unaware how these rituals affect us. However, in these simple gestures of gratitude and respect we are following the Eightfold Path. When we enter the hondo, we are entering with right view, if only for a short time. We forget our prejudices, stereotypes and discrimination and we turn our thinking to right thought. We free ourselves from our “outside problems” and there are only thoughts of the Dharma and our Nembutsu/Namu Amida Butsu.

We focus upon our right speech, using our words wisely and without harm to others and right conduct in how we continue these rituals that bring peace and the joy of growth of betterment, a little each day. It can change us. We come to right livelihood, earnestly hearing and taking action of the Dharma into our lives.

There is the use of right energy. We struggle each day and some more than others. We struggle because of ignorance (lack of wisdom) and sometimes through destructive desires. This is the time when Gassho, Oshoko and Nembutsu can settle our “loose” energy so we can focus on hearing. It takes right mindfulness to find that “mind space” and to think. We focus on these rituals to help us find and evaluate the right path. We come to right meditation. Yes, there is meditation in our rituals. We concentrate on our Nembutsu and try to find our meaning of Namu Amida Butsu.

We continue to follow the right path for a better and more peaceful life, but it is also a search in find-ing our “true self”. We use the Eightfold Path every-day, but we do not give each step a “label”. We prac-tice and may fall, however the Buddha is always sur-rounding us with direction and guidance.



Gassho,

Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano