FAQs

Students

Students doing research for a class or simply wishing to learn more about Buddhism are always welcome to attend our services.

Please check our schedule for the different types of service available. Come a half hour early and we will be happy to answer questions and give you information on the service itself and how it is performed. After service there may be a little time for questions and you may have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with some of the sangha members. If you need more than ten minutes or so to answer questions, please contact Myokei Sensei to set up more time.

Do plan on coming to a service as it is required that you attend a service before answers to any questions for a class or report. Even though attendance is required, participation in the service is voluntary. Please read the Etiquette page before attending service. You will not be expected to be well versed in Buddhist studies; however, you should have some basic knowledge about Buddhism prior to attending. You may wish to do some basic research prior to attending.

Email or phone questions will not be answered. To do either one is too time consuming and does not support the goals of any course you might be taking for a grade. You must attend a service at the Temple to ask questions for your report.

Weddings

As a minister of the Nichiren Buddhist Order (Nichiren Shu), I am happy to perform weddings for couples who would like a Buddhist style wedding. If the individuals are not Nichiren Shu members, the couple must come to at least 3 services before the marriage to become familiar with our practice. It is also important for the couple to meet with me individually and as a couple. The service is Buddhist and can be modified to meet the needs of the couple.

A typical wedding would include:

Entry of Minister and Groom

Entry of Bride

Couple offers Incense to the three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha)

Announcement by MC

Service:

Dojoge (gatha sung by minister)

Kiri Sange (gatha sung by minister with flower petal strewing)

Invocation read by minister

Verses for Opening the Sutra

Chanting of Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra

Reading of Nichiren Shonin's writing (Founder of our Order)

Chanting of Odaimoku (Sacred Title of the Lotus Sutra)

Prayer read by minister

Pledge (vows)

San San Kudo (cup ceremony)

San-san-kudo literally means "three, three, nine times." The couple takes turns drinking three sips each of three different cups of sake. The number 3 is considered a lucky number and nine being three, three times is the luckiest. With this act the marriage is solemnized.

Ring Exchange

Personal Vows (If the couple wishes to make personal vows)

Pronouncement

Exit

Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin

email nbstx@comcast.net

phone (713) 429-1274