Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Texas : Minister

As the Temple is small and we were expecting many guests for this historical event, we rented a hall not to far from the Sangha meeting place. This is the same hall where the Sangha first took vows and became an official Sangha of Nichiren Shu.

above & below; setting up the hall for the ceremony.

Shami Ryusho lights the incense just before the ceremony is to begin.

Rev. Caine-Barrett recieves her assignment certificate from Bishop Kanai making her the official minister of the Houston Sangha.

above; Rev. Faulconer reads his report to the Buddha, recalling the formation and practice of this Sangha and passing the Sangha onto its next minister. below; Rev. Caine-Barrett reads her report to the Buddha, accepting the responsibility of teacher and spiritual guide to the Houston Sangha as the Bishop witnesses.

Presentation of Hossu

Rev. Faulconer to Rev. Caine-Barrett

Hossu: Historically a whisk used in India to clear insects from one’s path. Later used by Buddhist ministers to clean or clear away illusions metaphorically. A symbol of the teacher passed from the former teacher to the next.

Myokei using the Hossu the first time as the Minister of the Sangha.

After becoming minister of Myoken Temple, Rev. Caine-Barrett led us in reciting Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra which was followed by Nichiren Shonin’s instruction. Bishop Kanai picked out this passage from our founder for this specail occasion.

SADO GOKANKI SHO (October 10, 1271)

I, Nichien, vowed to learn and master Buddhism and to attain Buddhaood so that I would be able to save the people from whom I had received favors. To attain Buddhahood, one must not think selfishly even at the cost of his life."

Rev. Caine-Barrett gives her first sermon. Shami Ryusho Jeffus (in the black and brown robes) has practiced with Rev. Myokei for a couple years now. He took vows and became a Shami in 2006 under Rev. Faulconer. He was very happy to see Rev. Caine-Barrett and help in this event. Rev. Caine-Barrett is like a sister to him. He has currently moved to South Carolina where he is working with a Sangha under his masters direction.

above, Rev. Caine-Barrett becomes a little emotional as her master talks about his feelings of joy at seeing her become the minister of this Temple. below, Rev. Caine-Barrett gives jukai (precepts given to become a member) as she welcomes a new member to the Houston Temple and Nichiren Shu.

Most of the group present. A few where taking the pictures and unfortunantly a couple had to run off to catch planes back home.