*Invocation (read in Japanese by the minister)
The meaning of the invocation is shown below:
Honor be to the great Mandala, the perfect circle of all honorable ones, revealed by our founder, Nichiren Shonin.
Honor be to the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni, our original teacher, the Lord of the Dharma, our great benefactor, who attained enlightenment in the remotest past.
Honor be to the Sutra of the Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Dharma, the teaching of equality, the great wisdom, the One Vehicle.
Honor be to our founder, the great bodhisattva Nichiren Shonin, dispatched by our Original Buddha.
Honor be to Renge Ajari Nichiji Shonin, the first overseas missionary.
Honor be to the protective deities of the Dharma.
We honor all of you. May you come to this consecrated place out of your compassion towards us, see us with the light of your wisdom, and accept our offering of chanting the Sutra and Namu Myo Ho Renge Kyo.
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*Kaikyoge - Verses for opening the Sutra
The Kaikyoge is chanted by all in Japanese. |
*Hobenpon - From Chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra
The Hobenpon is chanted by all in Japanese. |
*Jigage - From Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra
The Jigage is chanted by all in Japanese. |
*Unso - Devotion
The devotion is chanted by all in Japanese. |
*Odaimoku
The Odaimoku, “Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,” is chanted by all for short time.
“Myoho Renge Kyo” is the Japanese name of the Lotus Sutra . “Namu” means “devotion.” Thus Namu Myoho Renge Kyo means “Devotion to the Wonderful Truth of the Lotus Flower Teaching.”
During the chanting of the Odaimoku, incense is offered by attendees at the service. |
*Hotoge - The Difficulty of Keeping the Sutra
The Hotoge is chanted by all in Japanese. |
*Prayer
A prayer is offered by the minister.
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*Seigan - The Four Great Vows
The four great vows are chanted by all in Japanese.
Shujo Muhen Seigando
(Sentient beings are innumerable. I vow to save them all.)
Bonno Mushu Seigan Do
(Our delusions are inexhaustible. I vow to quench them all.)
Homon Mujin Seigan Chi
(The Buddha's teachings are innumerable. I vow to study them all.)
Butsudo Mujo Seigan Jo
(The Buddha’s Way is unexcelled. I vow to attain the path sublime.) |
*Message from the minister
A message is given by the minister in both English and Japanese.
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Following the service described above which is held in the hondo (main hall), most people accompany the minister to the back rooms to chant a portion of Chapter 26 in front of the Kishimojin altar and a portion of Chapter 21in front of the oihai.
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After the service, if there is no meeting scheduled, we usually get together for tea, snacks and conversation. Everyone is welcome. |
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