"Endeavor to strengthen your faith after listening to this important teaching. He who endeavors to strengthen his faith after listening to the teaching of the Lotus Sutra is a true seeker of Buddhahood. Grand Master T'ien-t'ai says, "Indigo becomes deep blue even though it is created from indigo leaves." This means that if dyed blue repeatedly, indigo blue will become deeper than its original color. Practicing the Lotus Sutra is the same. By practicing the teaching of the Lotus Sutra over and over, you will be a true follower. Practice is the best master."

Nichiren Shonin

Morning / Evening (Daily) Service (Sutra Chanting):

During our morning Service on Sundays, we chant portions of the Lotus Sutra and also chant the Odaimoku (Namu Myoho Renge Kyo). This is a version of the normal daily service practiced by Nichiren Shu practitioners at home. The chapters from the Lotus Sutra are read in the traditional way (Chinese Characters with Japanese pronunciation) called Shindoku. Shindoku literally means faith reading and is a form of meditation in itself. It is not necessary to understand academically while chanting in Shindoku as it is a form of meditation practice. We regularly chant the Sutra also in English for our understanding. Service usually lasts about 40 min. - 1 hour. The mokusho (wooden drum), seen above, is used by the leader during chanting to help keep the beat.

Standard Daily Service;

This is a standard service but varitions may be made to add or subtract parts for special services such as holidays.

Dojoge - A verse (Shomyo) that is sung in Shindoku usually by the minister. It is a reminder of our interdepent nature.

Sanborai - Bowing to the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha or Buddha, teaching, congregation) sung together in Shindoku. Prostrations are also offered during this Shomyo.

Invocation - Read together in English. For some services a speacial invocation is read by the officiating minister.

Verses for opening the Sutra - A verse read together in English.

Chanting of the Lotus Sutra (English or Shindoku) - We chant several chapters out of the Lotus Sutra on a regular basis. A section of chapter 2, Chapter 12, Chapter 16, Chapter 21 or Chapter 25 may be read.

Nichiren Shonin's Instruction - A reading from one of our founders writings is read together.

Odaimoku - Chanting of the sacred title. We use drums to help keep beat as we chant the Odaimoku.

Difficulty of keeping this Sutra - A verse from the Lotus Sutra with a special beat.

Prayer - We use a standard prayer which we read together. If you would like a specail prayer read for something special or someone during the service let Rev. Faulconer know ahead of time.

Four Bodhisattva Vows - The Bodhisattva vows are sung in English.

Refuge in the Three Treasures - A verse sung in English for taking refuge. Prostrations are also done during this Shomyo.

Buso - A verse sung in Shindoku by the minister to say farewell.