SERVICES AT
THE
SPOKANE BUDDHIST TEMPLE
The regular Sunday Morning Service starts at 10:30 AM. After our service,
we have a Buddhism 101 discussion, and light refreshments. All are welcome to
join.
We close at 12:00 PM.
Once a month we have a service hosted by Reverend Castro
from the Seattle Betsuin. That service is at 3:00 PM. Please check the
newsletter for the date; or for any other special services.
Service information: (followed
by explanation of terms.)
Our main temple hall is called a Hondo*. It is
here that we gather for services. It is a typical church like setting with
pews and a service book. The shrine - Gohonzon *- is located in the front
center.
The ringing of the Kansho* signifies the beginning of
our service. We begin with a moment of quiet meditation.
During the service, we are led in the chanting of the Sutras*.
We chant aloud in unison in the traditional style. There are chanting
instructions in our service book. We recite the Nembutsu* after
chanting the sutras.
We may sing a Gatha , followed by a recitation of The
Three Treasures*.
We end our service with O-Shoko*, the burning of incense. This
is an opportunity to show respect and gratitude for the Dharma (Buddhist
teachings) and the Buddha. It is a symbolic act which represents the transience
of existence. We bow in Gassho* putting the hands
together to signify the oneness of Buddha and all beings. It is customary
to use an O-juzu*, around your hands at this offering.
Buddhism 101 is an informal gathering held after the Sunday Service for those in attendance.
We may view a video, or have a book study about Buddhist Dharma. It is an
opportunity for people to gather, to ask questions, share their insights, and share each other's company
over light refreshments.
Buddhist Service Terms:
Hondo - "the main hall". The Hondo is divided into two
parts; the alter area and the seating area. Incense is burned to purify
the air and to create the proper atmosphere.
Gohonzon -"honorific-principal-object of reverence", the
main or principal object of reverence in a Buddhist temple. In Jodoshinshu, the
Ghhonzon is Amida Buddha. We do not worship the image of Amida Buddha, but
rather bow in reverence before the wisdom and compassion that the Amida Buddha
represents.
Kansho - "the calling bell". It is rung immediately
before the start of service to call the members of the Sangha (the
Buddhist community).
Chanting Sutras. Sutras are the scriptures which convey the
Buddha's teaching. They have been translated from the Pali language into
Japanese, Tibetan, Chinese. We chant aloud in unison in the traditional
style, following what fellow Buddhists chanted for centuries before us.
Chanting requires disipline and focus, bringing on a quieting of the mind.
The Nembutsu -"think Buddha". In Pure Land Buddhism,
we say the words Namo Amida Butsu (I take refuge in the Buddha Amida).
In Jodoshinsu, the Nembutsu is not a mantra, meditation, or practice which
leads to Enlightment, but rather the expression of Shinjin, the receiving
of the True or Buddha Mind.
Gassho - "joined palms", Anjali
in Sanskrit. Among Buddhists throughout the world, this is used
to express hello, goodbye and thank you. As a gesture of reverence for the
Buddha, Gassho is performed with a deep bow from the waist called Raihai.
Gatha, - the teachings of the Buddha. These are teachings
written in verse form, sung in praise of the virtues of the Buddha.
The Three Treasures: Variously called the Triple-Gem Ti-Sarana,
Tri-Ratna, etc., the Three Treasures is the basic affirmation of Buddhism. The Three Treasures of Buddhism are the Buddha (an
enlightened person), the Dharma (the body of truth a Buddha becomes enlightened
to), and the Sangha (the community that tries to live its life based on the
Buddha's teaching). It is the ritual of reciting: "I take refuge in
the Buddha". "I take refuge in the Dharma". "I
take refuge in the Sangha".
O-Shoko - "honorific incense burning". One steps in front of
the Koro (incense burner), bows once, takes a pinch of Oko (ground
incense), and sprinkles it over the embers in the burner, bows in Gassho with
the O-juzu around the hands, bows once again, then retires.
O-juzu - "thought beads". The O-juzu encircles
the hands during Gassho and O-Shoko, symbolizing our Oneness with Amida Buddha.
Temple Donations: Gokifu - "honorific-collect-give".
Our temple is supported by a traditional system of donations for services,
special speakers, classes, newsletter and major Buddhist holidays. When
cash or checks are given, it is placed in an envelope with the name of the
donor, and put in the offering box at the entrance of the Hondo, or mailed to
the Temple.
Suggested monthly pledges as follows:
$15.00 Individual
$25.00 Family
Sangha members who are experiencing financial difficulties or on a limited
income will be asked only to pledge an amount within their ability.
If you do not wish to participate in Temple activities but do wish to receive
the monthly newsletter, we ask for a donation of $15.00 per year to cover the
cost of printing and postage.
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