Joining our hands in prayer is immediately synonymous with understanding our life.
written by Nichiren Daishonin in 13th century Japan
The Symbolism of Joining the Hands in Prayer*
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism describes the meaning of joining our hands in prayer in the following way:
Our whole-hearted faith is represented by the eight petals of the lotus flower. This is also called the “lotus of the heart” or the “white lotus” and it depicts our Buddha nature. In joining our hands in prayer, the eight petals are represented by our eight fingers, and the remaining two thumbs symbolize the father and the mother or the principles of “reality and wisdom” and “practicing for spiritual stability and wisdom.”
Buddhism’s Beliefs and Origins
Buddhist practice teaches us how to enjoy our life, wherever we go, not just to endure life. Visit our Buddhist Temple this Saturday, June 11th, at 2:00 pm to learn from our Chief Priest how to correctly interpret our reality AND how to enjoy our daily lives through the practice of Buddhism.
If you have decided to become a Buddhist or are interested in learning how to become a Buddhist, after Sunday’s meeting (about 3:30 pm) Rev Murata will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.
