The first step to become a Buddhist is to receive the Gojukai Ceremony – Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony. Then you begin your Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and learning how to do Gongyo (sutra recitation). The next step is to set up your home altar in preparation to receive your own Gohonzon.
The Gohonzon is the object of worship in Nichiren Shoshu. Go is an honorific prefix in Japanese. Honzon means object of worship. All Gohonzons in Nichiren Shoshu are transcriptions of the Dai-Gohonzon made by the successive High Priests of Nichiren Shoshu. The Gohonzon is the manifestation of the eternally enlightened life of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin (the person), and Nam-Myōhō-Renge-Kyō of actual ichinen sanzen (the Law) to which the True Buddha is eternally enlightened, the oneness of the person and the Law.*
When you have made the commitment to care for and respect the Gohonzon at your home, you may apply to receive the Gohonzon. It is important to understand that the Gohonzon is loaned to you by Nichiren Shoshu Head Temple. Our Chief Priest will instruct you on the proper care and respect of the Gohonzon.
Saturday Visit Our Buddhist Temple
Visit Myosenji Temple this Saturday, February 11th, for a video presentation and brief lecture on Buddhism’s Beliefs and Origins by our Chief Priest, Rev Sakabe.
- Learn how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and properly use the Juzu Beads, Buddhist prayer beads.
- Q&A with our Chief Priest.
- The meeting starts at 2:00 pm and concludes around 3:15 pm. Open to the public.
If you have decided to become a Buddhist or are interested in learning how to become a Buddhist, after Saturday’s meeting (about 3:30 pm) Rev Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.
