Joining our hands in prayer is immediately synonymous with understanding our life.
written by Nichiren Daishonin, 13th century Japan
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.” It has been said that the ten digits portray the concept of three-thousand realms inherent in the ten worlds, and joining the fingers and palms signifies the mutual possession of the ten worlds. Bringing the joined hands in front of the chest represents the white lotus of our hearts.
Lecture – Your Buddha Nature & The Ten Worlds
Visit Myosenji Temple this Sunday, August 5th, for a brief lecture on the Ten Worlds and your Buddha nature . Our Chief Priest, Rev Sakabe, will explain how you can elevate your life by activating your Buddha nature.
- Brief lecture by Chief Priest on Buddhist Concept of the Ten Worlds.
- 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 Sunday, August 5th 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, Rev Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist, immediately following the meeting.
Excerpted: Nichiren Shoshu Basic of Practice, pp. 51-52.
