Nichikan Shonin (1655–1726), the Twenty-sixth High Priest of Nichiren Shoshu, wrote:
The prayer beads are the Buddhist implement which helps common mortals advance in their Buddhist practice.
Nichikan Shonin further stated:
A circle of beads manifests the mystic principle. Miao-lo stated in his writing The Annotations on the Great Concentration and Insight: “There is no lack in the mystic principle.” Therefore, we use a circle of beads that compares to the mystic principle. The basic number of beads is 108, which is said to represent the number of earthly desires possessed by common mortals.
Visit Myosenji Buddhist Temple
On Sunday, January 17th, our Chief Priest will lecture on the Buddhist Concept of the Ten Worlds. He will then teach you how to use the Juzu, Buddhist prayer beads, and teach you to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
- Brief Lecture by Chief Priest on Buddhism’s 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 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 Murata will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist, immediately following the meeting.
Excerpted: Basics of Practice, pp. 48-51.
