26th High Priest, Nichikan Shonin 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. (excerpted Nichiren Shoshu Basics of Practice page 49)
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhists use prayer beads, called Juzu, as part of our daily practice of chanting and Sutra recitation (called Gongyo). At our Introduction meetings, our Chief Priest explains how earthly desires, karma and our sufferings block our path to happiness. He also explains what the Buddhist beliefs and symbolism of the prayer beads and why we use them.
Sunday – Lecture on Buddhism’s Beliefs
Visit our Buddhist Temple this Sunday, February 23rd, for a brief video presentation and lecture by our Chief Priest, Rev Sakabe.
- Learn how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and properly use the Juzu Beads, Buddhist prayer beads.
- Have a Q&A with our Chief Priest.
- The meeting starts at 2:00 pm and concludes around 3:15 pm. Open to the public.
- 310 University Blvd West, Silver Spring, MD 20901 entrance on Burnett Ave
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 Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.
