The term “Daimoku” means the title of a sutra. In Nichiren Shoshu, it is the title of the Lotus Sutra. Daimoku represents Myoho Renge Kyo as the title of the eight volumes of the Lotus Sutra, which includes the core meaning of all sutras.
One of the basic Buddhist practices is performing Daimoku Sansho. Daimoku Sansho means to chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo three times. Daimoku Sansho is used as a greeting of respect to the Gohonzon, our object of worship.
For example, when you enter the room where your Buddhist altar is housed (like when you wake up in the morning or when you return home), you face the Gohonzon, chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo three times, bowing in reverence to the Three Treasures (the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin; the True Law, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo; and the Priest, i.e., Nikko Shonin, Nichimoku Shonin, and each of the respective High Priests). If there are others with you, you should try to do Daimoku Sansho together.
Our Chief Priest teaches new Buddhists and guests the proper breathing and way to do Daimoku Sansho at every Introductory meeting. More about Daimoku Sansho on pages 26-27 in the book, Basic Terminology of Nichiren Shoshu.
Visit Myosenji Buddhist Temple
This Sunday, May 5th, our Chief Priest, Rev Sakabe will give a brief lecture on the Buddhist Concept of the Ten Worlds. He will explain why and how Buddhist chanting brings joy to your life.
- 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.
- 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.
