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 p49
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 concept of Karma has to do with the Buddhist prayer beads and why we use them.
Sunday, July 1st – Lecture on Karma
Visit our Buddhist Temple this Sunday, July 1st, for a brief lecture on Karma 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 begins at 2:00 pm and concludes about 3:15 pm. Open to the public.
- 310 University Blvd West, Silver Spring, MD 20901
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.
