Updated 27 May 2004
If you have a question and/or an answer to contribute, please send them to information(-AT-)ekoji-dot-org.
Does a memorial service have a significant meaning to Buddhists?
Buddhists consider a memorial service, or Hoji, a significant occasion to remember the deceased with feelings of gratefulness and love. For Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, the significance of a memorial service is not for appeasing the spirits of the deceased, but is, rather, the opportunity to pay tribute to and recall the memories of the deceased, while listening to the Buddha Dharma. In remembering the deceased, we acknowledge the influence of the deceased on our lives.
Is there a special flag for Buddhism?
Yes. On Hanamatsuri, many of you may have seen the flag displayed in front of the temple. The flag is made up of six colors, which the sutras say emanated from the head of Sakyamuni Buddha soon after his Awakening, and again on this deathbed. It consists of vertical stripes of blue, yellow, red, white and ochre and a sixth stripe incorporating the five other colors in horizontal bars to make up a strip of "non-color". The flag was designed in 1889 by the American Buddhist scholar, Coloner Olcott, and the Venerable Hikkuduwa Sumangala Nayaka Thero of Sri Lanka.
What is Obon?
Obon, or simply Bon, is observed in the United States around July 15. It is when Buddhists rejoice in the awakening offered by the Buddha. It is an opportunity to express gratitude not only to ancestors, but also to all who have passed on. Therefore, it is often referred to as Kangi-e, “Gathering of Joy.” Tradition calls for temples in the United States to observe Obon services for the deceased, and include traditional Japanese dances on Obon Day and other observances.
Buddhists consider a memorial service, or Hoji, a significant occasion to remember the deceased with feelings of gratefulness and love. For Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, the significance of a memorial service is not for appeasing the spirits of the deceased, but is, rather, the opportunity to pay tribute to and recall the memories of the deceased, while listening to the Buddha Dharma. In remembering the deceased, we acknowledge the influence of the deceased on our lives.
What are the vegetarian food (shojin ryori) traditions in Buddhism?
Shojin Ryori (vegetarian or “energy” cooking) is the Japanese Buddhist word for the Sanskrit “virya,” the fourth of the six paramitas. Virya means virility, vigor, strength, energy. Vegetarian cooking is traditionally considered to be the kind of food that best enables one to have energy and vigor to follow Buddhist discipline. Shojin ryori traditionally does not include: eggs, dairy products, garlic, onions, chives or leeks. Shojin-bi are days traditionally set aside to eat vegetarian meals. In Jodo Shinshu vegetarian days are the 16th of each month (when Shinran Shonin died) and the death day (mei-nichi) of one's immediate family members.
What is Gotan-e?
Gotan-e (come down-birthday gathering) is a gathering honoring the birth on May 21, 1173 of Shinran Shonin, the founder of our sect of Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu. It is also referred to Fuji-matsuri or “Wisteria Festival,” referring to the Wisteria crest being the symbol of Nishi-hongwanji. The Hongwanji temple is the headquarters of the Hongwanji denomination of Shin Buddhism (Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha), and is known as Nishi (literally “West”) Hongwanji. Typically, Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temples around the United States also schedule infant presentations, when proud parents, who are church members, present their infants before the congregation for the first time.
What is the shrine seen only during Hanamatsuri Buddha Day service?
This is the Hanamido, a small pavilion decorated with flowers representing Lumbini Garden where Siddhartha Gautama was born. The pavilion houses the image of baby Siddhartha, which stands in a basin of sweet tea. Observants pour sweet tea over the image. The Hanamido sits upon the back of a representation of a white elephant in accordance with the myth of the birth of the Buddha. It is also said that when he was born, sweet tea rained from the sky. (Source: Cocktails by Rev. Masao Kodani)
What is the significance of Oshoko (offering incense)?
Commonly called incense burning, it is a basic ritual in Mahayana Buddhism. Using the form of placing a burning stick of incense horizontally in the burner and sprinkling the ground incense (oko) over the embers. It is basically an offering to the Buddha; it also represents the burning away of one's self created delusions and the simultaneity of birth-death. In Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) temples, one stops in front of the koro (incense burner) and sprinkles the oko over the embers; one recites the Nembutsu, performs the gassho raihai, bows again, faces and bows with hands together to Rev. Honda or the presiding minister, and leaves the area.
What is the significance of osonae (offerings placed in front of the temple altar)?
Usually six offerings are placed in front of the temple altar (naijin) to correspond to the six human senses, which make up a human being and makes him/her capable of enlightenment or self delusion. 1) Incense—smell; 2) fresh flowers—sight; 3) rice, sweets, fruit or vegetable—taste; 4) performing Gassho—touch; 5) candles or oil lamp—thought; and 6) bells and chanting—sound.
What is oshoji?
This is the periodic “house cleaning” of a temple or home, traditionally done in the summer or early fall. At Ekoji, oshoji takes place at least every month by several groups — the Board of Directors, the Dharma School, and the Taiko group — which clean the various areas most frequently used. More volunteers are always needed and welcome. Your assistance is appreciated. When the weather gets better, a garden clean-up crew will also gather each Sunday after service.
How do I purchase the Buddhist items in the two glass cases in the foyer of Ekoji Temple?
You can purchase the items from any of the Ekoji Temple Board of Directors at any time.
What is an ojuzu?
The o-juzu (beads) is an important object in Buddhist life. A full set of Buddhist beads usually has 108 beads; but half sets of 54, and quarter sets of 27 are used. There are many explanations of the meaning of the beads. The 108 beads recall the 108 human passions for some people; for others these 108 beads recall the 108 Brahmans who foretold of Shakyamuni's future when he was born. Some Jodo Shin teachers say the three large beads are symbolic of the Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
In Shin Buddhism, the beads are put over the two hands with their palms put together in gassho. This symbolizes the doctrine of the Buddha and the Ordinary Person being of one Essence. According to tradition, the ojuzu when not in use is held in the left hand. The Buddhist ojuzu is treated with utmost respect – they are never to be laid where people sit or walk, and are never to be carried to the toilet!
What is the significance of burning incense in Shin Buddhism?
During Ekoji Temple services, we burn incense. It is a symbolic act of spiritual cleansing or preparation to hear the Dharma. We see the solid incense, we see its smoke. After the smoke disappears, we can still smell the incense at the furthest corner of the temple. It cleanses the furthest areas of our minds of negative thoughts. Evil deeds, though they may seem to disappear, still affect the whole world. But good deeds, though they are not seen, perfume the world.
Who selects and arranges the free flowers that adorn the Ekoji Temple alters?
Our own Rev. and Mrs. Shojo Honda purchase and possess the aesthetic talents to arrange the flowers that adorn our Buddhist alters at Ekoji. Flowers are symbolic of the impermanence of life.
The Ekoji Dharma School term has already started, how do I enroll my child(ren) in classes?
The Ekoji Dharma School welcomes new children at any point during the school term, which runs September-June. Please write an e-mail to Dharma School Superintendent: Webmaster(AT)ekoji-dot-org or approach any of the Dharma School teachers or parents. The Dharma School meets the second Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. and the fourth Saturday of the month at 6 p.m. for a Family Service and Pot Luck. Other activities are planned throughout the year.
Can I come to the Ekoji Temple without being a member?
Yes. The Ekoji Temple is open to all visitors who can attend services, meditation, seminars, and other events. We welcome your participation as a member, but until you are comfortable, please feel free to participate as a friend or guest.
How can I help Ekoji Temple as a member?
The Ekoji members help by making monetary contributions to help cover the cost of maintaining the temple and its programs. Members can also help by donating their time and effort to the temple activities. Our Ekoji membership is based upon these two forms of dana (giving). All members do a combination of both monetary and donations of personal time. We recognize that our members and friends are at different stages of their lives, and we deeply value their dana of time and energy as highly as contributions of financial resources.
How do I become a member of the Ekoji Temple?
Please contact one of the temple members and let them know, or send an e-mail request to information(-AT-)ekoji-dot-org.
© 2008 Ekoji Buddhist Temple