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beauty of the rite ... is the beauty of one's essential
nature. By participation in the rite, by uniting the
mind with the beauty by walking the way of the
'Eternal', one becomes profoundly composed ... The way
of the 'Eternal' is the way to the seat of energy within
the soul." |
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The sash worn during the ceremony is a
contemporary representation of the monk's robe. The
front says "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo". On the back "We
practice the Bodhisattva Way". Wearing the sash during
the preparation of the altar and chanting of the sutra
is a purification ritual. It puts us in a respectful
state, cleanses our hearts and clears our minds.
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The
string of beads referred to in Japanese as "ojuzu" came
into being shortly after Shakyamuni Buddha's passing. At
that time the sutras (teachings), were transmitted
verbally, and Buddhists recited them over and over to
absorb them. They used the beads to count the
recitations of sutras, mantras, or darani (protective
blessings). This assisted in their concentration while
chanting.
There are many different
types and materials used to make beads. Different styles
of Buddhism use particular shapes and lengths. The beads
are symbolic of Buddhism.
The standard
number of beads adds up to 108 with some multiples are
54 or 27 beads. These represent the 108 desires or
hindrances that need to be extinguished for
enlightenment to occur. We have 108 small beads plus 4
smaller ones. The symbolize the four Bodhisattvas from
the Lotus Sutra. Their names are: Limitless Practice,
Superior Practice, Steadily Established Practice, and
Pure Practice.
The two large
beads at either end represent Shakyamuni Buddha and
Tathagata Abundunt Treasures (Lotus Sutra). They are
also called the 'Father Bead' and the 'Mother Bead'. I
have read that each bead also represents a Buddha or
Bodhisattva. We also see our body with the shortest of
the three tassels on one side being our head, the other
two our arms, and the two tassels on the other side our
legs. The five separate strings of beads can serve as a
way of counting the number of rounds of an invocation.
They are also used as meditation points, such as the
five aggregates: matter, sensation, perception, mental
activities, and consciousness.
We wear the beads
on our wrist by making two loops and putting them around
our left hand. Often, we put the two tassels on the
middle finger of our left hand and twist once as we put
the middle finger of the right hand in, making the shape
of an '8' or infinity. As we rub the beads together
in our hands, we call on the Eternal to be with us. By
use of a cutting motion, we purify our minds of all
delusion and unnecessary thought. This helps us focus
with pure intent and a grateful heart. |
Hands are used in honor of life, art,
music, cooking, healing, loving, and protecting. Hands
held together with palms facing each other (Gassho)
connect us with Universal Energies and are a posture in
"peace education." It is a way of showing respect to
life and the opportunities that it provides us as well
as the Buddha-nature in each of us.
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There
are several items you will see in our altar area. Among
them are: a picture or statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, a
plaque representing those who have gone before us, a
plaque blessing the land and place of meditation,
candles, flowers, incense, food and water.
It is impossible for
finite human beings to comprehend the infinite. For this
reason, we need a focus of meditation that we can relate
to, something we recognize as being Eternal, yet has
been in physical form. Our focus of meditation is
Shakyamuni Buddha. We use a picture or statue to remind
us of our connection to the Eternal and put our hearts
in a state of gratitude. The image is a symbol of the
qualities of the Teacher. |
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The
plaque representing those who have gone before enables
us to contemplate the source of our existence, develop a
sense of gratitude for their support in our present
lives and gives us the chance to dedicate our
recitations to support them on their way to
enlightenment.
Our lives are supported
by the blessings of nature. In accordance with nature,
there is a plaque to purify our place of meditation and
the land on which it stands. This brings about awareness
and gives us a sense of gratitude for our natural
blessings. We show respect to these spirits. |
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Candles are also used on the altar. Light
symbolizes wisdom as contrasted to darkness which can
symbolize ignorance. This reminds us of our goal of
enlightenment.
 Flowers
are arranged with the blossoms facing toward the
practitioners. This is to help us open our hearts like
the beauty of the flowers we see. The fresh cut flowers
are lovely but will soon become withered. It is a
reminder of the impermanence of all things and a lesson
in appreciating the moment. |
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Incense is lit during ceremony as an act of purification
and as an offering in respect to the Three Treasures (Buddha,
Dharma, Sangha).
The food placed on
the altar represents "sustenance." The water represents
"life." |
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The
bell calls us to awareness and focus on the moment,
removes laziness, and stingy mindedness. The ripples of
sound extend out into the universe and represent the
Dharma spreading into the world. It is also used to
designate chapters in the chanting of the sutra.
The wooden block has
a strong, sharp sound that is used to elevate our goals.
It also represents a strong will to share the teachings. |
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The drum gives strong encouragement to
the sangha. We beat the drum to build a Land of Serene
Light - one of complete and perfect peace. It is also
known as the heartbeat of the earth or our mother's
heartbeat that we experience while still in the womb. |
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Everything done in Buddhist ceremony including the altar
preparation is done with full awareness. It makes us
mindful of the significance of what is being offered, it
is also a way to create positive potential and develop
our minds. |
Copyright 2006 by
Rissho Kosei Kai, All Rights Reserved
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