Glossary of Terms

Amida Buddha: Amida is the representation of our world of Truth. Meaning infinite life and infinite light or true and unlimited compassion and wisdom.

Bodhi Day: At the age of 35 Siddartha Gautama became the Buddha. We celebrate this day and honor Siddartha who became the Awakened One on this day. His life is an example to us of the potential, the Buddha Nature within each of us to awaken to the truth of this world.

Buddha Enlightened One

Dharma Teachings of the Buddha

EITAIKYO MUENHOYO:
This yearly memorial service is usually held in the month of November. Literally meaning the perpetual chanting of the sutras. The temple maintains an Eitaikyo book containing the names of deceased family members. The families have made special donations to assure that the sutras will be chanted in perpetuity. The funds from these donations are used to maintain and refurbish the temple altar (Onaijin)

Gassho: The act of putting the palms of the hands together at chest level. It is an expression of hello, goodbye and thank you. Together with a deep bow gassho is a form of reverence expressed to the Buddha.

Gotane:

Shinran Shonin was born on May 21, 1173 in outskirts of Kyoto in an area know as Hino. He was born with the name Matsuwakamoro and was given the title Shonin after his death. The term Shonin has been conferred upon people like Rennyo, and Honen but for Shinran the title of Shonin is a bit different. The Chinese character for Shonin 上人 is normally Jo or Sho and read in Japanese as ue or above. With the added character on nin or person the translation would read a Buddhist “saint”. In the case of Shinran his Chinese character used for Sho is different. His title uses the character which means a great master or sage 聖人. In English we might say his holiness, a great religious leader. Shinran also was given an honorific title Kenshin Daishi 見真大師 . This title was given to Shinran in 1877 by the Emperor Meiji. The title means the “Seer of the Truth, Great Master”.

In both cases Shinran’s influence, humbleness and insight are all reflected in his titles given to him. Gotane celebrates his birth marking the day in celebration and gratitude. Shinran devoted his life so that we living now 750 years later are able to meet with the teaching of Nembutsu.

Joya-e: Is the year end service observed to express gratitude for the past year. On this night the temple bell is rung 108 times. This is called the "Joya no Kane" or the bell of the last night. it is a symbolic ringing away of the 108 passions which afflict us and bind us to the world of delusion.

Nirvana Day: Sometimes referred to as Parinirvana, this marks the day when the historical Buddha Shakyamuni died. Buddhist worldwide observe this day with a special memorial service in his honor.

Ohigan: Twice a year in the spring and in the fall we observe the equinox. This time of year the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. The length of day and night is equal. Throughout nature harmony exists. It is an opportune time for the contemplation of the Dharma and our relation to nature and all sentient beings. This unique Japanese Buddhist service is also called Sanbutsu-e, a gathering to praise the Buddha. Ohigan literally means other shore. The practice of the six paramitas are contemplated and observed during this time.

Sangha Fellow seekers of the Truth

Shotsuki Hoyo: Each month the temple conducts a memorial service for family members who have passed away in that month. Names of the family member are read and relatives burn incense in their memory.

Six Paramitas: The Path of Giving (Dana); The Path of Right Behavior (Sila); The Path of Endurance and Patience (Ksanti); The Path of Endeavor or Effort (Virya); The Path of Meditation (Dhyana); The Path of Wisdom (Prajna)