Buddhist Service in the Main Hall 本堂での勤行

In the sixteenth century, a Nichiren priest named Dojun traveled across Japan to raise funds to build the bell but died before achieving his goal. Fortunately, Yojuin (1577–1653), a member of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s concubine, made a large donation to complete the fundraising for the bell.

Visitors who arrive early will observe the ringing of the bell. In order to pull the bell’s striking beam back far enough, the monk must perform the difficult feat of holding on to the rope and balancing on the bell tower’s ledge with his body parallel to the ground.

During the morning service, around fifty monks and the head priest gather and recite verses from the Lotus Sutra. Two monks beat large taiko drums as the monks enter and are seated in the middle of the hall. The entire service is rhythmic and mystical. During the ceremony, the monks strike bells and wooden percussion instruments to help maintain and enhance the rhythm of their chants.

Visitors may enter through the front doors and take a seat anywhere in the open space in front of the altars. Some sit in the traditional seiza (kneeling) position, while others sit cross-legged. Chairs are available near the front entrance.

The service usually follows the standard format used in Nichiren temples:

1. Invocation: prayers offering an invitation to the Buddha, Dharma, and assembly to be present at the service

2. Kaikyoge: verses for the opening the Lotus Sutra

3. Recitation of Chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra

4. Recitation of Chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra

5. Chanting Odaimoku: Namu myoho renge kyo (I take refuge in the Lotus Sutra.)

6. Reciting Hotoge: a verse from The Lotus Sutra that has a special beat

7. Prayer: The head priest offers prayers for those who are suffering around the world and for current issues, domestic and global. It is also possible to request a specific prayer be read during the ceremony for, as one example, loved ones who are ill.

For most of the ceremony, the head priest sits with his back to the congregation. For the Prayer, the priest will turn to face those in attendance for the first time in the ceremony and address them directly. He delivers a short sermon before returning to his seat and concluding the service.

8. Reciting the Four Great Vows:

Sentient beings are innumerable; I vow to save them all.

Our evil desires are inexhaustible; I vow to quench them all.

The Buddha’s teachings are immeasurable; I vow to study them all.

The way of the Buddha is unexcelled; I vow to attain the path sublime.

After the recitation of The Four Great Vows, the monks file out of the room as large taiko drums mark the end of the service. One monk then approaches the crowd with a box filled with ofuda, which are talismans for protection or good luck that visitors can take home.

Once the ceremony is over, visitors can also visit the Soshido, a large hall next to the main hall. Visitors will notice a striking color contrast between the Soshido and the main hall: the main hall has a mostly black exterior, whereas the Soshido is red. A statue of Nichiren Shonin is enshrined at the Soshido, as well as statues of Nichiren’s parents and six senior disciples.