Difference between revisions of "Setting Up the Altar and Protecting the Gohonzon"
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<poem> | <poem> | ||
A first step in the practice of [[Nichiren Buddhism]] is receiving the [[Gohonzon]] and enshrining it in your home. Out of [[consideration]] for other members of the household, it is best to take some [[time]] to explain to them about your [[Buddhist practice]] and thereby gain their support. | A first step in the practice of [[Nichiren Buddhism]] is receiving the [[Gohonzon]] and enshrining it in your home. Out of [[consideration]] for other members of the household, it is best to take some [[time]] to explain to them about your [[Buddhist practice]] and thereby gain their support. | ||
[[File:Alte4r10.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Alte4r10.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Your sponsor and SGI-USA district leaders will help you choose an optimal place in your home to set up an [[altar]], usually made of wood or plastic, in which the [[Gohonzon]] will be housed, and plan a [[time]] for the [[enshrinement]]. These [[altars]] come in many designs and sizes, and can be purchased at local SGI-USA bookstores, on-line or in stores that specialize in making [[altars]]. | + | Your sponsor and SGI-USA district leaders will help you choose an optimal place in your home to set up an [[altar]], usually made of [[wood]] or plastic, in which the [[Gohonzon]] will be housed, and plan a [[time]] for the [[enshrinement]]. These [[altars]] come in many designs and sizes, and can be purchased at local SGI-USA bookstores, on-line or in stores that specialize in making [[altars]]. |
| − | They will help with placing the [[Gohonzon]] in the [[altar]], carefully making sure that it hangs straight. The [[Gohonzon]] may curl forward at the bottom when first unrolled, but it is best not to roll it backward in an attempt to straighten it. In a [[matter]] of days, it should straighten as gravity pulls on the lower rod. | + | They will help with placing the [[Gohonzon]] in the [[altar]], carefully making sure that it hangs straight. The [[Gohonzon]] may curl forward at the bottom when first unrolled, but it is best not to roll it backward in an attempt to straighten it. In a [[matter]] of days, it should straighten as {{Wiki|gravity}} pulls on the lower rod. |
| − | Daily practice is a [[vital]] part of [[Buddhism]]. The [[altar]] and surrounding area should be kept clean and, out of [[respect]], we avoid {{Wiki|breathing}} directly on the scroll. We take care when dusting the interior of the [[altar]], and especially avoid {{Wiki|touching}} the face, or white portion, of the [[Gohonzon]]. | + | Daily practice is a [[vital]] part of [[Buddhism]]. The [[altar]] and surrounding area should be kept clean and, out of [[respect]], we avoid {{Wiki|breathing}} directly on the scroll. We take [[care]] when dusting the interior of the [[altar]], and especially avoid {{Wiki|touching}} the face, or white portion, of the [[Gohonzon]]. |
| − | [[Traditionally]], [[offerings]] are made, including evergreens, {{Wiki|candles}} and [[incense]]a [[bell]] to ring while [[chanting]] and reciting the [[sutra]]. We might have an [[offering]] dish on which some fresh fruit or other [[food]] can be placed. Fresh [[water]] is placed in a small cup before the [[Gohonzon]] prior to each morning's [[sutra]] recitation, and is removed before the evening recitation. The [[water]] may be put into another cup and then consumed. | + | [[Traditionally]], [[offerings]] are made, [[including]] evergreens, {{Wiki|candles}} and [[incense]]a [[bell]] to ring while [[chanting]] and reciting the [[sutra]]. We might have an [[offering]] dish on which some fresh fruit or other [[food]] can be placed. Fresh [[water]] is placed in a small cup before the [[Gohonzon]] prior to each morning's [[sutra]] {{Wiki|recitation}}, and is removed before the evening {{Wiki|recitation}}. The [[water]] may be put into another cup and then consumed. |
When [[offering]] [[food]], it is customary to ring the [[bell]] three times, place our palms together and [[chant]] [[Nam-myoho-renge-kyo]] three times as a gesture of deep [[gratitude]]. The [[offering]] should be removed while still edible. | When [[offering]] [[food]], it is customary to ring the [[bell]] three times, place our palms together and [[chant]] [[Nam-myoho-renge-kyo]] three times as a gesture of deep [[gratitude]]. The [[offering]] should be removed while still edible. | ||
| − | These [[traditional]] [[offerings]] serve to {{Wiki|honor}} the [[Gohonzon]] (i.e., our own [[innate potential]] for [[enlightenment]]) and dignify the place where it is enshrined. It is important to note that the [[appreciation]] and sincerity we show the [[Gohonzon]] is {{Wiki|synonymous}} with showing [[respect]] for those qualities within our own [[lives]] and, accordingly, will be reflected in our [[lives]] as {{Wiki|benefit}}. | + | These [[traditional]] [[offerings]] serve to {{Wiki|honor}} the [[Gohonzon]] (i.e., our [[own]] [[innate potential]] for [[enlightenment]]) and dignify the place where it is enshrined. It is important to note that the [[appreciation]] and sincerity we show the [[Gohonzon]] is {{Wiki|synonymous}} with showing [[respect]] for those qualities within our [[own]] [[lives]] and, accordingly, will be reflected in our [[lives]] as {{Wiki|benefit}}. |
| − | [[Nichiren Daishonin]] writes, "Whether you [[chant]] the [[Buddha's]] [[name]], recite the [[sutra]], or merely offer [[flowers]] and [[incense]]l your [[virtuous]] acts will implant benefits and [[roots]] of goodness in your life.With this conviction you should strive in [[faith]]" ("On [[Attaining]] [[Buddhahood]] in This [[Lifetime]]," The Writings of [[Nichiren Daishonin]], vol. 1, p. 4) | + | [[Nichiren Daishonin]] writes, "Whether you [[chant]] the [[Buddha's]] [[name]], recite the [[sutra]], or merely offer [[flowers]] and [[incense]]l your [[virtuous]] acts will implant benefits and [[roots]] of [[goodness]] in your life.With this conviction you should strive in [[faith]]" ("On [[Attaining]] [[Buddhahood]] in This [[Lifetime]]," The Writings of [[Nichiren Daishonin]], vol. 1, p. 4) |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
Latest revision as of 10:00, 6 January 2024
A first step in the practice of Nichiren Buddhism is receiving the Gohonzon and enshrining it in your home. Out of consideration for other members of the household, it is best to take some time to explain to them about your Buddhist practice and thereby gain their support.
Your sponsor and SGI-USA district leaders will help you choose an optimal place in your home to set up an altar, usually made of wood or plastic, in which the Gohonzon will be housed, and plan a time for the enshrinement. These altars come in many designs and sizes, and can be purchased at local SGI-USA bookstores, on-line or in stores that specialize in making altars.
They will help with placing the Gohonzon in the altar, carefully making sure that it hangs straight. The Gohonzon may curl forward at the bottom when first unrolled, but it is best not to roll it backward in an attempt to straighten it. In a matter of days, it should straighten as gravity pulls on the lower rod.
Daily practice is a vital part of Buddhism. The altar and surrounding area should be kept clean and, out of respect, we avoid breathing directly on the scroll. We take care when dusting the interior of the altar, and especially avoid touching the face, or white portion, of the Gohonzon.
Traditionally, offerings are made, including evergreens, candles and incensea bell to ring while chanting and reciting the sutra. We might have an offering dish on which some fresh fruit or other food can be placed. Fresh water is placed in a small cup before the Gohonzon prior to each morning's sutra recitation, and is removed before the evening recitation. The water may be put into another cup and then consumed.
When offering food, it is customary to ring the bell three times, place our palms together and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo three times as a gesture of deep gratitude. The offering should be removed while still edible.
These traditional offerings serve to honor the Gohonzon (i.e., our own innate potential for enlightenment) and dignify the place where it is enshrined. It is important to note that the appreciation and sincerity we show the Gohonzon is synonymous with showing respect for those qualities within our own lives and, accordingly, will be reflected in our lives as benefit.
Nichiren Daishonin writes, "Whether you chant the Buddha's name, recite the sutra, or merely offer flowers and incensel your virtuous acts will implant benefits and roots of goodness in your life.With this conviction you should strive in faith" ("On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime," The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 4)
