Q: Shoes - off?
A: Yes, before entering the temple we ask that everyone remove their shoes. There are several reasons for doing so, not the least of which is it makes it easier to sit on the floor. It also helps keep the Hondo (main hall) clean. It also is respectful in many cultures to do so.
Q: How should I dress, what should I wear?
A: Please dress comfortably. We do not have a dress code, except that you should be dressed. Seating is on the floor unless you need to sit in a chair. So dress how you are most comfortable and respectful.
Q: Do I have to sit on the floor?
A: No, it isn't a requirement nor an actual part of Buddhist practice to sit on the floor. At this temple we have mats to use to make sitting on the floor more comfortable. Still, if you are not comfortable sitting on the floor, or if you are physically uncomfortable or unable to sit on the floor there are chairs available.
Q: How long is your meditation (I can't sit still for very long)?
A: Our meditation service is actually rather brief and varied. The actual service consists of; some initial dedicatory prayers, a period of silent guided meditation follows usually lasting 5-7 min, following this we meditatively recite the title of the Lotus Sutra - a type of mantra chanting which begins very slowly and gradually speeds up lasting about 15 min, after that we again go into a period of silent mediation which lasts about 5-7 min. Finally, we wrap it up with closing dedicatory prayers. All of this takes about 25-30 min.
Q: Do I have to make a donation - does it cost anything to attend?
A: No, you do not have to make a donation. Attendance at services in Nichiren Shu temples is always free.
Occasionally people do wish to make a donation since the temple is funded by donations, but a donation is never solicited.
Q: Are there any restrictions regarding photographs.
A: Photographs are allowed, of course be mindful and respectful if you are using a flash or if you have to move about. Generally during meditation service photography is not encouraged since people are silently sitting and photography may be distracting.
Q: Do I have to offer incense, how do I do it?
A: When there is an incense offering no one is required to participate. You may not feel comfortable making such an offering, feeling that it goes against your personal religious beliefs, we respect that. If you choose not to participate, merely sit and let your turn pass.
If you do choose to participate, when it is your turn approach the side altar (where you see others offering), bow slightly and then take a pinch of the powdered incense (special fragrant wood chips). Turn you hand palm up and raise it slightly in offering to the Buddha. Then place your pinch of incense onto the coal that is lit in the ash. Bow slightly and then return to your place.
Q: What about the teachings of the Buddha, is there any special consideration I should be mindful of?
A: We never place the Buddha teachings directly onto the floor. We provide a sheet of heavy paper for you to use to put the writing on. You could think of this as a desk. If you do think of it as a desk it will also help you keep in mind that we do not step over or walk on the writings of the Buddha. Just because they are 'close' to the floor does not mean that we should act cavalier about their presence.
Q: Are your services in English, will I be able to understand what is going on?
A: Our services are primarily in English. For regular service there is one portion of the Lotus Sutra, Buddha's teaching, that is recited in a traditional manner using Shindoku. Shindoku is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese characters the sutra was originally written in when it first came to Japan. This type of pronunciation is not even understood by most Japanese, and so while it may sound to us like Japanese it is really a foreign language to them. All of the prayers and one other chapter of the Lotus Sutra are done in English.
Service books are provided for you to follow along with.
Shodaigyo, the meditation service is all in English except for the portion where we chant the title of the Lotus Sutra.