BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE

… Some General Shin Buddhist Practice Etiquette

Placing offerings of food and flowers on the home and temple altar are regular practices for Shin Buddhists. We should try NOT to place artificial flowers on the altar, because the flowers themselves are an expression of the world of impermanence. Even with all their beauty, the flowers are nonetheless dying, just as we are. Therefore, these fresh flowers serve as a very important reminder of the importance of the Dharma to us. Traditionally, we should not place roses on the altar because they have thorns and we should not place flowers with strange or strong aromas on the altar either. Live flowers (with roots intact) in pots should also not be placed on the altar in place of the floral offering but can be placed off to the side of the altar if you wish to "offer" them to the Buddha as an expression of gratitude. But what else should he offered on the home and temple altar? Traditionally, when someone brings something to your house as a gift or food to share, the item is always placed on the altar first before opening or partaking. Children should be taught to place their report cards and graduation certificates in front of the Buddha and recite the Nembutsu in gratitude for all the conditions that have made this event possible. Members can place birth, wedding and promotion announcements, etc. on the altar as an expression of gratitude to the Amida Buddha. If you grow flowers or fruits, the first ripe fruit or bloom of the flowers should be offered to the Buddha. If you bake cookies, make a special food (other than something with meat in it), a small portion should be offered to the Buddha. In the Asian culture, rice has traditionally been the most important food, therefore, it is given a place of honor and is offered in front of the Buddha. For families which may not eat rice every day, you can offer something else on the altar. Any food item (other than something with meat inside) can be offered. If you make something, if you sew something, this too can be first placed in front of the altar as an expression of your gratitude for all the conditions which enabled you to achieve this fete. Shin Buddhists traditionally observe memorial services as an opportunity to hear the Dharma and to remember loved ones who have passed away. These services are held at certain intervals of time. Some temples have Pet Memorial services in memory of our dear animal friends. In Japan, many industries and professions also have their own annual memorial services ("Kuyo"). For instance, seamstresses will have a "Hari-Kuyo" (Hari = Needle) Memorial Service in gratitude for the pins and needles that have made their livelihoods possible. People who practice Ikebana or flower arranging will also have a "Hana-Kuyo" (Hana =Flower) Memorial Service in memory of all the flowers they used during the past year in the practice of their art. Perhaps here in the BCA, we should have a "Chicken" memorial service before the start of Obon and bazaar season in memory of the thousands of chickens who sacrifice their lives for the sake of our temples. more …

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