BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE

… Common Japanese terms you may hear in our BCA temples

HONBU (hone-boo): literally means "main office" and is the term used to designate the BCA headquarters in San Francisco.

HONDO (hon-doe): the word means "Main Hall" and is used to refer to the "Buddha Hall" of a temple.

HONGAN (hon-gone): the term means "Primal or "Main Vow" and is used to signify the 18th Vow of Amida Buddha. Our sect and the main temple of our sect is called HONGWANJI (hong-gone-gee) meaning "temple of the Primal Vow".

HONPA HONGWANJI (hone-pah hong-gone-gee): Another name for our sect Nishi Hongwanji. "Hon" is taken from "Hon-gwanji" and "pa" (ha) means "sect," so the terms means "Hongwanji sect".

HONZAN (hone-zahn): literally means "main mountain" and is used to designate the headquarters (or main temple) of a religious organization. The BCA's Honzan is the Nishi Hongwanji temple in Kyoto, Japan.

HOTEI (ho-tay): often referred to as the "laughing Buddha" or "Fat Buddha" who often appears in Chinese restaurants in America. The monk "Hotei" lived a simple life in China and is said to have never spoke but always smiled and laughed. In Japan, Hotei was a symbol of an Enlightened person, who was unhindered by convention, yet kind, gentle and full of humor.

HOWA-KAI (ho-wah-kai): a gathering to hear the Dharma, usually outside of a temple proper, often times held at people's residences or meeting halls.

ISSEI (ees-sqy): literally, "first generation", meaning that generation of Japanese that immigrated to the United States, in most cases, prior to World War II. Those who immigrated after World War II are often times called "Shin Issei" meaning "new" first generation immigrants. The Issei generation established most BCA temples.

ITADAKIMASU (e-tah-dah-key-mah-sue): recitation said before the start of a meal. Literally means "to place on one's head" and means to receive the food, place it at one's head level and now in gratitude to the preparer, food items and conditions which have made it possible to enjoy the food.

NISEI (knee-say): literally, "second generation", or those children born in America to the Issei generation. more …

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