Myoshinji Temple's 2005 Summer Picnic and Fall Oeshiki Ceremony



Eddie Evans served as the temple picnic chef held on August 14, 2005.  While the picnic was held on the side yard of the temple, Eddie did the barbecuing in the front parking lot as a precautionary measure against fire.

 
Once the barbecue was ready, temple members helped themselves to an afternoon feast.
Three generations of temple members pose for a picture before they enter the picnic serving line.

       


After Gongyo was performed before the temple picnic, a new member,
accompanied by her sponsor, took the vows of faith.

 


On October 9th, 2005, Myoshinji Temple also held its annual Oeshiki ceremony, honoring the eternal life of Nichiren Daishonin.  As the ceremony begins, temple members lineup in the hallway to take the Kenzen offerings to the priest quarters.

 
Reverend Kimura bows while preparing the Kenzen food offerings for the Gohonzon.

 
At the same time, Lisa Holmes sets a steady beat for chanting in the background.
As Reverend Kimura begins the Gongyo ceremony, James Huseth, the Myoshinji Temple Koto,
makes an offering of incense on behalf of the entire congregation.
In addition to members from the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento,
there were members from the states of Washington and Nevada in attendance.
     

Reverend Kimura reads an excerpt from Nichiren Daishonin's "Rissho Ankoku Ron,"
followed by Reverend Imafuku's reading of the "Remonstration of Nikko Shonin."
 
    

As sunlight beams into the main hall from the skylight above,
those who attended this year's Oeshiki celebration pose for a group photo.

After the ceremony, the paper cherry blossoms are passed to the members for their alters at home.
(HOME)