The Risshu-e Ceremony & 15th Annual
Myoshinji Hokkeko General Meeting held April 24, 2005


             

Invitations from Reverend Kimura to the Risshu-e Ceremony and
the 15th Annual General Meeting were sent out to all members weeks before the event.

 
      

The shrubbery around the temple was trimmed by the members during the prior weekend
and the ceremonial white curtain was hung on the Sanmon Gate on the morning of the 24th.

 

Trish Johnson and John Jones, from Sacramento,
prepare to pass out brochures to all those attending.

 
            
           

The cover of the brochures were hand crafted by four members of the children's group.

 


As the temple members filed into the lobby they stopped at the counter to make donations.

 
      

While Reverend Kimura prepares offerings for the Gohonzon (Kenzen), Reverend Imafuku recites Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and Lisa Holmes plays the Taiko drums.

 

Kenzen support from outlying areas standing ready to retrieve the offerings from the priests.

 
              

The offerings are respectfully taken to the priest quarters after Kenzen.

 
     
David Murphy, Vice Koto, makes an offering of incense
to the Gohonzon on behalf of the entire congregation.

 

Members in attendance performing Gongyo with the priests.

 
     


Ruth Young from Vallejo gave a determination, followed by a determination
from Cheryl Petera, who came all the way from Seattle, Washington.

 
 


John Doumani, from San Jose, gave a determination
with Reverend Kimura and Reverend Imafuku seated to his right.

 
       

Diane Tate, from San Francisco, was the master of ceremonies
and her sister, Colleen Tate, read a determination.

 

David Tilbury from Tacoma, Washington, also gave a determination
regarding his social, family and religious goals
 

 
  

Reverend  Kimura gave his address, listing 15 ways
to propagate Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.

 
         

James Huseth, the Myoshinji Temple Koto, was the last to address the congregation.
After thanking everyone for their attendance and participation, he offered
encouragement to those who have not attended services regularly.

 

James Stilwell, from Portland, Oregon, sitting in the center of the front row,
was congratulated for receiving his Gohonzon.

 

All those in attendance posed for a group photo after the ceremony.

 

After the group photo, everyone enjoyed a bountiful pot luck lunch.

 
 
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