Respectful Behavior and Proper Attire When Visiting Myoshinji Temple
When you come to the temple, you are actually coming to the home of Nichiren Daishonin, which is similar to making a pilgrimage to Taisekiji to see the Dai-Gohonzon. The conduct of each person and his or her attire when at the temple reflects their practice of True Buddhism and certain guidelines should be observed at all times when you are there. It is also important to show new members the correct attitude for their practice and help guests understand the deep value of the Gohonzon.
GUIDELINES FOR PROPER BEHAVIOR
- Arrive before Gongyo begins. This is at 10:00am each Sunday except for Kosen-rufu Shodai on the first Sunday of every month which begins at 8:50am
- Gongyo is the offering of our sincere gratitude to the Three Treasures of the Buddha, the Law and the Priest and our attitude during Gongyo sets the pace for our daily lives. Unless you have an emergency situation, absolutely do not get up and leave during Gongyo. The importance of Gongyo is explained in detail in the front of your sutra book.
- If you need to leave the Main Sanctuary during Daimoku, you should sit in the back so you don’t disturb other people. If you come in late, please sit in the back.
- Sitting on the patio and drinking coffee should be done after the services, not before or during.
- Sit upright with both feet on the floor.
- Remain seated during the Priest’s Lecture.
- Remain seated until the Priests leave the altar area.
- Please do not bring any drinks or food into the Main Sanctuary. Eating is only allowed outside the temple or on the patio.
- Do not take photos without the temple's permission. We must never take photos of the Gohonzon.
- Please turn off all cell phones and electronic devices prior to entering the Main Hall.
- Smoking is prohibited both inside and outside the temple area, including the parking lot, due to local law and fire ordinances. If you need to smoke, you may do so in your car only.
- Do not lay your beads and/or sutra book on the floor. These are to be respected as if they were the body of the Buddha.
- Also, do not hang you beads over the back of your seat or use your sutra book as a seat saving device.
- Do not twirl your beads or wear them around your neck and above all else DO NOT RUB YOUR BEADS.
- When offering incense at the memorial altar, walk up the aisle around the back; do not walk between the chairs in front of others who are chanting.
- Please refrain from holding conversations while in the Main Sanctuary as this is disrespectful. The Main Sanctuary is for the purpose of conducting Gongyo and Shodai.
- If you make a mess, please clean up after yourself. The temple does not have a cleaning service. This is our temple and we should respect it as such.
- If you are planning to stay for awhile, ask the temple staff if you can help clean and offer your services. You will be making this offering of your time to the Gohonzon.
GUIDELINES FOR PROPER ATTIRE
- Please do not wear sunglasses, unnecessary outer coats, or hats when in the Main Sanctuary.
- Please dress in nice, clean clothes to show your respect to the Buddha. If possible, please make efforts to dress up for special ceremonies, including the monthly Oko ceremony.