The Buddha said in the Lotus Sutra:
“I see all living beings equally.
I have no partiality for them.
There is not ‘this one’ or ‘that one’ to me.
I transcend love and hatred.”
FOR IN PERSON MEETINGS IN MEMPHIS: Contact Shaka Khalphani at 901-833-7910
FOR ZOOM ACCESS: Register using the following link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86829727724?pwd=RGNINFQ3akR4MDRlKytuUTk2WjBJZz09
MYOKEN-JI provides space for sharing and learning about the Dharma and its application to and in our daily lives. We learn from each other and do not shy away from difficult or uncomfortable topics. We live our Dharma and challenge our practice to take up the role of bodhisattvas working to save all beings.
EVERYONE is welcomed:
BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQIA—without exception.
We are all learning to “see all living beings equally” and respect the right to be exactly who we are. We invite you to bring your whole selves into this space. We learn together how to bridge the gaps between us, using the teachings of the Buddha as our foundation.
OUR MEETINGS:
We are open for in-person meetings! We will also continue to offer online meetings for those who are unable to attend in person. If you come in person, please be fully vaccinated and follow current safety practices.
Each week we offer dharma talks and conversation on fundamental aspects of our practice as Nichiren Shu Buddhists following the Lotus Sutra. Topics come from various portions of the Lotus Sutra as well as from Nichiren Shonin's writings.
Come and explore the richness of Nichiren Shu Buddhism, its traditions and its culture and learn how we can apply this Buddhism to our daily lives.
During our service, we chant portions of the Lotus Sutra along with the Odaimoku “Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo”, the sacred title of the Lotus Sutra. This service is the standard within the Nichiren Shu tradition—the only portion which may be different at various temples is the chapters which are chanted. We generally chant at least portions of three chapters, generally taken from Ch. 2, 12, 16, 21, 25, or one entire chapter. Traditionally, we chant in shindoku, our faith language which is the Japanese pronunciation of ancient Chinese. Understanding at this point is not required as the sound and rhythm also serve as a meditative practice. We chant at a fairly brisk pace which can be overwhelming to newer participants in the beginning. However, whether one can keep the pace or not, it is a beautiful practice which can provide uplift and transcendence.
Study classes are held monthly to provide understanding of the Lotus Sutra, as well as the writings of the founder of our order, Nichiren Shonin, a 13th century Japanese priest.
While we try to screen share what we are chanting, we do encourage practitioners to get their own copy of the Romanized Lotus Sutra, a Yohon (Selected Writings of the Lotus Sutra), or our temple’s service book.
For further information, visit www.myoken-ji-USA.org
Morning & Evening Service
Available from Amazon:
Dharma: Myoken-ji Temple Daily Service
Romanized Lotus Sutra is available at Lulu.com
< http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/NichirenSangha >
Yohon [selected portions of the Lotus Sutra] is available at NBIC
< http://www.nichiren-shu.org>
