Experiencing the Rissho Kosei-kai Online Sangha
HOW TO JOIN THE SERVICE
Because of "Zoom Bombing", you will need a password to join our online service. Send an email to info@RKINA.org and ask to be invited to the Online Sangha meeting.
Once you have your password, click on this LINK about 5-10 minutes before 6 PM PST/9 PM EST each Thursday night. You will be taken to the RKINA Zoom site. A new page will open and ask for the password. Once you have joined the Sangha, turn on your camera by clicking the camera icon. The Online Sangha Administrator should be there to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. If you need help, email us using "Linda at RK-ccc dot org".
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SERVICE
An RKINA Online Service lasts about 1 hour and has 3 basic parts:
CHANTING
Members of RKINA chant portions of the Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku (mantra) "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" as a major part of our traditional service. Translated it means:
The object of chanting is not to simply read the words of the Sutra but to blend our voices with the rest of the Sangha in a meditative way. Chanting focuses the mind on the sacred present moment.
MEMBER'S SASH
When you become a formal member of RKINA, you will receive a sash which is representative of a monk's robe. On the front is "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" and on the back - "We practice the Bodhisattva Way", both in Japanese calligraphy. Wearing the sash during preparation of the altar and Kyoten recitation puts us in a respectful state and reminds us of the sacredness of our actions.
OJUZU BEADS
We use a string of beads as a rosary called an Ojuzu. It has 108 beads and represents the 108 human delusions. As we rub the beads together, we call on the Eternal Buddha to be with us. By using a cutting motion as we bow, we signify cutting of worldly delusion. The beads may also be used in counting repetitions of the Odaimoku. You will receive a basic set of Ojuzu when you formally join RKINA but most members buy ones that have a look and feel personal to them. CLICK HERE for an introductory video from Rev. Kris Landsau of The Oklahoma Dharma Center on the use of the Ojuzu in RKINA.
GASSHO
During chanting we hold our hands together flat with with palms facing each other at chest height in a form called "gassho". You may have your Ojuzu between your fingers or you may be empty-handed. Gassho is a way of showing respect to The Buddha, to those who have gone before us and to the buddha-nature in each of us.
Because of "Zoom Bombing", you will need a password to join our online service. Send an email to info@RKINA.org and ask to be invited to the Online Sangha meeting.
Once you have your password, click on this LINK about 5-10 minutes before 6 PM PST/9 PM EST each Thursday night. You will be taken to the RKINA Zoom site. A new page will open and ask for the password. Once you have joined the Sangha, turn on your camera by clicking the camera icon. The Online Sangha Administrator should be there to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. If you need help, email us using "Linda at RK-ccc dot org".
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SERVICE
An RKINA Online Service lasts about 1 hour and has 3 basic parts:
- Chanting the Opening Liturgy from our Kyoten shown on our computer screen which includes the Odaimoku, taking Refuge in the 3 Jewels, chanting a Chapter from the Lotus Sutra in English, and taking our Bodhisattva Vows as members of Rissho Kosei-kai;
- A Reading from President Niwano and/or a Dharma Talk (i.e., "sermon") from the ministerial staff; and
- HOZA or the Circle of Compassion where Sangha members share their issues and other members help them using Buddhist principles and the teachings of the Lotus Sutra. This is a unique feature of Rissho Kosei-kai and takes the teachings and turns them into Buddhism in action!
CHANTING
Members of RKINA chant portions of the Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku (mantra) "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" as a major part of our traditional service. Translated it means:
- Namu - deep respect;
- Myoho - workings of the universe;
- Renge -white lotus emerging;
- Kyo - The sound of the sutra, a thread upon which jewels of wisdom are strung.
The object of chanting is not to simply read the words of the Sutra but to blend our voices with the rest of the Sangha in a meditative way. Chanting focuses the mind on the sacred present moment.
MEMBER'S SASH
When you become a formal member of RKINA, you will receive a sash which is representative of a monk's robe. On the front is "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" and on the back - "We practice the Bodhisattva Way", both in Japanese calligraphy. Wearing the sash during preparation of the altar and Kyoten recitation puts us in a respectful state and reminds us of the sacredness of our actions.
OJUZU BEADS
We use a string of beads as a rosary called an Ojuzu. It has 108 beads and represents the 108 human delusions. As we rub the beads together, we call on the Eternal Buddha to be with us. By using a cutting motion as we bow, we signify cutting of worldly delusion. The beads may also be used in counting repetitions of the Odaimoku. You will receive a basic set of Ojuzu when you formally join RKINA but most members buy ones that have a look and feel personal to them. CLICK HERE for an introductory video from Rev. Kris Landsau of The Oklahoma Dharma Center on the use of the Ojuzu in RKINA.
GASSHO
During chanting we hold our hands together flat with with palms facing each other at chest height in a form called "gassho". You may have your Ojuzu between your fingers or you may be empty-handed. Gassho is a way of showing respect to The Buddha, to those who have gone before us and to the buddha-nature in each of us.
