Do you have a Buddhist name?
Do you know the purpose of a Buddhist name?
Yes, you can apply for your Buddhist name now.
The Kieshiki Ceremony, bestowing a Buddhist name will take place on:
Sunday, October 29, 2023
by
Bishop Marvin Harada
Buddhist Churches of America
Via zoom from your computer or in person in Chicago
If you have yet to receive a Buddhist name or a Dharma name - call “Homyo,” please consider taking advantage of this opportunity to participate in a special Kieshiki Sarana Affirmation Ceremony. You may participate in person at the Midwest Buddhist Temple (MBT) in Chicago or from your own home, via zoom. It will take place on Sunday, October 29, 2023.
The ceremony will be held in conjunction with the regular family service of the MBT at 10:30 AM Central Time (11:30 AM Cleveland, OH time) on Sunday, October 29 2023 when Bishop Harada will also be sharing a Dharma Message.
Bishop Marvin Harada of the Buddhist Churches of America will officiate. The last Kieshiki Ceremony in Cleveland was held in April 2011.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? The service is open to all. There are no age requirements.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF KIESHIKI? The special service is an opportunity for Jodo Shinshu Buddhists who aspire to lead the Buddhist way of life to affirm their entry onto the Path of Nembutsu. By appearing before the shrine of Amida Buddha and taking refuge in the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), we pledge to live the Buddhist way of life.
WHAT IS THE KIESHIKI CEREMONY? The affirmation ceremony is performed for laypersons who have indicated the desire to participate in the ceremony. Its basic ritual is recalling the act of Siddhartha when he resolved to enter the spiritual path of life.
A Buddhist name is given to each participant as an indication that the person aspires for the Truth and is now counted among the disciples of Sakyamuni Buddha. It is through the teaching of Sakyamuni Buddha that we have been able to hear the Dharma of Amida Buddha’s primal vow.
WHAT IS THE BUDDHIST NAME OR DHARMA NAME? A Buddhist Name (Homyo) is bestowed upon a person when participating in this affirmation ceremony during his or her life or posthumously at the funeral service. It is by far preferable for us to receive the Dharma name while we are still well and active. The Homyo incorporates a word or Japanese kanji character which has special meaning to you. Your Buddhist name may be selected in consultation with your minister. It will be in the form of Shaku + two Buddhist terms (written in Japanese characters called Kanji. The word “Shaku” means “disciple of Shakyamuni” in reference to the historical Buddha and signifies that the person is joining the followers of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha in the community that transcends race or nationality.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Those wishing to participate in the ceremony are requested to complete and submit an application form. There is a modest $50 registration fee. The deadline for submitting the registration is October 1, 2023.
For more information, contact Rev. Anita at rev.anita.cbt@outlook or directly with the Midwest Buddhist Temple at office@mbtchicago.org.
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