Minobusan new years and other ceremonies

this one jumps around a bit but shows some really nice ceremonies of Nichirenshu.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Buddhism
• lotus
• sutra
• new
• years
• nichiren

[MmoonSshiner]

This is such beautiful ceremonies! But i have a few questions .

where are the laypeople and why aren't they participating?

What is the purpose of the guy in the white robe who gets up and bows in the middle of the ceremony.

there is a ring of people around this platform they are on but where is the honzon and why are they not facing it? And what traditions are these rituals based on, and are they practical for society say outside of japan and the japanese culture?

Please reply.

[1nen3zen]

The lay people are in the back of the hall. The camera is mostly in the perspective of pointing away from them towards the focal point of the ceremony...the priests. There is a Gohonzon and it is behind the statue of Shakyamuni and Taho buddha and the treasure tower. These are traditional Japanese Buddhist rituals. Seeing as Saint Nichiren was ordained in the Tendai school perhaps some of those rituals were carried over into Nichiren shu.

[1nen3zen]

Whether or not they are practical for society depends on the way you look at it. Some would say yes others no. That debate could go on forever without anything useful emerging. So I think if you find something of value in it, cherish that. If not move on.

[TonyNhollywood]

Hey someone help me out. I was under the impression that Nichiren had no "monastic order" but instead was more about the unity of the practice and not so much on "Religious hierarchy". Is Nichiren formerly of the Rin Zai lineage?

Just asking. I don't mean to be rude.

[1nen3zen]

Nichiren himself did not establish a formal order but his legacy was carried out by his disciples after his passing. He was formerly of the Tendai school. Some people have said that Nichiren's style of Buddhism can be seen as a reformed Tendai although this can be debated to no end.

[TakadaLotus]

GREAT GREAT GREAT! I would love to see more Nichiren-shu materials on youtube.

[civusromanussum]

Very good

[tktru]

@Olebruc Shingon would be slightly closer to Tibetan Buddhism....

[electricrailwaygod]

I am pleased with the basic tenants of Nichiren Shu. My only disappointment however, is most likely one has to already have been involved for many years and a monk in order to actually participate and to gain access to the altar area. (It appears to be fenced off from the laity). It appears other than chanting that the lay members are only "observers"! I would love to actually be a part of the "inner circle" sort to speak! (Not just watch from behind some fence)!

[tktru]

The one in the center with the pointed hat is the Head Priest of all Nichirenshu. I think.

[TakadaLotus]

These ceremonies look analogous to Tendai ritual without the "Esoteric" components; mudras, tantric ritual implements. All Japanese religious ceremony is ornate, complicated, orderly, no matter what the school. It is only in the Western context that schools like Zen design simple rustic temples. Japanese culture is always a mix of Wabisabi minimalism and Chinese style garish design.

[TakadaLotus]

If you want to see Tibetan style Japanese Buddhism go to Shingon-shu or Tendai-shu