Myohoji Temple

Steps to Receive Gojukai & Gohonzon

Step 1 – Once you’ve made the decision to practice true
Buddhism, it is most important to do Gongyo and chant
Daimoku consistently.
Daily practice consists of Gongyo (reciting the Liturgy,
Gongyo book) and Daimoku (chanting Nam-Myoho-
Renge-Kyo as much as possible). Choose an area in your
home that is specifically set aside for this purpose.
Purchase the Liturgy of Nichiren Shoshu (Gongyo)
book and Juzu (prayer beads). You will also need a bag or
cloth to wrap these items to keep them clean and protect
them from damage.
Gongyo is performed twice each day – morning and
evening. It is sometimes difficult to discipline ourselves
to do Gongyo consistently. It is easier if you set aside
time each morning, before leaving for work or beginning
your day, and when you arrive home in the evening, before
starting anything else. By practicing this way, your
life will steadily improve, day by day, and you will experience
great joy in your daily life.
Chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo as much as possible
following Gongyo. Of course, you may also chant
Diamoku any time during the day, as often as you like, at
your home or at the temple.
Your sponsor, the person who introduced you to
Nichiren Shoshu, should be able to help you learn how
to pronounce the words. There are also instructions in
the front of your Gongyo book.
It is easier to learn in a group setting. There are local
meetings where Gongyo lessons are held. Please ask
about these and other meetings to attend that will help
you learn more about this practice.
Nichiren Shoshu True Buddhism is based on faith,
practice and study. To receive the most benefit, it is important
to be consistent, and in order to understand
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, you need the correct materials
for study.

Step 2 - Complete the subscription form for the
Nichiren Shoshu Monthly, choosing a 3 month, 6
month, or 1 year subscription before receiving Gojukai
and Gohonzon. Vital information about Nichiren Shoshu
and guidance from our High Priest, in English,* are
provided on a monthly basis in this magazine.
*there are also publications available in other languages
There are other important books available for purchase
at the temple bookstore, such as Basics of Practice
and Nichiren Shoshu Ceremonies.

Step 3 – Purchase a Butsudan (altar), to enshrine
the Gohonzon, and also Butsugu (candlesticks, incense
burner and incense, vases for greens, and water cup), in
preparation to receive the Gohonzon. Your sponsor or
Kanji (board member), will assist you in choosing the
correct placement for your altar in your home. It should
be in a safe, quiet place where you can do Gongyo and
chant undisturbed.
Step 4 - When you are ready to make the commitment
to accept faith and to receive the Gohonzon, let
your sponsor know. He or she will request an application
form for membership in Nichiren Shoshu and an
application to receive the Gohonzon. (You must be
practicing correctly for your application to be accepted).
Gokuyo (offering) should be included with your application
and submitted on the day you receive Gojukai
and the Gohonzon. Then, decide which Sunday works
best for you.

Step 5 – On the Sunday you accept faith (Gojukai)
and the True Object of Worship (Gohonzon), arrive at
the Temple early, 9:30AM or so, to meet with your sponsor
and make sure you have all your paperwork signed
and approved. It is best to sit in the front row with your
sponsor.

Ceremony will begin. This ceremony forms an
eternal bond between you and the Gohonzon and formally
initiates you into Nichiren Shoshu. Gojukai is received
only once in a lifetime.
First, someone will read the explanation of the Gojukai
Ceremony. Then you will be asked to stand in front
of the chief priest to receive Gojukai – the ceremony to
accept the precept. You should have your Juzu Beads in
your hands.
The following 3 questions will be asked (after each
question, answer “I do”).
1 – Do you faithfully swear to practice the true teachings
of Nichiren Daishonin throughout your life?
2 – Do you faithfully swear to protect the Gohonzon
of the Three Great Secret Laws throughout your life?
3 – Do you faithfully swear to keep the precept of
Nichiren Shoshu throughout your life?
By answering “I do” to each question, you show your
determination to protect and uphold the Gohonzon.
While everyone continuously chants, the priest will
touch the top of your head with a special Joju Gohonzon.
Once the ceremony is completed, your name will be
called to receive the Gohonzon. The priest will place the
Gohonzon in your sutra book, which you will be holding
open in your hands.
Arrangements should have been made in advance for
your sponsor or Kanji Board member to enshrine your
Gohonzon at your home as soon after the ceremony as
possible.
The final step is to continue your Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhist practice throughout your life, and receive abundant
benefit, happiness, and growth each day. Share this
practice with your friends and relatives (shakubuku) so
that they, too, can begin to change their lives for the better.
Start saving to attend tozan (pilgrimage to the Head
Temple) as soon as possible.