GALLERY

Of the many Sutras (the teachings attributed to Shakyamuni Buddha), there are three that the Jodo Shinshu Tradition is based on:

The Three Pure Land Sutras Delivered by Shakyamuni Buddha

Bussetsu Muryōju Kyō [The Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life]

Bussetsu Kammuryōju Kyō [The Sutra of Contemplation of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life]

Bussetsu Amida Kyō [The Sutra on Amida Buddha]

The scrolls of these Sutras, written in Chinese script, are placed on our altar to honor the teachings handed down to us from Shakyamuni Buddha.

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The Sutras

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Main Altar

Our altar (called Onaijin) is an elaborate work of art, completely covered in gold leaf that depicts the Jodo or the “Pure Land” that is described in the sutras. Inside is a statue of Amida Buddha, who created the Pure Land and resides there. We understand the statue as only a representation, as Amida is beyond our comprehension. Some altars with our faith only have written words of Amida’s name, and it is equally proper to have as a representation of Amida Buddha.

"The uniqueness of the statue of Amida Buddha in our Pure Land tradition is the fact that Amida is always standing, not sitting, not lying down, which symbolizes the great compassion working constantly. If you have a chance to see the statue from the side, you will notice Amida leaning forward. That means the Buddha is always ready to come to you. Namoamidabutsu"

Reverend Orai Fujikawa

"仏像は色々あります。座っているもの、横になっているもの、思考中のものなどですが、浄土真宗の阿弥陀様は、いつでも立っていてくださり、知恵と慈悲をもって一人残らず必ず助けたいとの願いを表現したものであります。

合掌。なもあみだぶつ。"

釈往来

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Statue of Amida Buddha

見真 （真実を見る）”Ken Shin” “Seeing the Truth”

This calligraphy hangs above the main altar of our temple. “Kenshin” was the special honorary name given to Shinran by the Meiji Emperor in 1876. Because of the significance and the meaning of this name, all the Jodo Shinshu temple carries this caligraphy at the top of the main altar.

(calligraphy by the grandfather of the current Monshu of Nishi Hongwanji)

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”Ken Shin”

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Tsuri-Daiko

It means literally “hanging drum” and it is a type of drum that is used in traditional “gagaku” music, which developed in the Heian period of Japan (794-1184). It is rarely played in our services, but it is a perfectly functioning drum—one of the exquisite treasures in our altar area.