Frequently Asked Questions

Practice at a Buddhist Temple can be a little difficult and overwhelming at first. There is unfamiliar practices, such as meditation, chanting and mindfulness. Make sure that you are patient with yourself  and keep trying. Mistakes will be made and we have all been there. The Sangha (congregation) is there to help you. Ask questions. Try to practice a little every day, not just when you are at the Temple.

Etiquette at the Temple is simple. Observe and follow the others. We take our shoes off at the Temple door. We dress appropriately for the Temple. If you think corporate casual or jeans Friday you will be in the appropriate dress place. We do have chairs but if you prefer to sit on the floor, think about comfort in the way you dress for sitting that way.

If you have any questions, please ask.

We ask that people wishing to become members wait for at least 6 months. This allows you and us to get comfortable with each other. We also want you to understand the commitment and if this practice is for you. Just show up to some of the events each month even if it is online. 

Member verses Friend

Members are allowed to vote at Temple meetings. Members can run for office. Friends of the Temple do not get a vote or the ability to become an officer in the Temple. Of course those who decide to become members can as long as they have been coming for six months or more. 

There is a formal ceremony to become a member of Nichiren Shu and the Temple. We do have a yearly dues for members along with donations at holidays.

We offer regular services throughout the week. Morning Service on Saturday, Slow Chanting Service on Sunday, Shodaigyo Meditation on Wednesday, Reidan and study classes on Tuesday. 

We also offer other special services for blessings, including weddings and renewing of vows. We take care of funerals and memorials. Kito and Reidan are offered for those who want to step into the esoteric parts of a Buddhist Practice. On occasion we will offer day long or week long retreats. Once a month we offer copying of the sutra and or image of the Buddha as a practice.

Check out our calendar for events and Holidays.

It requires five to eight years to become a minister in Nichiren Shu. Talk to the head minister if you think you might want to take that route. First step is to be a member of the Temple, then working on becoming a Lay Leader in the Sangha. This is a good start. You may need to be a Lay Leader for a couple years.

The Buddha did not make a rule of vegetarianism. That being said, vegetarian eating was taught by the Buddha. The Buddha stated that it was on each individual to decide to become vegetarian or not. Buddhist look at the suffering of all sentient beings and take vows to help eliminate sufferings. This kind of thinking may make vegetarian options become more in tune with our thinking at some point. 

When going to a retreat day or week, vegetarian food will be served. If you bring snacks for the Temple, we ask they be vegetarian. Vegetarianism is not a rule so many around you may it meat when not at the Temple. if you are thinking about becoming or are currently a vegetarian, you can talk to the minister about it if you are having difficulties. If you want to learn more about the teachings on vegetarian eating, please feel free to ask. Several of the ministers and members are vegetarians.

We do not require any classes to visit our Temple. We just ask that you remove your shoes at the door and ask questions when appropriate. Reading through the web page can be a good start to formulating questions about our practice.

We do have some practices that are a little difficult for new members. We do have some slow chanting services that can be easier. Of course if you want to try the other faster services we will be happy you are there either way.