護国寺本堂外観R02

From Gokokuji Temple Kamakura Vol.14

Let's Practice True Buddhism.

Dear Fellow Friends,We hope everything is fine with all of you.This time, we would like you to read about The Prayer Beads ( Juzu ).
お念珠
The Prayer Beads ( Juzu )
In Nichiren Shoshu, "Nam Buddha" is Nichiren Daisho- nin, "Nam Dharma" is the Dai-Gohonzon, and "Nam sangha" is Nikko Shonin and the successive High Priests. These are the three treasures.
Our prayer beads consist of two long strands joined at either end with two large beads. Hanging from the outside of these large beads are two shorter strands on one side, and three on the other. They are strung with white braided cords with white pompom tassels at the end. These sets of two and three strands are equidistant and opposite from each other. The two large beads are called the father and mother beads. Both of them represent the Buddha.
When we use the beads, we twist them over once, forming figure eight. The end of the figure eight with the three strands is placed over the middle finger of the right hand, and the end with the two strands, over the middle finger of the left. The short strands lie on the outside of the hands which are placed together with palms and fingers touching.
Between the father and mother beads are 108 of a smaller size. As mentioned, these represent earthly desires. You will also find four still smaller beads. They are opposite each other, two being seven beads away from the end with two strands, and the other two are fourteen beads beyond the first two.
These four small beads represent the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth-Jogyo (Superior Practice), Muhengyo (Boundless Practice), Jougyo (Pure Practice), and Anryugyo (Unwavering Practice)-and also indicate the four virtues of the Buddha's life. These are eternity, tranquility, true self, and purity. Directly under the father bead, which is at the end with two tassels, is a smaller bead. This represents the essential nature of the Law, the eternal, absolute truth.
The strands which hang from the outside of the middle fingers represent ichinen sanzen. The two strands of ten beads each which hang from the left signify the ten worlds and their mutual possession. Of the three strands which hang on the right side, the two strands with five beads each together signify the ten on factors.
Because of their profound significance, you should treat your prayer beads with respect, just as you would the Buddha. To understand the meaning of the beads is to begin to understand the profundity of Buddhism, the correct practice, and the reason for expressing gratitude to the Three Great Secret Laws and the three treasures.
Nichiren Shoshu prayer beads (juzu) can be obtained from the accessories stores at the Head Temple, at your local temple, or at various independent stores that sell Nichiren Shoshu accessories.
Notice
Dear fellow friends.
We appreciate your reading the Mail-magazine or other information so far sent from Gokokuji temple here in Kamakura.
Now we like to further inform you that in hope of your keeping up interest in our Buddhism and bracing up the faith toward Nichiren Daishonin teachings, our Nichiren Shoshu temples or relative organizations nearby in your country will make closer contact with you for future necessary guidance and inquiries. Therefore, please acknowledge the above.

Many thanks.

Nichiren Shoshu Risshozan Gokokuji Temple

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Nichiren Shoshu Risshozan Gokokuji Temple
248-0011
2-3-3 Ougigayatsu, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
tel: +81-467-24-3075 / fax: +81-467-24-6933