We respectfully call upon Tathagata Amida to enter this Hall
as we joyfully scatter flowers of welcome.
We respectfully call upon Tathagata Shakyamuni to enter this
Hall as we joyfully scatter flowers of welcome.
We respectfully call upon Tathagatas of the Ten Directions to
Enter this Hall as we joyfully scatter flowers of welcome.

Homyo Juyo (Dharma-Name Presentation)
Homyo is a Buddhist name given the deceased. The homyo is made up of two Chinese characters and is preceded by the character "Shaku," meaning "disciple of the Buddha."

Ingo (Honorary Dharma-Name)
The Ingo is presented by the Hongwanji Temple Headquarters in Kyoto, Japan. This honorary name is a title presented to the deceased in recognition of his/her services to the temple.

A Homyo card with the deceased's name, Buddhist name, and vital statistics is placed in the casket and another given to the principal mourner. A third copy is kept in the temple records.

Butsuzen Dokyo (Sutra Chanting before the Buddha)
This sutra is not actually a sutra but a gatha, the SHOSHINGE, written by Shinran Shonin. At this point the family of the deceased will burn incense, view the body, and return to their seats. They are followed in turn by relatives, pallbearers and the other guests. Burning incense symbolizes preparation of one's mind to receive the Teaching. The viewing of the body is an act of recognition and acceptance of death. It is customary to bow as one passes the immediate family after viewing the body.

Gatha (Hymn)
The guests rise to sing the first and second verses of the gatha, Nadame (a hymn of condolence).

Ryakureki (Personal History of the Deceased)

Daihyo Shoko (Burning-Incense by Representatives)
Incense burning by persons representing close friends, organizations, and the temple.

Choji (Words of Condolence)
A good friend of the deceased gives the words of condolence. The eulogy, as understood in the United States, is not a part of the Jodoshinshu tradition.

Gatha (Hymn)
The guests rise to sing the third and fourth verses of the gatha, Nadame.

Howa (Dharma-Talk)
The Howa is a sermon or talk gjiven by the minister. The ralk is usually accompanied by the reading of the HAKKOTSU NO SHO, or Letter on White Ashes, written by Rennyo Shonin (1414-1499), the Eighth Monshu (Abbot) of Jodoshinshu.

Letter on White Ashes

As we deeply observe the transient form of human life, we realize that in this world, from the beginning to the end, what is momentary and passing is the illusory course of human life.

Thus, we have not heard of anyone receiving human form which lasts for ten thousand years. The course of life ebbs very rapidly. Can anyone preserve their body for a hundred years at the present time? Not knowing whether it will come today or tomorrow, those who depart before us are as countless as the drops of dew.

Therefore, in the morning we may have radiant health; in the evening we may be white ashes. When the winds of uncertainty strike, our eyes are closed forever; when the last breath leaves our body, the healthy color of the face is transformed and we lose the appearance of radiant life; loved ones may gather around and lament, but to no avail. When such an event occurs, the body is sent into an open field and cremated, leaving only the white ashes. What a sad plight!

Thus, we see that what we cannot control is the passing away of the young and old alike. Therefore, we should all look to our future life and the faith in Amida Buddha repeat the Holy Name.

With reverence, I remain...

translated version from
Hompa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Service Book

Shaji (Words of Gratitude)
The funeral ends with words of appreciation to those attending the funeral and to those involved in conducting it. The chairperson also announces the time and place of the burial or cremation.

Hoji (Memorial Services)
The memorial observances are the most often observed on the 7th day, 49th day, 1st year, 3rd cycle, 7th cycle, 13th cycle, 17th cycle, 25th cycle, and the 50th cycle.

Copyright © 2008 Nishi Hongwanji L.A.