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Joining Service

“Sunday Service is a wonderful opportunity for the Sangha to come together, in person and online, to experience the Buddha Dharma, have encounters and learn from each other, supported by the Buddha’s Great Compassion.”

-A long-time member of Three Wheels

What Happens at Service​

On Sunday mornings from 9:30am – 11:00am the Sangha gathers to offer service to the Buddha. For those who do not live near the temple, and have previously attended the London Eza several times, it is possible to join online.

 

Please arrive in plenty of time before the start of the service so as not to disturb others. We also ask that you do not wear shoes or slippers in the Buddha room, and you should avoid placing chanting books or any other ritual items directly upon the floor.

After the service, we hold a meeting where we discuss recent events in our lives in light of the Dharma teachings. Participation in the discussions is strongly encouraged. Through sincerely expressing ourselves we are able to more easily receive the advice of others and to become aware of what is in our hearts.

 

While it is recommended to join in person, it is possible to join online.

Rev. Ishii has taught us that the importance of nenbutsu practice is, “to go back to one’s self-awareness of ignorance so that we can listen to others minds”, and to become aware that “everything is a given opportunity for us to become aware of our karmic existence and at the same time of Amida’s love”. This can also be expressed more simply as, “Sorry”, “Thank you”, and “Yes please”.
Receiving awareness from the Three Treasures with sincere repentance and gratitude, we are able to embrace the ups-and-downs of our daily life with a sense of joy, appreciation and service to others.

Sunday service is a precious time where we can look back on the week that has gone by and confirm our spiritual direction for the new week to come.

 

During the service we chant gathas by Shinran Shonin and listen to a reading from Rennyo Shonin’s letters of advice to nenbutsu followers. It is a time for us to take refuge in the Three Treasures, to listen to the teachings, and to pronouncing the nenbutsu in gratitude for all that has been done for us by Amida Buddha.

Fragrant Light
No. 221

The Head Priest said, “When you feel ‘hollow’ inside, that is the time you really need true encounter.”