This past September, the Buddhist Church of San Francisco observed the Buddhist Churches of America’s 125th Anniversary Service. With Bishop Marvin Harada as the officiant, many BCA Kaikyoshi ministers, retired ministers and representatives from each temple gathered as one body to participate in this grand historic ceremony. We all shared the joy of celebrating this milestone anniversary.
In October 2024, the Buddhist Temple of Salinas also marked the 100th Anniversary of its founding, so we invited its former resident ministers to join the Bishop at this special event. This anniversary was the perfect opportunity for the entire Salinas Sangha to express their deepest feelings of gratitude for the great dedication and extraordinary efforts of all of its predecessors who have been caretakers of the temple for the benefit of those of who are here today.
What is the Kieshiki Affirmation
During the centennial anniversary, the Kieshiki affirmation ceremony was held. Ten members participated in this solemn ceremony and received the Chokyo – equivalent to Okamisori (rite of the razor) – by the Bishop.
Generally, that Kieshiki ceremony is conducted at Honzan (our mother temple in Kyoto) by the Gomonshu, the head minister of the Hongwanji, or by a select representative. We call it Kikyoshiki or the confirmation ceremony. But in overseas districts like the BCA, that ceremony is conducted by the Bishop and is called the Kieshiki affirmation ceremony.
Kikyoshiki (Kieshiki) affirms and takes refuge in the Three Treasures: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Standing and facing the images of Amida Buddha and Shinran, each participant receives his/her Buddhist name as the Buddha’s disciple in order to live with the self- knowledge, responsibility and pride of a Nembutsu follower. It is an important expression of our determination as Jodo Shinshu Buddhists to walk the Nembutsu path as our life’s spiritual guide with great joy and gratitude.
Kieshiki Is for Everyone, Anytime
Unfortunately, there are some members in our Sangha who mistakenly believe that a Buddhist name is only given to the deceased. When I urge them to participate in the Kieshiki ceremony, they may argue, “Sensei, I’m not dead yet!” Or, “I don’t want a Buddhist name because if I receive one, I feel that I’ll die soon,” and so on.
Yes, I usually present a Buddhist name at the deceased person’s funeral instead of the Gomonshu or the Bishop. But this is only for those who had not had the opportunity earlier in life to participate in the Kieshiki to receive his or her Buddhist name. So let me make it clear that I do not give a Buddhist name only because one has passed away. Taking a Buddhist name signifies we are Buddha’s disciple, living with the true teaching. That is why it is very important to receive our Buddhist name while we are still living.
The Kikyoshiki (Kieshiki) ceremony is also called Okamisori or “rite of the razor.” Gomonshu taps a razor lightly on the head of the follower three times, a ritual confirming the Three Treasures. This ritual is based in a historical event: when Sakyamuni Buddha renounced the world and became a monk, he declared, “Now I take the tonsure [shave my head]. May I with all sentient beings get rid of the afflictions and hindrances!” This symbolic ritual is always performed at the Tokudo ordination or Kikyoshiki (Kieshiki) ceremony.
Therefore, for a sincere Buddhist to “take the tonsure” symbolizes living with the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha as spiritual support while ridding oneself of the mind of self-power, ostentation and attachments.
Shoma’s “Rude Interruption”
Speaking of the Kikyoshiki confirmation ceremony, I can’t help but remember the anecdote about Shoma (1799–1871) who became known as a Myokonin or superior Nembutsu follower. Shoma was born into a poor sharecropping family. He worked very hard making ropes and Japanese sandals while babysitting at home. He also cultivated a small field and worked at the temple as a handyman.
One day, for the first time, he made a pilgrimage to Kyoto with some members of his temple to what was at the time the mother temple, Kosho Temple*, to participate in a Kikyoshiki confirmation ceremony.
In those days, the Gomonshu was treated like an emperor, and it was forbidden to look at his eyes or say anything directly to him.
That day as on most days, many Nembutsu followers had come from all over Japan to the mother temple to participate in the Kikyoshiki. They were waiting quietly in the hondo for the ceremony to begin. Then, Gomonshu Honjyaku appeared ceremoniously before them and began administering the rites to each follower, who bowed his/her head respectfully and solemnly.
Gomonshu completed the rites to Shoma, tapping the razor gently on Shoma’s head three times as he said, “Take refuge in Buddha, take refuge in Dharma, and take refuge in Sangha.” Gomonshu was moving to the next follower when Shoma suddenly reached up and tugged on Gomonshu’s sleeve. When Gomonshu turned around to see who had touched his robe, Shoma asked him, “Hey, brother, are you prepared to die?”
That those words, the solemn atmosphere in the Hondo was broken and the participants were struck dumb by this rude interruption. But Gomonshu simply continued calmly with the rites for each of the remaining followers in attendance.
After the ceremony when the Gomonshu had made his exit from the Hondo, the other participants crowded around Shoma and scolded, “Know your place! You were terribly rude!” Shoma’s words had caused quite a commotion in the Hondo.
Everyone was worried about how Shoma would be punished for his misdeed. At that time, an associate minister entered the Hondo and asked, “Who tugged on the Gomonshu’s sleeve? Stand and come with me.”
Shoma paid no attention to the command, pretending not to hear it. But his friends answered fearfully, “He is a really stupid fellow, so please forgive him for his crude behavior.” Then they apologized, bowing deeply many times.
The associate minister accepted their excuse and told Gomonshu of their apology. But Gomonshu said, “It doesn’t matter. Just bring him here to me right now.” So, the minister hurried back to the Hondo. And finally, Shoma was taken to the room where Gomonshu sat waiting.
Let me share the rest of my message next month.
In Gassho,
Rev. Yushi Mukojima