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Eastern Places to Visit

Ekoji Buddhist Temple
10301 Burke Lake Rd., Fairfax Station, VA (703) 239-1200

This past Sunday, Heather, Teo, and I visited the Ekoji Temple. Upon entering, I noticed a large bell to the left. We removed our shoes, and a gentleman helped us find slippers. We were then greeted in the main hall by another gentleman named Gordan. I believe he said that he was the Director of the Adult Dharma school. He provided us with the Service Book, and escorted us into the main worship hall. We followed his lead and bowed before entering. At the beginning of the service, one of the members rang the bell in the entrance hall... it reminded me of an old Bruce Lee karate movie that I'd watched recently - "Chinese Connection". I asked about the significance of the bell ringing, Gordan informed me that it meant "wake up", or "pay attention". The service was short, began with a "chant" affirming the 48 vows of Hozo Bosatsu (Dharmacara) who is storied to have become Amida Buddha; afterwards a gentlemen spoke about a seminar that he recently attended in relation to how actions "in the name of religion" has been twisted to suit those who wish to do harm. I believe it was supposed to be an inspirational speech; followed by the offering; reciting the 4 Great Bodhisattva vows; then Rev. Hondo led the members in meditation; finally an incense offering. 

The service was so quiet... I was scared to ask anything or speak into my recorder. I had plenty of time to check out the setting. There were two statues of Amida Buddha, one large wooden and the other a smaller golden statue. The interior decoration was very soothing... white with natural wood, large windows and sky lights to let the sun shine in. 

At the end of the service, Gordan invited us to the front so that we could ask questions and speak with Rev. Hondo. He gave us more background of Pure Land Buddhism (Jodo Shin Shu in Japanese). He pointed to and provided info on the scroll (myogo) with 6 characters that spelled out "Namo Amida Butsu": 

Na
mo
A
mi
da
buds

He said that it could be explained as a "prayer" thanking or giving homage to Amida Buddha for his grace. He went on to characterize Buddhism as soft, calm, quiet. Rev. Hondo provided us with the view of "the soul", he stated that upon reincarnation... "action" is what is carried on to the next life... the accumulation of action is what continues. He spoke of "Aliya Vijana"... the mind behind the 7th sense (subconscious) is where the action accumulates. Gordan then talked about the Primal Vow (18th) and how they focused on this vow. And how sincerity in the belief of the vows and Amida Buddha was most important. I asked Gordan about something that I noticed before and during the "announcements " in the service... the use of the incense and the mention of the "Mother's Day potluck". They advertised dishes and joked about the good taste. I asked about attachment to the pleasantness of these things. He explained that the distinction lies in the pleasure and the attachment. "You can enjoy things without being attached to it." In Jodo Shin Shu, they are a bit skeptical of too much renunciation. They recognize the power of Amida Buddha as a key to enlightenment, Nirvana. Rev. Hondo put it into the perspective of how we breathe... we are not the force behind this process... there is another power that enables it. 

I am glad that I had the opportunity to visit this temple and their website. I learned so much more about Pure Land Buddhism than what is in the text. 

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