In December of 1998, I went to Rome, Italy for
five days and spent two nights at the home of Nicola Tini to preside
over two 'Oko” services at his residence. A Oko service is a
religious practice of HBS performed not only at temples but also at
residences of lay followers.
The first Oko service was held on December 18 frorn 9 P.M. An earlier
time was not possible because several practitioners had to work until
late that evening.
I began the Oko service by reciting the Sumnlary Formula of Penitenance
and Invocation of the Buddha and the Saints of One Session of the
Fine Congregation in Japanese. The practitioners simultaneously recited
the Romanized version of the prayers. The chanting of the Odaimoku
then followed. Completing the chanting of the Odaimoku, the Homage
Formula to the Buddha and Saints (Namukuon No Mon) were recited in
both Japanese and English. The Oko service was then concluded. Subsequently,
I held a “Ceremony of Vow” before the altar for six practitioners
who vowed to become faithful parishioners of HBS who will uphold the
principles of the Scripture and devote their time to daily religious
practices.
I then held a sermon in English with Nicola translating it into Italian.
The second Oko service was held from 4:30 P.M. on December 21, 1998.
A fervid chanting of the Odaimoku was demonstrated during both sessions.
Following was a Question and Answer session held on the first day: |
