Pureland Buddhist Practice

[Franco Acquaro]

Aloha Amida USA members!

I am a confirmed member of Amida-shu, serve on the Amida USA Board of Directors, and belong to the Amida Hawaii Sangha - based on the Big Island. We meet for a weekly practice that lasts an hour and a half. We have about 8 -10 members and it is really a wonderful group of people to practice the Dharma with. I am sharing what a typical sangha practice looks like for our group. I was hoping others could share what their group (or solo) practice looks like. Perhaps we can exchange ideas to further and deepen everyone's respective practices!

1) Brief Check-in by Participants

2) Group Recitation of the Bodhisattva Vow
("Innumerable are sentient beings: we vow to save them all; Inexhaustible are deluded passions: we vow to transform them all; Immeasurable are the Dharma teachings: we vow to master them all; Infinite is the Buddha's way: we vow to fulfill it completely")

3. Nembutsu Chanting (sitting, walking, prostrating or "dancing" - with Japanese/Chinese/Sanskrit/English renditions) (Japanese: "Namo Amida Bu"; Chinese: "Namo Omito Fo"; Sanskrit: "Amitabha"; English: "I Take Refuge in Amida Buddha")

4. Nei Quan Practice

5. Chih Quan Practice

6. Merit Transference

7. Brief Dharma Talk (taped Dharmavidya talk or group facilitator's talk)

8. Pohaku Passing (Participants' Sharing Time) ("Pohaku" is Hawaiian for "rock" which we use much like a talking stick is used in some circles)

9. Announcements

10. Closing Gatha - The Celebration of Amida's Vows
("The original and sacred vows are the unique and essential path to enter the Pure Land. Therefore, with body, speechand mind, we are devoted to the teachings, that all may attain the state of bliss, Namo Amida Bu")

[Dharmavidya]

Franco - Thank you for putting this here on this group. This is a very neat model for local groups. Namo Amida Bu

[Kenny Lewis]

Franco, Thank you for posting this, it helps to deepen my own practice and widen my understanding. - I Take Refuge in Amida Buddha

[Konchog AlTorres]

Thank you so very much for sharing the order of practice for Sangha at your meetings. I am only recently getting involved in Virginia Beach, VA and would love to see something along these lines develop here as well.
At present, I plan to simply make myself available locally to facilitate a bi-monthly get together to share thoughts and discuss a common reading that we could have (Any suggestions as what would be good would be greatly appreciated). I know that there are a number of "Buddhist" books around that are excellent- but I would prefer to have something more in keeping with the ideals of Amida-shu.

What I plan to have most likely we would be very informal for now. I would be using a local "new Age" Church that has opened its doors to many speakers and groups over the years and is a very welcoming environment.

Again thank you for sharing
Alberto

I welcome any comments, suggestions and or guidance that anyone may offer since I really want to move forward on this. I truly feel that the area could benefit greatly by a local Chapter and practice.

[Seiyo]

Franco:

I unfortunately do not have group to practice with. However, I do have a short daily routine which I do on a regular basis. I do this "ritual" once in the morning and then again in the evening. I take a deep breath and when I am exhaling recite the Nembutsu three to five times. I do this for ten breaths. I finish this by reciting the Dedication of Merits. It isn't much but it helps and also keeps me focused. In the mornings is sets my goals for the day and in the evenings it puts me at peace with Amida.

Thank you!

Namu Amida Butsu

Seiyo

[Paul]

Franco:

This sounds wonderful. I was unaware that the Waimea group was meeting on a regular basis. Way to go!

Peace, Paul

[Steve Berkoff]

Thank you Franco for the posting. I'm nervous about leading next week's meeting, and your outline will certainly help me to overcome some of my hesitations.

Wish me luck!

In Gassho,
Steve

[Franco Acquaro]

Aloha Alberto-

You asked about possible short readings that would be useful for discussing with other's at a gathering. At Amida Hawaii we have used various short writings by Dharmavidya. Some are on this site, especially at Dharmavidya's Blog. You could also find some wonderful pieces (and some short dharma talks as well) at this link: http://amidatrust.typepad.com/amidashu/a0_home_page/
Then scroll down the left side and click on "Dharma Writings" or "Key Writings". Enjoy!
Aloha & Namo Amida Bu,
Franco

Alberto Torres said:

Thank you so very much for sharing the order of practice for Sangha at your meetings. I am only recently getting involved in Virginia Beach, VA and would love to see something along these lines develop here as well.
At present, I plan to simply make myself available locally to facilitate a bi-monthly get together to share thoughts and discuss a common reading that we could have (Any suggestions as what would be good would be greatly appreciated). I know that there are a number of "Buddhist" books around that are excellent- but I would prefer to have something more in keeping with the ideals of Amida-shu. What I plan to have most likely we would be very informal for now. I would be using a local "new Age" Church that has opened its doors to many speakers and groups over the years and is a very welcoming environment.

Again thank you for sharing
Alberto

I welcome any comments, suggestions and or guidance that anyone may offer since I really want to move forward on this. I truly feel that the area could benefit greatly by a local Chapter and practice.

[Franco Acquaro]

Aloha Steve-
Yep, nervousness is part of the deal sometimes! You are a kind, sincere person, and a dedicated practitioner - you can't go wrong...let it shine buddy! You know our group...we're just happy you, Moshe and John are willing to give it a go and try their hand at facilitating the practice.

Aloha & Namo Amida Bu,
Franco

Steve Berkoff said:

Thank you Franco for the posting. I'm nervous about leading next week's meeting, and your outline will certainly help me to overcome some of my hesitations.

Wish me luck!

In Gassho,
Steve

[Franco Acquaro]

Aloha Paul -
We just started-up three weeks ago. The first two practices were helping Moshe, John and Steve feel comfortable in the facilitator's role. Now each of the four facilitators (myself included) will take a turn on each of the four Wednesday evenings a month. It's from 6:30pm - 8;00pm at Tutu's House. Come chant with us!
Aloha & Namo Amida Bu,
Franco

Paul said:

Franco:
This sounds wonderful. I was unaware that the Waimea group was meeting on a regular basis. Way to go! Peace, Paul

[Franco Acquaro]

Aloha Seiyo-

Thanks for sharing your ritual. I haven't been doing one in the mornings, but I think I will try yours - sounds like a good practice and a nice way to start the day.

Aloha & Namo Amida Bu,
Franco

Seiyo said:

Franco:

I unfortunately do not have group to practice with. However, I do have a short daily routine which I do on a regular basis. I do this "ritual" once in the morning and then again in the evening. I take a deep breath and when I am exhaling recite the Nembutsu three to five times. I do this for ten breaths. I finish this by reciting the Dedication of Merits. It isn't much but it helps and also keeps me focused. In the mornings is sets my goals for the day and in the evenings it puts me at peace with Amida.

Thank you!

Namu Amida Butsu

Seiyo

[Franco Acquaro]

Aloha Kenny -

Your welcome, it was my pleasure. Together, we take refuge in Amida Buddha!

Aloha & Namo Amida Bu,
Franco


Kenny Lewis said:

Franco, Thank you for posting this, it helps to deepen my own practice and widen my understanding. - I Take Refuge in Amida Buddha

[caroline brazier]

Great to read all your posts and hear about Amida practice in Waimeia and elsewhere. I imagine being with you all and send you much love. Namo Amida Bu - Prasada