The first Jodo Shinshu Buddhist wedding ceremony was officiated at Amidaji

The happy couple - Myoko Adelina
and Monshin Sorinel

 The first wedding was officiated at Amidaji temple on Sunday October 18th, after the couple   attended a three day Nembutsu retreat.

 Here are some photos and explanations. 

 The service started with a short Nembutsu recitation followed by the Three   Invitations when we invited Amida, Shakyamuni and all Buddhas to enter the   Amidado (Hall of Amida) and spread petals of roses to welcome them. 

 Then we continued with the Nembutsu liturgy of our temple with the couple   making oshoko (offering incense), bowing towards the altar and to each  other,  saying their vows and drinking together bitter tea from the same cup. 

Inviting Amida, Shakyamuni and all Buddhas 
and spreading petals of roses to
welcome them to he wedding

The marriage vows of Amidaji are the following: 

„We are grateful to Amida Buddha and to all those who helped us meet. From now on we will let ourselves be guided by the Buddhist teaching and we’ll live in harmony with the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha. We’ll be faithful to one another, we’ll help and support each other for better and for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, in young age and old age. These are the vows we take together in the Name of Amida Buddha. Namo Amida Bu”

 Bowing to each other is a sign of respect and abandonment of ego.  Also, to drink from the same cup   means that they agree to share  everything and resist to all difficulties  together.

 The marriage was followed by a  Dharma talk based on Shakyamuni Buddha's  advice to couples in various sutras. 

 

reading of the marriage vows

pouring tea into the marriage cup

drinking tea from the same cup

the Buddha said that the husband should provide
the wife with adornments. 

end of ceremony

the married couple, Myoko Adelina and
Monshin Sorinel

the married couple, the priest and their son