-
to
be observed in all the Jodo Shinshu dojos and temples affiliated with Amidaji -
1. When you enter the temple abandon all your personal and
worldly affairs. Any discussion except the Dharma should be avoided.
2. The goal of your presence at the temple is to understand
the Jodo Shinshu Dharma and receive shinjin (faith). Here there will be no
discussions about other religions. Only the Jodo Shinshu Dharma is promoted at
the dojo/temple.
3. When you enter the dojo or temple, give up any
prejudgments related to race, nationality, ethnicity, sex, social conditions,
physical appearance, political opinions, and so on. Before the Buddha we are
all the same, so nobody is allowed to look down or criticize somebody on any
aspect of his/her personal life. Anything else except listening to Amida Dharma
(Jodo Shinshu) and receiving shinjin, has no importance in the temple or dojo.
4. There will never be any fees or charges for attending the
activities organized at the dojo/temple for members or non-members. The Dharma
is not the property of anyone, so it can’t be sold or bought. Only donations
are accepted. If various materials are for sale in the shop or bookstore of the
temple, we’ll do our best to provide free items or books for those who can’t
afford or don’t want to buy them.
5. At the dojo/temple we follow the instructions and tasks
given to us by the dojo/temple’s representative, who is the only decision maker
in doctrinal, practice and organisational matters. Nobody can publicly preach
the Dharma without the authorization of the dojo/temple’s teacher.
8. Only those authorized by the teacher of the dojo/temple
are allowed to work at official translations.
10. Meat eating, alcohol or any drug consumption is
strictly forbiden at Dharma meetings in the temple or dojo[1] .
11. Arrive earlier before the beginning of the religious
service if you have some tasks and responsibilities.
12. Dress cleanly. Avoid unpleasant or exaggerated
smells.
13. Keep simplicity and decency in dressing. The dojo/temple
is not a podium for vestimentary exaggerations. Everything that has a value in
the social life has no value in the sacred place of the Dharma, thus don’t
exaggerate with exterior adornments. Both women and men must avoid all kinds of
clothes which uncover too much of the body.
All members of the community (sangha), guests, visitors,
with no distinction of priests and lay, will be informed about these rules and
will observe them in their letter and spirit. Those who refuse to observe them will
have no access to the dojo or temple. The one who watches over these rules
to be observed and sanctions their violation is the priest/teacher of the
dojo/temple or the representative appointed by him.
[1]This is not a request for Jodo Shinshu followers to be vegetarians in
their private lives, but if they meet inside the dojo or temple they have to
abstain from meat and alcohol during their stay.
