Etiquette in general is concerned with the refinement of human behavior in its relationship to self and others. Courtesy, cordiality, grace, and beauty are included. Reverence and gratitude for the Wisdom and Compassion of the Buddha are the foundation of Buddhist etiquette. Reverence and gratitude give ethical behavior meaning, form, and substance. Gassho is an expression of our gratitude and reverence to Amida Buddha.

Gassho: Gassho is the natural expression of reverence and gratitude to the Buddha and the teachings, and means to put the hands together. The palms of both hands are placed together with the fingers and thumbs extended. With the Nenju held lightly between the thumbs and the fingers. Both elbows should be fairly close to the body and the hands should be at mid-chest level. To bow during Gassho, the hands should be held steady, while the body is bent forward from the hips and then back to upright position.

Nenju: The Nenju held in Gassho symbolizes oneness of all things. It should be treated with the utmost respect at all times. During the service, the Nenju should be held in the left hand.

Oshoko (offering of incense):

1. Two or three steps before the incense burner, bow once.

2. Advance to the burner and take a pinch of incense powder with your right hand and offer it into the burner.

3. Put your hands in Gassho, recite the Nembutsu a few times, take 2 or 3 steps back, bow, and return to your seat.

4. Remember; (a) you do not Gassho before offering of incense, (b) offer incense only once, and (c) it is not necessary to raise the incense to your forehead prior to offering.

Use of Service book or Gatha book: Since the Service &Gatha books contain sacred words, it should be handled with respect and proper care. Raise it to your forehead with both hands before and after its use.

Entering and Leaving the Hondo: The Hondo should be entered quietly in reverence. Bow before entering facing the altar. Take your seat and wait quietly for the service to begin. The ringing of the bell signifies the beginning of the service. If you must enter the Hondo during the service, be especially considerate of others. When leaving, bow at the doorway facing the altar.

Meaning of the Chanting of Sutra

    Buddhism was founded by the Shakyamuni Buddha over 2,500 years ago in India. The word "sutra" is a Sanskrit term and literary means "thread". It refers to words of Shakyamuni Buddha, or the verses or sentences, which convey the teachings of the Buddha. In essence, the intent of Shakyamuni Buddha’s numerous sermons and discourses was to expound infinite wisdom and compassion of Amida Buddha. This Buddha-Dharma embraces and sustains all beings and leads them to enlightenment.

    In the Pure Land Larger Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha expounds the significance of the Nembutsu to his disciples who are seated before him. When we sit and chant the sutra in front of the altar of Amida Buddha, we should feel as if we are attending a gathering and listening to the Buddha’s Teachings.

    We do not chant a sutra for the sake of the peaceful repose of our departed loved ones. Sutra chanting is an expression of one’s sincere gratitude to the Buddha. It is also to praise aloud the virtues of Buddha with one’s innermost heart. The harmonious sound of chanting leads many followers to awaken to the wisdom and compassion of Amida Buddha and listening of the Dharma.