[A Guide to HBS -part2-]
The Teachings and Practices of HBS
Rev. Nisso Fukuoka
An Oko activity is an important function of HBS. "O" is an honorific. "Ko" means a prayer and lectures session. An "Oko" session is a gathering of members of HBS to pray and chant the Odaimoku and to listen to a sermon (Gohomon).
In Chapter 21 of the Lotus Sutra (Supernatural Powers of the Thathagata), Buddha stated that "For this reason, after the Thus Come One has entered extinction, you must single—mindedly accept, uphold, read, recite, explain, preach and transcribe it, and practice it as directed. In any of the various lands, wherever there are those who accept, uphold, read, recite, explain, preach, transcribe, or practice it as directed, or wherever the sutra scrolls are preserved, whether in a garden, a forest, beneath a tree, in monks quarters, in the lodgings of white—robed laymen, in palaces, or in mountain valleys or the wide wilderness, in all these places one should erect towers and offer alms. Why? Because you should understand that such spots are places of religious practice. In such places have the buddhas gained anuttara—samyak—sambodhi (enlightenment), in such places have the buddhas turned the wheel of the Law, in such places have the buddhas entered par nirvana."
Nissen Shonin, the founder of HBS, established the Oko system on the basis of Chapter 21 of the Lotus Sutra. The Oko system of HBS originated with the establishment of HBS. It has been held not only at temples but also at member's houses under the spirit of the Lotus Sutra. Oko is a practice uniquely characteristic of HBS which has continued for 150 years since Nissen Shonin founded HBS.
Oko is held at least once a month at various homes of members and are comprised of small groups who are divided into districts. An Oko is not only practiced at a temple but also at a member's home.
For a member of HBS, offering their home for Oko service is important. Occasionally, priests are invited and lay followers congregate to chant the Odaimoku together, listen to the Gohomon (Sermon) delivered by priests or lay priests, talk together about their sufferings, problems and make arrangements for future activities.
To sum up the purposes of Oko service
- For the propagation of the teachings. (Kyoke)
- For the improvement of the member's faith.
- For transferring merits to their ancestors.
- For building friendly relations and being united in mind although separated in body. (Itai Doshin)
- For receiving family protection.
Points to note for an Oko
- Visit the "Ganshu's home (home where Oko is held) early and assist in the preparation of an Oko service.
- The group chief should inspect the Gokaidan (the altar) and make sure that the Gokaidan is clean, the ornaments and offerings are neatly arranged and displayed. The Okozui (sacred water) is offered.
- Designation of receptionists to accept donations and Ofuse (the tithe for priests)
- Arrive at Oko at least 10 minutes before the designated time.
- Sit nearer to the Gokaidan in order of arrival.
- Chant the Odaimoku clearly and in a loud voice.
- The priest is representing you when offering prayer, (Gonjyo) so, join your palms together, and listen carefully to what is being said.
- Listen carefully to sermons (Gohomon).
- The tithe (Ofuse) is offered to the priest according to each member's ability and gratitude. Members who offer the tithe should express their appreciation to the priests.
- Provide an after—Oko topic of conversation to positively enhance the atmosphere and to approach newly converted practitioners in a friendly manner.
- An official should make an effort to call other members by phone to notify them of the date of an Oko service.
- A personal invitations to an Oko service by Ganshu (the members who hold the Oko meeting in their homes) to other members or their acquaintances are a very effective.
- While it is customary to conduct a memorial Oko service for ancestors, it would be well advised to also hold an Oko service to express our gratitude for things that happen in our daily life. Such events include birthdays, employment, marriage, anniversaries, retirement and the purchase of a Gokaidan or the enshrinement the Gohonzon.
14. Oko
(Gathering of Members for Religious Service)
