[General Guideline of HBS]
Rev. Nisso Fukuoka
An Oko activity is an important function of HBS.
“O" is an honorific. “Ko" means a prayer and lecture—meeting session. It is not a gathering for religious debauchery. An “Oko" session is a gathering of parishioners to pray and chant the Odaimoku conscientiously; to listen to Buddlnst teachings (Gohoon); announcing merit rewards received from the altar by an individual, and to spread the teachings of HBS to others. In other words, it is a school teaching Buddhist doctrines. Based on Nissen Shonin's proposal, Oko is now being held at least once a month at various homes comprised of small groups of parishioners who are divided into various districts. It is not only confined to the temple. As a parishioner of HBS, to conduct a “Oko" service in their home is proper. However, if it is more convenient, a group Oko may be alternately held at the homes of members at least once or twice a month by means of assigning a “Ganshu" (the person responsible for holding the service in their home). At such time, tithe is offerd to the priest. Some parishioners are under the impression that a tithe serves as means of merit—transference for their ancestors or prayer for their wishes. That is not so. The primary purpose of an Oko is to pray for the promotion to teach others. Of course, by chanting the Odaimoku in unison by the parishioners, it acts as a salvation for the soul of the ancestors and to build merits for the safety of members of each family. But, do not waste the time to talk about trivial matters after the service. The time should be utilized to discuss ways and means to improve the groups' activities for the betterment of the temple and to spread the teachings to others and aiding those who are suffering.
Let me elaborate on two or three other small items. They are the same for home or temple conditions, so please conform to it:
- Arrive at Oko ten minutes before the designated time, and while awaiting for the arrival of the priest(s), be chanting the Odaimoku.
- Sit nearer to the altar in the order of arrival.
- Chant the Odaimoku clearly and in a loud voice.
- The priest is representing you when offering a prayer, so, press your palms together, and listen carefully to what is being offered (Gonjo).
- Listen carefully to sermons, and try to comprehend the meaning of “Gokyoka" (Verse or poems of religious instruction) and “Goshinan" instruction). Taking notes is recommended.
- In—group Oko, each attending member is a “Ganshu", and the prayer being offered is for each individual, so when a tithe is made to the priest, everyone should express their appreciation together.
A HBS Oko cannot be imitated by other sects. It is a unique, independent and worthy system of HBS. Recently, an interest in holding an Oko among parishioners has been declining. It is very important, therefore, to remind yourself of the purpose for which the Oko is held and attempt to hold it in your home at least once a year. Also, parishioners should try to attend other parishioners' Oko as much as possible.
“Plan your time, either from work or an errand, to fit an Oko in your schedule to express your gratitude to the altar. When one experiences a lack of interest in attending an Oko, an evil spirit had entered your soul in an attempt to block you from going. Try to overcome that pressure and force yourself to attend." stated Nissen Shonin.
It is more important to think about building virtues rather than profits. Therefore, try to avoid doing businesses on the day of an Oko, and attempt to participate in the various religious services.
