We held the Autumn Equinox service.
Those who participate in Shokoji Temple's Autumn Equinox Service are accustomed to chanting the Nembutsu, and have been reciting the sutras and verses at the Equinox Service together for over 10 years, so they are familiar with how to behave during the event.
So this time, I decided to read each verse and sutra together while outlining its meaning. A series of sutras and verses read at memorial services and events is collectively called Gongyōshiki.
The order of the Jodo sect's service ceremony has a clear meaning. First, the dojo is purified with incense, and then the Buddha is welcomed. After that, a sutra of one's choice is read, and the Nembutsu is recited. The merit is then transferred, and finally the Buddha is welcomed back. Although there are differences in the details depending on the event, this is the general flow.
Although classical Chinese is one of the things that is difficult for us to understand, we generally understand the meaning of each individual kanji. Therefore, even if we cannot understand classical Chinese precisely, we can get a rough idea of its meaning from the characters.
Similarly, I believe that the people who participated in this event understood the general meaning of the recitations that are read during the Higan Festival. I believe that by once again explaining the meaning of each sutra and verse, they were able to feel even more value in reciting the recitations.
The next Shokoji event will be the Juyakai in October. We will also be chanting the Nembutsu together at that time. We look forward to seeing you there.
English 
Japanese