Everyday Buddhism for Everyday People: More on the Members Vow
Mike Sonksen
Dharma Teacher, Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Center
Los Angeles Author
Rissho Kosei-kai is a down to earth Buddhism. Buddhism for everyday living means living in the everyday world. As incredible as it would be to meditate on top of a mountain, most of us exist in the everyday world with jobs and families.
Considering this, one needs a value system that works for everyday life. Rissho Kosei-kai provides this with a simple everyday practice. Rooted in daily sutra recitations, lining your shoes up, tucking in your chair, greeting others, eating mindfully, and practicing the Bodhisattva way.
In the Members Vow, “We recognize in Buddhism a true way to liberation”, what is meant by liberation? For me, it means more peace of mind and a practical everyday way of dealing with the challenges that arise everyday.
After sutra recitations, our services conduct Hoza sessions. Hoza is a round table conversation where we all share the dharma. Many people find it difficult to practice Buddha’s teachings by themselves in complete isolation. It is easy to become lazy and lose momentum while following the path. This is where the social spirit of Rissho Kosei-Kai comes in. There’s a higher intelligence among the group, and everyone together in the Hoza circle helps to raise each other’s awareness and encourage one another.
The members' vow is 14 lines, the same length as a sonnet. A sonnet is one of the most common poetry forms and comes from the Italian word sonneto, which means little song. The 12 to 14 line length is short enough to memorize and recite quickly.
One of the many ways to improve our knowledge and practice of the faith is to stay disciplined. This naturally leads to more wisdom. Within the 14 lines of the members vow, a cohesive outline of the faith is packaged in an organized and memorable way.
One final thought is that to perfect ourselves is a never ending process, but by taking refuge in the dharma and working together, the goal gets closer. This is part of the joy of practicing together.
Mike Sonksen
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