I had an awesome experience visiting the Nichiren Shu temple in Naha, Okinawa. I
went with a friend who showed interest in Nichiren Shu, but we arrived late due
to transportation issues. I didn't know what to expect because of my previous
dealings with Nichiren Buddhism, but I wasn't disappointed. We caught the end of
the lay leader's sermon, but didn't understand because it was in Japanese.
During the sermon, I couldn't help but look around; the place was gorgeous! I
should have brought my camera-will next time. It was so traditional; exactly
what I was expecting a Buddhist temple to be. After the ceremony, the chief
priest invited my friend and me to lunch. We waited about thirty minutes in
another room whiled lunch was being set up. We talked about why my friend and I
were interested in Buddhism and things of that nature. They were impressed with
what little I did know about Nichiren Buddhism. One question that I asked was
the difference between Namu and Nam-the chief priest said there wasn't and that
they chant Nam. When lunch was ready, we sat down and said Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
three times-with the explanation of giving thanks to everything and one that
made the meal possible; there was a big emphasis on Shakymuni. The most
memorable thing about the meal (besides the great food and conversation) was
that I didn't finish my rice and the chief priest saw this and got up from his
seat. He made his way to my rice bowl and picked it up. He then told me to look
at everyone else's bowl, which were empty-not a single grain of rice. He sat the
rice bowl in front of me and then demonstrated how to get really sticky rice to
come off the sides of the bowl. He just poured water into another bowl and
swirled it around with chop-sticks. I did the same with mine, and made sure all
the rice was consumed. It was explained to me that rice was very important and
none of it could go to wasted. I felt so embarrassed, and made sure that all my
other bowls were empty…actually empty. After wards I found out that the temple
takes in mentally challenged Okinawans, and teaches them how to live normal
lives. My friend and I had a couple of arm and leg wrestling matches…I totally
lost against the chief priest in a leg wrestling match. He use to do kick boxing
and Judo-so I don't feel bad. They asked that we should start studying at their
temple, and we both agreed. We will attend services every Sunday and build from
that.