The Buddhist Temple of Chicago practices one of the most popular sects of Buddhism in Japan called Jodo Shinsu, also known as Pure Land Buddhism (Shotō 1). Instead of stressing the Eight Fold Path, as traditional Theravada Buddhists do, Pure Land Buddhists chose to interpret the teachings of the Buddha more freely (Wangu 1). Furthermore, Pure Land Buddhists seek guidance from Amitabha Buddha, a deity figure from Mahayana Buddhism (Wangu 1). As the current ruler of the Western Paradise of Sahavaki, it is believed that when Amitabha Buddha was on the verge of enlightenment, he made a vow claiming that if he attained Nirvana, he will help those who seek his name reach Nirvana as well (Wangu 1). Now, devote Pure Land Buddhists proclaim Amitabha Buddha name throughout various parts of the service to insure their place in Nirvana.
Upon stepping inside the Jodo Shinsu temple, there is an elaborated gold and black detailed shrine in honor of Amitabha Buddha. According to the Buddhist Temple of Chicago service book, Amitabha Buddha represents the “Infinite Light that surrounds us.” A step below the shrine there was black and gold table that had a flower and a candle on top. According to the Buddhist Temple of Chicago service book, the flower symbolizes how “life constantly changes, nothing is permanent. We can see the beautiful blooms in the morning, but find wilted petals in the heat of the day.” Furthermore, the candle symbolizes wisdom “Just as we see physical things as they are because of light, in our spiritual life, wisdom is the light that dispels the darkness of our delusions.”
The service for that morning was held in English. Therefore, the majority of the attendees were Anglo-Saxons who were either first time visitors, or devot...
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...o the shrine and place incense into a pot that was in front of the shrine. Therefore, making an offering to the Buddha. By doing this, a small monetary donation was made. According to the service book, the incense offered to Amitabha Buddha symbolizes “the transcendence of our selfishness (ego) and becoming one with all others.” Subsequently, Rev. Nakavi gave a message to temple, she emphasized her talk about their founder Reverend Gyomay M. Kubose, and how they were now moving forward towards a more progressive type of Buddhism. Before the service ended, a Gatha was recited. A Gatha is a poem that is from the sacred collections of writings from Zend Avesta (Alles 1). The reciting of a Gatha is a more contemporary approach to traditional Theravada Buddhism further showing how the Buddhist Temple of Chicago is progressing towards a more liberal approach to Buddhism.
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