Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The posseur

“As for how does one go about being allowed to take vows, the process begins with establishing a relationship with me as the priest of this temple, should you decide this is where you would like to practice or if I am the person you wish to practice with. Any person is free to approach any priest they desire and then begin the relationship with them. I do not have a hard and fast rule for length of time, though it certainly would be at least six months maybe more. Beyond that engaging in a personal discussion directly and personally with me is the best way to proceed forward.” -- Nichiren Shu priest Ryusho.

There are no intermediaries in Nichiren Lotus Sutra Buddhism. No one needs permission to take vows to save the masses of beings in this religion. Vows are taken by chanting Daimoku and ceded through the scrolls of the Sutra and writings of Nichiren, not through posseurs dressed in priestly robes.

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