We refurbished the antique cherry wood Butsudan [my wife and me] yesterday. We bought the Butsudan for $600. Probably it is equal to the $2500 to $3000 three door butsudans being sold on the net. I thought it was ~ 135 lbs. More likely, according to the shipper, it weighed 250 pounds or more. One of the innermost doors was off its hinges and the front door's latch was unattached to the door. We attached the latch and with GREAT difficulty we attached the door to the interior housing. It actually seems as secure as the undamaged door. Amazed, even the roof of the Butsudan is decorated with Buddhist art. Nancy polished the Butsudan. There are almost no scratches.
I took out the Gohonzon which was unmoved for 4 years. I did not scroll it up. Incredibly, it felt like it weighed 5 pounds [but it is only paper with a soft wooden dowel]. The hook is way above what can be seen. One shot and it was enshrined perfectly without so much as a millimeter off. Strangely, the original dowel that seemed slightly crooked [off several degrees from the 90 degrees from the plane of the long body of the Gohonzon], now seemed at a perfect 90 degree angle.
I knew the Gohonzon was finally home. I shed a few tears and chanted for 45 minutes.
The only reason I have a Butsudan is that I have 5 playful dogs and a cat who might damage the Gohonzon if it wasn't protected. no Butsudan is necessary.
ReplyDeleteyep...this is a magnificent piece of wood/art. i have seen, many years ago, butsudans similar(late 60's early 70's. for the price it is truly a reward for great effort. congrats nancy and mark. for people such as yourself's one correct daimoku must equal thousands. it can only be the joy of the law.
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