6996 Ontario Rd.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Ph. 805 595-2625
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Ph. 805 595-2625
Recently, while talking with Rev. Nakano about the Maejoku or front table (directly in front of the Shumidan), I inquired as to why there was a black cloth or skirt on it. This skirt was removed and we found the table’s paint was worn or faded in areas. One of the rear side supports needs some attention but the table is very ornate with carved and lacquered wood. Up close it appears to be hand carved and painted. I can’t imagine the long hours it took too construct the table. We left the skirt off so as it can be viewed.
The Maejoku has a glass top and there are two different arrangements or offerings placed on it. The first is Mitsugusoku or “Three element arrangement;” the second is Gogusoku or “Five element arrangement.” We use the Mitsugusoku arrangement
as I can only assume that was the decision made by the sangha back when our temple was built.
The three elements are a Koro (incense burner), Rosokutate (candle stand) and Kahin (flower vase). The Koro is a dark metal burner with 3 legs. The design of this burner goes back to the Ming Dynasty. The lid and sides are decorated with lions, elephants and dragons or Kirin. The Kirin is a Chinese mythological animal with the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, the hooves of a horse and a single horn. The hair on its back is multicolored and its belly yellow. The Kirin is said to appear on the eve of an auspicious event and as proof of the good government of a ruler. The lions, elephant and dragons also have special meanings.
When facing the Maejoku the Rosokutate is on the right side of the Koro. It is a dark metal candle holder and stands on three legs. It is usually decorated with cranes as they are said to live to be 1000 years old and are the symbol of longevity. White candles are used in our temple for everyday services. Colored candles can be used at different times for various reasons such as weddings, funerals and Buddhist holidays.
A Kahin is a dark metal vase with a flaring lip at the opening. It is placed to the left of the Koro. Formal flower and branch arrangements are made with the Kahin. The art of flower arrangement (Ikebana) in Japan is derived from this offering of flowers in a vase to the Buddha, which began among Buddhists in China. In India the custom is to scatter flower petals or pile flowers on a table.We traditionally do not use flowers with thorns, objectionable odors or bitter tastes. Poisonous plants are also not used.
In American usage, the color of flowers and candles are a mix of East and West. White flowers and candles are usually used for funerals and memorial services, since white is the color of mourning. But white is also used in weddings as it is the color of purity in western traditions. Red candles and flowers maybe used for Buddhist holidays regardless if it’s a memorial service or a birthday celebration.
With Gassho (Palms together)
Barry
The Maejoku has a glass top and there are two different arrangements or offerings placed on it. The first is Mitsugusoku or “Three element arrangement;” the second is Gogusoku or “Five element arrangement.” We use the Mitsugusoku arrangement
as I can only assume that was the decision made by the sangha back when our temple was built.
The three elements are a Koro (incense burner), Rosokutate (candle stand) and Kahin (flower vase). The Koro is a dark metal burner with 3 legs. The design of this burner goes back to the Ming Dynasty. The lid and sides are decorated with lions, elephants and dragons or Kirin. The Kirin is a Chinese mythological animal with the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, the hooves of a horse and a single horn. The hair on its back is multicolored and its belly yellow. The Kirin is said to appear on the eve of an auspicious event and as proof of the good government of a ruler. The lions, elephant and dragons also have special meanings.
When facing the Maejoku the Rosokutate is on the right side of the Koro. It is a dark metal candle holder and stands on three legs. It is usually decorated with cranes as they are said to live to be 1000 years old and are the symbol of longevity. White candles are used in our temple for everyday services. Colored candles can be used at different times for various reasons such as weddings, funerals and Buddhist holidays.
A Kahin is a dark metal vase with a flaring lip at the opening. It is placed to the left of the Koro. Formal flower and branch arrangements are made with the Kahin. The art of flower arrangement (Ikebana) in Japan is derived from this offering of flowers in a vase to the Buddha, which began among Buddhists in China. In India the custom is to scatter flower petals or pile flowers on a table.We traditionally do not use flowers with thorns, objectionable odors or bitter tastes. Poisonous plants are also not used.
In American usage, the color of flowers and candles are a mix of East and West. White flowers and candles are usually used for funerals and memorial services, since white is the color of mourning. But white is also used in weddings as it is the color of purity in western traditions. Red candles and flowers maybe used for Buddhist holidays regardless if it’s a memorial service or a birthday celebration.
With Gassho (Palms together)
Barry