{"id":1146,"date":"2025-03-31T09:34:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T00:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nichiren.or.jp\/english\/article\/?p=1146"},"modified":"2025-03-31T09:34:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T00:34:34","slug":"id1146","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nichiren.or.jp\/english\/article\/read\/id1146\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Minobusan (2) A Guide to Morning Prayers at Minobusan Kuonji Temple (Part 1)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Website: https:\/\/kuonji.jp\/english\/
<\/a>Temple Grounds Map: https:\/\/kuonji.jp\/english\/precincts\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Photography is prohibited in many areas within the temple halls. Please be  mindful of the sacred atmosphere and respect the Buddhas, deities and other  worshippers during your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. What Is Morning Service?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning service (Cho-gon<\/em>) is a daily Buddhist ceremony held at temples in the early hours of the day. In contrast, the evening service (Yu-gon<\/em>) takes place later in the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each Buddhist ritual has its own meaning and purpose\u2014some offer prayers for personal wishes, while others seek peace and comfort for deceased loved ones or even world harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of the morning service held at a Buddhist temple is just simple: to greet the Buddha and Bodhisattvas at the start of the day. Just as we say \u201cGood morning\u201d to our family members and wish them well, Buddhist practitioners begin each day by offering gratitude to the Buddha, asking for protection, and praying for happiness for all beings.<\/p>\n\n\n

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In our busy modern lives, we often forget the importance of small daily rituals. Yet, it is these simple, repeated habits that bring richness and fulfillment to our days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This principle applies not just to Buddhists but to anyone navigating the fast-paced modern world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many who visit Minobusan seek a sense of peace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the phrase kokoro arawareru<\/em> \u201cThe heart is cleansed\u201d, surrounded by towering mountains and untouched nature, Minobusan has an unexplainable unique power to refresh one\u2019s mind and rejuvenate the soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The morning service, which has been performed here continuously for centuries is something you must experience for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Morning Prayers at Minobusan Kuonji Temple<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Minobusan Kuonji Temple, the morning service begins at 5:30 AM in the Main Hall.
(Please note that the starting time may vary depending on the season or special events\u2014be sure to check in advance.<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kuonji Temple is the sacred site where Nichiren Shonin, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, spent his final years. Today, the temple continues to be a center of spiritual devotion, where resident monks dedicate themselves to preserving his teachings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the morning service, you will find novice monks, temple priests, and visitors from across Japan and around the world all coming together in prayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sight of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of people chanting in unison creates an energy that can only be felt in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buddhist ceremonies can be compared to a musical orchestra \u2014 it is an immersive experience, filled with rhythm, resonance, and harmony. The atmosphere is difficult to be expressed in words, but even those unfamiliar with Buddhism will feel a profound sense of awe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Watch the Morning Service at Kuonji Temple
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3. How to Get to the Main Hall<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Temple Grounds Map: https:\/\/kuonji.jp\/english\/precincts\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning to attend the morning service, chances are you will be staying overnight at Minobusan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the lower town area, where traditional Shukub\u014d<\/em> (temple lodgings) and small shops are located, a steep uphill path leads to Kuonji Temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minobusan is divided into two areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n