Hence, Reidan is called “Cross Buddhism,” which is symbolized by the crest of the practice, see above, symbolizing the place where the
physical and spiritual worlds meet and communicate through one's Buddha nature consciousness.
“The Mysterious Medicine and Teachings of your personal Gushoreijin Protective Deities begin by wearing the Amulet.”
How Reidan Works
Reidan is a tool that allows human beings to gain wisdom and direction in restoring harmony in their lives and practicing the path of
Buddhism. In reality we have the DNA of a Buddha (Buddha Nature). So it is through this that we are able to see the wisdom of the
Universe when we exist in this higher consciousness. Reidan allows priests to gain insight into the many influential parts of our
life such as one's destiny and personal will power, which aids them in giving spiritual guidance to believers. It is not through the
spiritual power of the priest that this is seen but through the participant's Buddha nature which is actualized through the chanting of
the sacred title, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.
Do you know about your Gushoreijin Protective Deities?
The basic belief of Reidan is that each person at birth is born with two protective deities called Gushoreijin. Each person has
Buddha-nature and through our faith and practice we strengthen our Gushoreijin protectors and can realize the signs that they give us.
The two Reijin (Spiritual Beings) are Doshoten, who has the same Birthday as us, and Domyoten, who has the same name as us. Both sit
on our right and left shoulders recording our karmic deeds and the many events in our lives. You could say that these deities know us
best, and when we realize their presence we can listen to their guidance and teachings.
Reidan Teachers
Reidan teachers study the profound and spiritual teachings and lessons of the relationship between practitioners and their Gushoreijin
protective deities. The teachings of Nichiren Shonin follow the same concepts as the Kushiki (9 Consciousness) Reidan, the use of the the
Gushoreijinfu (Amulet) and the five kinds of Gofu (talisman). Through the chanting of the sacred title, Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, the use of
Kushiki Reidan becomes a mysterious and powerful tool in ones spiritual development. Through these practices and tools we are able to move
forward in creating a peaceful and harmonious Pure Land here and now. Reidan teachers holds special meetings, gives spiritual advice
through Reidan readings, and offers the Gushoreijinfu (Protective Amulet) to lead and teach others to deeper faith and understanding.
Gushoreijinfu (Protective Deities Amulet)
This special amulet is prepared and sent by the Reidan Head Temple located in Japan each month for the receivers of the Gushoreijinfu
(Protective Deities Amulet) to receive from their Reidan teacher. Faith is not only shown by donations, but real faith is realizing that
we are the children of the Buddha and our purpose is to aid in creating a peaceful world where all War and Suffering are ended.
Keeping the amulet with you and wearing it is first step of strengthening your faith and deepening your understanding. As your faith
increases the Amulet will protect you more. Strong faith allows you to receive great benefit and protection. Through keeping the Amulet
with you and chanting the Odaimoku, changing the amulet every month, helping to clean your home temple and butsudan from your heart,
through these practices you are able to use your body to show appreciation and through this action your faith becomes stronger.
The first step is wearing and keeping the amulet with you all the time.
Benefits of wearing the amulet:
Achieving a goal or wish
Balanced health
Protection of health
Business prosperity
Business relationships (Promotion)
Travel and vehicle protection
Passing examinations
Negotiations
Recovery from illness
Family protection- all members should wear the amulet
Relationship or love- both partners should wear the amulet
When moving or traveling one should wear the amulet
Reidan Spiritual Readings
Reidan spiritual readings are done at the request of the practitioner or recommended by the priest to provide additional information to a
spiritual question or problem. The practitioner must have a specific question that they wish to have insight into, ex. “Should I change my
job?” Together with the priest they perform a Reidan service by chanting the Lotus Sutra and Namu Myoho Renge Kyo and presenting the
question to the Buddha and deities. After the service is concluded the priest allows the practitioner to pick five coins five times and
stamps the results onto a memo. This memo provides the information that the priest uses to understand the problem from multiple angles and
gives a clear direction. Of course if the end result is potentially negative they will discuss ways in which to change the current
direction of karmic actions and mindset. This is all taken into consideration in attempting to provide the practitioner with information
to make an informative choice in their lives as well as being able to see what Buddhist services or amulets that can be recommended for
support and encouragement.
Reidan Service
Reidan services are usually held on the first Sunday of each month. During this service practitioners who have been granted the
Gushoreijinfu (Protective Deity Amulet) exchange their pervious amulet for a new monthly amulet. Also, the special yogic chanting
practice of the Odaimoku (Sacred Title) is taught to all in attendance leaving them with a feeling of relaxation and peacefulness.
If you wish to learn more, attend a service, or request a reading, please contact Rev. Kanjin Cederman at
seattlebuddhist@hotmail.com or call (206) 356-7405.
If you would like to receive a Gushoreijinfu each month, please complete a subscription form and
send it with your payment to the temple.
Please click here if you would like to see pictures of a typical reidan spiritual reading.
|
|
