Sutra Recitation
　　　Through this religious practice, we offer our sincere gratitude to the Eternal Buddha sustaining us all, to Shakyamuni Buddha who left us the teachings of how to lead a true life, to the many guardian deities protecting and guiding us, and to our ancestors who handed down the precious gift of life from generation to generation.
　　　 If we compare our ancestors to the roots of a tree, the practice of our daily sutra recitation is like providing nutrients for the roots of our tree of life, so that we the descendants can have meaningful lives.
　　　The continued practice of reciting the sutra purifies one's subconscious gradually. As a result, one comes to do good in spite of oneself or without being forced or forcing oneself to do so.
　　　President Niwano teaches the following: "We are often swayed by such of our defilements as jealousy, miserliness, arrogance, anger, and ignorance. Daily sutra recitation helps bring us back to what we are inherently and to pledge to walk along the Buddha's Way. That is truly a merit to be thankful for. . . . Through reciting the sutra every day we are sure to learn something new and find our mental state changed. Thus we can move ahead on the Buddha Way step by step."
Dharma Talk
　　　Lecture or testimony on the Dharma delivered by monks or ministers.
Hoza
　　　Hoza is a unique form of group counseling guided by experienced lay leaders. The participants usually sit together in a circle, creating a warm atmosphere for open discussion. The topics are flexible and include all aspects of human life which is full of joys and sorrows.
　　　When a member speaks, the other members listen and respond with compassion, trying to understand his or her situation and emotions as their own.
　　　In this sharing, we learn how to make practical use of the Buddha's teachings to solve our problems. The spirit of hoza is rooted in a major concept of Mahayana Buddhism: all living beings possess the buddha- nature or the potential to attain buddhahood. We try to find the buddha-nature in others; respect it as far as possible; and by doing so, make others become aware of it both in themselves and in others. Hoza is where all the participants practice the Buddha's teachings,gain insight, and achieve spiritual growth.
　　　Meditation is to be held in the worship room with
Nick or Elizabeth as leader.
　　　Meditation has many practical benefits that not only coincide with basic Buddhist precepts and traditions, but also can have a formidable effect in our practice of Bodhisattva way, as a way to helping oneself to help others. Buddhist meditation practices encourage and develop concentration, clarity, and a positive sense of being. Meditation also aids in stress-relief and relaxation, both mentally and physically.
　　　With discipline and patience these calm and focused states of mind can deepen into profoundly tranquil and energized states of mind. Such experiences can inevitably have a transformative effect and can lead to a new understanding of life.
　　　"Women's Discussion Circle" is to be held once a month, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in Room 501 of Fumon-kan hall with Elizabeth as leader.
　　　Themes for this circle are focused on women-related issues and discussed from women Buddhists' viewpoint. Elizabeth and other members are waiting for your participation.