YA GHM April 2023

What is a Saisho ceremony?

• A ceremony unique to Shinnyo-En

• A ceremony that integrates homa and merit transfer elements

• It is a ceremony to pray for the harmony and the well-being of all people

• All of the above

Answer explanation

You can read more about the Saisho ceremony here: https://oyasono.online/shinnyotradition/1069

In 2017, the Saisho ceremony was held in Singapore. Where was it held at?

• Singapore Indoor Stadium

• Marina Bay Sands

• Shinnyo En Singapore

• Marina Bay Floating Platform

Answer explanation

Singapore was chosen as a location as Singapore is positioned at a nexus of air and sea routes and endowed with a rich diversity. It is a place where cultures and religious traditions intermingle and co-exist in harmony. Conducting this ceremony at such a place symbolizes our wish for the supportive workings of saisho, shoju, and bakku-daiju to be extended to every corner of both the northern and southern hemispheres.

During the Saisho ceremony, the officiant conducts Shinnyo esoteric rites to create a sacred spiritual boundary. Within that, a Mandala world of buddhas is created. How can we create similar sacred spaces through our actions, speech, and thoughts?

• Paying a visit to Oyasono or a local temple

• Chanting the Sandai or the Goreiju aloud

• Reciting in one’s mind the Sandai or the Jojusan

• All of the above

Saisho ceremonies have been conducted since 1992 to pray for harmony and well-being of all people. They are held with the wish to inspire all people to make concrete changes, deepen harmony between individuals, and enhance dialogue by transcending the boundaries of nation, language, culture, and religion. Which is not a way we can make that a reality?

• Seeing the world based on friendly relations

• Making an effort to understand one another

• Trust in our ability to come together despite our differences to create harmony

• Focus on our differences with one another and believe that we are enemies

Where was the most recent Saisho Ceremony held?

• Oyasono

• Yamanashi

• Ogen Centre

• Shinnyo Yana

Answer explanation

Oyasono: 2019

Yamanashi: 2021

Ogen Centre: 2020

What does Saisho mean?

• All-encompassing spiritual help manifested by the effort to help others through teaching them the way of the buddhas

• A vehicle, road, or path to reach one’s destination

• The power to create spiritual harmony

• To lift and shoulder the sufferings of others

What does the fire element in the Saisho ceremony represent?

• Celebration of life

• Wisdom to burn away delusions

• Merit transfer

• Achala

Answer explanation

Fire represents the homa and water represents transferring merit. The flames are symbolic of burning away delusions, freeing people to accomplish their goals. Often, the sacred flames of our ceremonies are lit with fire taken from previous services to symbolize the accumulation of our prayers for the peace and happiness of all beings.

What does the water element in the Saisho ceremony represent?

• Harmony between all beings

• Wealth

• Merit transfer

• Purity

Answer explanation

The water element represents the intention to extend out lovingkindness and compassion to all, even those who came before us. The offering of water has traditionally corresponded with the act of giving and transferring of our merit to others.

Which country did not have a Saisho ceremony?

• Peru

• Kenya

• Brazil

• Germany