Evening Service
The Tendai Daily Evening Service is referred to properly as KOUKON KAJU, or more commonly as “Yuube no O-tsutome.” Based on the JOUGYOU SANMAI as preached by the Tendai Patriarch and the NENBUTSU verses of praise unto Amidha Buddha (transmitted to Saicho’s disciple, Ennin atop Mount Godai in China), the evening practice centers on the Three Part Pure Land Sutras. For the most part, this mirrors ceremonial verses are transmitted from China. Likewise, both lay and priest pronunciations exist.
(1) Sanrai (Triple Refuge)
(2) Sange Mon (Confessional)
(3) Kaikyou-Ge (Opening of the Sutra Recitation)
(4) Hannya Shingyou (Heart Sutra Recitation)
(5) Nyorai Juryou Honge (Lotus Sutra Chapter XVI)
(6) Nenbutsu Eko Mon (Pure Land Transference of Merit)
(7) Nenbutsu Kechigan-Ge
(8) Nenbutsu Hougo
(9) Hannya Shingyo (Heart Sutra Recitation)
(10) Ekou Mon (Transference of Merit)