Attended the regular Sunday service at Shoeizan Enkyoji Buddhist Temple of Rochester. This is, I believe, the sixth different Nichiren Shu service I’ve attended. That counts online services performed by Ryusho Jeffus and Ryuoh Faulconer, Seattle, San Jose and, of course, Sacramento. All have been recognizable as belonging to Nichiren Shu and each possesses a different flavor, a different combination of spices.

Rochester is led by Shami Kanyu 観涌 Kroll, the founder and acting minister of 祥栄山円教寺 Shoeizan Enkyoji Buddhist Temple. The enthusiasm that Kanyu adds to the Daimoku during the service is the sort of spice that lifts the spirits of the diner (both person and place) and lingers afterward in a warm glow. The service in Rochester was also my first where Shomyo, the Nichiren Shu hymms, were sung by the whole congregation. This I enjoyed greatly. I also liked the Four Great Vows, in which Kanyu recited in Shindoku (or is it Japanese? I get confused) and the congregation responded in English.

I’m scheduled to be in the Rochester area through the end of January so I’ll have at least one more Sunday and perhaps a Tuesday or Thursday evening Shodaigyo practice as well.