Rituals & Rites of Passage
Wedding or Wedding Vow Renewal -
RBC is available for Buddhist Weddings and receptions. Come to a service and inquire. The marriage ceremony consists of chanting, reading of vows and the burning of incense. In America, the Buddhist marriage ritual is a combination of American and traditional customs added to create new Buddhist ritual. The vows for the ceremony are said to have originated with Shakyamuni Buddha. The wedding ceremony at the Temple is a presentation of the couple, before Buddha (Truth) and all those present. It is before Truth, family and friends, the couple proclaims their love and commitment towards one another.
Memorial Service -
RBC is available for memorial services and annual remembrance services. Memorial services have a long history in Buddhism. Family and close friends gather at the Temple or home in memory of the deceased member of the family. Following the service, the group will usually eat together. They can either eat at the home or go out to dinner or lunch. This meal is important in that it renews each member in both mind and body and strengthens the ties that bind the group together. This custom and the memorial services help to emphasize that death is a natural occurrence in life and is not something to be feared. The memorial service is also a wonderful opportunity of reinforcing family ties beyond one's immediate family, which helps to create a sense of continuity and community from generation to generation.
Baby Blessing -
The raising of a child is one of the most important tasks in your life. It is something that should be done with a great deal of thought. Other than the gift of life, the Dharma is one of the most important gifts you could bestow upon your child.
The Baby Blessing Ceremony gives each family the opportunity to present their child before the Buddha (Truth) and the Sangha. It can be held at home or at the end of a Sunday Service. At brief this ceremony your child will receive a gift of their first Onenju.
Buddhist House or Apartment Blessing - Reno Buddhist Center offers house blessings for your new and old home alike! Clear out any negativity and create space for positive, healing energy to flow through your home. We will chant, burn incense and ring the bell inside and outside your home.
Building and Workplace Blessing -
Shifting to a more energetically positive place for your work environment can change the feeling and productivity of the workplace. Consider a building or workplace blessing to improve the quality of life for everyone at work!
Home Alter Blessing -
Many members have created a sacred space in their homes for daily chanting or meditation or to connect with the infinite compassion and wisdom of the universe. Our priests often come to bless these sacred spaces intentionally created at home!
New Member Ceremony -
If Shin Buddhism is your chosen spiritual path and you would like to become a member of the Reno Buddhist Center sangha (community), you may do so at any time during the year. Please speak with Revs. Matthew or Shelley Fisher about becoming a member of our wonderful community.
RBC holds formal New Member Ceremonies to welcome our you to the sangha during two Sunday services each year; usually Spring and Winter. At this ceremony, you will come to the front of the hondo to be recognized with the group of new members and receive some gifts. We will joyously welcome you! Following the ceremony, there is a new member dinner that you are encouraged to attend to get to know other sangha members and learn more about how being a member of RBC can benefit you and others.
Buddhist Retreat Space -
RBC space is available for Reatreats and Dharma Teachings. Teaching is essential to turning the wheel of Dharma. We support this with our sangha.