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TermsGassho & Reciting of the Nembutsu Gassho literally means to put the palms together. The palms of both hands are placed together with the fingers and thumbs extended. The nenju or ojuzu held so that it encircles both hands and is held lightly between the thumbs and extended fingers. The elbows should be comfortablyand loosely held so that they hang fairly close to the body and the hands are at mid-chest level (lower part of the sternum). The head should be tilted slightly forward. There should be no sign of tension in the hands, elbows, or shoulders. To bow when doing gassho, the hands should be held steady and the body should be bent forward slightly from the hips and brought back to an upright position. This is done from either a standing or sitting position. When standing, the heels should be together and the feet flared out slightly (approximately a 30 degree angle). In the sitting position, both feet should be on the ground. Recitation of the nembutsu is most frequently done when in the gassho position. Our Jodo Shinshu tradition is based on the realization of the oneness with the compassionate-wisdom we call Amida. This oneness and its dynamics are encapsulated in the Myogo, the Name. Therefore, it is important that we recite the nembutsu. NAMO AMI DABUTSU is the preferred pronunciation, though it is written NamuAmidaButsu. It is frequently abbreviated even further, particularly during continuous recitation, to NAM MAN DAbu. O-shoko (Burning of Incense) Originally incense was burned as a symbolic gesture of "cleansing", or preparation, before approaching a person or object of reverence. The burning symbolizes the extinction of impure thoughts and the transiency of all existence. The fragrance of the incense is another form of "cleansing", as it drives away unfavorable odors. O-shoko is performed in the following manner:
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