8,000-stick Goma

Assembly, Procession, and Entry

The officiating clergy assemble at Byodoji's Jibutsudo Hall at 8:00 a.m. and enter in procession. They make three prostrations with the practitioner and take their seats.

Offerings, Invocation, and Sutra Recitation

The clergy chant the Sanskrit Hymn of the Four Wisdoms while presenting offerings. During the invocation, they summon Great Holy Fudo and the Four Great and Eight Great Wrathful Deities, then recite the Rishu-kyo.

Beginning the Dharani and Goma

When the Rishu-kyo ends, the clergy begin the dharani. Around this time, the practitioner enters the goma practice.

The 8,000-Stick Offering

After the consecrated offerings, the practitioner arranges the altar and prepares 108 branches and the temporary ghee vessel. He offers the goma sticks into the sacred fire of wisdom in sets of 1,000, repeating the prescribed offerings, consecrations, prayers, universal offering, mantra recitation, and purification until all 8,000 have been offered.

Restoring the Altar, Ending the Dharani, and Closing Hymn

After the 8,000th stick, the altar implements are restored. The dharani ends at the sound of the latter argha, and the Hymn to Fudo is chanted after the latter bell.

Universal Offering, Homage, and Dedication of Merit

The clergy perform the universal offering, homage to the buddhas, dedication of merit, and wholehearted dedication. Three prostrations, closing greetings, and departure from the hall follow.

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