Shō Hassenmai-ku

The Shō Hassenmai-ku is one of the severe ascetic practices handed down in the Shingon school: a goma practice of prayer that continues all day long.

At Byodoji, we receive wishes like these from you and perform this rite once a year before Fudo Myoo.

From October 13, goma is performed three times a day. Goma sticks (gomagi) are pieces of wood prepared as offerings to the buddhas. For this observance, we have all worked together splitting firewood. On November 3, the concluding day (kechigan), 8,000 goma sticks are offered into the fire in a single session. Before that fire, keeping a fast through a day and a night, I pray from morning until evening that your wishes may be fulfilled.

Please send in your wishes for yourself and for those dear to you. The prayers entrusted to us are read aloud at every session, from the first goma through November 3, when the practice concludes.

And on November 3, the concluding day, please join your hands with us in prayer. You can take part from home through the live stream, or come to Byodoji. No reservation is needed, and attendance is free. Please come at any convenient time during the day; you may enter and leave the hall freely. At the temple or at home, let us pray together.

An auspicious day in September 2026 · Rev. Shinryo Taniguchi, Chief Priest of Byodoji