Glossary of Buddhist words/Glossary of devotional words

Ekou means the transfer to others of the religious merits which have been accumulated through Buddhist practices and religious activities. Generally, Ekou is considered only as holding memorial services for the deceased, but this is merely one of the aspects of Ekou. The original meaning of Ekou is transferring one’s merits which have been accumulated through religious activities to others in various ways. In HBS, chanting the Odaimoku and converting and guiding others are the most important Ekou. Nissen Shonin stated in his writings, ‘The first thing to keep in mind as your daily religious practices is to transfer your merits to others. Chanting the Odaimoku, listening to sermons and guiding others are all important Ekou’ (Sanzen 14 – 56) Nissen Shonin’s Gokyoka Tomurawaru sotoba kokoro shirunaraba Charapon yorimo NamuMyohoRengeKyo When you want to transfer the merits for the soul of the deceased by displaying ‘sotoba’ (a memorial tablet), chanting the Odaimoku is the most wonderful gift to the soul, rather than performing various rituals using ‘charapon’ (a musical instrument) which other sects do.