Editing Nichiren Shōshū (section)

==Ceremonies==
[[File:Oferendas Budistas.JPG|thumb|Offerings of fruit on a [[Butsudan]] altar. ]]
Several ceremonies are conducted within Nichiren Shoshu, some as memorials for lauded figures, others in commemoration or celebration of momentous events, as well as life-cycle event ceremonies for individuals including conversion to Buddhism, marriages and funerals.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} Visitors who enter the temple may consider becoming a member by accepting the ''Gojukai'' ceremony which the lay believer accepts the precepts of Nichiren Shōshū and vow to defend and venerate the Dai-Gohonzon in their present existence and future existences if [[Rebirth (Buddhism)|reborn]] once again.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} Nichiren Shoshu claims this tradition from the Chapter 21 of the [[Lotus Sutra]] where [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] passes his vow to the [[Visistacaritra]] Bodhisattva and his "infinite followers" along with the merits of the ''Seven Jewels of the Treasure Tower''.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}

Former members who have not been active are allowed to receive the ''Kankai'' or reaffirmation vows.
* ''Gojukai'' ceremony for new members
* ''Kaigen-shu'' for consecrating and "opening the eyes" of Gohonzon, Nenju prayer beads and Buddhist gravestones 
* ''Kankai-kishi'' ceremony for former members
* Gohonzon approval (dependent on priestly discretion)
* ''Kantoku'' ceremony for transferring ownership of an heirloom Gohonzon to a practicing descendant
* ''Toba'' (Stupa) memorials for dead relatives and friends
* Inscription for ''Kakocho'' memorial / ancestral book for the home altar
* ''Gokaihi'' ceremony at the ''Hoando'', donation for the prayers and maintenance of the Dai-Gohonzon

[[File:Making Prayer Beads (Juzu) in Japan (1914 by Elstner Hilton).jpg|thumb|Two Japanese artisans making [[Juzu]] Buddhist prayer beads used in the Nichiren Shoshu school. The ordinary five strand in white cords, tasseled version for priests. Dated 1 September 1914, from the collection of Mr. Elstner Hilton (1887–1950).]]

Donations to a Nichiren Shōshū temple is highly regarded as private and is therefore always contained in small white envelopes labeled ''Gokuyo'' offering with a checklist that labels the purpose of ones donation. In addition, monetary donations from non-members are strongly prohibited.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}

The difference between a Nichiren Shōshū Gohonzon granted to lay believers by the priesthood and all other types is that they are the only ones specifically sanctioned and issued by Nichiren Shōshū.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} The following Gohonzons are issued if deemed worthy of the lay believer upon application:{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}
* ''Joju'' type – a carved wooden platform or grand paper scroll with a special inscription that is reserved for grand temples and buildings, or descendants of who have protected the Dai Gohonzon or Head Temple during times of disaster.
* Regular sized ''katagi'', or woodblock  –  commonly issued to practicing members
* Large size ''katagi Tokubetsu'' – granted depending on the Chief Priest highly commendable discretion
* ''mamori'' or pocket sized – issued to traveling practitioners

Regardless of their type, all Gohonzons issued by Nichiren Shōshū have been consecrated by one of the successive High Priests in a ceremony conducted in the Hoando building of Taiseki-ji temple.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} It is believed that this ceremony endows a Gohonzon with the same enlightened property of the Dai-Gohonzon, thus giving it the same power. Upon death, a Gohonzon must be returned to a Nichiren Shōshū temple. Unauthorized reproduction or photography of the Gohonzon is prohibited to believers.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}