Hongaku Jōdo
The Core Teaching of the Buddha
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    • On Creating a Better Delusion
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    • The Buddha and His Teaching, Narada
    • Path of Purification — Visuddhimagga
    • The Path of Freedom — Vimuttimagga
    • The Shape of Suffering
    • The Skill of Release
    • Aspects of Reality
    • A Larger Rationalism
    • It's Like This — Ajahn Chah
    • Seven Factors of Enlightenment
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      • The Aggregates, the Way It Is
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Wheel of Dharma–Dharmachakr

The most widely used symbol of Buddhism, the eight spokes of the Wheel of Dharma symbolize the teaching of the Eightfold Path. Revolving around the hub of truth, the wheel, like life, is always in motion
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Gassho

The gesture with hands together in front of the chest, symbolizes the unity of oneself with the Buddha and is the highest form of respect.
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Nenju–Juzu-Mala

Meditation beads are used in Gassho. They are a symbol of unity and harmony.
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​Incense (Oshoko)

​Incense diffuses sweet fragrance, transcending its shape and color. This burning of incense symbolizes the transcending of selfishness or ego to become one with all others.

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​Flowers

​Flowers adorn the altar. They are appreciated not only for their beauty, but is a symbol of impermanence . . . they are beautiful in the morning, but fade in the heat of day. They remind us of the continuous change within and around us.

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​Candlelight

​The lights burning in the altar symbolize wisdom, the light through which we understand truth. For Buddhists, wisdom is realized only through immediate and direct experience.

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