The Gokito Ritual

[ananda]

I once came upon a video on YouTube depicting monks (Is that the appropriate term ?) of the Nichiren Shu school doing a ritual blessing called "Gokito". I later learned that before this blessing is dispensed on the laity the monks undergo strenuous training called "Dai Aragyo" to purify themselves and prepare them to learn how the ritual is done. Does Nichiren Shoshu's rituals include the gokito ceremony or is it something that only Nichiren Shu practices ?
Does the Kempon Hokke school also practice the ritual ?
And my biggest question what does it mean ?
The clicking of those instruments they have in their hands and the motion they click them in; what does it symbolize and what are the instruments called ?
What is the religious ornament hung around the priests neck ? What does it symbolize ?
Sorry if I ask too many questions but I'm really curious and want to learn

The videos that I referred to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-MI4JRABTA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4LTbQ0HBus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmssBzTj ... ure=relmfu

[rory]

Dear Ananda;
We at Kempon Hokke never do any of those theatrical shows you mentioned.

This practice is not for overcoming health problems, getting money or any other type of wish-fulfillment. As a result of correct practice these things may or may not be experienced by a practitioner, but this is very dependent on individual karma. To try to attribute these type of mundane occurrences to our practice is rather lame. if one were enlightened then the individual would know, but since we aren't, how are we supposed to determine such things?
gassho
rory

[ananda]

Dear Ananda;
We at Kempon Hokke never do any of those theatrical shows you mentioned.

This practice is not for overcoming health problems, getting money or any other type of wish-fulfillment. As a result of correct practice these things may or may not be experienced by a practitioner, but this is very dependent on individual karma. To try to attribute these type of mundane occurrences to our practice is rather lame. if one were enlightened then the individual would know, but since we aren't, how are we supposed to determine such things?
gassho
rory

Thank you for providing me with the perspective of your school. I can agree with you that spiritual practices are meant for overcoming suffering and reaching enlightenment.
If there are any Nichiren Shu members of Nichiren Shoshu members that happen across this thread I would like your explanation of this ceremony. The meaning of the gestures and the instruments used.

[ananda]

Correction:
Thank you for providing me with the perspective of your school. I can agree with you that spiritual practices are meant for overcoming suffering and reaching enlightenment.
If there are any Nichiren Shu members or Nichiren Shoshu members that happen across this thread I would like your explanation of this ceremony. The meaning of the gestures and the instruments used.[/quote]

[noisemonkey]

hi. I've never seen this sort of ritual in Nichiren Shoshu, in terms of exorcism we don't need to as we can request a Toba for a deceased person or chant for their happiness and future enlightenment.