Visiting a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine to offer a prayer on New Year’s Day is called “Hatsu-mode” in Japanese, and it refers to the New Year’s Day prayer according to the Buddhist tradition.
Koyasan Buddhist Temple of Little Tokyo will hold the annual Hatsu-Goma ritual, the first fire rite of the new year, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014 at the temple, located at 342 E. 1st St., Los Angeles.
Bishop Emeritus Taisen Miyata will officiate the Goma/fire rite of the Year of the Horse (uma-doshi) according to the Shingon esoteric tradition. The fire ceremony starts with the chanting of mantra and beating of taiko, and concludes with a blessing.
The distribution of mochi to those who were born in the Year of the Horse will follow.
Especially for the coming year, omikuji (fortune strips), omamori (amulets), ofuda (consecrated talisman), hamaya (lucky arrow), ema (lucky wood plaque), and other charms are available for visitors on the occasion of Hatsu-mode.
The temple is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the first three days of the year. Several thousand people are expected to visit. Ministers will also perform group blessings at 2 and 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day.
For further information, call (213) 624-1267.