Goho-Rakou.

Manawatu Herald, 27 January 1894, Page 2

Goho-Rakou.

» At Paris at the Mussee" Guimefc. a select company numbering about one hundred ladies and gentlemen, assembled at the invitation of the founder, M. Guimefc, to the museum which bears his name, for the purpose of witnessing the famous Buddhist thanksgiving ceremony of " Goho-Rakou " which was to be performed before a certain celebrated Maudura by M. Horion»toke, superior of the Temple Signon of Mitani-Dgi. M. Guimefc gave a short explanatory address before the arrival of the priest. The celebration, which lasted about an hour, was followed with much interest by the spectators. It was performed by the priest, who wore throughout the same Oriental vestment, before an altar, on which stood the Manslura and other " idols," and which was adorned with cyrysanthamums and palms. On either aide was a single large candle. The printed order of the ceremony indicated no fewer than nineteen distinct divisions, the principal of which were a series of invocations to Buddhas, an exposition (in Sanskrit) of the nature and aim of the ceremony, the calling up of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to assist at it, offerings of flowers purifications, and prayers for all living things. Finally the conclusion was reached with a salutation to the de parting unseen visitors. It was a scene that left a strange, exotic im pression.