This is taken from an explanatoty booklet, The Confirmation Ceremony, published by Hongwanji International Centre, and given to each candidate.

'Confirmation' is the translation given for Kikyoshiki, which in the West we would better understand as a 'Ceremony of Refuge in Amida Buddha' The text is printed here exactly as in the booklet, with the exception of the sub-headings and some minor corrections.

In this Shin Buddhist ceremony, performed before the altar of Amida Buddha and Shinran Shonin, one takes the important step of affirming reverence for the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, and one's determination to tread the path to Buddhahood.In the time of Sakyamuni Buddha, one was pennitted to join the Buddhist community (sangha) upon receiving the precept of the three refuges under the guidance of a monk, and shaving one's head.

To receive the precept of the three refuges means to declare before one's teacher that one takes whole-hearted refuge in the Buddha, Dhanna and Sangha, and to vow that one will not deviate from them. 'Buddha' here refers to Sakyamuni. 'Dharma' to Sakyamuni's teaching and 'Sangha' to the community of followers who have entrusted themselves to Sakyamuni Buddha's teaching. Because these form the basis of what one values most in one's life, they are called the Three treasures'.Shaving one's head symbolises departure from worldly ways of life and entrance into a life devoted to the path of Buddhism, which transcends the mundane world.

The teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha are so extensive that they are said to number 84,000. It is not surprising then, that after the Buddha's death, various schools developed based on different aspects of his teaching. Shin Buddhism (Jodo Shinshu) is the Buddhist path of great compassion clarified by Shinran Shonin. Shinran teaches that Sakyamuni appeared in the world in order to reveal the Vow of Amida Buddha to save all beings; it is the saving of all people by Aniida Buddha that is Sakyamuni's fundamental teaching.

The Confirmation Ceremony in Shin Buddhism, therefore, shares a common meaning with the precept of the three refuges administered in the time of Sakyamuni Buddha, but it also has a special meaning. In the Confirmation Ceremony, the Buddha of the three refuges is not simply Sakyamuni, but refers especially to Amida Buddha, who is the heart of Sakyamuni's teachings. Sakyamuni came into the world to teach the Vow of Amida Buddha, and our salvation is brought about by Amida.

'Dhanna' is the teaching of Amida's compassionate working to save all beings, and 'Sangha' refers to people who have entrusted themselves to Amida. Since there are no precepts in Shin Buddhism, instead of receiving the precept of the three treasures, one participates in the Confirmation Ceremony. Also, Shin practitioners do not shave their heads, but undergo a ritual and symbolic cutting which has a similar meaning.

On participating in the Confirmation Ceremony, one receives a Buddhist name (homyo). These names are in the form of Shaku and two Buddhist terms. The word Shaku means 'disciple of Sakyamuni' and signifies that the person has joined the followers of the teaching of Sakyamum Buddha, a teaching that transcends race or nationality.

In Shin Buddhism, the Confirmation Ceremony is as a rule performed by the Monshu (Chief Abbot) However, depending on the circumstances, it may also be performed by a representative of the Monshu. As a Shin Buddhist, one endeavours to hear the teaching of Arnida's Primal Vow, and also to transmit it to others.

Further, one clearly grasps the principle of cause and effect that is basic to the Buddhist teaching, and does not rely on superstitions and beliefs of any kind that contradict it.