About the Parishioners Pledge

My father passed away, and when the ashes were buried, my ancestors requested that I fill out and seal something called an admission invoice.

When I checked the details, everything related to money, such as membership fees, fire insurance premiums, separation fees, etc., was only “separately stipulated,” and no specific amount was shown. (There is no description in another document)

My eldest son, who is my younger brother, will take over the family, and since we have no children, I think the grave will be ruined sooner or later, but at that time, I'm worried that an exorbitant amount of money will be charged based on this contract.

Is this kind of pledge common at temples?
even though it's an ancestral tomb? There is also a question, and to be honest, there is nothing but distrust, so I have come to think that it would be better not to issue a written pledge, leave the church, and bury the ossuary in a tree, etc.

Maybe it depends on the temple, but it's something I haven't heard much about, so if anyone knows it, I'd be happy if you could teach me.

5 Zen Responses

Maybe it's because it assumes a long span of 50 to 100 years

Hello. I would like to express my condolences to your father for passing away.

The temple that serves as the family member asked you to sign and seal the “Parishioners' Pledge.”
Currently, I think that such a pledge (“cemetery usage regulations” at my temple) can be requested at any temple. There are unexpected problems when running a temple. Temples and parishioners have a relationship of trust, so there was no need for such things in the past, but unfortunately, now sometimes events happen that don't work.

Membership fees, fire insurance premiums, separation fees, etc. change from year to year, so I don't think they are specified. A typical contract is about 1 to 2 years, but a temple contract assumes a long span of 50 to 100 years. Thirty years ago, it was a bubble economy. The sense of money back then is probably completely different from the current sense of money. 100 years ago was Taisho 9. Prices are completely different. I don't think it's specified for that reason.

If you have any questions, it's a good idea to ask them directly. I'm wondering how much it is now. There is no need to sign and seal without being convinced by it, and it would be too early to think about leaving without listening.

First of all, I would like to express my condolences.
Namu Amida Buddha.
Well, the tomb is probably in that family temple.
When using a graveyard, there are cases where an oral agreement is made, and there are cases where a proper contract is exchanged, so I think it depends on the temple.
I think it's a good thing to sign a contract in order not to cause trouble at a later date.
However, since there is a “separate regulation” on matters relating to money this time, I think it is necessary to consult with the temple first to stipulate it. On top of that, I think it would be a good idea to conclude a contract after understanding the details of the contract, including the details of the regulations.
So first, please discuss the money with the family temple.
Ask the temple anything you don't understand. A temple that doesn't answer that properly means a temple you can't trust. This is a pity and I'm very sorry, but let's consider other means.

Why don't you ask the head of the Danke

At our temple, we leave the calculation of the annual premium to the head of the parlor (the person in charge of accounting).
That's because the amount changes slightly from year to year, such as fire insurance and charges from Motoyama.
A religious corporation is like a neighborhood association, and the chief priest (representative officer) does not operate it alone, but decides important matters at a general meeting or general (executive) meeting by all members of the parishioners.
If you have any concerns, why not ask the head of the Danke (there must be multiple people).

appending
Temple parishioners are not “consumers.”
You don't pay money and receive services from the temple in return.
Buddhism and temples exist in this world
I would like you to make a donation (donate) because you want to do it and maintain it.
So, I think the feeling that being asked to donate equals evil (feeling of seeking satisfaction as a consumer) is fundamentally different.
Also, if you are renting a graveyard at a temple, be sure to remove (destroy) the grave when you leave.
Temple members are like members of a grass baseball team (temple), and each person becomes a “person inside” who supports the temple.
The parishioners are not customers; they run the temple.
The chief priest is employed by the parishioners, like a hired president.
I would like you to understand that.

This is the first time I've heard of such a pledge. As far as I know, I've never heard of a temple asking for such a pledge.

I've also heard opinions that there is no need to pay the separation fee, and as the other responding monks say, if you are concerned, you can consult with the family temple or the family temple officer (head of the house, etc.), and on top of that, if you don't seem to be reliable, then I think it's okay to talk to a lawyer.

Careful action is recommended.

I read your question.
Idiots do legal work
I've been working for a long time.
It's not a boy's legal affairs,
This is an administrative legal matter.
Civil affairs are not my specialty, so
I can't say anything,
Even if it's a pledge,
There is an agreement between the two parties,
and
If there is social appropriateness,
It's valid.
In the event of a dispute,
The other party always goes to the pledge
On the basis of a name seal,
They will defend themselves.

It's called an acceptance agreement
Even if we make verbal promises to each other
If you agree
The agreement will be concluded.
What are contracts and pledges
I will guarantee it
It's just a thing.

Even if there is no specific amount,
When I'm explaining it,
I will definitely insist.

It is better to respond carefully
I think it would be nice.

However,
Usage fees, management fees, etc.
What is the most essential content
In a document that is not described,
Don't ask for a signature seal
Basically,
A relationship of mutual trust
like damaging,
Asking for action itself
The fool thinks it's a problem.

What are the prerequisites for contracts and promises
It's a relationship of mutual trust.

Sign and seal the pledge
If you're looking for it,
How much is the ossuary fee and management fee
Decide individually and concretely,
After disclosing that information,
You should seek an agreement.

If you're a fool,
Break away and find a new graveyard
I'm asking for it.

Temples and monks
It's everyone's spiritual base,
Who is a fool who wants to be
I'm thinking about it.

On the contrary,

Everyone has the right to choose.

I hope you are convinced,
Please hold a memorial service.

I wish you all the best
I pray.

I wish you a happy new year.

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