The phrase in the Ho-onko shiki, “Always keep in mind that recitation (of ‘Namo Amida Butsu’) is an instinctively cheerful activity” refers to reciting “Namo Amida Butsu” joyously rather than reciting it from a sense of duty. That’s because “Namo Amida Butsu” recited with shinjin (with a sense of being in Amida Buddha’s embrace) is… Read More »
The Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple was able to host a successful Obon! I am exceptionally proud of our temple community for everyone’s hard work. This is a direct reflection of those that have come before that installed the good feelings and memories in us. Thank You Everyone! Thank you to those that planned! Thank you… Read More »
Imagine if a total stranger approached you and gave you this greeting. “Y’all H.A.G.S.!” How would this make you feel? I would be a little insulted. “Why did you call me that? A witch?” Do you remember when people used to say, “You old hag” or something like that? This is one of the difficulties… Read More »
Recently, we celebrated the seven newest additions to our Sangha. I want to thank all the families and extended relatives that participated and made our Hatsumairi possible. I also want to thank everyone that contributed in making the Hatsumairi and Hanamatsuri service as well as the Bento Otoki and Dana Deliveries on April 3 a… Read More »
Happy New Year! Shinnen Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! Welcome 2022! On behalf of the Venice Buddhist Temple, I would like to Thank You to Everyone for your past support in 2021. Congratulations! We have all made it another year! As we have come to 2022 I was wondering, what is your vision for this year? Have… Read More »
10 years ago, I got a shirt as a gift. It was a nice long sleeve Brooks Brothers shirt. Now for many people, they might not think that spending $100 is a lot for a shirt, but for me you could get 3. With this in mind, I only wear it for special occasions. Have… Read More »
Wonderful, indeed, it is to subdue the mind, so difficult to subdue, ever swift, and seizing whatever it desires. A tamed mind brings happiness. The Dharmapada, chapter 3, verse 35 Hello, Everyone! I hope you are enjoying your summer! I imagine that without the summer festivals and Obons these are truly the hottest times of… Read More »
Earth Day is coming! How drastically the world is able to change! It truly is an exciting time. This year is the 51st Earth Day observance. Do you remember where you were last year? Probably at home watching amazing things happening on television. Were you as excited as I when we saw all different types… Read More »
Happy New Year! Welcome 2021! These are two terms that many people in the world have been waiting for. Even though the day January 1, 2021 is only a blip on the historical timeline, in this moment for ordinary human beings like us it is a turning point which helps us to change our perceptions… Read More »
Hello and Greetings! I want to share the article I wrote for the Federation Dharma School Teachers League. I wrote it with the understanding that Amida Buddha is constantly thinking about each and every one of us. With the time passing quickly I find myself thinking about what seems easy, but has no growth. Maybe… Read More »
