For myself, I do not have even a single disciple. For if I brought people to say the Nembutsu through my own efforts, then they might be my disciples. But it is indeed preposterous to call persons “my disciples” when they say the nembutsu having received the working of Amida.

Tannisho 6

This passage is from the Tannisho, or, “A Record in Lament of Divergences,” which was a collection of authentic sayings compiled by Yuien bo in the 13th century. As a minister or layperson, I find it helpful to remind us that even though we find teachers that relay the Buddha’s Teachings well, it is still not their teaching. As Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, we are not followers of individuals, but are moved by Amida Buddha’s efforts, which then moves us away from our own working or efforts to a life of authenticity and appreciation through Nembutsu recitation. Do you say Nembutsu or Namu Amida Butsu when you take something for granted or see a flaw in yourself? Do you say it when you find you are more into yourself than acting for the benefit of everyone?

As we contemplate the feeling of our hearts as Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, what is your idea of a healthy temple? I think about this question all the time. Do you? Do you have a physical unit of measurement? I think many of us would use our temple’s membership as an indicator of health, or the financial numbers. Is there a system to weigh the fleeting heart? When taking this into consideration you might look at the donations of Dana that come into the temple. Donations of Dana are important for our individual growth. They are made when there are moments in our individual lives that we celebrate not just with family and friends, but in appreciation for the Buddha, the Teachings, and the Temple that makes you realize how meaningful the moment really is. When we know that everything from the moment we are conceived is a gift, we can’t help to celebrate, and give what we can to the temple for receiving this teaching. There are also many people that look to the past, and model their vision for the future. These are all valid forms of measure, but I feel you would have to ask yourself “what is the current definition of a Jodo Shinshu Temple?”

It has been almost 15 years since Reverend Hosho Shindo passed. It is unfortunate, but I never knew him in a state of health. I use this as an inspiration and template for ministry. Work hard, accept others, and say what needs to be said. He once gave a message of how the temple isn’t just a building, but a place of worship. He then said saying the nembutsu is like catching fireflies in a jar. One gives off a beautiful light, but as you continue to collect these amazing and wonderful insects, the cumulative light allows us to see through the darkness. At the time, I would reflect on my path. Even though my heart had already changed through Nembutsu recitation, I thought I would have to continue to reflect on its importance within. The firefly’s individual life is too short, and like the effect of Nembustu, if I tried to hold onto it, as if in a confined space like a jar, it will die or fade even quicker. So, I constantly tried being mindful, saying Namu Amida Butsu to keep inspired and connected, thinking the more Nembutsu, the brighter the jar. Maybe this was a good way to contemplate Amida’s Nembutsu and continue on an individual path, but as we look to the temple, I now believe Shindo Sensei was saying something different. Or the message just changed for me.

One day, I remember setting up for a service being in pain behind the Gardena Naijin, and I said it. Then I heard an echo. I was shocked, because of it was so clear and said spontaneously. When I looked in the Hondo there was no one there. Then Shindo Sensei appeared from a crouched position on the Naijin. Hearing him moved me. I always thought about how no matter how much physical pain I was in, it was nowhere as much as his. He worked so hard every day. He was patient, kind, and understanding with a vision.

A Jodo Shinshu Temple is vital and should be filled with Nembutsu followers. As I think of the health of our temple, it is not how often we say Nembutsu, but how many of are moved by Amida Buddha’s Vow and then say Nembutsu. The more people that come together in the jar, the more we can learn about ourselves in a safe and compassionate environment. We may get upset, but we have to really remind ourselves why Jodo Shinshu is right for us and share it with others.

A healthy temple knows no one is perfect. With this in mind, we accept support from others and can truly appreciate the compassion they give. This place of worship, our temple is truly the home we need, and not just a place or building for learning. Make it your home. You are the host. When people come, say “WELCOME HOME!” This is important. The safety of a home is shared with everyone. Remind everyone not to just use the temple, but take care of their home and extended family. What is your vision of a Healthy Temple? Let’s work together as a Community, a Family, a Temple.

GASSHO
WELCOME HOME!!!
NAMO AMIDA BUTSU
Rev. Kory Quon
April 2026