Author Archives: Ron Gee

The Fall of Leaves!

| November 1, 2023

Hello and Greetings Everyone! Living in Southern California you know that in the fall the leaves that areable to change are. Eventually they will fall to the ground. I often forget this simple lesson of Nature. DoYou? Give up anger, abandon conceit, and overcome all fetters. Ills of life (dukkha) do not befall one who… Read More »

Happy Summer to All!

| August 3, 2023

Light Speed Ahead! Do you feel that now that we are doing more things in person that everything is going even more quickly than it did before? I do! It has been great to see so many of you in person. Then, I find that there is not enough time to actually catch up. Especially… Read More »

2024 VHBT Obon

| June 22, 2023

| General Info | Sponsors | Opportunity Drawing | Silent Auction | Volunteers | Donors | General Info The 2024 Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Obon Festival will be held on July 20-21 from 3PM to 9PM. We invite you all to join us in person for some delicious food, fun games, our opportunity drawing, silent… Read More »

Names

| May 8, 2023

In order to clarify and to bring us to know that the light of Amida surpasses conceptual understanding, the expression “I take refuge in the Tathagata of unhindered light filling the ten quarters” is used. When we constantly hold in mind and say the Name of the Buddha of unhindered light, since it embodies the… Read More »

2023 Film Festival

| March 8, 2023

After a two year hiatus, the Film Festival returns to the Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. This year’s theme is Disobedience. The Film Festival will run every other Sunday from March 26 through May 7, starting at 11:30AM. Light refreshments will be available and a short discussion will follow each film. Cost is free, donations gladly… Read More »

Turning the Corner in 2023!

| February 1, 2023

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 »

We Did It! Thank You VHBT Family!

| October 15, 2022

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 »