If, when I become Buddha, the sentient beings in my land do not decidedly attain the equal of perfect enlightenment, so that they realize great nirvana, may I not attain enlightenment. Kyogyoshinsho 3.3 Although there are initially nine grades among those aspiring for birth, now [in the Pure Land] there are no distinctions whatsoever. It… Read More »
All that we are really capable of doing is to consider ourselves as separate from others, and take life and death to be two distinct things. Thus, we cannot help but form attachments to our selves and become estranged from others, or cling to life while rejecting death. We are afflicted by love and hatred,… Read More »
Hello and Happy New Year! I have sat in front of this computer writing over and over again. I think about what the next 10 years will look like for our Buddhist Sect of Jodo Shinshu. What kind of hopes do I have for our temple community? I would hope that everyone will continue to… Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
