Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
By Rev. Ken Yamada
I heard a Japanese Buddhist “cult” promised members they could change their karma by reciting sacred words. If lonely, they’d find a mate; if unemployed, they’d find a job; if sick, they’d get well. In other words, they could change past “bad” karma into future “good” karma. In case you’re wondering, the words they recited weren’t “Namu Amida Butsu.” Continue reading “Searching for happiness? Try looking backwards”
By Rev. Noriaki Fujimori
How do you view coincidences? Is life going according to plan? Is life different than you imagined? Have unexpected events shaped your life? Continue reading “Coincidences, Coronavirus, and Life”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
A friend of mine was enjoying his life—he was intelligent, had a good career and a happy home life. Then, as he said, “cancer happened.” Without treating his particular form of blood cancer, a doctor gave him three years to live. He said, “I crumbled and wept upon hearing those words.” Continue reading “Illness is my friend”
Understanding Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in modern terms began largely thanks to certain influential teachers from the Higashi Honganji denomination. They include Manshi Kiyozawa, Ryojin Soga and Daiei Kaneko. Perhaps the most colorful and controversial was Rev. Haya Akegarasu. Continue reading “Buddhist Revolutionary: Haya Akegarasu”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
If there’s only one service a year you can attend, then go to Hoonko, Shinran Shonin’s memorial held in November. Continue reading “Hoonko: A Very Special Service”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
A thousand years ago, a kind of Buddhist last rites in Japan became popular—family members gathered around a dying person, together chanting “Namu Amida Butsu.” These deathbed rituals helped send the person to the Pure Land, or so they thought. Continue reading “The Zen of Dying”