Fireworks may traditionally celebrate the year’s first day, but for many Buddhists, a bell rings in the New Year. Continue reading “Buddhist Tradition: New Year’s Day”
Year End: A Time to Reflect
By Rev. Ken Yamada
As the year ends, let’s reflect on the importance of time.
This week, there are two important Buddhist services marking time—the Year End service and New Year’s Day service. I stress the term “Year End” (instead of New Year’s eve) because it’s a time to look back on the past year and think about all that has happened. The New Year’s Day service commemorates a beginning and starting out fresh.
But aren’t these merely random markers of time? After all, each day flows mostly indistinguishable from the next. Continue reading “Year End: A Time to Reflect”
SDG #2: Fighting World Hunger
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Buddhist leaders tackled world hunger in an online forum last week, the second of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), under the theme, “Zero Hunger: What can we do now for our future? Buddhist Perspectives.” Continue reading “SDG #2: Fighting World Hunger”
Searching for happiness? Try looking backwards
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”
Coincidences, Coronavirus, and Life
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”
Illness is my friend
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”