Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Imagine dying, having your body frozen, and being brought back to life in the future. That’s what proponents of “cryonics” hope for, many already laying in cold storage. What would Jodo Shinshu say?
Cryonics focuses on a future life; Jodo Shinshu talks about “infinite life.” For Buddhists, I think considering one may help clarify the other. Let’s take a look. Continue reading “Cyronics and Buddhism: Freezing Yourself for the Future”
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”
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”
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”
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”