Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
By Rev. Steven Toyoshima
Due to pandemic uncertainty, we’ve all cancelled plans for travel, weddings, funerals and almost any event with other people. Even our annual Bon Dance festivals were cancelled, leaving us feeling that life has turned upside down. Continue reading “Life Upside Down”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Turmoil and violence afflicting our world today are confusing and enraging. What to do? Shinran Shonin, founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, offers some relevant, timely and wise guidance. Continue reading “Shinran and Violence”
(In France, Gregory Thomas suddenly took a keen interest in Jodo Shinshu seven years ago, when he began reading all he could in English, translating works into French and eventually studying with Higashi Honganji’s Otani University professor Michael Conway. Last year, he started a French language Web site devoted to Jodo Shinshu, and also manages an active Facebook page. We recently checked in with him for an update on his activities. ) Continue reading “Update: Jodo Shinshu in France”
Rev. Kodo Umezu recently retired as Nishi Hongwanji’s Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) bishop after serving eight years. We spoke to him via Zoom online earlier this month. Continue reading “Interview: Rev. Kodo Umezu”
Rev. Steven Toyoshima
Recently, many of our cities were on fire, sparked by anger and despair from racism, discrimination, and systemic violence. Adding to the discontent were concerns about healthcare, civil rights and frustration with those in power. Armored police marched through the streets like maurading armies. Continue reading “Today’s Protest: Turning Rubble into Gold”