By Rev. Kenjun Kawawata
Memorial Day is an important occasion to remember the deceased, but also a time to think about one’s life. Continue reading “Memorial Day: A Time for Dharma”
Remembering Mother’s Day
By Rev. Kenjun Kawawata
This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day, a time to think about mom, but also about the life we live. Continue reading “Remembering Mother’s Day”
This Week: Hanamatsuri (Buddha’s birthday)
By Rev. Kenjun Kawawata
This week, we celebrate the Buddha’s birth, which in Japanese is called “Hanamatsuri” (festival of flowers). It’s a time to think about the importance and preciousness of individual life. It also reminds me of a story called “The King and His Four Wives.” Continue reading “This Week: Hanamatsuri (Buddha’s birthday)”
Higan and Hongan
By Rev. Marcos Sawada
This month, our temples hold a special service called “Ohigan,” observing the Spring Equinox. The Japanese word “higan” means “Crossing to the Other Shore,” which suggests a world after death. But it means much more. Continue reading “Higan and Hongan”
Buddhist Tradition: New Year’s Day
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”