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”
Today, April 8, is when we commemorate the Buddha’s birth. Typically we hold a special service called Hanamatsuri on this day, or a Sunday closest to this date. It’s usually our most festive service of the year. Unfortunately because of the Covid-19 pandemic, services have been cancelled or limited to online participation only. Continue reading “April 8: the Buddha’s Birthday”
Don’t call it New Year’s Eve, call it “Joya-E,” our year-end observance. Continue reading “Up Next: Year End Service”
Summertime for many Buddhists means the season of Obon.
Many people associate Obon with Japanese dancing, when crowds of people wear traditional clothes, line up in circles in front of temples and happily dance to folk songs. However, there’s a deeper meaning.
In May, a special service commemorates the birthday of Shinran Shonin, revered as the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. For Shinran, the Buddhist path requires a true and honest introspection of one’s own limitations and ignorance, which is an essential step towards spiritual liberation and awakening, and is a path that anyone can follow. Continue reading “Shinran Shonin Birthday Service”
At the beginning of Spring, many Buddhist temples hold a special service called “Higan.” The name “Higan” means crossing over to the “other shore.” Continue reading “Up Next: Spring Higan service”