I first noticed what the Muslim prayer hall and our Buddhist temple had in common: no sign.
Black Holes and Kiyozawa
By Rev. Steven Toyoshima
A black hole in outer space, once impossible to see, was just seen by a new telescope. Likewise, the great Buddhist teacher Manshi Kiyozawa tells us: use a telescope to see yourself. Continue reading “Black Holes and Kiyozawa”
Awakening and Shinjin Awareness
By Rev. Kenjun Kawawata
When the one thought-moment of joy arises,
Nirvana is attained without severing blind passions;
When ignorant and wise, even grave offenders and slanderers of the dharma,
All alike turn and enter shinjin,
They are like waters that, on entering the ocean, become one in taste with it.
(excerpt from Shoshinge, written by Shinran Shonin)
Shinran Shonin says the moment we rejoice with shinjin, deep spiritual awareness, we attain Nirvana without shedding our blind passions. Shinjin means truly awakening to the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion. Continue reading “Awakening and Shinjin Awareness”
Myokonin: Saichi’s First Poems
(Updated) Added: Newly translated introduction that originally appeared in the Japanese magazine “Honi,” February 1919
Living Myokonin Saichi Asahara
By Edatsu Teramoto
Mention the name “Saichi Asahara” and people will say, “Who?” Of course, most people never heard of him. Continue reading “Myokonin: Saichi’s First Poems”
O-nenju: Understanding Buddhist beads
By Rev. Koen Kikuchi
After service one day, a woman asked about O-nenju, Buddhist beads. Catholics use rosaries when they pray, she said, but how about Buddhists? What do Buddhist beads mean and what is their purpose? Continue reading “O-nenju: Understanding Buddhist beads”
Human Dilemma
By Rev. Marcos Sawada
Shakyamuni Buddha said, “Life (the self) is an illusion!” Is life really an illusion? Here’s a perspective I learned from two dharma teachers, Rev. Yutai Ikeda and Rev. Nobuo Haneda. Continue reading “Human Dilemma”