Dharma lesson Archives – Page 10 of 13

April 30, 2019

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”

April 12, 2019July 17, 2019

Myokonin: Saichi’s First Poems

(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”

February 8, 2019February 8, 2019

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”

January 17, 2019January 24, 2019

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”

November 9, 2018November 9, 2018

Make Peace Great Again

Rev. Frederick Brenion

It was a war to end all wars. It did not. It would make the world safe for democracy. It failed. It was to end quickly. It lasted four horrific years with millions of casualties. It was a war which should not have happened. Yet it did. It changed the world forever. It solved nothing. It planted the seeds for war 21 years later and for the conflicts of today. It was called the Great War, the World War, World War I. It ended 100 years ago this month on November 11, 1918. It is a day known as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day. In the United States, we call it Veterans Day. Continue reading “Make Peace Great Again”

November 1, 2018November 1, 2018

Dying last words

Rev. Ryoko Osa

Often in movies, when people are dying, they say to family members, “I love you… Thank you for everything… Please take care of yourselves.” However according to medical professionals, such last words are rare at life’s end. Continue reading “Dying last words”