By Rev. Ken Yamada
The Pure Land conjures a faraway land of great beauty; for art critic Sōetsu Yanagi, finding splendor in the ordinary shows that place is “here and now.”
Continue reading “Pure Land of Beauty”
Rijin Yasuda: Debunking Jodo Shinshu
Among the most innovative—even radical—Jodo Shinshu teachers who emerged during the 20th Century was Rijin Yasuda. Continue reading “Rijin Yasuda: Debunking Jodo Shinshu”
Thich Nhat Hanh’s Koan
By Rev. Miki Nakura
(Renowned Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh passed away this month in Vietnam at age 95.)
I once visited Thich Nhat Hanh’s Blue Cliff Monastery in upstate New York. When I was about to leave, a friend gave me a calligraphy written by the famous teacher that said, “The Pure Land is here and now.”
I immediately thought, “Oh, this is a koan (Zen riddle) that Thich Nhat Hanh is giving me.” The koan asked, “Miki, what does Pure Land mean to you? Continue reading “Thich Nhat Hanh’s Koan”
Searching for happiness? Try looking backwards
By Rev. Ken Yamada
I heard a Japanese Buddhist “cult” promised members they could change their karma by reciting sacred words. If lonely, they’d find a mate; if unemployed, they’d find a job; if sick, they’d get well. In other words, they could change past “bad” karma into future “good” karma. In case you’re wondering, the words they recited weren’t “Namu Amida Butsu.” Continue reading “Searching for happiness? Try looking backwards”
Coincidences, Coronavirus, and Life
By Rev. Noriaki Fujimori
How do you view coincidences? Is life going according to plan? Is life different than you imagined? Have unexpected events shaped your life? Continue reading “Coincidences, Coronavirus, and Life”
Illness is my friend
By Rev. Ken Yamada
A friend of mine was enjoying his life—he was intelligent, had a good career and a happy home life. Then, as he said, “cancer happened.” Without treating his particular form of blood cancer, a doctor gave him three years to live. He said, “I crumbled and wept upon hearing those words.” Continue reading “Illness is my friend”