Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
His life could come from today’s headlines—controversial, charismatic and polarizing, with a life filled with tabloid worthy scandals. Rev. Haya Akegarasu (1877-1954) became a renowned Buddhist whose teachings were strongly influenced by Manshi Kiyozawa, whose own experiential approach modernized Jodo Shinshu. Akegarasu eventually held the top administrative post in the Higashi Honganji denomination. Continue reading “Akegarasu: Buddhist poet”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
It seemed surreal: disco music, balloons, dinner buffet and cocktails aplenty. It was a “Celebration of Life” for a recently departed friend. Continue reading “Celebration of Death”
By Rev. Koen Kikuchi
How do you feel about euthanasia—deciding the time and place of your own death? In Hawaii starting this year, euthanasia is allowed under certain conditions, adding to a growing number of states in this country. Is euthanasia really our choice to make? Continue reading “Killing Myself”
By Rev. Steven Toyoshima
I bid farewell
To the faces of my sleeping children
As I am taken prisoner
Into the cold night rain.
-Otokichi Ozaki, Honouliuli internee
We traveled to a place long lost to history: the site where Honouliuli Internment Camp once stood. Continue reading “WWII internment in Hawaii”
By Rev. Noriaki Ito
Our country—one of the world’s most advanced nations—is a leader in senseless tragedy. Already this year we’ve had many mass shootings and innocent deaths. How do we understand what’s happening through the Buddhist teachings? Continue reading “Who’s Evil? I am!”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Despite Buddhism’s rise in today’s popular culture, why is membership declining at many of our temples? What’s the answer and what can we do about this vexing problem? Continue reading “Why is membership dropping at temples?”