Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
By Rev. Peter Hata
We American Shin Buddhists as “messengers” need to creatively find new and effective ways to communicate Shinran Shonin’s message in the West. As a tradition transplanted from Japan to America, the reality today facing both Higashi Honganji and Nishi Honganji is that to thrive in America—not simply survive—it must change. However, it’s not Shinran’s message that needs changing. Continue reading “Deviating American Shinshu”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
My first meaningful encounter with Buddhism came through the book “Everyday Suchness.” Why my best friend’s mother gave it to me, a mere primary schooler, I couldn’t say. Continue reading “Everyday Suchness of Rev. Kubose”
By Rev. Steven Toyoshima
What would we do if Waikiki beach disappeared? Where would we live if places like Southern California were submerged by rising sea levels caused by climate change? How can we survive heat waves and weather disasters stoked by rising ocean temperatures? Continue reading “Facing Climate Change”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
What do Buddhists “believe?” It’s a fair question but I think the wrong one. Continue reading “Seeing is Understanding”
Rev. Peter Hata recently retired as staff minister of Los Angeles Higashi Honganji Betsuin temple. He wrote the following message in the current temple newsletter. Continue reading “Parting but not Farewell”
By Rev. Noriaki Fujimori
The Pandemic forced us to change our behavior and the way we think. It forced me to think about how and why I eat.
Before, people often told me, “You’re a real foodie.” My wife would say, “You eat everything.” I lived many years on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where there weren’t many restaurants. Then I moved to the foodie paradise of Honolulu. Many restaurants tempted me to go out and eat, which happily I did. Continue reading “Higher Consciousness and Food”