By Rev. Ken Yamada
If there’s only one service a year you can attend, then go to Hoonko, Shinran Shonin’s memorial held in November. Continue reading “Hoonko: A Very Special Service”
The Zen of Dying
By Rev. Ken Yamada
A thousand years ago, a kind of Buddhist last rites in Japan became popular—family members gathered around a dying person, together chanting “Namu Amida Butsu.” These deathbed rituals helped send the person to the Pure Land, or so they thought. Continue reading “The Zen of Dying”
Deviating American Shinshu
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”
Everyday Suchness of Rev. Kubose
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”
Facing Climate Change
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”
Seeing is Understanding
By Rev. Ken Yamada
What do Buddhists “believe?” It’s a fair question but I think the wrong one. Continue reading “Seeing is Understanding”