This month many of our temples make “mochi,” traditional Japanese rice cakes. They hold “mochitsuki,” a special day for making mochi. Continue reading “Mochi Time”
Up Next: Bodhi Day
Buddhists officially don’t celebrate Christmas, but many of them decorate trees that suspiciously look like the holiday tree. The running joke is that they’re really “Bodhi” trees. Continue reading “Up Next: Bodhi Day”
Our Thanksgiving
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Some people dread the upcoming holidays and resent time spent with family, when tensions may run high. Others enjoy time with loved ones and look forward to sharing a meal. Personally, I think Thanksgiving Day is the perfect Buddhist holiday. Continue reading “Our Thanksgiving”
Make Peace Great Again
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”
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”
Who Am I?
By Rev. Noriaki Fujimori
In Hawaii, a health treatment center’s sign welcomes people with, “We understand the connection between the body, mind, and spirit,” reminding me of Shin Buddhist teacher Ryojin Soga, who said, “My life connects with mountains, river, and land.” Continue reading “Who Am I?”