Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
By Rev. Ken Yamada
A joke goes, “This person is dying! Is there a doctor here?” Someone steps forward and says: “I’m a doctor of philosophy. We’re all dying.”
Yes, the Covid-19 pandemic is bad, wreaking death and destruction to the world’s economies, creating urgent health care and human services challenges, for which, we’ve yet to find answers. This isn’t what I’m talking about. Continue reading “Death by Pandemic or Something Else”
James Fredericks is professor emeritus of Loyola Marymount University and a Roman Catholic priest in Northern California, who has been active promoting dialogue and cross-religious studies between Buddhists and Christians for many years. We recently asked him about his activities and thoughts. Continue reading “Buddhists and Christians: Dialogue of Fraternity”
Today, April 8, is when we commemorate the Buddha’s birth. Typically we hold a special service called Hanamatsuri on this day, or a Sunday closest to this date. It’s usually our most festive service of the year. Unfortunately because of the Covid-19 pandemic, services have been cancelled or limited to online participation only. Continue reading “April 8: the Buddha’s Birthday”
By Rev. Ryoko Osa
Right now, it’s “a crazy situation.” With the Covid-19 pandemic, life seems “out of control.” Continue reading “Life Out of Control”
By Abbot Chōyū Ōtani
The rapid spread of the coronavirus has caused much anxiety in the last few weeks. I give my deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones due to Covid-19 and wish for the speedy recovery of those who contract the virus. I’d like to express deep gratitude to all caregivers who are sacrificing their own wellbeing to combat this horrific disease. Continue reading “A Message in Anxious Times”
Focusing Back on the Deep Wish Given to Us:
Turning Crisis into an Opportunity to Restore Our Humanity
By Bishop Hiroshi Tajima
We can’t predict what will happen to the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic. After careful consideration, here at Higashi Honganji’s mother temple (Shinshū Honbyō) we decided to conduct our annual Spring Service as scheduled. However, attendance will be limited to only headquarters office staff. Additionally in consideration of public health, we suspended all volunteer programs (Hōshidan) as of March 1 at our Dōbō Retreat Center. Continue reading “In Crisis: A Wish Given to Us”