Buddhist scholar Daiei Kaneko represents a modern understanding of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, although he’s not widely known in the West. An e-book, “A Thinking Person’s Guide to Shin Buddhism,” captures his thinking and helps explain Shinshu in contemporary terms. Continue reading “Daiei Kaneko’s Guide to Shin Buddhism”
Food, Wasting and Being Right
By Rev. Hideaki Nishihori
“Food”
Recently, I really like to cook. I began to like cooking when I lived alone in Tokyo. Although I once worked for a French restaurant as a part-time chef in Kobe city, I didn’t really care about food until I moved to Hawaii. Continue reading “Food, Wasting and Being Right”
The Pope’s Nembutsu
By Rev. Patti Nakai
While visiting the Vatican recently, I heard Pope Francis using the words “ego” and “liberation” several times, making me think he was giving a Dharma talk. Even in Italian, I could hear the nembutsu coming through the Pope’s words. Continue reading “The Pope’s Nembutsu”
Fall Equinox Service
Our temples are beginning to hold their Higan services beginning this Sunday. At the beginning of Autumn, many Buddhist temples hold a special service called “Higan.” The name “Higan” means crossing over to the “other shore.” Continue reading “Fall Equinox Service”
Amida and the Statue of Liberty
By Rev. Peter Hata
Currently, in response to the ongoing crisis surrounding the issue of immigration, there’s a certain poetic passage that is frequently quoted: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” Continue reading “Amida and the Statue of Liberty”
Infinite Compassion’s Call
By Rev. Ryoko Osa
People unfamiliar with Jodo Shinshu Buddhism may think “Namu Amida Butsu” is a mysterious mantra with magical powers. But rather than imagining it’s changing the world, think how it changes our perception. Continue reading “Infinite Compassion’s Call”