Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
By Rev. Ken Yamada
What sounds remind you of summer? Think of children’s voices in swimming pools, music from an ice cream truck and crackling campfires. At our temples, there are Bon odori dances and noisy bazaars. Sadly in this pandemic, many of those sounds have been silenced. Continue reading “Fading Sound of Summer: Impermanence”
By Father James Fredericks
(Editor’s note: In Buddhism, anger is one of Three Poisons of human nature; in Christianity, it’s one of Seven Deadly Sins. But anger can spur us to fight injustice, according to Father James Fredericks, which means, refusing to be angry also can be a sin. He asks, “What would Buddhists say?”) Continue reading “Buddhist/Catholic Dialogue: Confronting Anger”
By Rev. Steven Toyoshima
Due to pandemic uncertainty, we’ve all cancelled plans for travel, weddings, funerals and almost any event with other people. Even our annual Bon Dance festivals were cancelled, leaving us feeling that life has turned upside down. Continue reading “Life Upside Down”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Turmoil and violence afflicting our world today are confusing and enraging. What to do? Shinran Shonin, founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, offers some relevant, timely and wise guidance. Continue reading “Shinran and Violence”
Rev. Steven Toyoshima
Recently, many of our cities were on fire, sparked by anger and despair from racism, discrimination, and systemic violence. Adding to the discontent were concerns about healthcare, civil rights and frustration with those in power. Armored police marched through the streets like maurading armies. Continue reading “Today’s Protest: Turning Rubble into Gold”