Jodo Shinshu Buddhism for everyone
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Buddhists leaders in Northern California have banded together to help tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems. They’ve adopted goals set by the United Nations and plan to urge their members to take action. Continue reading “SDGs: Buddhist Leaders Tackle World Problems”
This month typically many of our temples make “mochi,” traditional Japanese rice cakes. They hold “mochitsuki,” a special day for making mochi. Unfortunately because of the pandemic, we’ve put this activity on hold. Nevertheless, please enjoy this description of a timeless tradition. Continue reading “Mochi Time”
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”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Somebody once told me she learned Buddhism from books and alone tried to practice its ideals. She also tried to teach her kids Buddhism. It was all quite difficult and trying. She said, “It’s hard to be a Buddhist by yourself.” Continue reading “New Book: Handbook for Shinshu Followers”
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Highway billboards say much about a region. In Georgia, “The Peach State,” two giant signs declared “Only God and Donald Trump Can Save Our Country.” When entering Virginia, Joe Biden signs suddenly proliferated. Continue reading “Nembutsu Roadtrip Part 3 (Finale)”
Book Review: Let This Be Known: Finding the Shin Buddhist Path by James Pollard
by Rev. Patti Nakai
This isn’t a book for “nightstand Buddhists” who avoid organized religion and challenges to their so-called spirituality. James Pollard’s Let This Be Known: Finding the Shin Buddhist Path helps readers gain a deep understanding of Shinran’s teachings. Continue reading “Not For Nightstand Buddhists”