By Rev. Kenjun Kawawata
Memorial Day is an important occasion to remember the deceased, but also a time to think about one’s life. Continue reading “Memorial Day: A Time for Dharma”
Importance of Rituals and Ceremonies in Buddhism
By Rev. Ken Yamada
Many people feel religious rituals and ceremonies are silly and meaningless. After all, what’s the use of burning incense and chanting a bunch of words we don’t understand? But they’re important in helping to deepen our spirituality, especially in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Continue reading “Importance of Rituals and Ceremonies in Buddhism”
Don’t Discard that Home Altar!
By Rev. Ken Yamada
People sometimes receive a valuable inheritance from their Buddhist parents or grandparents, but don’t realize its value. So they donate it to the temple.
Buddhist home altars, commonly called “butsudan” in Japanese (or the preferred term “onaibutsu”), if purchased new today in Japan cost hundreds, and sometimes, thousands of dollars. But their real value is spiritual. Continue reading “Don’t Discard that Home Altar!”
Life Upside Down
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”
Conducting a Memorial—Online
By Rev. Patti Nakai
I’d like to describe my first experience conducting an online memorial service.
During this time of pandemic and social distancing, I’m writing about this so people know their temples and ministers will do what they can to ensure a proper service for loved ones who pass away or have important memorial date services. Continue reading “Conducting a Memorial—Online”
Celebration of Death
By Rev. Ken Yamada
It seemed surreal: disco music, balloons, dinner buffet and cocktails aplenty. It was a “Celebration of Life” for a recently departed friend. Continue reading “Celebration of Death”