By Bishop Kenjun Kawawata
With Bodhi Day approaching on December 8, let’s ponder its meaning for us. Bodhi Day observes the day the Buddha became enlightened.
Make Peace Great Again
It was a war to end all wars. It did not. It would make the world safe for democracy. It failed. It was to end quickly. It lasted four horrific years with millions of casualties. It was a war which should not have happened. Yet it did. It changed the world forever. It solved nothing. It planted the seeds for war 21 years later and for the conflicts of today. It was called the Great War, the World War, World War I. It ended 100 years ago this month on November 11, 1918. It is a day known as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day. In the United States, we call it Veterans Day. Continue reading “Make Peace Great Again”
Dying last words
Rev. Ryoko Osa
Often in movies, when people are dying, they say to family members, “I love you… Thank you for everything… Please take care of yourselves.” However according to medical professionals, such last words are rare at life’s end. Continue reading “Dying last words”
Kiyozawa: What was Shinran thinking?
By Rev. Wayne Yokoyama
Someday I hope Shinshu teacher Manshi Kiyozawa will be widely recognized as a truly brilliant mind of the modern era. He not only entered the Shinshu Otani-ha (Higashi Honganji) denomination from the outside, his influence on religious thought extends far beyond his native Japan.
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”
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”