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”
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!”
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”
Season of Obon
Summertime for many Buddhists means the season of Obon.
Many people associate Obon with Japanese dancing, when crowds of people wear traditional clothes, line up in circles in front of temples and happily dance to folk songs. However, there’s a deeper meaning.
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”