Reverend’s Message
Although my eyes, blinded by passions,
Do not see the brilliant light which embraces me,
The Great Compassion never tires, always casting its light upon me.
~Shinran Shonin
Reverend Gyodo Haguri was the second minister at Guadalupe Buddhist Church. He served from
1909-1911. After his term in Guadalupe, he went on to serve at several other temples/churches. He
eventually returned to Japan but would return to the United States for visits. It was during one of his visits that Rev. Haguri felt and saw the strong necessity for more books in English for the future generation. He
was encouraged by several ministers/scholars to have one of his books translated into English. The book
that was chosen is titled, The Awareness of Self.
In one of his chapters, Rev. Haguri refers to the topic of the ten major concerns of ALL people. They are
clothing, food, housing, money, honor, knowledge, family, love, pleasure, and death. With the nearing of the holiday season, we are preparing for such an event that will involve many of these concerns.
During this holiday season, there may be parties to attend, family gatherings or whatever event and food
is involved. In the book, Rev. Haguri writes that, “Food is more basic to man than clothing and…should pay closer attention to it.” Throughout our lives, we have eaten several hundred varieties of food, some we enjoyed and some we would not eat again. The smell, appeal and taste appeals to our natural instincts, yet do we truly appreciate what is set before us and accept it with gratitude and thankfulness?
When we sit down to eat, our ego plays a large part in our basic senses. We tend to “overindulge”, but
we continue to fill our tummies until it hurts. We are not satisfied until we have overextended our
indulgences. We know better, our tummies are saying enough, but our ego tells us to keep eating. We all
do this, where the top button of our pants must be undone.
Food is important. It brings family and friends together as One, this food also nourishes our body, keeps
us healthy and improves our cognitive functions (relates to the mental process that involves knowing,
learning and understanding of things). Food brings pleasure. Especially if it is one of our favorites. It can
bring a family home where love is always present. We are content, happy, at peace and our desires are
fulfilled.
Yet during this feast, many of us forget “itadakimasu” or “gochisosama deshita”, before and after
partaking of food and drink. We forget ALL the many components that have contributed to our gathering of extended family. This natural process extends to the tiniest microscopic organisms to the cashier at the
stores and of course, to the person who puts on the feast.
It is Nembutsu/Namu Amida Butsu in thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation for your reasons. You are
the only one who knows what is in your heart and mind. Whatever your Nembutsu is for, may Namu Amida Butsu bring you peace, joy, love and happiness, even if it is for a short time.
Do not forget the little ol” man in red!! Yes, I still believe.
Gassho
Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano
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