Minister’s Message
“…the light of compassion…illumines and protects us always;
…darkness of our ignorance is already broken through, still
the clouds and mists of greed and desire, anger and hatred,
cover as always the sky of true and real understanding…”
~Shinran Shonin, Founder of Jodo Shinshu
This is my favorite time of year! It is not the weather, but a time of good foods and
spooky times. The apples are crisp, ripe and so tasty. There are pumpkins to be cooked
down and pies to be made and of course, it is Halloween!
Children, both young and mature, dress in their favorite character costumes.
These costumes may “change” their appearance but, under all the scary or bling they
are still the same person. However, just for a little bit of time, costume wearers can be
someone else. I have worn many different costumes in my lifetime. I was a scarecrow,
soda can, flower, hula dancer, witch, pirate and snowperson (man).
We can change our looks, yet underneath the costumes we are still who we are.
This time of trick and treat brings out our greed. We wanted our goodies, no matter
what. Although children do not go out anymore and parties are the way of life, it still
brings out the “hunger” pains.
When I was young, weather was not a deterrent. It snowed one Halloween; it was
wet and slushy snow yet, we ventured out. We wore warm clothes under our costumes.
Although we always had candy at home, it was our excuse to show off our costumes
and compare what candy was being given. When we got our favorites, we were “one
happy camper”. However, anger and disappointment set in when we did not get what
we wanted. That ugly greed began to play in our “want” or desire category. Our looks
were changed only temporarily; for everything is subject to change. We are who we are,
but in disguise.
This is the time of year when the nights are longer and feel much cooler. We see
changes occurring around us. The “wild” animals are beginning to fatten up for the cold
months to come. As humans, we too are preparing to face the undetermined weather
that lies ahead. However, this is a good opportunity to examine and understand what
our true self is and our Namo Amida Butsu. This true self is not the personal ego,
rather it is the universal unconditioned nature adherent in all of us. It is facing and
understanding the blind passions of greed, anger, ignorance (lack of wisdom) and that
little but big word, ego.
We have also seen children leave for school, to find and achieve their goals in life. We
also “go back to school” in learning our true self. This is also a test for parents of “letting
go” and how well we have taught our children. It is Namo Amida Butsu that follows our
children wherever and whatever their goals take them. This is a test of entrusting in our
children and their hearing and learning. It is Namo Amida Butsu.
There is so much happening this time of year, it is Namo Amida Butsu. Happy Boo day
and happy Autumn.
Gassho
Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano
.jpg)