Minister’s Message
Day by day, what you do is who you will become.
Your integrity is your destination.
It is the light that guides your way.
Nothing endures change.
~Heraclites, Greek Philosopher, Late 6th Century
There are many reasons and types of personalities who attend our
temple/church. They also come from all walks of life. Some are still working, while
some are retired. There are those who are of different cultures and traditions, yet they
share a common purpose, and they all have a personality of their own. They make a
sangha.
Our personality is a product of many influences during a lifetime. When a
mother delivers her child, who is the first the infant is touched by? Of course, it
depends on who is there to help deliver the infant. In some cases, the father or
partner is there to help in the delivery. The infant can be influenced by that
experience. Although the infant is still in “shock” and in a new environment, we still
have an influence on forming some part of their personality.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, personality is defined as the combination
of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character. The
Britannica defines personality as a characteristic way of thinking, feeling and
behaving. It embraces moods, attitudes, and opinions. It includes characteristics, both
inherent (something that is natural, essential or permanent part of a thing) and
acquired behavior that distinguishes the person from another.
Our personality is a product of how one is raised, genetics and development
into culture and society. Personality can be also influenced by our interactions with
family, friends, peers or educators. It can also be influenced through culture and
traditions. Our personality is a complex integration that changes often, depending on
situations, cause, effect, and circumstances.
Our history can also contribute to our present personality. Ever wonder how
one learns to listen, follow direction and think? Our “habits” are through observation
and daily living. Each event and experience can affect our personality.
This true story took place many years ago and as always, every story must
have a good beginning. It was Thanksgiving, in a town like ours. The mother was
preparing the turkey, and she was cutting the turkey in half. The observant daughter
asked her mother why she cut the turkey in half and her mother replied because her
mother always cut the turkey in half. Curious, the daughter went to bachan
(grandmother) and asked her why she cut the turkey in half. Bachan replied that in
the past, ovens were too small to fit a whole turkey, so she would cut it in half.
This is learning from past experiences and a teaching of passing history down
to us. This event or experience is merely an addition to our personality. There is no
right or wrong in the development of personality and there are many facets of
personality. Yet, we must be aware of how our personality may be harmful to others
and its consequences. This awareness can be beneficial to change or make us
better human beings. This is another most difficult teaching of Jodo Shinshu and that
is the awareness of how our personality can affect others.
As Jodo Shinshu Buddhist, we share Nembutsu/Namu Amida Butsu for the
teachings to help give guidance and direction. It is Namu Amida Butsu that helps to
settle our hearts and minds, so that we can change that thinking part of personality.
We share our thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation for those moments of quiet,
solitude and peace. Our personality is our own nature or makeup of who we are, yet it
is also formed through many facets that include Namu Amida Butsu.
Gassho
Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano
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