Thank You All for All Your Kind Donations Financial, Materials, and Labor. It takes us all
to carry on the work of our forefathers and keep our church viable.
Membership
Dues: For individuals, it is $225. For a family, it is $400. For members over 80 years old, it is $180.
Thanks everyone for a wonderful OBON
The following photos offer some views many visitors do not see and some of the folks who make the
experience possible. I have a lot of gratitude for all those who work so hard for the enjoyment of
others and keeping alive the traditions and meanings of OBON.
Check out our Instagram page for more photos and videos
https://www.instagram.com/obongbc/
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Minister’s Message
Tell me in a world without pity.
Do you think what I’m askin’s too much?
I just want something to hold on to
And a little of that human touch
Just a little of that human touch
~5th verse of song, Human Touch by Bruce Springsteen
After all the Obon prep and back-to-back Obon, I need a hug! We could all benefit from a daily dose
of hugs. According to a 2023 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research
and Public Health, research was conducted on more than 100 first-year college students. The results
showed that the students who received more daily hugs from friends, roommates, and/or family
members showed reduced morning-stress levels the following morning. On days when these students
received less hugs, the results of morning-stress level were higher. Science is telling us that hugs can
have health benefits.
According to Conny Wade, a functional medical practitioner and health coach, she recorded that this
physical touch can also improve cardiovascular health by increasing the heart rate variability (HRV).
The HRV is a crucial measure of variation of time between heart beats. It reflects how well our body
balances stress and relaxation. A high HRV indicates that the body is more adaptable to stress and the
transition from activity to rest more easily. Wade went on to say that “HRV should be as high as
possible.”
Earlier research study in 2003 found that couples who held hands for 10 minutes followed by a 20
second hug by their partner had lower blood pressure and heart rate under stress. This study suggests
that “affectionate touch” may provide physiological protection, which partially indicates the heart health
benefits associated with supportive relationships. A simple holding of hands and a hug can be a show
of compassion, love, support and care.
Regular “affectionate touch” (hugs) can also produce benefits way beyond stress reduction and a
healthier heart. Those who received consistent physical comfort, whether from pets, humans, or
weighed blankets slept more soundly and woke up more refreshed than those with less contact.
According to Wade, receiving hugs on a regular basis can also help reduce inflammation. She said,
“Inflammation is largely caused by chronic stress, and chronic inflammation has been connected to a
variety of health issues, including depression and autoimmune diseases.” A 2020 study found that hugs
were associated with lower pro-inflammatory molecules.
There is a “science” behind a hug or embrace. Sheldon Cohen, a researcher from Carnegie Mellon
University found that “social support protects us from stress-induced illness boosting the immune
system.” He found that when we give a hug to someone, there are events that unfold in our own bodies
and mind. The focus on hugs or touch is not sentimental, rather a simple hug could serve as a
“miniature vaccine against disease.”
The research with other studies showed that the right amount and how long we share a hug can
prime our immune system. This hug can lead to better heart health and even help in healing an
emotional wound. Researchers tested varying types of hugs and durations. They found a one-second
hug felt unsatisfying and provided minimal benefit. However, a five to 10 second hug proved to be
optimal before longer contact became uncomfortable. In intimate relationships. 20 second hugs or
embraces produced a much stronger measurable effect.
There is much more science investigation in the Epoch Times. We just have to remember that we
are always embraced in Namu Amida Butsu. It is in Nembutsu that Buddha’s compassion and wisdom
surrounds us. We offer and accept hugs in times of happiness and sadness, however it is our Namu
Amida Butsu that is lasting and beneficial in guiding and sharing direction and in finding peace and
calm in our hectic world. Share a hug and Namu Amida Butsu.
Gassho
Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano
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