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.
New Year’s Day – Shüsho-e
Shin Buddhism views New Year’s Day as a time to reflect and, with renewed dedication, to
endeavor to live a life of gratitude and joy. New Year’s Day service originated in Japan during the
Nara period (710-794 CE). This service is held during the morning on January 1.
Shinran Shönin’s Memorial Day – Hö-onkō
January 16:
This observance marks the death of Shinran, the founder of Shin Buddhism. Hō-onkō literally
means “Dharma gathering for acknowledging indebtedness” and is observed by many Buddhist
traditions to honor their founding masters. Our service includes the chanting of Shõshinge, verses
written by Shinran that summarize his teachings.
Rennyo Shônin urged us to reflect deeply on Shinran’s teachings at this time. Rennyo explained
that the significance of Hö-onkő is to resolve the problem of shinjin – the entrusting heart – and to
become keenly aware of the dilemma of our “birth and death.”Realizing shinjin is of paramount
importance and is the essence of acknowledging our indebtedness to Shinran.
Minister’s Message
Listen to the Buddhist teaching, even if you must take time out
From your daily business. To believe that you will listen when
You have some spare time is shallow thinking. There is no Tomorrow in listening to the teaching.
~Rennyo Shonin, 16th Abbot of Nishi Hongwanji
When we were young, we seldom thought beyond the next day, week or month. However,
as the years “creep” upon us we experience journeys beyond our imagination or
comprehension. Depending on our age, there have been so many new developments in our
lifetime.
Who knew that we would be able to launch “lay persons” into space or have “artificial
intelligence” (Al) answer our call. There have been major medical advances using Al in
diagnosis, charting, preventing disease and the enhancement of patient care. We can wear
monitoring devices that connect to the mobile phone that measures our heartbeat and sugar
levels. We now have a weight-loss drug that can also help with addiction, schizophrenia and
heart failure. We have vaccines for Covid, measles and chicken pox.
On the side of technology, many homes are using solar power. We have electric cars, with
some that can drive itself. Yet unfortunately, there are no answers to ending wars,
homelessness, sorrow or sufferings. There has been so much progress, but no answers for
what truly ails us. We tend to get lost in ourselves, our ego and our blind passions of greed,
anger and ignorance.
We can teach and write about entrusting in Nembutsu (Namu Amida Butsu) however, there
is no real medicine that can enhance what our mind and heart yearn for. We listen but, do we
really hear or even want to hear? Namu Amida Butsu (Nembutsu) seems so far away from our
senses. There is a good thing that comes from this yearning. It is the continuous questioning
and searching for our own definition or meaning of Nembutsu. We never stop in the study or
search for our deep entrusting. We are always surrounded by Buddha’s compassion and
wisdom, even in doubt.
It may take a lifetime or a very short time to find entrusting in the Buddha, dharma and
Sangha. It is a journey that one must be willing to take. It takes the individual to choose on the
distance or depth they want to travel. There are many paths we can take and choose. As the
years flow, we begin to think about our progress, and Nembutsu may remain a mystery.
Like a good mystery novel, there are always hints and clues that are given. We follow these
clues and when we “think” we solved the mystery, then another clue “pops up”. These
unexpected clues have us guessing and may lead us to search further. We realize there is not
only one answer to the mystery. It is the same for Nembutsu. There are teachings and lessons
to hear and to think about. With each teaching and lesson, there is another “door” to open and
research. In all good mystery novels, there are questions and sometimes answers.
As the New Year approaches, we adventure into the mystery of our Nembutsu (Namu Amida
Butsu) and hopefully find peace and joy in the discovery. Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu,
Happy New Year and may we continue finding clues together.
Gassho
Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano
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