「和顔愛語」”Wa Gen Ai Go” can be translated as “kind face, gentle words”, a reminder that a peaceful world and harmonious society begins with each of us.
If everyone took this wisdom to heart, what a different world we would all share together, free of the ugliness, alienation, and desperation of living a self-centered, selfish existence.
In Hawaii, this conscious choice of how we face the world, even with its inevitable ups and downs, is expressed as “Aloha”, an inclusive, welcoming, unconditional love for all people, acceptance of diversity, and taking responsibility for all living beings and forms of life as one big “‘Ohana” family.
When we awaken to the reality of Aloha and ‘Ohana in our lives, “Mahalo”—a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation—naturally comes to our lips, and lights up our faces with smiles, and we create kindness and gentleness in our shared world.
You don’t have to be Buddhist to share a “kind face and gentle words” with the world. You may be surprised how much of a difference it makes in your life and the lives of people around you!
In the Hongwanji tradition, we place our hands together, bow our heads, and say Namo Amida Butsu, taking refuge in all-encompassing Compassion and all-inclusive Wisdom, expressing appreciation for the great gifts we have received in our life, and signaling our intent to help others find their path to the Nembutsu in this unrepeatable life.
#NamoAmidaButsu #Namodat #南無阿弥陀仏
JUST SAY MAHALO® 