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Category: my stories

  • Let’s Make Rainbows

    Once upon a time in a magical place called Hawaii, eight islands in the middle of the big blue sea, there lived many happy children who loved to play together.  One day, the children noticed they were all different colors.  “I’m black!” “I’m white!” “I’m purple!” The children started arguing. “I’m best because I am…

  • “There’s Too Much Time”

    When I consider deeply the Vow of Amida, which arose from five kalpas of profound thought, I realize that it was entirely for the sake of myself alone! Then how I am filled with gratitude for the Primal Vow, in which Amida resolved to save me, though I am burdened with such heavy karma. Shinran…

  • April Fool Every Day

    The shinjin of the wise is such that they are inwardly wise, outwardly foolish. The heart of Gutoku is such that I am inwardly foolish, outwardly wise. Gutoku ShinranGutoku’s Notes, Fascicle OneCollected Works of Shinran, Volume 1, page 587 Shinran, founder of Jodo Shinshu, referred to himself as “Gutoku” Shinran.  “Gutoku” means the “stubble-headed foolish…

  • Sunrise Dew Drops

    Shimmer in the light Winds of impermanence blow Sunrise drops of dew

  • The Kids Who Said Thank You Too Much

    Once upon a time in a magical place called Maui, a beautiful island in the middle of the big blue sea, there lived a little girl and a little boy. Maui was filled with kind and gentle people who always said, “aloha!” with a big smile and gave big friendly hugs. One day, the little…

  • Children’s Dharma Talk: Magic Words

    Once upon a time, there was a little boy and a little girl who lived in a magical place called Maui, a beautiful island in the middle of the big blue sea. Maui was filled with kind and gentle people who always said “aloha” with a big smile and gave friendly hugs. One day, the…

  • It’s not about ME

    When a person realizes the mind of non-discrimination,   That attainment is the “state of regarding each being as one’s only child” This is none other than Buddha-Nature; We will awaken to it on reaching the land of peace.      Shinran Shōnin      Hymns of the Pure Land, Verse 97      The…

  • The Buddhist Path: Dealing with Anger

    When you get so angry you don’t know what to say, say “I’m sorry” When you get so angry you don’t know what to do, be kind and gentle When you get so angry you don’t know what to think, be grateful Anger is a mirror reflecting what is inside of you, just as you…

  • Lessons from the Chalkboard: Active Listening, Truly Hearing

    The Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha way of “preparing the heart-mind to actively listen and truly hear” the Dharma also applies to actively listening to and truly hearing people in daily life. “On this remarkable and unrepeatable occasion, 1. Listen as if what this person is saying is the FIRST TIME, 2. Listen as if what this…

  • Life in the Moment 瞬間に生きる

    Life in the Moment 瞬間に生きる A tiny hand reaches out in the night A soft sigh, ‘Grandpa!’ A silent smile NamoAmidaButsu 夜中の暗みに 小さな手が動く 静かなため息 「グランパー!」 静かな微笑み 南無阿弥陀仏