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SHINJIN IS A VERB, NOT A NOUN: Arigatai, Mottainai, Namo Amida Butsu
Today, I would like to talk about … the “F” word. No, not that “F” word! I would like to talk about “Faith” — which is one of the ways the expression “Shinjin” is translated into English. “Shinjin” is the key doctrinal tenant of Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, the core of Shinran’s thinking, and often described…
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Nembutsu ga deru ka ne?
All Buddhists seek Enlightenment—awakening to the Truth, seeing Life as-it-is, not as-we-want-it-to-be. Unnecessary suffering in life is caused by the gap between reality—Life as-it-is—and perception—the self-centered delusion that Life should be as-we-want-it-to-be. When Life doesn’t unfold the way we want it to, we get angry, blame others for our disappointment, or whine about it on…
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Everything I Needed to Know about Buddhism, I Learned in Dharma School
I just love the song, “Buddha Loves You”…it’s supposed to be a children’s song but it makes Buddhism so easy to understand for anyone! Fly, fly, little bird, Buddha loves you little bird, Tweet, Tweet, Tweet-tweet-tweet-tweet tweet! Run, run, little pup, Buddha loves you little pup, Bow-wow, wow-wow-wow-wow wow! Don’t cry pussy cat, Buddha loves…
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ASPIRATION FOR THE NEW YEAR
I will try to be grateful for this moment, aspiring to see the world as-it-is, not as-I-want-it-to-be, so that I may alleviate suffering for all beings. I will try to be wise so that I can see both sides of conflict wth clarity, and not insist that I alone am right. I will try to…
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The Truth of Impermanence is Found in ‘Ohana
The Truth of Impermanence is Found in ‘Ohana The Teachings of Buddha awaken us to the Truth that all things are not permanent, that constant change is the natural way of things, that all conditioned things shall eventually cease to exist. Our self-centered desire for things to remain the way they are is the cause…
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Mahalo, Grandpa Suyekichi Nakawatase!
Mahalo to my maternal grandfather Suyekichi Nakawatase, who left this world and was born in the Pure Land this day 70 years ago. I never knew Grandpa Nakawatase but his influence on my life is undeniable and I am grateful for his hard work, sacrifice, and passion to ensure the Nakawatase family got off to…
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LIFE’S A BEACH and then you’re born in the Pure Land
Good morning! I am very grateful that the karmic causes and conditions of my life, the truth of Jodo Shinshu, and the truth of Hawaii led me to Tokudo ordination as a sōryō priest of the Hongwanji two weeks ago in Kyoto, Japan. This journey has led me to a new understanding of the meaning…
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My Favorite Painting
My favorite painting of all time, painted by our son (with the ponytail sticking out sideways). The brown part on the lower half wasn’t there originally–tropical storm Darby flooded the rental storage unit on Monday! Still lots of cleaning and salvaging to do but a good chance to dispose of things we no longer need…
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Bon Dancin’ as Buddhist Practice: Come as You Are
Shin Buddhists don’t believe Obon is when the “souls” of ancestors return, nor that memorial services, offering of lights, or other rituals benefit dead relatives. Obon is a time for us, who are living this unrepeatable life, to pause and reflect, to remember and honor those who have passed on before us, to appreciate all…
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The Things We Keep #49: Dad’s Boy Scout Shirt
Cleaning out the Kiyohara family home, I discovered my father’s Boy Scout uniform shirt carefully packed away in a dusty trunk, in the very back of the garage. Normally, I’d smile as I always do when given the chance to reconnect with Dad but this time was different. Having sworn the Boy Scout oath to…
JUST SAY MAHALO® 