Happy New Year Everyone!
Are you thinking what I’m thinking? “Where did 2022 go”? As we get older it seems the days pass much too quickly. Do we appreciate each day, or do they become forgotten with time?
In Buddhism there is the teaching of Ichigo-Ichie, which means, “Every day is the first day and the last day of our life.” One opportunity, one encounter, never to be repeated. As in the tea ceremony, the chance to drink another tea exactly like the one just served is not possible, which reflects the impermanence of life.
The Buddha considered having friends as the most important thing in following the path of Buddhism. Here at Windward Buddhist Temple, many of you have been good friends for a long time, and you also welcome new friends including those who have been away for a while. Yes, it is important to renew our ties with family and friends as we begin the new year.
Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shin School of Buddhism, lived from 1173 to 1262 - over 700 years ago. Soon we will be observing Hoonko. On January 16th in Jodo Shinshu temples throughout the world, special Hoonko services are held in commemoration of the death of Shinran Shonin. (WBT’s Hoonko service will be held on January 22, 2023.) At our services we sing a gatha titled “Ondokusan” which was written by Shinran Shonin. “Ondokusan” is the heart and essence of the Hoonko Service. This is when we honor Shinran’s life and the teachings which he has given to us.
As a boy of 9 years, Shinran was ordained into the Buddhist priesthood and for 20 years, he practiced the contemplative and scholastic disciplines of Tendai Buddhism. At age 29, Shinran abandoned the ascetic disciplines and accepted the Teachings of Amida Tathagata. Buddhism had a new meaning for Shinran. He adopted a way of life for the common people giving himself the name of Gutoku, baldheaded one, neither priest nor layperson.
What makes Shinran Shonin’s teachings relevant through the years and even in today’s world? According to Rev. Akira Hata, Shinran followed the Nembutsu teaching with a singleness of heart. And he shared the teachings of spiritual attainment that was possible even for ordinary persons of the times. He shared that Amida Buddha’s Vow tells us to come just as we are, with all our faults, limitations, and our egos. By putting trust in Amida Buddha’s Vow with a sincere heart, to call his name and to be born in his land, this is the 18th Vow called Hongan. It is through the power of the Vow that we can receive Shinjin (pure faith).
Here is a quote from Rennyo Shonin, the 8th Monshu (spiritual leader) of the Hongwanji dated 1477:
“The extent of Shinran’s Benevolence is higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean. How can we fail to express gratitude? How can we not express appreciation? Thus, as an annual observation, this most important service is conducted for a period of seven days to specifically express our feelings of appreciation and gratitude.”
In gassho,
Rev. Barbara Brennan