Minister’s Message

During a recent vacation to Miyajima, an island in Hiroshima Prefecture known for its scenic beauty and the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, I was captivated not only by the sights and free-roaming deer but also by a beloved local treat—Momiji manju. These maple-leaf-shaped cakes, filled with sweet red bean paste, are a specialty of the island and can be found in shops throughout its streets. Many stores feature open kitchens where visitors can watch the cakes being made by mesmerizing automated machines. As I observed this process—the batter poured, the filling added, the cakes flipped and cooled—I found an unexpected connection to the teachings of Shinran Shonin and the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist path.

The experience served as a powerful metaphor for the Nembutsu path and Amida Buddha’s compassion. Watching the Momiji manju being made, I was reminded of “Other Power (Tariki)”—a foundational concept in Jodo Shinshu. Just as the visitor to the shop does not make the manju but receives it, the path to enlightenment in Shinran Shonin’s teachings is not something we construct ourselves through hard work or spiritual effort. Instead, awakening is something we receive, thanks to the boundless compassion and wisdom of Amida Buddha, which have been perfected over countless eons.

Shinran Shonin’s central teaching, based on the 18th Vow of Amida Buddha, emphasizes that salvation does not come through self-power or personal merit. We are like the customers at the manju shop—we don’t make the treat; we receive it as a gift. The “sweetness” of awakening comes not from our own doing, but through entrusting ourselves to the Vow, expressed through the recitation of Namo Amida Butsu. This isn’t a practice to gain favor or merit, but a spontaneous expression of deep gratitude for what has already been given.

Another reflection came from noticing how all the Momiji manju looked nearly identical—perfectly shaped maple leaves—yet no two were exactly alike. Some were darker, some puffier, some with more filling. Though made by the same machine, each cake had its subtle uniqueness. This diversity within sameness became a poignant reminder of how all beings are different, with their own personalities, struggles, and life circumstances, yet equally embraced by Amida Buddha.

This mirrors Shinran Shonin’s compassionate view of humanity. In “Kyōgyōshinshō”, he writes about how foolish beings are consumed by blind passions, sunk in desire, and scorched by anger—yet still, they are embraced by Amida’s Vow. The Nembutsu path does not demand perfection; instead, it acknowledges our human limitations and offers us unconditional acceptance. Just as the manju machine doesn’t pause to judge each cake, Amida’s compassion does not withhold itself from those who feel broken, flawed, or unworthy.

Then there is the taste of the Momiji manju itself—a moment of joy that brings a smile. Sweet and straightforward, this sensation reminded me of the feeling that arises when one says the Nembutsu with true gratitude. This isn’t a forced or calculated act, but a natural response of the heart, warmed by the realization of being unconditionally accepted. The taste of the manju became symbolic of the “sweetness” of the Dharma—comforting, joyful, and deeply satisfying.

For us, saying Namo Amida Butsu isn’t a way to earn spiritual points. It’s an expression of joyful gratitude, like savoring a delicious treat not because we have to, but because it brings us happiness. The Nembutsu is not a duty; it’s a reminder that we are already saved, already embraced, already loved. Just as we receive a manju with open hands, we receive the Dharma with an open heart.

In closing, I reflect that even something as ordinary as a small sweet cake can become a doorway to profound spiritual understanding. The Momiji manju can be a guide of key teachings in Jodo Shinshu:

– Enlightenment is something we receive, not something we manufacture.

– Each person is unique, but equally accepted by Amida’s compassion.

– The joy of the Dharma is real, warm, and present in everyday life.

These reflections lead to an invitation: the next time you enjoy a treat, whether a manju or something else, pause and let it remind you of the gratitude and compassion that surround your life. The path of Nembutsu is walked not in isolation, but together, supported by Amida’s great Vow. And along the way, we can find sweetness not just in desserts, but in the knowledge that we are never alone.

Namo Amida Butsu.

Celebrating the Birth of the Buddha

April is a time of renewal and reflection, a season when we celebrate the birth of Prince Siddhartha, who would later become Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha. His birth is surrounded by rich legends, including the story of Queen Maya giving birth in the beautiful Lumbini Garden. It is said that the newborn Prince took seven steps and declared, “I alone am the exalted one.” While such stories captivate the imagination, as Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, we look beyond the literal aspects of these accounts to appreciate the deeper message they convey.

As I write this article from Japan, I notice that the cherry blossoms are almost starting to bloom. It’s a beautiful reminder of the impermanence of life—one of the key teachings of the Buddha. Just as these blossoms appear in their full splendor for only a brief time before falling, so too do all things in life arise and pass away. This fleeting beauty encourages us to cherish the present moment and reflect on the wisdom the Buddha shared with us.

In today’s world, where science and reason shape much of our thinking, it is natural to question historical accuracy. Did these miraculous events truly happen? Did the Buddha even exist? Scholars and documentaries continue to explore these questions, searching for tangible evidence of the Buddha’s life and teachings. While such inquiries can be fascinating, they may also lead us away from the heart of the matter—the wisdom that the Buddha shared with us.

Rather than focusing on whether every detail of these stories is factual, we should ask ourselves: What is the purpose of these teachings? Stories like the Buddha’s birth are not merely about historical record-keeping; they are meant to inspire us, to guide us toward self-reflection, and to help us understand the nature of existence. Too often, we dismiss narratives that seem beyond our comprehension, believing ourselves to be more enlightened than those who came before us. Yet, despite the advances of the modern world, suffering persists. Wars rage on, sickness continues, and our societies remain deeply divided. The ego, the sense of self-importance and superiority, remains as strong today as it was in ancient times. Maybe the biggest miracle is not that the Buddha took seven steps at birth, but that he took a single step toward awakening—and then dedicated his life to teaching the rest of us how to follow.

Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings remain as relevant as ever. His profound insights into the nature of suffering and the path to liberation continue to offer us guidance and hope. The Buddha did not come to this world to impress us with miracles but to reveal the truth of existence and show us the way toward enlightenment. For this, we can feel deep gratitude that Prince Siddhartha was born into this world and embarked on his spiritual journey—not for his sake alone, but for all of us.

So, this April, as we pour sweet tea over the statue of baby Buddha, let’s take a moment to reflect on our own journey. Sure, most of us didn’t declare our own enlightenment at birth—some of us didn’t even master walking until well into toddlerhood! But we all have the capacity to learn, to grow, and to awaken in our own way. Let’s celebrate the Buddha’s birth not just with ritual, but by taking a step—maybe even seven—toward kindness, mindfulness, and gratitude. After all, if the Buddha’s journey teaches us anything, it’s that the most profound steps we take are the ones that lead us toward wisdom and compassion.

Namo Amida Butsu.