Minister’s Message

Reflecting on Peace through the Nembutsu

This past month has been a time of deep reflection. September 11 reminded us once again of the tragic terrorist attacks in 2001. At that time, I was still in Japan. After a long day, I turned on the television and saw planes crashing into buildings. At first, I thought it was a movie. But as I realized the truth, my heart was filled with pain. Even from across the ocean, the sorrow was overwhelming. In our interconnected world, tragedy anywhere affects all of us.

On Kauai, a memorial service was held at Waimea Shingon Mission on September 7 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Proclamation issued by Mayor Derek Kawakami reminded us of the enduring spirit of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. These young men, many from Kaua‘i, showed perseverance, humility, honor, and devotion, even while facing discrimination at home. Forty Kaua‘i soldiers gave their lives, and their names are enshrined on the Waimea Shingon Mission’s Memorial Tower. Their sacrifices remind us of both the cost of war and the responsibility to foster peace.

Shinran Shonin wrote:

“Full of compassion for the sentient beings of this defiled world,
Mahasthamaprapta encourages us to say the nembutsu;
He embraces the people of shinjin
And brings them into the Pure Land.”

(Pure Land Hymns on the Right, Semblance, and Last Dharma-Ages)

These words remind us that even in a world of conflict and suffering, compassion embraces us. Saying the Nembutsu—Namo Amida Butsu—is not simply reciting words, but awakening to Amida’s unconditional embrace. It softens our hearts and allows us to live with gratitude and compassion toward others.

So, what can we as followers of the Nembutsu do? What should we do? We can begin with humility, remembering that we do not have all the answers. We can practice remembrance, honoring those who suffered and sacrificed in times of war and tragedy. And we can commit to peace in our daily lives—peace that begins with kindness, gratitude, and respect for each other.

This spirit of peace was also celebrated in our own temple community. On September 22, members of the Lihue Hongwanji Women’s Association and children from our Lihue Hongwanji Preschool joined together for the event “Ring Your Bell for Peace Day.” With smiles and laughter, they joyfully rang bells to express their hope for a peaceful world. Though simple, such acts remind us that peace is nurtured in everyday life, beginning with the small gestures we share with one another.

As we remember the lessons of 9/11, the sacrifices of WWII, and the joy of our Peace Day event, let us reflect once again on peace. Guided by Amida’s boundless compassion, may we live each day with gratitude, humility, and the wish for a more peaceful world.

Namo Amida Butsu.

Reflections on Impermanence in the Midst of a Summer Shopping Frenzy

I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the summer. Thank you for your continued support of our temple and its many activities.

This month, I’d like to reflect on a very modern trend that has become part of our summer routine: the big online shopping sales. Every July, millions of people jump online to catch the “best deals of the year.” Flashy ads shout things like, “One day only!” or “Don’t miss out!” creating a sense of urgency and excitement. People rush to buy electronics, clothing, kitchen tools — even everyday household items — hoping to score a bargain before time runs out.

But have you ever noticed what happens after the package arrives? The excitement fades. Maybe we forget about what we bought. Maybe it ends up on a shelf collecting dust. That rush we felt during the sale doesn’t last very long. This is a perfect example of impermanence — a fundamental truth in Buddhism.

The Truth of Impermanence

In Japanese, we use the word mujō (無常) to describe impermanence — the reality that all things are constantly changing. Our possessions, our feelings, even our relationships and health — none of it stays the same. Shinran Shōnin, the founder of Jōdo Shinshū, lived during a time of great hardship. Instead of clinging to the things of this world, he turned his heart toward something deeper: the unwavering compassion of Amida Buddha.

We often suffer because we try to hold on to what is temporary. We want comfort, security, and happiness — but when we place our hope in things that don’t last, we’re bound to be disappointed.

You may have heard the phrase, “You can’t take it with you.” No matter how much we buy or how many things we own, nothing stays with us forever. In the Larger Sutra, it says:

“All things are transient and without lasting substance.”
This teaching isn’t meant to make us sad — it’s a gentle reminder to let go of chasing and grasping, and instead, to appreciate what is already here.

Finding Joy in What Is

When we begin to accept impermanence, we start to notice the simple joys of life:

-A quiet moment with a loved one

-The sound of wind through the trees

-A shared laugh over a cup of tea

These moments are beautiful because they are fleeting. Like a rainbow after a summer shower or the bloom of a flower in the morning sun — they don’t last long, but that’s what makes them so precious.

The Nembutsu: A Path Through Change

In Jōdo Shinshū, we find our peace not in material things, but in the Nembutsu — Namu Amida Butsu. This is not something we say to “get” anything. It’s a voice of gratitude, an expression of joy that arises when we are touched by Amida Buddha’s boundless compassion.

Even as we live in a world where everything is changing — our lives, our emotions, our health — the Nembutsu reminds us that we are always embraced, just as we are.

“Even though I live in a world of impermanence, I am not alone. I am supported by infinite wisdom and compassion.”

Closing Thoughts

So next time you see a limited-time sale or feel the urge to buy something new, take a moment to pause and reflect:

-What am I hoping this will bring me?

-Will it truly bring peace or joy?

-Am I trying to fill an emptiness that can’t be filled by things?

There’s nothing wrong with shopping — we all need to take care of ourselves and our families. But let us be mindful of why we buy, and remember that the deepest sense of peace does not come from what we own — but from awakening to what is already with us: the embrace of Amida’s compassion.

Let us live with appreciation, not for things that fade, but for the preciousness of each moment.

Namo Amida Butsu.

With gratitude,
Rev. Shawn Yagi

 

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.