March 2025
Happy March, everyone!
As we welcome the changing seasons, I am grateful for our Sangha’s dedication and warmth throughout the colder months. Even as we have faced rain and chilly days, we have come together, sharing in the embrace of Amida Buddha’s boundless wisdom and compassion. Whether through chanting, listening to the Dharma, or simply gathering in fellowship, we continue to walk the path of Shin Buddhism, finding meaning and connection in our practice.
The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii has chosen “Nurturing Nembutsu: Cultivating Awareness” as the theme and slogan for 2025. This encourages us to reflect on why we return to the temple again and again, year after year. It is not just habit or duty that brings us back, but rather the profound assurance that Amida Buddha accepts us just as we are. Amida’s compassion is all-encompassing, embracing everyone without discrimination despite our flaws, shortcomings, or past mistakes.
In our daily lives, we are often taught that we must earn our worth—that we need to work hard, prove ourselves, and meet expectations to be accepted. However, the teachings of Shinran Shonin remind us that Amida’s compassion is not something we must earn. It is already given to us freely and unconditionally. There are no qualifications to receive Amida’s embrace—no tests to pass or conditions to meet. This realization is both humbling and liberating. It allows us to live with a deep sense of gratitude, knowing that we are never alone on this journey.
The story of Bodhisattva Dharmakara is a powerful example of selfless compassion. Before becoming Amida Buddha, he was a bodhisattva—a being who seeks enlightenment not only for himself but for the benefit of all. Dharmakara made 48 great vows, dedicating himself to creating a Pure Land where all beings could find peace and liberation. Through countless efforts and deep sincerity, he fulfilled these vows and became Amida Buddha, whose light of wisdom and compassion shines upon us all. His story reminds us that the path to awakening is not about personal achievement but about embracing all beings with kindness and understanding.
Humans naturally struggle with self-interest and are often influenced by greed, anger, and ignorance. Yet, precisely because of our human condition, Amida’s Vow exists. The Buddha’s work is constant, guiding us toward awakening, even when we may not recognize it ourselves.
Through all of life’s joys and sorrows, moments of clarity and hardship, Amida’s light is always present, illuminating our path. As we realize this truth, our hearts naturally turn toward gratitude. In that moment, with hands together, we say, “Namo Amida Butsu.” This is not just a phrase we say out of habit but a sincere expression of thankfulness born from the realization of Amida’s never-failing compassion.
As we continue forward on this journey together, let us take comfort in the boundless embrace of Amida Buddha. May we deepen our appreciation for the Shin Buddhist path and live each day with gratitude in our hearts.
In gassho,