Monday, January 5, 2015
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Streams of the Monastery
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Ven. Ichishima and the Dalai Lama
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Shugendo-style Goma
Monday, November 24, 2014
The Verse of Incense
Monday, November 17, 2014
Essential Sutras for Tendai's Mantra Path
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Seclusion
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Opening the Mountain for Kaihogyo
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
At Dr Ramamurti Mishra's SF Ashram, 1971
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
"The Ides of September are Upon Us"
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Remembering the Tohoko Earthquake
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Contemplating the Pure Land
Sunday, August 24, 2014
"Even the insects want happiness" --- the Dalai Lama
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Memorial Services in Saipan, Northern Marianas
On the small island of Saipan (about the size of San Francisco) we participated in various services for WWII dead. In a battle which lasted less than a month, 29,000 Japanese soldiers died (out of 31,000 total), 3500 Americans (out of 71,000), and 22,000 civilians, mostly Japanese suicides but also native Chamorros caught in the crossfire. Here shown are 300 lanterns we assembled, placed candles inside, and set adrift in the ocean at sunset. Written on the lanterns are the mantras NAMU MYOHO RENGE KYO and NAMU AMIDA BUTSU.
On the small island of Saipan, which is about the same size as the City of San Francisco, we participated in various services for the WWII dead. In a battle that lasted less than a month, 29,000 Japanese soldiers died (out of 31,000 total), 3500 Americans (out of 71,000 total), and 22,000 civilians, mostly Japanese suicides, but also Chamorro natives caught in the crossfire.Here shown are 300 lanterns which we made, placed candles inside, and set them to drift in the ocean at sunset. Written on the lanterns are the mantras NAMU MYOHO RENGE KYO and NAMU AMIDA BUTSU.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Perceptions of Japanese Buddhism
The Japanese word 'EN' means 'relationships', and for the people practicing our Buddhist tradition, good EN is the foundation. Practicing and serving in warm harmony with those you respect and trust is essential. But due to the subtlety of this essential point, the American perception is often different.
They see Japanese Buddhism as a business, where entry fees are charged and amulets sold.
Or they perceive it as entertainment, where rites and rituals are performed for audiences.
Or they see it as similar to the military, with a hierarchical form and young trainees shouting 'HAI!' (Yes,sir!) to advance up the ranks.
Or as a sports competition, where he who sits Zazen straightest for the longest time is superior.
Or as a livelihood, where one with sufficient charisma and fame will be supported by others.
Or like schools, where by attending for several years, one will receive a certificate and title.
But Buddhist EN is different from all these. It is like a flame burning in one's heart ('bodhicitta'), spreading from one heart to another, loving everyone, having no enemies, seeking only to benefit others and bring about our mutual Buddhahood.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
SAMANTABHADRA the Practical Aspect of the Path
Sunday, June 8, 2014
The Rights of Sentient Beings
Monday, May 26, 2014
EVENT JUNE 8
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Healing Work
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Goma Prayer Sticks
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Professor/Bishop Ichishima's Father
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Ven. Zasu's Gift of Calligraphy
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