Why I Support Dharma Forward

Editor's note: The Dharma Forward campaign is in its final stretch run for this year -- and needs your support to reach its goal of $15 million. To underscore the importance of Dharma Forward, the BCA Endowment Foundation reached out to Sangha members and asked them why they are choosing to support the campaign. To donate, go to bca.kindful.com 

---

Dharma Forward, the time is now!

When I first read that slogan I thought, “Of course, the time is now. It is the only time!”

I am a relative newcomer to the Jodo Shinshu path. My earlier practice was no longer resonating with me. After a lot of searching, I came upon Rev. Taitetsu Unno’s book, “River of Fire, River of Water.” 

He challenged us to just say the Nembutsu and not to try and convince, control or understand it. It sounded ridiculous to me, but I had nothing to lose. I tried it and my life forever changed.

I downloaded the BCA’s list of live streaming services and began to watch. 

Since I live in coastal Maine and New Hampshire, the New York Buddhist Church (NYBC) seemed to work best for me. (There is no Jodo Shinshu temple closer to me.) 

I am now a member, livestream the Sunday services, have participated in the Kieshiki ceremony and participate in live Zoom groups on a regular basis.

I have never physically been to the NYBC, but I feel as if I now have a Sangha. The Zoom meetings are interactive and enable me to have Sangha friends. 

I have come to appreciate that all this may be one of the positive side effects of COVID. As difficult as COVID was, it challenged us to discover new ways of moving the Dharma forward. I am one of the many recipients of those new ways.

Why do I give and support the Dharma Forward campaign? There is a financial cost to moving the Dharma forward. Funding the various programs is expensive.

I see it as my joy and my responsibility to contribute as I am able. For centuries, my predecessors have given their time and money and sometimes their very lives for the cause. I can do no less.