Throughout my ministerial career, I have attempted to present Buddhism as it relates to our everyday life. Rather than trying to present an academic or doctrinal teaching in my messages, I have attempted to talk about something in everyday life and relate that life experience to the teachings.   I can’t take credit for this approach because I learned it from the late Rev. Gyomay Kubose, author of the Buddhist classic, “Everyday Suchness.” The first time I listened to Rev. Kubose speak, I was...

Perhaps many of you have seen on TV news the story about the Buddhist monks who are on a peace march from Texas to Washington D.C.  It is not a protest march, but is simply a march for peace. Nineteen Buddhist monks have undertaken this trek, walking every day, this journey of some 2,300 miles, from Texas to Washington D.C. They walk all day long and sleep either outdoors or in tents. They are Theravadan Buddhist monks of various ethnic backgrounds, from Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.  ...

Happy New Year to all of you. May I take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and “Dana” that enabled us to meet and exceed our goal of $15 million for the Dharma Forward campaign.   To me, it is a reflection of how all of you value the teachings, your local temple, and our BCA and the Institute of Buddhist Studies. It is gratifying to know that we all share the same aspiration to move the Dharma forward, especially to those who have never encountered the Jodo Shinshu...