Because I’m Not Grateful
It had been a worrisome time. My mother-in-law had recently slipped while trying to help our dying dog, who was her constant companion for many years. Mom fell backward and suffered a bad gash on the back of her head
Category: Ministers Message
-
…
-
Our Next Minister
As I write this, we’re in the middle of Obon Festival season. There are advantages to holding ours at the end of June. For one thing, there’s a better chance that the weather won’t be as sweltering as it was …
-
Dark Night, Luminous Light
Los Angeles is renowned for its complex and often frustrating freeway system. It can also be terrifying for drivers new to the city if an exit is missed or they are in the wrong lane when the traffic is actually …
-
“They” are us
I recently accompanied Roger Itaya and Terry Ishigo and their wives, Linda and Irene, to Bellevue, WA, to attend the annual BCA National Council meeting. This is a gathering not only of representatives from all BCA temples, including ministers and …
-
Fear of Letting Go
Change is often difficult to accept, despite the reality that change is always happening in our lives regardless of how we feel about it. All things are impermanent, yet we cling to the familiar even when we don’t like it, …
-
Footprints
Our dog, Mookie, leaves footprints everywhere she goes. Since it’s impossible to follow her around with a mop, we try to put protective covers and mats in the places she frequents, and beyond that, we just love her as she …
-
Never Too Busy
I knew this day would come—the deadline to finish this message for the newsletter. I even squeezed a reminder on to my calendar, writing the tiny notation in purple ink between other duties for the day. At the time, it …
-
Interwoven
Minister’s Message
Interwoven
Do you ever check the labels in your clothes to see where they come from? Unless you buy exclusive designer creations, chances are much of what you wear is not produced in the United States or some …
-
One Together
Minister’s Message
One Together
If you look at the January issue of the BCA’s Wheel of Dharma, you can read the New Year’s Greeting from Monshu Koshin Ohtani, the head abbot of our organization, Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, in Kyoto. …
-
Giving Thanks
Minister’s Message
Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving Day means different things to different people. For some, it means family gatherings, turkey dinner and the start of the holiday season. Some people look forward to bargain shopping around this time. For others, it’s …