Dharma Articles

We observe two Ohigan services each year. One in spring and one in fall. Each service coincides with an equinox. The equinox is when the length of day and night are equal. Ideally a time for everyone to take stock and pay more attention to

In our world, we have words. Words are tools, so to speak, used to point to certain things. Therefore, the word itself is not the same as the thing itself. Just as you see a red round fruit and use the word "apple" to describe

On Sunday, January 29, 2023, the Betsuin hosted our annual Dana Day and Volunteer Recognition Service. Created and hosted by Terry Oshidari, this service recognizes the dana (selfless giving) of volunteers. Congratulations to this year’s honorees (Elaine Ando, Mitchell Beutler, Lily Hayashimoto, Mike Mori, Janice

“He thought next of his five former comrades in the practice of asceticism. The Buddha determined through his clairvoyance that they were residing in a deer park in Sarnath, outside Varanasi (Banaras). He set out on foot, meeting along the way a wandering ascetic with

I hope the start of 2023 has gone well for you, your family, and friends. As President of the SJ Betsuin, I don’t really have power like a superhero (wish I could websling around the city and take down bad guys like my favorite superhero,

A merchant once prepared a luxurious meal for a gathering of priests. He wanted to express his gratitude for all their work. Although he was not a very devout person he recognized and appreciated how much these teachers had done for the community. No effort