There are many detailed explanations of what Nirvana means, but Nirvana Day just symbolizes the day that Shakyamuni Buddha died. We observe that day on February 15th. It is said that when one is born, one comes from the Truth, and when one dies they return to the Truth. This is true for all of us including the Buddha. So if we come from Truth, and shall return to Truth, what is most important?
Of course, the answer is this life is most important. The Buddha was asked, “What happens to us when we die?” “Is there another place, another world?” The Buddha did not answer but remained silent. He remained silent because the Buddha’s teachings are for this life here and now. It is to resolve the anxieties and dis-ease that we experience in this life.
The Dharma, or Truths taught by the Buddha, are intended so that we may truly know and experience this life. That is why we recite Namoamidabutsu. Namo is you and I, Amida Butsu is all the causes and conditions for this life. When we put this together as Namoamidabutsu, it implies that I am one with the Buddha. What does that mean to be one with the Buddha?
Suppose if we were to ask the fish in the pond, “What is the true nature of water?” What would be their answer? How would they describe the water that surrounds them? A fish spends all its time in the water. He plays in it, he swims in it, his life depends on it. But do you think the fish is aware of water? The reason the fish is not aware of the water is because he does not know the true nature of water. The water and the fish are one. They are so intimately intertwined with one another; they are too close to each other for the fish to know the essence of water. We always neglect those things that we are closest to.
It is very much like our attitude to the air we breathe. It surrounds us and sustains us. We live our lives daily playing, working, and going about our business without being aware of the air we breathe.
So where is Amida Buddha? The truth is Amida Buddha is all those things, including people and events that make it possible for us to exist. It is all around us all the time. We are in fact one with Amida Buddha here and now, but we are too close to notice it. Once we know of it, our daily life becomes even more enhanced. That is the purpose of the Buddha’s teachings.
During Nirvana Day it is a time for us to reflect and ask ourselves, “What events do you need to exist? What things do you need to exist? Who do you need to exist?” When you answer the questions, recite the Nembutsu, Namoamidabutsu in gratitude to the Buddha.
Gassho,
Rev. Hosei Shinseki
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