All of you If you miss me After I am gone, Rely on Amida’s Vow As keepsake I leave the Name Namo Amida Butsu. Let it be the Way To see me after I am gone.[1] I recall a minister (probably Rev. Mas Kodani) describe Obon as mother’s day and father’s day all rolled into one day. I believe that he was saying that at Obon time we remember our parents and grandparents. We honor them and thank them all at once at Obon. For us as Buddhists Obon is a time to return home physically and...

A new computer application has just arrived on the scene called the “Death Clock”. It claims to be able to predict the day of your death. Its creators claim that it was built to motivate us to make healthier lifestyle choices. The website says, “A new artificially intelligent app claims to be able to pinpoint your expiration date — all in an effort to motivate users to make healthier choices and lead longer lives.” In some ways this is a wake up call to think about your life and how long...

“The Buddha’s Wisdom, is like a torch on a moonless night. But do not weep that your Wisdom Eye cannot see it. Our life is like a ship on the Great Ocean of Birth and Death. Do not worry about your evil Karma. Because Amida’s Vow is limitless, how easy my heavy karma is to bear. Because the Buddha’s Wisdom is boundless, He embraces even those discarded by others.” Shinran We find ourselves in a life of uncertainty, life is more precarious than ever before. Our health, our...