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On this Labor Day weekend in the United States, while people are enjoying the last moments of summer, “faith” might not seem to be a topic to occupy anybody’s mind. Yet, maybe this is the perfect time to reflect on … Continue reading
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Guest Post… When I receive correspondence that includes thoughts, opinions, and/or experiences spurred by writings that have appeared in this blog or on the Shin Dharma Net site, I’d like to share them with readers. This is one way we … Continue reading
Dear Friends: There is no clearer evidence for the relevance of Buddhism to the current political debate on the vision for our society and democracy than the reaction of conservative politicians and their supporters to President Obama’s explanation that no … Continue reading
The United States is in the throes of a critical and contentious political campaign. The character of the nation is at stake as the effort to defeat President Barack Obama carries overtones of racism, and is flooded with money from … Continue reading
Buddhism’s Pure Land and Lotus Sutra traditions are two major “contenders” for adherents in the West. Let me give a brief overview of their perspectives and appeal. With the Lotus Sutra, the Nichiren schools – including Soka Gakkai – follow … Continue reading
Our lives today, no matter where we live or what our situation may be, are often focused on “what’s coming.” We get tied up with schedules that tell us of obligations to be fulfilled, errands to run, people to call, … Continue reading
While there are many excellent and helpful publications listed in the “Books” section of Shin Dharma Net (see index at right), unfortunately, Shin literature isn’t easy to come by in general bookstores. Still, there are two consistently dependable sources: Buddhist … Continue reading
In the U.S., our annual fourth of July celebration will soon be here. For the occasion, my good friend, Rev. Richard Tennes, minister at the Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin temple in Honolulu, has written an illuminating essay that breathes the spirit … Continue reading
The Bon season is upon us. For readers not familiar with this, Bon commemorates the deaths of our ancestors, traditionally, as far back as seven generations. The traditional Buddhist story authorizing the commemoration relates how the monk Mogallana, a disciple … Continue reading
Occasionally, I receive inquiries concerning some contemporary Shin teachers who advocate a literal interpretation of the Sutras and claim that people who view Amida Buddha as a symbol lack true faith. If it were just a matter of interpretation of … Continue reading