New Year’s Message 2026
Happy New Year.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the continued support you have given to Toronto Buddhist Church throughout the past year. As I begin working at this temple, I am increasingly aware that this work is made possible through the cooperation and support of many people. I am deeply grateful to the TBC members and all those who support the temple in visible and invisible ways. Through services, temple events, and everyday encounters, we have been given many opportunities to listen to the teaching of the Nembutsu together.
Our lives do not always unfold as we expect. We struggle, pause, and sometimes find ourselves unable to move forward. Yet, within this very reality, the working of Amida Buddha is already reaching us. The teaching of Jodo Shinshu does not ask us to become better or stronger versions of ourselves. Rather, it is directed to this very self, just as it is—unable to do anything by its own power.
As a Jodo Shinshu temple, Toronto Buddhist Church has continued to be a place where the voice of the Nembutsu is heard across generations, cultures, and languages. I, too, hope to walk alongside each person who comes to this temple—not as someone who provides answers, but as a companion who
pauses and listens together.
Let us continue to walk together, treasuring the opportunity to hear the teaching.
Namo Amida Butsu
Rev. Kensho Hashimoto
Resident Minister
Toronto Buddhist Church
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