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A Reflection on Anti-Asian Violence

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the increase in hate crimes and incidents against Asian-Canadians, Asian-Americans, and Pacific Island communities has risen significantly because of ‘reports’ that the virus originated in Asia.  This is intimately connected to systemic, historic, and state-sanctioned discrimination against Asians in national and international relations.  We support and stand in solidarity with the Asian communities in Canada.   As a Buddhist organization, we need to be part of the solution.

“The Golden Chain”, a simple, but popular Shin Buddhist reading at Dharma services, goes as follows:

I am a link in Amida’s golden chain of love that stretches around the world. I will keep my link bright and strong.

May I be kind and gentle to every living thing and protect all who are weaker than myself.

May I think pure and beautiful thoughts, say pure and beautiful words, and do pure and beautiful deeds.

May every link in Amida’s golden chain of love be bright and strong, and may we all attain perfect peace.

     “The Golden Chain” is written in a simple style explaining the ethical teaching of Buddhism, especially to our children.  It encourages and nurtures kindness and love for all beings.  It is our hope that children become aware of their inner strength to protect the lives of other people and animals.  This short saying inspires not only children, but adults, to pursue the goodness of human life, through the teachings of the interdependence of all things and all living things.  It reminds us of the responsibility of helping one another regardless of ethnicity or colour of our skin.

With palms together and Namo Amida Butsu,

Tatsuya Aoki, Bishop

Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada