The meaning of a Dharma name（Hyomyo）
I hope this newsletter finds you well.
This April marked my second year serving at the Toronto Buddhist Church.
One big change in my second year, as many of you already know, is that my wife came to Toronto from Japan.
Looking back, we spent about one year living apart between Japan and Toronto.
Living alone in a new country was not always easy. Because of that, I have come to appreciate once again how meaningful it is to share meals and everyday life with someone.
Before, I only bought groceries for one person. My refrigerator was usually very quiet. Recently, however, the inside of the refrigerator has suddenly become much livelier.
Vegetables and bread that I never used to see during my single life have appeared. And somehow, everything disappears much faster as well.
In any case, both of us have begun a new chapter of life in a new environment.
I hope we will be able to support each other and settle into life here together.
Even after two years in Canada, I still find speaking English difficult at times. Recently, when I go to restaurants or cafés, I am often asked for my name. I say “Hikaru,” but it does not always come across correctly. Sometimes I end up being called completely different names such as “Hija” or “Hall.”
So, I decided to give myself an English name. Recently, I have been using the name “Carl.” It comes from the “karu” sound in “Hikaru.” It may be a bit of a forced nickname, but at least people can pronounce it.
Names are not simply for convenience or easy pronunciation. When parents give a name to their child, they often put many wishes into it:
“I hope this child grows into a kind person.”
“I hope this child lives a happy life.”
In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, we receive a name called a “Dharma Name.”
In Canada, a Dharma Name is often given after a person passes away. During the Dharma Name presentation, the name is introduced to family members and relatives.
Because of this, many people think that a Dharma Name is only a name for after death, or a name used in the Pure Land.
However, originally, a Dharma Name is not simply another nickname.
In Jodo Shinshu, Dharma Names always begin with the character “Shaku” (釋). This character comes from Shakyamuni Buddha and expresses that we live our lives listening to the Buddha Dharma as disciples of the Buddha.
In other words, a Dharma Name expresses that we are living within our connection to the Buddha and walking the path of listening to the teachings.
There is also a similar term used in other Buddhist traditions called “Kaimyo” (戒名). Originally, a Kaimyo was a name given to people who received Buddhist precepts and devoted themselves to monastic training and discipline.
Jodo Shinshu, however, is not a teaching based on achieving enlightenment through our own efforts or practices. Rather, it is a teaching in which we are embraced by Amida Buddha’s Vow. For this reason, we use the term “Dharma Name” instead of “Kaimyo.”
Of course it is we ministers who carefully think about each Dharma Name. We listen to the person’s character, their family’s thoughts and wishes, and consider what name would be most appropriate.
Therefore, a Dharma Name is not a mysterious name suddenly given by some supernatural power. At the same time, it is also not merely a decorative nickname.
A Dharma Name expresses:
“I am a person walking through life while listening to the Buddha Dharma.”
“I am living within my connection to the Buddha.”
For this reason, a Dharma Name is not only something for after death. Rather, it may be a name directed toward the person I am living as right now.
Even as we live with worries, struggles, and uncertainty, Amida Buddha never abandons us and always remains with us. Perhaps receiving a Dharma Name allows us to hear once again that we are living within Amida Buddha’s Vow.
The name “Carl,” which I use at restaurants, is simply a convenient name that I chose for myself.
However, a Dharma Name is a name received within our connection to the Buddha.
Through that name, I am reminded once again that I am living my life while listening to the Buddha Dharma.
In Gassho
Rev. Hikaru Sugiura
Assistant Minister
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