As we welcome the New Year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on 2024. It was a year of great change and growth for me. Completing my master’s degree in March and starting my journey at TBC as an intern in April felt exciting and overwhelming. I must admit, I initially thought it was absurd for someone so new to work alone at Canada’s largest Jodo Shinshu temple. However, thanks to the guidance and support of so many, I could navigate this challenge. For this, I am deeply grateful.
I am committed to creating an environment where we can come together to listen to and praise the teachings of Amida Buddha.
One of the most common questions I was asked this past year was, “How can Jodo Shinshu have a positive impact on my daily life?” Perhaps this question has crossed your mind as
Well. In our everyday lives, society often teaches us that happiness comes from external achievements: attending a prestigious school, securing a high-paying job, or maintaining good health. While these pursuits are important, they are also fleeting and cannot guarantee lasting peace of mind.
Jodo Shinshu offers a different perspective. Amida Buddha’s help does not change the circumstances of our lives – it changes how we see them. This transformation of perspective allows us to live with a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and connection to others.
Bishop Marvin Harada Sensei of the Buddhist Churches of America expresses this beautifully:
“In Shin Buddhism, we are reminded that everything in life is a gift. When we view life from the perspective of the recipient, we see that what we know, what we own, and what we have achieved are all gifts, because nothing can be accomplished on one’s own. This realization leads us to live a life of unending gratitude. The more we are grateful, the more we become humble. The more we are humble, the less we need in life. And the less we need in life, the more we truly have.”
For example, let’s consider someone you dislike. Before encountering Jodo Shinshu, it’s natural to feel only anger or frustration toward that person. But through the teachings, we begin to ask ourselves, “Why do I feel this way?” We realize that such feelings stem from our own ego—our self-centred nature that judges others based on how they affect us.
Recognizing this, we also come to see that Amida Buddha’s compassion embraces us, even with all our flaws and blind passions. This compassion reaches us as the call of “Namo Amida Butsu,” inviting us to entrust ourselves to the boundless vow. Through this perspective, the person we once disliked becomes someone who provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our ego and encounter Amida Buddha’s compassionate working.
Through the Nembutsu—the act of calling Amida Buddha’s Name—we awaken to the reality that we are always embraced and guided by this infinite compassion. This way of life is not confined to the temple; it is a path we can walk anywhere, every day.
As we step into 2025, may we continue to feel Amida Buddha’s compassionate presence in our daily lives and live each moment with gratitude. Let us walk the path of the Nembutsu together, supporting one another and deepening our understanding of this wonderful teaching.
Namo Amida Butsu
Kensho Hashimoto