She has a one way ticket around the world and is stopping in as many countries as possible, visiting Jodo Shinshu Temples. Professor Keiko Toro from Jin Ai University in Japan is writing a book on her experiences with Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in all the countries she will have visited while on sabbatical. While in Canada, she visited the Steveston Buddhist Temple, Vancouver Buddhist Temple and the Toronto Buddhist Church; next stop London.
On Saturday June 4, 2016 she presented a Workshop on how to write your own eulogy. A very professional, enthusiastic and spiritual lecturer, she used a white board to help us visualize the interconnectedness and flow of things. The thought of writing your own eulogy brings home the need to think about one’s life and how you will be remembered. What were your actions, words and minds feelings? Was your life fulfilled with joy and gratitude? A very worthwhile exercise.
On Sunday June 5, Professor Toro was the guest speaker at the June Shotsuki Service reminding us of Sakyamuni Buddha’s last words.
Make yourself a light.
Rely upon yourself: do not depend upon anyone else. Make my teachings your light.
Rely upon them: do not depend upon any other teaching.