Tag: Minister’s Message

Gomonshu Kojun Ōtani-sama visited the Seattle Betsuin on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. He had a visitation ceremony in the Hondo, participated in the Yabunouchi tea ceremony served by Rev. Castro, officiated Kikyoshiki confirmation ceremony, and joined the welcome BBQ dinner in the gym. It was a very precious and significant time for all of us. I truly appreciate that he spent time at the Seattle Betsuin. Many members were involved in this precious event. I would like to express my appreciation for all your work, contribution, and kindness. Today, I would like to share the Seattle Betsun’s introduction which I read to Gomonshu-sama on that day.

Seattle Bukkyo Seinenkai (Seattle Youth Buddhist Group) was founded on November 15, 1901. Rev. Kakuryo Nishijima from San Francisco conducted the first service. Continue reading “Gomonshu Kojun Ōtani-sama visited Seattle Betsuin”

Rev. Katsu’s Reminiscence of Zimbabwe

by Rimban Katsuya Kusunoki

I was asked this interesting question. What do you think? Is Amida Buddha a man or woman? It looks like a man when I view the statue of Amida Buddha, but I was not sure when I was asked this question. I kept silent and didn’t answer anything. My uncle broke the silence.

“Amida Buddha can be either a man or a woman, and Amida Buddha can be neither a man nor a woman. Buddha is Buddha. Buddha doesn’t stay in the gender framework which we think.”

Continue reading ““Is Amida Buddha a man or a woman?””

by Rimban Katsuya Kusunoki

I received a letter from my younger brother and his fiancée. It was an invitation to their wedding. The wedding is going to be in July in Japan. The first thing that came up in my mind is why did they choose to get married in July? They must consider their schedule, their family’s schedule, and friends’ schedule, but it is very hot and muggy in Summer in Japan. Anyway, I now deeply feel joy to celebrate their wedding.

Let me introduce you to an example of a wedding program at our mother temple, Hongwanji.

Continue reading “Jodo Shinshu and Marriage, part 2”

by Rimban Katsuya Kusunoki

The 1st Seattle Youth Minister’s Assistant Retreat was held in January. In a workshop, I took them to the Seattle Koyasan Temple (Shingon Sect) located on the other side of Wisteria Park. We learned about the basic teaching of Shingon sect and experienced the Shingon style of meditation. It was a great opportunity for us to learn another Buddhist sect’s teaching and practice. Through this experience we were also able to make our understanding of Jodo Shinshu teaching deeper. In a discussion Rev. Taijo, who is the head priest of Seattle Koyasan temple, asked one question. “What is the decisive difference between Jodo Shinshu sect and other Buddhist sects?” Continue reading “Jodo Shinshu and Marriage”