Nichiren Shoshu

Buddhism teaches the Law of cause and effect. This means that with every result there is always a causewithout exception. Nichiren Daishonin said, If you wish to know the causes you have accumulated in your past existences, look at the effects that are manifested in the present. And if you wish to know the effects that will be manifested in the future, look at the causes you are accumulating in the present... Thus, what is happening to us now is the result of our past actions and what will happen to us in the future is the result of our present actions. Therefore, if we are currently experiencing difficulty, this is the result of our past actions. It is not another’s fault. When we reflect on our past actions and chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and do what we should, this will create good causes and enable us to make changes in the future.

Every year, in October, we celebrate the eternal life of the True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, with the Oeshiki ceremony. Even though the temple remains closed due to COVID-19, members were able to participate in this important occasion via a virtual ceremony this past Sunday. At the time of the True Buddha's passing on October 13,1282, there was an earthquake and the cherry blossoms bloomed out of season, revealing the Buddhist concept of oneness - the oneness of life and its... environment and reminding us his life remains eternal - one with the universe and always present. From the perspective of Buddhism, the unstable and tragic conditions of the world today is explained by this principle and signifies the direct relationship between the environment and the life conditions and the karma of the people. In other words, our positive and negative conduct is directly reflected in the environment. There is a quote from the Buddha's writings that read: "If the hearts and minds of the people are tainted, so is their land. However, if their minds are pure, the land also will be pure. The land, in itself, is not divided into two types. Indeed, whether the land is pure or impure is solely determined by our hearts and minds."

After months of sheltering in place and the witnessing of social turmoil, it's easy to feel uncertain and anxious. Try to take a break from the news and limit your time on social media. Instead, chant more...the Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo will help to calm your mind and bring more clarity to what is undoubtedly a very confusing time in our world. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is creating a good cause on a spiritual and karmic level. Please note the temple remains closed until further notice (photo below taken pre-pandemic). We look forward to the time when we can all chant together again.

The True Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin, taught that, "Winter never fails to turn into spring." He also stated, "Great evil is always followed by great good." Let's remember that with strong faith and a steady practice, we can turn any negative situation into a beneficial one in our own lives. If we continue to practice steadfastly, we will see "spring" and "great good" in the near future! With that said, Myohoji Temple will remain closed until the stay-at-home mandate is lifted and/or it is deemed safe to gather for in-person ceremonies. Please continue to carry out your practice at home. Stay safe everyone!

Let's Continue to Chant in Unity Due to the ongoing, heightened situation with COVID-19, Myohoji Temple will remain closed until at least the end of April. Rev. Takano will continue to chant from 7-8am PT, Monday through Saturday and 7-8pm PT, Monday through Friday (4:30-5:30pm PT on Saturday and Sunday). Please chant at the same time from home if you can.