Comforting when Death is Near

Welcome​ ​everyone​ ​-​ ​again​ ​-​ ​thank​ ​you​ ​for​ ​joining​ ​us​ ​today,​ ​visitors and​ ​close​ ​sangha​ ​friends​ ​alike.​ ​​ ​​ ​We​ ​share​ ​a​ ​sacred​ ​gathering​ ​today.

We​ ​have​ ​not​ ​met​ ​for​ ​two​ ​weeks.​ ​We​ ​want​ ​to​ ​acknowledge​ ​the​ ​generous​ ​Dana of​ ​members.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​what​ ​sustains​ ​our​ ​temple​ ​-​ ​The​ ​Ta​ ylor​ ​St​ ​Doors​ ​​have been​ ​Reborn,​ ​a​ ​fantastic​ ​new​ ​​Website​​ ​was​ ​launched​ ​this​ ​week,​ ​and​ ​various painting​ ​projects​​ ​are​ ​happening.​ ​Most​ ​of​ ​all​ ​your​ ​gifts​ ​of​ ​time​ ​and​ ​money sustain​ ​this​ ​place​ ​as​ ​a​ ​refuge.​ ​And​ ​they​ ​sustain​ ​the​ ​teachers​ ​here​ ​-​ ​Rev. Shelley​ ​and​ ​myself​ ​as​ ​religious​ ​seekers​ ​on​ ​the​ ​path.​ ​We​ ​happily​ ​provide spiritual​ ​counseling​ ​and​ ​a​ ​listening​ ​ear​ ​both​ ​here​ ​and​ ​at​ ​the​ ​hospitals​ ​in​ ​town. We​ ​are​ ​regularly​ ​called​ ​upon​ ​to​ ​visit​ ​patients​ ​and​ ​homebound​ ​Buddhists​ ​and share​ ​the​ ​Dharma​ ​with​ ​them.​ ​Your​ ​gifts​ ​make​ ​this​ ​possible.​ ​My​ ​visits​ ​this​ ​week to​ ​the​ ​VA​ ​and​ ​St.​ ​Mary’s​ ​we​ ​directly​ ​possible​ ​because​ ​of​ ​your​ ​donations. Thank​ ​you.

We​ ​are​ ​always​ ​happy​ ​to​ ​gather​ ​together​ ​and​ ​offer​ ​a​ ​refuge​ ​for​ ​those​ ​who suffer​ ​the​ ​loss​ ​of​ ​dear​ ​ones.​ ​​ ​In​ ​most​ ​years​ ​we​ ​talk​ ​about​ ​the​ ​traditional Buddhist​ ​holiday​ ​of​ ​Obon​ ​at​ ​this​ ​service​ ​-​ ​remembering​ ​ancestors​ ​and welcoming​ ​them​ ​back​ ​for​ ​a​ ​joyful​ ​visit.​ ​​ ​​ ​But​ ​more​ ​pressing​ ​events​ ​have​ ​forced their​ ​way​ ​into​ ​our​ ​consciousness​ ​and​ ​we​ ​will​ ​address​ ​them​ ​today.
 ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​1
For​ ​that​ ​reason,​ ​today’s​ ​service​ ​will​ ​be​ ​in​ ​the​ ​form​ ​of​ ​a​ ​traditional​ ​memorial service​ ​-​ ​for​ ​our​ ​friends​ ​and​ ​coworkers​ ​and​ ​relatives​ ​lost​ ​in​ ​Vegas​ ​just​ ​two weeks​ ​ago.​ ​And​ ​for​ ​those​ ​trapped​ ​in​ ​the​ ​fires​ ​in​ ​California.​ ​​ ​​ ​And​ ​those​ ​who continue​ ​to​ ​be​ ​lost​ ​in​ ​Puerto​ ​Rico​ ​without​ ​water​ ​and​ ​medicine.

We​ ​began​ ​by​ ​welcoming​ ​the​ ​Buddhas​ ​and​ ​Bodhisattva​ ​to​ ​this​ ​hall​ ​with​ ​the Zensho​ ​Kada​.​ ​We​ ​will​ ​now​ ​chant​ ​together​ ​the​ ​Shoshinge.​ ​​ ​​ ​Service​ ​book.

​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​Instead​ ​of​ ​offering​ ​incense​ ​we​ ​will​ o​​ffer​ ​candles.​​ ​​ ​​ ​Honoring​ ​our​ ​dear​ ​ones who​ ​have​ ​passed-on​ ​and​ ​those​ ​lost​ ​in​ ​these​ ​last​ ​two​ ​weeks​ ​of​ ​tragedy.​ ​The candles​ ​light​ ​their​ ​way​ ​onward​ ​to​ ​the​ ​next​ ​birth.​ ​​​ ​​Please​ ​take​ ​care​ ​with​ ​the candles​ ​and​ ​don’t​ ​reach​ ​over.​​ ​​We​ ​fill​ ​the​ ​basins​ ​from​ ​the​ ​back​ ​forward. Helpers​ ​are​ ​there​ ​to​ ​assist​ ​you.

Dharma​ ​Messsage
In​ ​response​ ​to​ ​the​ ​horrific​ ​events​ ​of​ ​the​ ​past​ ​weeks,​ ​we​ ​offer​ ​the​ ​comfort​ ​of
the​ ​Buddha​ ​-​ ​Three​ ​simple​ ​thoughts​ ​are​ ​the​ ​wisdom​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Buddha.​ ​They​ ​can transform​ ​our​ ​suffering​ ​and​ ​spread​ ​compassion​ ​among​ ​people​ ​reeling​ ​in shock.​ ​We​ ​offer​ ​these​ ​three​ ​​thoughts​​ ​or​​ ​chants​​ ​or​ ​​mantras​,​ ​because​ ​everyone can​ ​take​ ​them​ ​to​ ​take​ ​to​ ​heart.​ ​They​ ​are​ ​pleasant​ ​and​ ​very​ ​easy.​ ​They​ ​are very​ ​effective.​ ​Every​ ​time​ ​we​ ​pronounce​ ​a​ ​mantra,​ ​we​ ​can​ ​transform​ ​the situation​ ​right​ ​away;​ ​we​ ​don’t​ ​have​ ​to​ ​wait.​ ​These​ ​are​ ​effective​ ​because​ ​of​ ​our mindfulness,​ ​our​ ​concentration.​ ​​ ​We​ ​bring​ ​our​ ​hearts​ ​full​ ​attention​ ​to​ ​those dear​ ​ones​ ​lost​ ​or​ ​those​ ​who​ ​continue​ ​to​ ​suffer​ ​-​ ​we​ ​say...

“Dear​ ​One,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you.”
“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​feel​ ​you​ ​here,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​am​ ​very​ ​happy.”
“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​you​ ​suffer,​ ​that’s​ ​why​ ​I​ ​am​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you.”
These​ ​are​ ​key​ ​aspects​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Nembutsu​ ​-​ ​Namu​ ​Amida​ ​Butsu.​ ​We​ ​both​ ​give and​ ​receive​ ​in​ ​sharing​ ​these​ ​statement.​ ​The​ ​Nembutsu​ ​is​ ​both​ ​us​ ​reaching​ ​out and​ ​Amida​ ​Buddha​ ​coming​ ​to​ ​us​ ​with​ ​deep​ ​wisdom​ ​and​ ​compassion:​ ​in presense,​ ​in​ ​joy,​ ​and​ ​in​ ​compassion.
Comforting​ ​people​ ​near​ ​to​ ​death​ ​is​ ​important.​ ​It​ ​may​ ​be​ ​our​ ​own​ ​death​ ​or​ ​the death​ ​of​ ​others.​ ​​ ​When​ ​it​ ​is​ ​close​ ​we​ ​suffer​ ​from​ ​fear​ ​and​ ​aversion.​ ​Often​ ​when​ ​I visit​ ​people​ ​in​ ​Hospital​ ​it​ ​requires​ ​great​ ​concentration.​​ ​​To​ ​really​ ​​be​​ ​​there​ ​​I​ ​take a​ ​minute​ ​to​ ​gather​ ​in​ ​that​ ​moment​ ​-​ ​I​ ​will​ ​say​ ​this​ ​to​ ​myself...
“Breathing​ ​in,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​calm,​ ​breathing​ ​out,​ ​I​ ​smile.
Breathing​ ​in,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​really​ ​here,​ ​breathing​ ​out,​ I​​ ’m​ ​really​ ​here.​”
Do​ ​that​ ​a​ ​few​ ​times,​ ​and​ ​suddenly​ ​you​ ​are​ ​really​ ​there.​ ​It’s​ ​a​ ​good​ ​feeling.​ ​Not stuck​ ​with​ ​problems,​ ​not​ ​stuck​ ​on​ ​projects,​ ​not​ ​caught​ ​by​ ​the​ ​future,​ ​or​ ​the​ ​past.
The​ ​first​ ​thought​ ​I​ ​will​ ​sahre​ ​is​ ​​ ​-​ ​​“Dear​ ​One,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you.”​​ ​​-​ ​pls​ ​say​ ​it with​ ​me​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​We​ ​practice​ ​the​ ​mantra,​ ​“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you”​ ​out​ ​of compassion.​ ​The​ ​compassionate​ ​heart​ ​offers​ ​the​ ​best​ ​we​ ​have.​ ​And​ ​the​ ​best that​ ​we​ ​can​ ​offer​ ​is​ ​our​ ​​true​ ​presence​.​ ​Your​ ​true​ ​presence​ ​is​ ​very​ ​important. We​ ​can​ ​be​ ​present​ ​for​ ​these​ ​dear​ ​people.​ ​We​ ​remember​ ​them​ ​and​ ​we​ ​honor them​ ​with​ ​our​ ​presence​ ​now.

A​ ​thought​ ​about​ ​presence.​​ ​When​ ​I​ ​was​ ​a​ ​boy,​ ​there​ ​was​ ​a​ ​time​ ​I​ ​was​ ​not​ ​very happy.​ ​​ ​Not​ ​because​ ​I​ ​didn’t​ ​have​ ​many​ ​things​ ​to​ ​play​ ​with,​ ​but​ ​because​ ​my​ ​dad was​ ​not​ ​with​ ​me​ ​-​ ​he​ ​was​ ​always​ ​at​ ​work.​ ​He​ ​didn’t​ ​spend​ ​much​ ​time​ ​at​ ​home. He​ ​worked​ ​very​ ​late​ ​every​ ​night​ ​and​ ​left​ ​early​ ​in​ ​the​ ​morning​ ​before​ ​I​ ​woke​ ​up​ ​- sometimes​ ​weekends​ ​too.​ ​What​ ​I​ ​needed​ ​most​ ​was​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​my​ ​Dad.​ ​I had​ ​a​ ​Dad,​ ​but​ ​it​ ​didn’t​ ​seem​ ​like​ ​it​ ​to​ ​the​ ​younger​ ​me,​ ​because​ ​he​ ​was​ ​so​ ​very busy.

Then​ ​had​ ​I​ ​an​ ​inspired​ ​idea,​ ​I​ ​asked​ ​-​ ​really​ ​begged​ ​-​ ​my​ ​Dad​ ​if​ ​we​ ​could​ ​build​ ​a go-cart​ ​​together.​​ ​His​ ​work​ ​was​ ​in​ ​an​ ​RND​ ​shop,​ ​so​ ​all​ ​the​ ​tools​ ​and​ ​materials​ ​to build​ ​a​ ​little​ ​car​ ​were​ ​right​ ​there.​ ​​ ​What​ ​I​ ​really​ ​wanted​ ​was​ ​to​ ​spend​ ​a​ ​whole month​ ​with​ ​my​ ​dad.​ ​He​ ​agreed​ ​and​ ​we​ ​worked​ ​together​ ​every​ ​night​ ​from​ ​about 7pm​ ​to​ ​1am​ ​on​ ​​the​ ​Tiger​​ ​it​ ​was​ ​called.​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​The​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​people​ ​we​ ​love​ ​is​ ​so very​ ​important.​ ​“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​really​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you.”​ ​Was​ ​the​ ​great​ ​gift​ ​my​ ​dad gave​ ​me​ ​that​ ​summer.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​the​ ​greatest​ ​gift​ ​we​ ​give​ ​to​ ​others.​ ​​ ​So​ ​we​ ​say​ ​this in​ ​honor​ ​of​ ​those​ ​lost.​ ​​ ​And​ ​for​ ​all​ ​of​ ​us​ ​reeling​ ​in​ ​confusion​ ​from​ ​the​ ​unfolding tragedy.​ ​​“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​really​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you.”

The​ ​second​ ​thought​ ​we​ ​share​ ​today​ ​is,
“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​feel​ ​you​ ​here,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​am​ ​very​ ​happy.” Followed​ ​with​ ​a​ ​bow.​​ ​​ ​​ -​​ ​ ​say​ ​that​ ​with​ ​me​ ​-​ ​​ ​and​ ​bow.
This​ ​is​ ​also​ ​a​ ​very​ ​easy​ ​to​ ​practice.​ ​Because​ ​to​ ​love​ ​means​ ​to​ ​acknowledge​ ​the presence​ ​of​ ​the​ ​people​ ​you​ ​love.​ ​To​ ​acknowledge​ ​that​ ​they​ ​are​ ​here,​ ​you​ ​have to​ ​take​ ​the​ ​time.​ ​When​ ​they​ ​are​ ​alive​ ​we​ ​take​ ​the​ ​time​ ​to​ ​be​ ​with​ ​them.​ ​​ ​When they​ ​have​ ​passed​ ​on,​ ​we​ ​take​ ​the​ ​timie​ ​to​ ​recognize​ ​they​ ​are​ ​still​ ​with​ ​us​ ​in​ ​new ways​ ​as​ ​much​ ​as​ ​ever​ ​before.​ ​If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​too​ ​busy,​ ​it's​ ​not​ ​good.​ ​Again​ ​it​ ​is important​ ​to​ ​be​ ​very​ ​very​ ​​present​.​ ​Take​ ​a​ ​minute​ ​to​ ​gather​ ​in​ ​the​ ​moment​ ​-
“Breathing​ ​in,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​calm,​ ​breathing​ ​out,​ ​I​ ​smile.
Breathing​ ​in,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​really​ ​here,​ ​breathing​ ​out,​ ​I’m​ ​really​ ​here.”
The​ ​great​ ​compassion​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Bodhisattva​ ​Kannon​ ​is​ ​founded​ ​in​ ​presence.​ ​With a​ ​thousand​ ​ears​ ​and​ ​a​ ​thousand​ ​eyes,​ ​Kannon​ ​recognizes​ ​that​ ​you​ ​are​ ​there, and​ ​hears​ ​your​ ​cries.​ ​​ ​We​ ​are​ ​embraced​ ​by​ ​his​ ​attention.

We​ ​can​ ​embrace​ ​the​ ​lost​ ​ones​ ​with​ ​our​ ​compassionate​ ​energy.​ ​​ ​​ ​Think​ ​of​ ​them, smile​ ​and​ ​you​ ​say,​ ​“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​you​ ​are​ ​here​ ​and​ ​I​ ​am​ ​very​ ​happy.”​ ​That is​ ​to​ ​recognize​ ​their​ ​presence​ ​in​ ​the​ ​universe​ ​with​ ​love.​ ​​ ​To​ ​say​ ​that​ ​you​ ​are very​ ​happy​ ​they​ ​are​ ​here,​ ​available​ ​to​ ​us​ ​at​ ​any​ ​time.It​ ​recognizes​ ​the​ ​truth​ ​of their​ ​presence,​ ​and​ ​down​ ​plays​ ​the​ ​importance​ ​of​ ​the​ ​dramatic​ ​change​ ​we​ ​call death.​ ​Fundimentally​ ​there​ ​is​ ​no​ ​death.​ ​That​ ​is​ ​the​ ​view​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Buddhas.​ ​​ ​This practice​ ​brings​ ​joy​ ​right​ ​away.

That​ ​is​ ​the​ ​Dharma​ ​of​ ​the​ ​​ ​Buddha​ ​-​ ​effective​ ​right​ ​away.​ ​If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​shy,​ ​you have​ ​to​ ​actively​ ​learn​ ​to​ ​say​ ​this​ ​in​ ​comfort​ ​-​ ​with​ ​eye​ ​contact​ ​is​ ​best.​ ​​ ​“Dear one,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​you​ ​are​ ​there,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​am​ ​very​ ​happy.”​ ​When​ ​you​ ​are​ ​sure​ ​you​ ​can do​ ​it,​ ​open​ ​a​ ​door​ ​and​ ​go​ ​to​ ​someone​ ​and​ ​practice.​ ​​ ​This​ ​is​ ​like​ ​the​ ​Metta practice,​ ​we​ ​start​ ​with​ ​someone​ ​very​ ​close​ ​and​ ​then​ ​become​ ​able​ ​to​ ​have​ ​this kind​ ​of​ ​compassion​ ​of​ ​everyone​ ​we​ ​meet.​ ​​ ​In​ ​the​ ​times​ ​of​ ​difficulty​ ​when​ ​the​ ​cell phone​ ​alerts​ ​are​ ​taking​ ​us​ ​away​ ​for​ ​living​ ​life​ ​-​ ​do​ ​this​ ​compassionate​ ​practice. It​ ​fits​ ​with​ ​everything​ ​in​ ​our​ ​life.​ ​Try​ ​it​ ​with​ ​the​ ​dawn,​ ​or​ ​the​ ​sunset,​ ​or​ ​that vibrant​ ​liquid​ ​amber​ ​tree​ ​in​ ​your​ ​backyard.

After​ ​the​ ​tragic​ ​events​ ​of​ ​that​ ​Sunday​ ​in​ ​Vegas,​ ​I​ ​looked​ ​up​ ​at​ ​the​ ​still​ ​full-ish moon​ ​with​ ​the​ ​nembutsu​ ​in​ ​my​ ​heart​ ​-​ ​breathed​ ​in​ ​and​ ​out,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​said​ ​this mantra​ ​to​ ​the​ ​full​ ​moon:​ ​“Full​ ​moon,​ ​beautiful​ ​full​ ​moon,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​you​ ​are​ ​there, and​ ​I​ ​am​ ​very​ ​happy.”​ ​And​ ​I​ ​was​ ​really​ ​happy​ ​at​ ​that​ ​moment.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​a​ ​freed person​ ​-​ ​I​ ​was​ ​not​ ​assailed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​fear​ ​or​ ​the​ ​horror.​ ​And​ ​because​ ​I​ ​was​ ​free,​ ​I was​ ​myself.​ ​I​ ​had​ ​the​ ​time​ ​and​ ​a​ ​brief​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​touch​ ​the​ ​wonders​ ​of​ ​life around​ ​me,​ ​and​ ​that​ ​is​ ​why​ ​I​ ​could​ ​touch​ ​the​ ​full​ ​moon.​ ​This​ ​afternoon​ ​you​ ​can practice​ ​this​ ​mantra​ ​with​ ​somebody,​ ​or​ ​just​ ​practice​ ​the​ ​mantra​ ​with​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​a butterfly,​ ​because​ ​they​ ​are​ ​all​ ​wonderful.

Happiness​ ​is​ ​possible​ ​with​ ​the​ ​nembutsu,​ ​because​ ​this​ ​mindfulness​ ​helps​ ​us​ ​to realize​ ​what​ ​is​ ​here​​ ​is​ ​so​ ​precious.​ ​​​ ​If​ ​you​ ​still​ ​have​ ​a​ ​mother,​ ​you​ ​should​ ​be happy.​ ​If​ ​we​ ​still​ ​have​ ​your​ ​father,​ ​be​ ​happy.​ ​If​ ​we​ ​can​ ​still​ ​feel​ ​the​ ​sun’s​ ​warmth on​ ​your​ ​skin,​ ​be​ ​happy.​ ​There​ ​are​ ​many​ ​things​ ​that​ ​can​ ​make​ ​us​ ​happy​ ​now. And​ ​that​ ​is​ ​the​ ​practice​ ​of​ ​mindfulness​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Wisdom​ ​and​ ​Compassion​ ​of​ ​the Universe​ ​-​ ​The​ ​Big​ ​Picture​ ​View​ ​-​ ​as​ ​George​ ​says​ ​-​ ​the​ ​practice​ ​of​ ​bringing​ ​to mind​ ​the​ ​Buddha​ ​in​ ​all​ ​things.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​the​ ​Nembutsu.
We​ ​say​ ​this​ ​mantra​ ​to​ ​all​ ​who​ ​have​ ​been​ ​lost​ ​-​ ​​​ ​say​ ​that​ ​with​ ​me- “Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​feel​ ​you​ ​here,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​am​ ​very​ ​happy.”​ ​​ -​​ ​ ​bow.

The​ ​third​ ​mantra​ ​is​ ​simple.​​ ​Practice​ ​it​ ​when​ ​you​ ​see​ ​another​ ​suffering. Someone​ ​crying,​ ​or​ ​they​ ​look​ ​very​ ​unhappy.​ ​In​ ​compassion​ ​you​ ​notice something​ ​is​ ​wrong​ ​for​ ​that​ ​person​ ​and​ ​yearn​ ​to​ ​act.​ ​When​ ​we​ ​are​ ​truly​ ​present for​ ​another​ ​we​ ​notice​ ​very​ ​quickly​ ​if​ ​they​ ​suffer.
We​ ​take​ ​a​ ​moment​ ​to​ ​gather​ ​our​ ​presence​ ​-
“Breathing​ ​in,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​calm,​ ​breathing​ ​out,​ ​I​ ​smile.
Breathing​ ​in,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​really​ ​here,​ ​breathing​ ​out,​ ​I’m​ ​really​ ​here.”
In​ ​the​ ​moment​ ​feel​ ​deep​ ​compassion.​ ​You​ ​go​ ​to​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​is​ ​suffering​ ​and say​ ​-​ ​​“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​you​ ​suffer,​ ​that’s​ ​why​ ​I​ ​am​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you.”
When​ ​we​ ​suffer,​ ​we​ ​need​ ​our​ ​dear​ ​ones​ ​be​ ​aware​ ​of​ ​our​ ​suffering​ ​-​ ​that’s​ ​very human,​ ​It’s​ ​very​ ​natural.​ ​If​ ​they​ ​ignore​ ​our​ ​suffering,​ ​we​ ​suffer​ ​more.​ ​And​ ​it​ ​is​ ​a real​ ​relief​ ​if​ ​they​ ​know.​ ​We​ ​bring​ ​to​ ​consciousness​ ​those​ ​lost​ ​and​ ​offering​ ​our true​ ​presence,​ ​say​ ​this​ ​third​ ​mantra,​​ ​​-​ ​say​ ​that​ ​with​ ​me-
​ ​“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​you​ ​suffer,​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​that​ ​is​ ​why​ ​I​ ​am​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you.”
Before​ ​you​ ​can​ ​do​ ​anything​ ​to​ ​help,​ ​they​ ​suffer​ ​less​ ​-​ ​already.​ ​​ ​They​ ​know​ ​that you​ ​are​ ​aware​ ​of​ ​their​ ​suffering.​ ​The​ ​effect​ ​of​ ​this​ ​practice​ ​is​ ​instantaneous​ ​- quicker​ ​than​ ​making​ ​a​ ​cup​ ​of​ ​cocoa​ ​-​ ​​very​ ​fast.​​ ​​ ​The​ ​more​ ​you​ ​are​ ​connected, the​ ​more​ ​aware​ ​you​ ​are,​ ​the​ ​greater​ ​the​ ​effect​ ​on​ ​the​ ​experience​ ​of​ ​life.

​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​When​ ​I’m​ ​on​ ​a​ ​hospital​ ​visit,​ ​I​ ​practice​ ​breathing​ ​and​ ​centering,​ ​take​ ​the hand​ ​and​ ​say,​ ​“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​you​ ​suffer​ ​and​ ​I’m​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you,​ ​really,​ ​I’m here​ ​for​ ​you.”​ ​This​ ​a​ ​great​ ​relief,​ ​and​ ​you​ ​can​ ​visibly​ ​see​ ​relaxation​ ​and​ ​comfort wash​ ​over​ ​them.​ ​​ ​​ ​So​ ​we​ ​say​ ​to​ ​each​ ​other,​ ​and​ ​to​ ​those​ ​lost,​ ​​ ​​​ ​“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I know​ ​you​ ​suffer,​ ​that​ ​is​ ​why​ ​I​ ​am​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you.” ​​​​​​​​​These​​three​​mantra​​come​​from​​a​​sutra​​called​​the​A​​ nathapindikovada​​Sutra​. Spoken​ ​by​ ​Ven.​ ​Shariputra,​ ​the​ ​Buddha's​ ​greatest​ ​students​ ​to​ ​great humanitarian​​Anathapindika​​when​​death​​was​​close.​​​​​T​​he​​Buddha​​is​​the​​one who​ ​has​ ​the​ ​capacity​ ​of​ ​being​ ​there,​ ​of​ ​being​ ​mindful,​ ​of​ ​being​ ​understanding, of​ ​bringing​ ​love​ ​and​ ​acceptance,​ ​of​ ​being​ ​joyful​ ​in​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​suffering.

We​ ​need​ ​the​ ​Buddha​ ​now​ ​-​ ​these​ ​horrific​ ​weeks​ ​are​ ​so​ ​trying.​ ​​ ​​ ​Please​ ​seek​ ​out the​ ​dear​ ​ones​ ​in​ ​your​ ​life,​ ​take​ ​their​ ​hand,​ ​and​ ​say​ ​these​ ​words...
“Dear​ ​One,​ ​I​ ​am​ ​here​ ​for​ ​you.”
“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​you​ ​are​ ​here,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​am​ ​very​ ​happy.”
“Dear​ ​one,​ ​I​ ​know​ ​you​ ​suffer,​ ​that​ ​is​ ​why​ ​I​ ​am​ ​here​ ​-​ ​for​ ​you.”
We​ ​touch​ ​the​ ​qualities​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Buddha​ ​by​ ​recalling​ ​​ ​-​ ​remembering​ ​the​ ​Buddha​ ​- The​ ​Nembutsu.​ ​We​ ​say​ ​the​ ​many​ ​names​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Buddha​ ​to​ ​touch​ ​those​ ​qualities -​​the​​joy​​and​​the​​peace​​of​​the​​Buddha.​​​​We​​have​​all​​suffered​​this​​loss.​A​​ nd​​we all​ ​heal​ ​it​.
​ ​In​ ​parting,​ ​let's​ ​share​ ​​the​ ​great​ ​wish​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Buddha​ ​for​ ​all​ ​beings ​ ​-​ ​​let's​ ​say​ ​it​ ​out​ ​loud​ ​-
​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​May​ ​you​ ​be​ ​happy;​ ​​ ​May​ ​you​ ​be​ ​free​ ​from​ ​harm: ​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​May​ ​you​ ​receive​ ​boundless​ ​compassion;
​ ​And​ ​may​ ​peace​ ​and​ ​harmony​ ​fill​ ​your​ ​heart
​ ​-​ ​Namu​ ​Amida​ ​Butsu​ ​​ ​Namu​ ​Amida​ ​Butsu​ ​​ ​Namu​ ​Amida​ ​Butsu​ ​-

The​ ​reading​ ​today​ ​is​​ ​"On​ ​WHITE​ ​ASHES"​ ​​​ ​​from​ ​Rennyo​ ​shonin When​ ​I​ ​deeply​ ​contemplate​ ​the​ ​transient​ ​nature​ ​of​ ​human​ ​life,​ ​I realize​ ​that​ ​-​ ​from​ ​beginning​ ​to​ ​end​ ​-​ ​​ ​life​ ​is​ ​impermanent​ ​like​ ​an illusion.​ ​We​ ​have​ ​not​ ​yet​ ​heard​ ​of​ ​anyone​ ​who​ ​lived​ ​even​ ​two hundred​ ​years.​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​How​ ​fleeting​ ​is​ ​a​ ​lifetime!

Who​ ​in​ ​this​ ​world​ ​today​ ​can​ ​maintain​ ​a​ ​human​ ​form​ ​for​ ​even​ ​a​ ​hundred​ ​years? There​ ​is​ ​no​ ​knowing​ ​whether​ ​I​ ​will​ ​die​ ​first​ ​or​ ​others,​ ​whether​ ​death​ ​will​ ​occur today​ ​or​ ​tomorrow.​ ​We​ ​depart​ ​one​ ​after​ ​another,​ ​more​ ​quickly​ ​than​ ​the dewdrops​ ​on​ ​the​ ​roots​ ​or​ ​the​ ​tips​ ​of​ ​the​ ​blades​ ​of​ ​grass.​ ​So​ ​it​ ​is​ ​said.​ ​Hence,​ ​we may​ ​have​ ​radiant​ ​faces​ ​in​ ​the​ ​morning,​ ​but​ ​by​ ​evening​ ​we​ ​may​ ​turn​ ​into​ ​​​ ​white ashes.

​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​Once​ ​the​ ​winds​ ​of​ ​impermanence​ ​have​ ​blown,​ ​our​ ​eyes​ ​are​ ​instantly​ ​closed and​ ​our​ ​breath​ ​stops​ ​forever.​ ​Then,​ ​our​ ​radiant​ ​face​ ​changes​ ​its​ ​color,​ ​and​ ​the attractive​ ​countenance​ ​of​ ​peach​ ​and​ ​plum​ ​blossom​ ​is​ ​lost.​ ​Family​ ​and​ ​relatives will​ ​gather​ ​and​ ​grieve,​ ​​but​ ​all​ ​to​ ​no​ ​avail.​​ ​​ ​​ ​Since​ ​there​ ​is​ ​nothing​ ​else​ ​that​ ​can be​ ​done,​ ​they​ ​carry​ ​the​ ​deceased​ ​out​ ​to​ ​the​ ​fields,​ ​and​ ​then​ ​what​ ​is​ ​left​ ​after​ ​the body​ ​has​ ​been​ ​cremated​ ​and​ ​has​ ​turned​ ​into​ ​the​ ​midnight​ ​smoke​ ​is​ j​​ ust​ ​white ashes​.​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​[slowly]​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​Words​ ​fail​ ​to​ ​describe​ ​the​ ​sadness​ ​of​ ​it​ ​all.
Thus​ ​the​ ​ephemeral​ ​nature​ ​of​ ​human​ ​existence​ ​is​ ​that​ ​death​ ​comes​ ​to​ ​young and​ ​old​ ​alike​ ​without​ ​discrimination.​ ​So​ ​we​ ​should​ ​all​ ​quickly​ ​take​ ​to​ ​heart​ ​the matter​ ​of​ ​the​ ​greatest​ ​importance​ ​of​ ​the​ ​spiritual​ ​life,​ ​entrust​ ​ourselves​ ​deeply​ ​to Amida​ ​Buddha,​ ​and​ ​recite​ ​the​ ​Nembutsu.
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Humbly​ ​and​ ​respectfully,​ ​Rennyo​ ​Shonin​ ​in​ ​the​ ​year​ ​1466