Connected to Truth

SACBC Bodhi Day Service on December 4, 2022. For the Dharma School, we look at how we can understand Thanksgiving from a Buddhist perspective. In the second portion, we will look at an understanding of Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment. Finally, in the Japanese portion, we discuss some thoughts on one's relationship with Amida Buddha. Your dana is greatly appreciated and can be done here: https://sacbc.org/donations1/ We thank your support of our temple. 

Dharma Family Service on November 6, 2022. For the Dharma School message, we look at one way we can remember how we are connected to truth. For the adult message, we reflect on a mother's final words to her daughter as a reminder of the profundity of life. Finally, in the Japanese message, we look at how Amida Buddha's Great Compassion enables all beings to live uniquely in their own way. Gassho (with palms together)

This episode is an abbreviated version of the Fall Ohigan service on September 25, 2022. Here, I talk about participating in the memorial service commemorating the initial completion of an official logbook of all 120,000 persons of Japanese descent who were incarcerated during WWII. This project was headed by Duncan Williams, faculty of USC. What can we as Buddhists learn from this traumatic experience that many of our sangha members had to endure?  

Dharma Family Service for Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church on June 5, 2022. For the Dharma School, we examine how all beings are shining. For the adult message, we take a look at the significance of the Pure Land and what it might mean for us in our lives. Finally, for the Japanese message, we look at how Amida Buddha's Wisdom and Compassion shine upon us, giving us the hope to live in a world of uncertainty. Gassho. We appreciate your donations that will be used to help run our temple. Here is where you can donate: https://sacbc.org/donations1/   

Dharma Family Service for May 8, 2022. Sutra Chanting is a portion of the 48 Vows. 

Dharma Family Service for April 3, 2022. Together we chant Junirai composed by Nagarjuna. For the Dharma School message, we look at the recent Oscars incident from a Buddhist standpoint. For the adult message, we look at why Jodo Shinshu matters for our world today. For the Japanese message, I provide a brief interpretation of the first few lines of the first chapter of the Tannisho.  

Dharma Family Service for February 13, 2022. For Dharma School we take a look at who does the caretaking when we have someone to look after. We will share a children's story My Pet Wants a Pet by Elise Broach.  For the adult message, we take a look at the issue of how it is easy to find a false sense of self by identifying who our enemies are. Buddhism is a teaching of introspection that teaches us the problem never involves other groups of people, and that true peace begins by looking at the self. 

Welcome to the service for the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Chuch on January 9, 2022. For Dharma School, we discuss what is Amida Buddha and what does Buddha provide for us? For the adult message, we cover the significance of funerals, memorials, and makuragyo services. Finally in the Japanese, we talk about our children being our mirrors to our true selves...I need to watch what I say in front of them! Gassho     Want to learn more about Jodo Shinshu? Want to learn more about SACBC? Please look us up: https://linktr.ee/sacbcbuddhistchurch Please consider contributing if you would like to see more videos and content. Your contributions are truly appreciated: https://sacbc.org/donations/

Thank you for joining us as we remember our late Buddhist Women's Association members. Today we look at the issue of how we are guided by our loved ones, particularly the women who have served as the indispensable fabric of our religious community and identity. We will also look at the song "Sen no Kaze ni Natte" (rendition by Maki Mori) or "A Thousand Winds" as a way to understand the world of the Pure Land. Gassho. 

Bodhi Day service held on December 5, 2021. For Dharma school, we discuss the importance of recognizing that we are raised by things and students share some of the things they will give to charity. For the adult message, we look at how the nembutsu becomes our anchor in the midst of all of the news taking place in our society. In the Japanese message, we discuss how religion is the world of the "un-common sense." Happy Bodhi Day world! May all beings be happy and well. Gassho.