Buddhist Thoughts is the SLC Buddhist Temple newsletter which is mailed to Temple members each month. Here we provide excerpts from archival Buddhist Thoughts.

2000 November

Jodo Shinshu Literacy
by J.K. Hirano

Living in Utah definitely has its benefits. While living away for many years, I longed for the changing of the seasons. This time of year was one of my favorites, the changing of the leaves, the cool mornings and frost on the ground. Having been raised in Utah, without the mountains to guide me, I have a difficult time with directions when they are not there. There are so many things about Utah that I missed while I was gone.

When I go out to speak or meet people for the first time and they hear that I was born and raised in Utah. There is still a bit of a surprised look that often crosses their face. However, when I tell them I am a Buddhist priest, it's more then surprise, there is a look of disbelief. Utah still has the image of the land of Mormons. There is no way around it. Our state was founded by the Mormon pioneers and it is a part of our state heritage. There are those who are non-Mormon that seem to have a disdain for the dominant religion and culture. I am not one of them. This month is Thanksgiving. It is a time that our nation sets aside to give thanks for what we have. This idea of giving thanks, isn't limited to good health and material wealth. It is a time to give thanks for all the causes and conditions, good and bad, and they have allowed us to be who we are. I have always been grateful to the Mormon or LDS church. As a child, I lived across the street from the Whittier Ward. I was allowed to participate in the Primary program and join the cub scouts. As a teen, I went to Mutual and was the nonmember on the softball team, basketball team and boy scouts. There were only a few times when I felt uncomfortable going to these activities. However, these incidents were more racial then religious. I even spoke at one of my good friend's farewell, as he left for his mission to Japan. Even my becoming a Buddhist priest, can be traced to my Mormon friends. As my friends came closer to leaving and serving on their missions, they became much more focused on their religion. They seemed to find answers to many of life's dilemmas, through their religion. As a result, I too began to question what my religion held for me. I began to wonder if I was really Buddhist. What did I know beyond the eightfold path and golden chain, I had learned in Dharma School? Obviously, I found what I was looking for in our Jodo Shinshu religion. However, how many of our members really know some of the basics of our Jodo Shinshu fundamentals. I thought it might be interesting to compare your religious literacy, Buddhist (Jodo Shinshu) vs. Christian (LDS). I have written a short quiz with comparative questions between the two. By living in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America, are you more familiar with the Mormon religion or Jodo Shinshu?

1. Who is the founder of Jodo Shinshu? Who is the founder of the Mormon religion?
2. What is the official name of our religion? What is the official name for the Mormon religion?
What are the three major sutras for Jodo Shinshu? What are the three major works for the Mormon religion?
4. What is the title given to the head of our sect? What is the current person's name? What is the title given to the head of the Mormon religion? What is the current person's name?
5. When is Shakyamuni Buddha's birthday? When is Jesus Christ's birthday?
6. What was Shakyamuni Buddha's mother's name? What was Jesus Christ's mother's name?
7. What was Shakyamuni Buddha's father's name? What was Jesus Christ’s father's name?
8. Who organized and established Honganji as we know it? Who organized and established the Mormon Church as we know it?
9. Who betrayed Shakyamuni Buddha and tried to kill him? Who betrayed Jesus Christ and sent him to the cross?
10. Where is the headquarters of Nishi Honganji? Where is the headquarters of the Mormon Church?

Answers:

1. Shinran Shonin, Joseph Smith
2. Jodo Shinshu Honganji Ha (Nishi Honganji), Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
3. Larger Sutra of Immearsurable Life (Larger Sutra), Sutra of Contemplation on the Buddha of Immeasurable Life (Meditation Sutra), Smaller Sutra of Immeasurable Life (Amida Sutra), Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Convenants.
4. Gomonshu Koshin Otani, President Gordon Hinckley
5. April 8 (Hanamatsuri), December 25 (Christmas)
6. Queen Maya, Mary
7. King Suddhodana, Joseph
8. Rennyo Shonin, Brigham Young
9. Devadatta, Judas
10. Kyoto, Japan, Salt Lake City, Utah

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