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

2003 January

Basics for the New Year
by J.K. Hirano

When one attains true and real practice and shinjin, one greatly rejoices in one's heart.This attainment is therefore likened to the first fruit.

-- Kyo gyo shin sho

Whenever I think of what the new year will bring, I want to think in positive ways. The problem is that reality has proven time and time again, that we just don't know what the future holds. I hope that my children will be safe, happy and healthy. I hope the Sangha continues to thrive. There are many things that I wish for, but I am unable to control them. Isn't this true for life in general?

That is why Jodo Shinshu and Buddhism in general tries to establish within each of us, a way of life, that does not depend upon our wishes for future happiness. In basic Buddhism, within the four noble truths, the first truth is that life is suffering. This is not about pessimism or optimism. It is a way to awaken us to a reality. If this reality is denied, it will bring us nothing but problems. This is not to say we should walk around thinking, "The world is suffering, there is nothing I can do about it. Poor me."Rather this statement of fact, is a response to the question, "What is the meaning of life?" Within this life we must all encounter things that make us suffer. There are eight different types. Birth, sickness, old age, death, to meet and have to be around people you dislike, to be separated from your loved one for whatever reason and to not be able to satisfy your various needs.

The second noble truth is, "There is a cause to this suffering. Once we awaken to this reality, we examine it. Many of these things that cause our suffering are things we cannot control. Our suffering is caused by our attitude towards these events. As a result of our ego attachments and desires, we suffer. Once we are aware of this suffering doesn't mean that there will no longer these life events listed above. One of my teachers in Japan once said the essence of Jodo Shinshu living can be found in learning from these sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death. When we are young, we should learn from our youth. When we are sick learn from the sickness. When old learn from our age, and when death approaches, learn from it. The second noble truth is to recognized our desire causes the suffering.

The third noble truth, let's us know that there is a way to alleviate this suffering. Although there are painful events in this life, there is a way to not suffer as a result of them. If we are able to control our attitude and the workings or our ego, we will be able to overcome suffering. Suffering is a result of our ego and attachment. With this knowledge, Shakymuni Buddha, the great physician, prescribed the fourth noble truth.

This path to alleviate suffering is called the eightfold path. I have always tried to remember this as VTSCLEMM, right views, right thoughts, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right mindfulness, right meditation. To control these aspects of our life is very difficult. As an example, within right views for you parents, this would mean that you would view and love all children, the same as you would love your own. This is an extremely difficult proposition. Speaking from my own perspective as a parent. No matter how much I love children. My children are special in my eyes. To cherish all children, as I do my own, is extremely difficult for me. To be honest, I would say it is an impossibility.

The four noble truths and eightfold path are basic teachings for all Buddhists. Regardless of what sect of Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu, Zen, Tibetan, this teaching. For myself, I have found Jodo Shinshu recognizes my weaknesses and still shows me a way to go beyond a pessimistic life. Within the Nembutsu I can be fully human and still realize the benefits of Buddhism. I have always viewed the concept of Amida Buddha as a loving parent. >These basic teachings such as the four noble truths and the eightfold path are the urging of a parent to their child. It is as though Amida says to me, "Jerry, try to follow this path. It is very good and will enrich your life. However, know that I will never abandon you. If you cannot complete this, I will still love you, just as you are.

With this type of encouragement. I try to live my life within the basic principles of Buddhism. Knowing that if I fail, I still have the promise of enlightenment, through Amida Buddha. I am then able to focus on trying to be the best human being I can. There is no way around birth, sickness, old age, death, etc. Yet, my life is filled with gratitude for what I do have. I don't know what the future may hold, yet how can it not be worthwhile with this promise from Amida. For the New Year, let us all try to live the best we can and learn to appreciate all that we do have in this life. Namo Amida Butsu.

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