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

2004 November

The Importance of the Sangha
by J.K. Hirano

To my mind, the fundamental reason for being in this place is that, having received life in the human realm and having already met with the Buddha-Dharma, which is difficult to meet, it is indeed shameful that one would fall in vain in hell. Thus I have reached a judgment that people who are unconcerned with the decisive settling of nembutsu faith and attainment of birth in the land of utmost bliss should not gather at this place. This is solely because what is fundamental for us is not reputation and personal gain, but simply a concern for enlightenment in the afterlife.

-- Rennyo Shonin

Once upon a time, there was a big frog in a little pond who was always croaking loudly. He would blurt out, "RIBBET!" Louder than any of the other frogs in the pond. This frog enjoyed the attention his loud ribbet produced in the small pond community. The other frogs would tell him, ¡§You have such a beautiful voice and we really appreciate how you speak up for us. You are a very special frog.

However, one day, a lion came to the pond for a drink. After taking a long, slow, cool, drink, he let out an enormous roar, "ROARRRR!!!!" The roar echoed throughout the jungle. The little frogs playing in the pond were awe struck at the sound. They had never heard a sound so impressive. Hopping away, they rushed to tell the big frog what they had heard.

The big frog was resting in the nearby woods and had heard the roar of the lion. He asked the scampering smaller frogs, "What was that?" The smaller frogs with stars in their little eyes told him, "Today we heard the true king of the forest." The big frog replied, "What are you talking about? I'm the king!" The little frogs, shaking their heads said, "Sorry, but you're light weight, compared to the true king."

"What did this king look like?" asked the big frog. The little frogs replied, "He was wonderful. Really big and had a truly wonderful voice that echoed throughout the forest."

"I can do that too. Just watch me." With that, the big frog began to take great gulps of air and began to swell bigger and bigger. The little frogs watched this and giggled among themselves. The big frog pointed to himself and then let out a pretty loud, "Ribbbbittt!"

"Wow,¨ said the little frogs. "that's pretty good. But that was nothing compared to the true king."

"I was only warming up. Just watch this!" The big frog proceeded to take even larger breaths, he kept pointing to himself and looking at the little frogs. The frogs would shake their heads from side to side saying, "No, the king was much bigger." The big frog's eyes were beginning to bulge out of his head, but he wanted to show the little frogs that he was special. Taking in more and more air, the frog was at least three times his original size. The little frogs merely shook their heads from side to side. Suddenly, "BOOOM!" The big frog exploded all over the little frogs. To this day, the little frogs continue on in their little pond, talking about the true king that they met. However, all that is remembered about the big frog is the mess he made and how foolish he looked.

The purpose of our Temple is to have a place to come and listen to the Nembutsu teachings. Listening to the teachings are fundamental and the true king of the temple. However, it is the little frogs that will continue to keep the temple running, allowing us the opportunity to listen to the teachings.

Over the past few weeks, things have seemed very hectic to say the least. Just as I was preparing to leave for Japan, two of our members passed away and it was necessary to call on Rev. Teraoka of the Tristate Buddhist Temples to complete the funerals. During that time, it was necessary for many of our members to help out with those funerals. From Tomio Mitsuanga escorting Rev. Teraoka from place to place and Annette and Mike Koga of Ogden preparing much of the arrangements in Ogden for the funeral there. It proved how a temple is not made by any one person. It was a profound relief to myself, to experience how dedicated and selfless our temple members can be during these times.

As I finish writing this article, I am preparing for our district conference and there have been two more funerals to be arranged. Once again our members come forth to help with the funerals and the district conference. It is this working together that makes our temple a wonderful place. No one person is indispensable at a temple. It is by realizing the interconnectedness of all of us that makes the temple thrive.

There have also been many meetings and discussions concerning the expansion of the Salt Palace. During that time many of our member came forward to work for the benefit of our Japanese American community. Each of us in our own way, add to the prosperity of our lives. Yes, the Buddha and Dharma are extremely important in the foundation of a temple, but there are three treasures, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. In many ways, I believe that it is through the Sangha, that the other two are made evident in our lives. The Sangha is indeed a strong part of the light of Amida that illumines our lives.

I would like to thank all of you who give so much of your time and efforts to make our temple thrive. This month in the United States, we set a day of Thanksgiving to express appreciation for all that we have. It is a wonderful time for us to reflect on our Buddhist teachings, especially the Jodo Shinshu way of life. A life of gratitude, namo amida butsu.

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