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 December

Congratulations on the Opening of a New Day
(Goshinnichi Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu)  
by J.K. Hirano

When climbing the mountains feel the beauty of the mountains. On a rainy day, experience and be refreshed by the rain. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter are good. Last night was good and tomorrow will be fine.

Once again the year has passed and we have come upon the Holiday Season. For myself, this has been a very interesting year. It seems as though much of the year has passed under a haze or fog. The first of this year, I was informed I had Thyroid cancer. During late Spring and early Summer I underwent various treatments for this cancer. Everything seemed to be going well. The doctors took out my thyroid and I underwent radiation treatment. The doctors told me that everything seemed to be progressing just right. As soon my radiation treatment was completed, Obon season was upon us. We had our practices at the temple for the dancing. The services in Salt Lake, Ogden and Honeyville. However, this year I wasn't able to go to all of the Obon cemetery services I usually attend to. In a normal year, besides the six cemetery services in Honeyville, the three in Ogden and five in Salt Lake. I usually travel to Delta, Utah (Topaz Concentration Camp site), Ely, Nevada, Price, Utah, Kemmerer, Diamondville, Rock Springs and Green River, Wyoming. However, after my treatment I was still a little tired and didn't get to all of these other cemeteries. One of the medications I take every day is a thyroid hormone. Since the doctor removed my thryroid, I must take a hormone daily to supplement what my body no longer produces. This hormone controls my body's metabolism. All through the Obon period I felt pretty good. I was a little tired from time to time, but I didn't think anything of it. After my blood test, the doctor increased my dosage of medication. I was amazed, but it felt as though a fog had lifted and I felt much stronger. This October, a group of thirty two of us went to Japan. Over twelve days, we visited eight cities traveling from Tokyo to Hiroshima. It was a wonderful trip and I think that those that took part seemed to really enjoy visiting Japan. Many of our group were visiting Japan for the first time. We experienced the ultra modern fast paced lifestyle of Tokyo. The simple life of the working class areas of Shizuoka, the majesty of Mt. Fujii. We saw how very ancient Japanese lived and practiced their Buddhist and Shinto heritage in Kyoto and Nara. We saw the devastation and rebirth of Hiroshima. Much to our surprise we experienced a typhoon while relaxing at a traditional Japanese Hot Spring. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip with many members of our temple. Although many of us were a little tired as a result of our busy schedule.

Once again after I received the results of a blood test I had taken before my trip, my doctor increased my medication. It's surprising that although I was strong enough to go on this trip to Japan. Upon taking the new dosage of medication, I felt stronger still. It as if the past were slightly shrouded in a fog and I were awakening to a new day. With my new dosage, I feel strong enough to get back to the gym and do many things, that I had not done over the past few months.

Although I am grateful for all the causes and conditions in my life. The way the medication has awakened me to a new strength within myself, day by day, I realize that I have even more to be grateful for. As I look back over this past year, I see that my life is truly blessed by many causes and conditions. This scary disease called cancer, has opened my eyes to how wonderful life is. Each of us are constantly surrounded with wondrous causes and conditions that support and embrace us. Everyday we should feel the depth of our gratitude deepen. In Japanese during the new year, it is traditional to say, "Goshinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu." Literally meaning, "Congratulations on the opening of a new year." I believe that this greeting should be said every day, "Goshinichi akemashite omedetou gozaimasu" (Congratulations on the opening of everyday). I am embarrassed that I have not been able to send out all of my thank yous to those of you that have sent me get well cards and letters. But please understand that I am deeply appreciative of all the support I have received over the past few months. I am doing very well. As the minister of our temple, I am fully aware how it is through the kindness and dana of each of you, that I am allowed to live. On behalf of myself and my girls Kacie and Taylor, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your kind support. Just as the medication has allowed me to feel stronger, even though I feel strong enough. Your kindness continues to deepen my appreciation for the nembutsu teachings and our Sangha. I hope that each of you will find a deeper appreciation for the lives that we have been blessed with.

The poem I began this months article is from a print I bought when I was in Japan. The artist's name is Koseki Kan. However, the reason I bought the print was because of the poem by the Buddhist monk and haiku poet Santoka (1882-1940). Santoka was the pen name for Shoichi Taneda. His haiku is often written in very simple Japanese. When I read the poem, I was touched by the gratitude I felt filled the simple poem. Although the translation is very rough. I feel it expresses how everyday is a good day. How can it not be so, when we are embraced in Amida's compassion. I hope that each of you are able to open your eyes to the beauty of today. Happy everyday, Namo Amida Butsu.

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