Editor's Note - This is an excerpt from the February 2008 issue of the Buddhist Wheel

Aloha! Here in Hawaii, we have many opportunities to be in touch with nature. Recently I saw a Waikoloa sunset. It seemed like the setting sun was in complete harmony with the sound of the rolling waves gently coming ashore. The beauty and harmony of the warm sun and gentle waves touched my heart.

I would like to share the dharma through another experience I had with nature. I visited the Subaru telescope center on top of Mauna Kea. There are thirteen telescopes which eleven countries run on the summit because the weather is nice. On the summit of Mauna Kea, a 13,800 feet mountain, we were able to see Maui and Lanai islands. It was extremely clear and quiet even during the day.

I could only imagine the absolute silence that the scientists experience when looking at the stars at night. Looking at the galaxy through an astronomic telescope must draw the viewer into the universe instead of only looking at it from a distance. When we view the cosmos through these telescopes, we realize that the universe is part of us and that we are a part of this galaxy.

It is not only an attraction for our eyes, but also impresses people. I believe that there is an attraction of a planet which reflects our rays of light limitlessly.

Do you know the planets in order of closeness to the sun? There are Mercury, Venus, the Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.

We are being sustained by and live in the solar system. The light shining on Earth is from the rays of the sun. Actually, everything is nurtured by the light of the sun far off in the distance.

Similarly, the true teaching of Jodo teaches us that everything is nurtured in Amida’s light glittering limitlessly. In the true teaching of Jodo, we do not live a life without any errors and wrongdoings. In the universe too, there are planetary storms and sun explosions. We have to accept such things as they are.

No matter how many problems we face, we try to live anew, led and sustained by the boundless wisdom and compassion of Amida. Thus, the true teaching of Jodo is to convert our negative minds into enriched minds. The teaching reaches each of us as a light of the wisdom of Amida.

In other words, everything is in the light and teaching of Namo Amida Butsu. Growing up with Namo Amida Butsu is a life of the Nembutsu. I am already embraced by Amida Buddha. When reciting the Nembutsu, Amida and I are one.

Let us go back to the Subaru center. In the observatory, I felt as if I were in a deep freezer. I missed the warm light. When I went outside, the light of the sun came into my eyes, and I felt relieved with the warmth that embraced me.

The wisdom and light of Amida Buddha are the same thing. When we encounter the light of wisdom of Amida, our minds will be filled with feelings of compassion. Feelings of thanksgiving for living things and all forms of life will overflow our hearts. When this feeling of gratitude comes out of me, I feel as if Amida Buddha is telling me,  “Ah, this is good.  All of us are doing our best to live a good  life.”    When we see life in all things and when we are inspired by the preciousness of all life is the moment, we are able to accept all life as Amida Buddha teaches us. We should be sensitive to the preciousness of all life and each person’s life.

The teachings of Amida Buddha tell us that life is precious not only when one is alive but even after death. Even after death, one who lived the teachings of the Amida Buddha will continue  to be embraced in the light of Amida Buddha. Therefore, we live a life nurtured by the teachings of the Amida Buddha till death and even after that. Jodo Shinshu teaches us the importance of being compassionate and respectful of life, all life in our daily lives.

Being considerate of all life, no matter how seemingly small, is an important aspect of Buddhism. “Ah, this is good. Everything is alive and trying its best to live a good life.” This view of life is the way of the Nembutsu in daily life and the light of wisdom of the Amida Buddha.

Like the scientist who work at the summit of Mauna Kea, we must respect all forms of life and understand the interdependency of all life. Astronomers know the significance of all life forms and that we are part of this huge galaxy. The true teaching of Jodo teaches us that all life is important and we must be considerate of all lives as we are interdependent with all life forms. Just as the warmth of the sun and prominence of Mauna Kea envelop and warm me, the wisdom and teachings of Amida Budda will embrace and nurture all of us. Mahalo.

Namandabutsu……

Visit our downloads section to get the complete issue.