Editor's Note - This is an excerpt from the August 2009 issue of the Buddhist Wheel

The Larger Sutra says, “People of the world, parents and children, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, and other family members and kinsmen, should respect and love each other, refraining from hatred and envy. They should share things with others, and not be greedy and miserly, always speak friendly words with pleasing smile, and not hurt each other.”

We all wish to live in harmony and peace as this passage says, yet in reality we live in the world where conflicts and disunity are everyday incidents.

Hawaii is known for its diversity. Our community is multi-racial, with many religious faiths and cultures. We are not only different in thoughts and values, but also in ages and sizes. There is nothing wrong with having differences among ourselves. Because of differences, progress is possible. However, if we cling, for an example, to our own values and fail to recognize or respect values of others, conflicts arise.

There are two types of well-known rice in Japan. One is called “Koshihikari” and the other, “Sasanishiki”. Both are extremely delicious. However, “Koshihikari” cannot be mixed with other brands of rice in order to maintain its taste. Because “Koshihikari” is not able to tolerate other brands of rice, it not only kills its own delicious taste but also others when mixed. Because of its intolerance the whole pot goes bad. On the other hand, “Sasanishiki” can be mixed with others yet tastes excellent. “Sasanishiki”, it is said, embraces others and brings forth their deliciousness. Because of its tolerance, the whole pot tastes excellent. I would like to think Buddhist way of living is like “Sasanishiki”.

Buddhism talks of the interdependent nature of our world. Each individual is precious and unique. And we are all dependent on each other. Therefore, it is not in Buddhist practice to remove or conquer those who disagree with us. Of course it does not mean to be completely submissive to them. It simply means to recognize and accept the differences, and find a way to live in harmony.

Shin Buddhism recognizes the inability for an ordinary person like me to be truly and c ompl e t e l y t o l e r a n t a n d compassionate toward others. Anger, frustration and pain can arise when we meet those who are rude, hurtful, spiteful, etc. However, when we reflect on ourselves through the Wisdom light of Amida Buddha, we will be awakened to the fact that such shameful thoughts are part of our nature. When we realize that those who brought anger and pain to us are teachers who revealed our true nature, we feel humility and appreciation towards others. In Shin Buddhism, one lives a life of “Sasanishiki” through the O-Nembutsu.

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