Editor's Note - This is an excerpt from the March 2003 issue of the Buddhist Wheel

“We go to the Sangha for guidance to live a life of harmony in the spirit of brotherhood free from the bondage of selfishness.” These are words we recite at our services. In Shakamuni Buddha’s time, Sangha referred to the Buddhist community of monks and nuns who were his followers. Later, Shinran said that all were “fellow practitioners” of the teachings that excluded no one. Here in Hawaii, the first generation in Hawaii, the Issei, gave generously from their meager funds to build a spiritual home for their Sangha, leaving a legacy for us to be able to listen to the teachings in that same spirit of brotherhood.

A familiar story about geese offers us a lesson in living in Sangha.

In the fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, they fly along in a “V” formation. Scientists have discovered why this happens. When each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. The formation itself seems to fly as one body. Whenever one goose falls out of formation, the drag and resistance of flying on its own become so great that the bird quickly gets back into formation. When the lead goose tires, he rotates to the back and another goose flies point. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. When a goose is wounded or sick, two geese go down to protect the goose. They stay with that goose until it is able to fly or until it dies. Then they fly back together to join the flock.

Like the geese, our temple has developed a similar bond. Since September, preschoolers, youth, and adults have been participating in fun activities to become acquainted with each other. This Sangha has grown in fellowship and community as we laugh, learn, and bond as an ohana. Like the flock of geese flying in a special formation and receiving the advantage of its lifting power, the temple families, both young and old, share a “lift of joy” whenever they come together as a Nembutsu Sangha.

Like the geese, let us take advantage of the lifting power to stay together to bring about an upbeat youth program. We have been sharing dialogue to improve the temple, focusing on the youth program. As we dialogue, the diversity of ideas that emerges reflects the working of wisdom/compassion in each person’s heart.

Like the geese that take turns leading, let us in the same way be willing to take turns in doing the difficult tasks. It is difficult to be the lead goose all the time. Then too, like the geese, let us as a Sangha “honk” our words of encouragement to those working hard for the temple’s benefit.

Finally, like the geese who stand by as a pair to help and protect a felled or ill goose, we too must stand by Sangha members in need. With such a large Sangha, members must immediately communicate this need when it arises so that the loving-kindness of the Bodhisattva spirit may be offered through help or visitation.

Let us share the “Lift of Joy in the Nembutsu” wholeheartedly with all people by welcoming everyone to our Hilo Betsuin Sangha. I invite all to join the Hilo Betsuin Sangha.

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