Middle-aged Beautician: Will There be Some Fun Waiting for Me after Aging?
The other day, I was having a haircut at the usual hair salon when the middle-aged female beautician asked me a question. While...
The 4 and 8 Sufferings (Part 4 - A 4 part series)
(Read Part 3 HERE) This is the final part of the 4 & 8 Sufferings series. This month I continue with Sufferings 7 and 8, the suffering of...
The 4 and 8 Sufferings (Part 3 - A 4 part series)
(Read Part 2 HERE) I have been writing about the 4 & 8 Sufferings for the last two editions of the BVT. They were the suffering of...
The 4 and 8 Sufferings (Part 2 - A 4 part series)
(Read Part 1 HERE) Last month I talked about the first of the 8 Sufferings, the suffering of living. This month I will continue with two...
The 4 and 8 Sufferings (Part 1 - A 4 part series)
Life is a tree that blooms flowers of suffering. We must overcome all kinds of troubles and obstacles during our lifetime. We are never...
The Purpose of Buddhism is Removing Suffering and Imparting Ease
The Buddhist chapel room in Shimane Kaikan, which just opened in September, contains a large framed work of calligraphy 抜苦与楽 that reads...
A Theme Park of Life
Not so long ago I went to the theme park Knottsberry Farm with some friends (you know who you are!). It was a fun day, a full day spent...
Favorable and Adverse Circumstances
Which one happens to you often? What do you think of this reality? Buddhism teaches there are two types of circumstances that shape our...
Master Shinran’s Distinguishing Feature: Teaching of Heizei-Gojo
Though there are many religions in this world, only Master Shinran taught heizei gōjō (平生業成 achieving life’s purpose while alive)....
Ignorance Leads to Superstition
Recently a young Japanese professional golfer won the championship in the Memorial Tournament on June 1st. The 22-year-old Hideki...