We will be holding our annual Eitaikyo Service on Sunday, November 17 at 9:30 a.m. with special Guest Speaker Rev. Dean Koyama. “Eitaikyo” literally means “perpetual sutra.” It is a shortened way of referring to “a service in which we chant sutras in perpetuity to honor those who have left this world before us.” The funds to conduct the Eitaikyo Service come from donations made when an individual’s name is added to the Eitaikyo Register. Traditionally, Eitaikyo donations have been made by the family of the deceased when a loved one passes away. This practice of dana, or generosity, in grateful memory of a loved one is what has allowed this service to be conducted without interruption since the establishment of our temple. The Eitaikyo service will continue to be conducted as long as our temple exists. By continuing the Eitaikyo service, we ensure that our temple will remain a place to gather and hear the Dharma into the future without end.
The sutras are the records of the teachings that were delivered by the Buddha. When we read the sutras, we hear a message from the Buddha just for us. When we chant the sutras with other members the Sangha community, we have the experience of directly hearing the words of the Buddha together with fellow practicers. Chanting together we are reminded that we are part of a supportive community that rejoices with us in times of happiness and draws near to comfort us in times of sadness.
Listening to Dharma Talks and taking part in Dharma discussions and study classes is a way to hear the message of the sutras in easily understandable, contemporary language. At the temple, there are many occasions to hear Dharma talks and apply the message of the Buddha’s teachings to our everyday lives.
Sometimes we gather at the temple to hear the Buddha’s message on a special occasion. When we bring our young children to the temple for their hatsumairi ceremonial first visit, we hear the message that this human life is truly precious. When children at ages seven, five, and three come to the temple for the shichigosan ceremony to celebrate their healthy growth, we hear the message that our fellow Sangha members are here to support us and guide us on the path of wisdom and compassion. When a couple comes to the temple for a Buddhist wedding ceremony, they hear the message that their life together is made possible by the kindness and support of many family and friends. When the death of loved one brings us to the temple for a funeral or memorial service, we receive the comforting message that those who have gone before are guiding us moment to moment to our birth in the Pure Land of Amida Buddha. In this way, the sutras offer us a precious message of gratitude in moments of joy, and comfort in moments of sadness.
We also gather at the temple on a regular basis to hear the message of the Buddha’s teachings as it applies to our everyday lives. Energetic children gather for Dharma School to hear the encouraging message that they are cared for by the compassionate Buddha and many loved ones in their lives. Meetings and activities of the Junior Young Buddhist Association provide opportunities for our promising youth to hear the message that a truly meaningful life is one lived with dedication to helping others. Our Major Services, such as the Ohigan Equinox, Hanamatsuri Buddha’s Birthday, Obon Remembrance of Departed Loved Ones, Eitaikyo Memorial, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Hoonko Memorial for Shinran Shonin are annual occasions to come together to reflect on the direction of our lives guided by the Buddha’s wisdom.
As we gather this month for the Eitaikyo Service, we reflect in gratitude on the lives of all those who worked to maintain the temple, so that it continues to be a place for us to gather today to hear the Buddha’s message for us in the sutras.
Namo Amida Butsu