Rennyo Shonin

The Buddha’s Teaching for Our Times (December 10)

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Wise teachers like Rennyo Shonin affirm the truth of all the teachings shared by Sakyamuni Buddha during his lifetime. This Sunday, Rev. Adams will share reflections on the metaphor of the poison arrow taught by Sakyamuni Buddha, and the wisdom that speaks to the great suffering of this age in which we live.

From The Letters of Rennyo Shonin (Gobunsho) Fascicle 3, Letter 2

The teachings of the various sects differ, but since they were all [expounded] during Śākya[muni]’s lifetime, they are indeed the incomparable Dharma. For this reason, there is absolutely no doubt that people who practice them as prescribed will attain enlightenment and become buddhas. However, sentient beings of this last [Dharma] age are of the lowest capacity; this is a time when those who practice as prescribed are rare. Here [we realize that] Amida Tathāgata’s Primal Vow of other-power was made to save sentient beings in such times as these.

Schedule
8:30 a.m. Shōya Raisan Chanting (click here for chanting text)
9:00 a.m. Sangha Social Hour
9:30 a.m. Dharma Service
10:30 a.m. Shotsuki Hoyo Monthly Memorial Service (Hondo)
10:30 a.m. Dharma Discussion (Dharma Room)

To join us for this hybrid service via Zoom, CLICK HERE to sign up for “Live Broadcast of Services”.

Construction at Ozaka

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From The Letters of Rennyo Shonin (Gobunsho) Fascicle 4, Letter 15

The place called Ozaka in the Ikutama area, Higashinari district, Settsu province, must have had some connection with me from the distant past. After it took my fancy by chance in the latter part of autumn in the fifth year of Meio, I had a temple of sorts built here. Now three years have passed. I feel that I have some close karmic relationship with this place from the past.

In regard to this, the fundamental reason for living in this place is not to spend a relaxed life here or enjoy a life of luxury and glory or a life of seclusion appreciating flowers, birds, breezes and the moon. My sincere hope is only to see an increase in number of the practicers who have attained the entrusting heart and of those who recite the nembutsu － all for the sake of attaining the supreme enlightenment. It could happen that some people in the secular world harbor prejudice and come to me with difficult problems. In such a case, I would give up my attachment to this place and immediately withdraw.

Continue reading “Construction at Ozaka”

Rennyo Shonin’s Teachings on Drowsiness (November 26)

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During this busy time of year, when a flurry of activity preparing for gatherings of family and friends is often followed by a big meal, we may find ourselves nodding off in a comfortable chair while a football game plays on the TV or friendly conversation carries on around us. Rennyo Shonin’s letter “On Drowsiness” reminds us to reflect deeply on this precious human life.

From The Letters of Rennyo Shonin (Gobunsho) Fascicle 1, Letter 6

I don’t know why, but recently . . . , I have been particularly subject to drowsiness, and when I consider why I should be [so] lethargic, I feel without a doubt that the moment of death leading to birth [in the Pure Land] may be close at hand. This thought makes me sad, and I feel in particular the sorrow of parting. And yet, to this very day I have prepared myself with no lack of care, thinking that the time of birth might be imminent.

Schedule
8:30 a.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting (click here for chanting text)
9:00 a.m. Sangha Social Hour
9:30 a.m. Dharma Service
10:30 a.m. Japanese Language Service 日本語法要
10:30 a.m. Dharma Discussion

To join us for this hybrid service via Zoom, CLICK HERE to sign up for “Live Broadcast of Services”.

The 84,000 Dharma Gates (November 5)

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It is said that the Buddha taught 84,000 Dharma gates, presenting a vast array of teachings in order to suit the needs of all different people. In this week’s Dharma Talk, Rev. Adams will share reflections on the importance of respecting the views and religious understanding of others while being clear about one’s own path to awakening.

From The Letters of Rennyo Shonin (Gobunsho) Fascicle 5, Letter 9

We should . . . realize that all the sacred scriptures indeed are solely meant to make us entrust ourselves to the six-character Name, “Na-mo-a-mi-da-butsu.”

Schedule
8:30 a.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting (click here for chanting text)
9:00 a.m. Radio Taiso Exercise
9:30 a.m. Dharma Service
10:30 a.m. Shotsuki Hoyo Monthly Memorial Service
10:30 a.m. Dharma Discussion

To join us for this hybrid service via Zoom, CLICK HERE to sign up for “Live Broadcast of Services”.

The Buddha’s Superpowers (October 29)

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Wear your Halloween costume to service on Sunday, October 29! Rev. Adams’ Dharma talk will explore connections between the powers attributed to modern day comic book superheroes and the extraordinary powers demonstrated by Sakyamuni Buddha when he confronted the murderous bandit Angulimala.

From the Letters of Rennyo Shonin (Gobunsho) Fascicle 2, Letter 4

Out of great love and great compassion the Buddha vowed to save us, the beings of the present latter age, however deep our karmic evils may be, who wholly entrust ourselves to Amida Tathagata, taking refuge only in Amida Buddha single-mindedly and unwaveringly . . .

Schedule
8:30 a.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting
9:00 a.m. Sangha Social Hour
9:30 a.m. Dharma Service
10:30 a.m. Halloween Party hosted by Jr. YBA

We welcome you to wear your Halloween costume to service and join us in person!

To join us online via Zoom , CLICK HERE to sign up for “Live Broadcast of Services”.

Simply Say “Namo Amida Butsu” (October 15)

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When you join Dharma Service at the San Mateo Buddhist Temple you will hear the words “Namo Amida Butsu” chanted, spoken, and sung throughout the service. This Sunday, Rev. Henry will share reflections on the meaning of “Namo Amida Butsu,” when we can say it, and why we celebrate it as a Buddhist practice that is truly for everyone.

From the Letters of Rennyo Shonin (Gobunsho) Fascicle 5, Letter 17:

. . . you should simply say “Namo Amida Butsu, Namo Amida Butsu, …” whether awake or asleep, with gratitude and appreciation, accepting deep in your mind Amida Tathagata’s readiness to save you.

Schedule
8:30 a.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting
9:00 a.m. Mindful Meditation with David Crampton
9:30 a.m. Dharma Service
10:30 a.m. Dharma Discussion

We welcome you to join us in person!

To join us online via Zoom , CLICK HERE to sign up for “Live Broadcast of Services”.

The Buddhist Meaning of Faith (October 8)

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In this Sunday’s Dharma talk, Rev. Adams will share perspectives on the meaning of faith in Buddhism. If Buddhism does not teach the existence of an all-powerful divine creator, what is it that Buddhists have faith in?

Schedule
8:30 a.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting
9:00 a.m. Sangha Social Hour
9:30 a.m. Dharma Service
10:30 a.m. Dharma Discussion

We welcome you to join us in person!

To join us online via Zoom , CLICK HERE to sign up for “Live Broadcast of Services”.

The Purpose of Our Temple (September 10)

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As we begin our new Dharma School year with our Fall Sangha Clean Up Day, we will look to Rennyo Shonin’s “Letter on Construction at Ozaka,” in which he reminds us that the purpose of our temples is to be a place where all people feel welcome to gather and find guidance for their lives from the Buddha’s teachings.

. . . the fundamental reason for living in this place is not to spend a relaxed life here or enjoy a life of luxury and glory or a life of seclusion appreciating flowers, birds, breezes and the moon. My sincere hope is only to see an increase in number of the practicers who have attained the entrusting heart and of those who recite the nembutsu － all for the sake of attaining the supreme enlightenment.

Schedule
8:30 a.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting
9:00 a.m. Sangha Social Hour
9:30 a.m. Dharma Service
10:30 a.m. Fall Sangha Clean Up

We welcome you to join us in person!

To join us online via Zoom , CLICK HERE to sign up for “Live Broadcast of Services”.

Everyone Clothed in Fine Robes (May 1)

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The robes worn by Buddhist monks were traditionally stitched together from discarded rags and dyed to a uniform color using inexpensive dyes, such as saffron in India and charcoal in Japan.    Inspired by Amida Buddha’s 38th Vow, this Sunday’s Dharma Talk will revisit stories of Nembutsu practicers in India, China, Japan, and the United States whose Buddhist garments expressed their commitment to the Dharma path:

When I attain Buddhahood, the humans and devas in my land will acquire garments as soon as such a desire arises in their minds, and they will naturally be clothed in fine robes as commended and prescribed by the Buddhas. If they should need sewing, bleaching, dyeing or washing, may I not attain the perfect enlightenment.

Schedule
8:30 a.m. Shoshinge Sofu Chanting (click here for chanting text)
9:00 a.m. Taiso Morning Exercise
9:30 a.m. Dharma Service
10:30 a.m. Shotsuki Hoyo Monthly Memorial Service

If you would like to attend the service in person, please email smbt@sanmateobuddhisttemple.org or call (650) 342-2541 to reserve a seat. Full Covid-19 vaccination is required. A maximum of 36 in-person attendees will be seated in the Hondo, so please contact us at your earliest convenience if you wish to attend.

To join us for this online Dharma Service, CLICK HERE to sign up for “Live Broadcast of Services”.

Giving Thanks

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During this month of November, we have some special opportunities to express our gratitude for all the precious gifts we receive in our lives.  On Sunday, November 17, we will observe our Eitaikyo Service, which is dedicated to grateful remembrance of those temple members whose families felt inspired to donate to the temple Eitaikyo Fund, which exists to ensure that the San Mateo Buddhist Temple will continue to be a place where we can gather to hear the Dharma and joyfully recite the Nembutsu.  On Sunday, November 24, we will hold the Shichigosan Observance at the temple for the families of children ages three, five and seven to express our gratitude and wishes for continuing healthy growth of the children.  On Thursday, November 28, many families and friends will also come together in their homes to celebrate the wonderful American holiday of Thanksgiving.

While gratitude is a theme that we return to throughout the month of November, living in the Nembutsu, we find that gratitude is a daily practice that brings peace and joy to our hearts.  One of the ways in which we cultivate gratitude in our daily lives is by pausing to join our hands in gassho and utter the word “Itadakimasu (I humbly receive)” before beginning a meal, and “Goshisosama deshita (It was feast created through great effort)” at the conclusion of the meal. 

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