Rev. Toshiyuki Umitani delivered his first Remembrance Day service at Moiliili Hongwanji. He dedicated his message to the victims of the February 14th school shooting tragedy in Florida. His talk centered on Shinran’s teaching about how Karmic conditions lead us to do things in our lives. We have potential to do anything, both what we judge to be good and bad, right and wrong. While we may judge others, it is difficult to judge ourselves. Finding ourselves embraced by the vow of the Buddha, without exception, we can look at ourselves as Bonbu or as a common person, subject to causes and conditions. Through this listening to the Dharma, we can understand the true nature of ourselves and our interdependence with others.

Photos

Flower arrangements by Mrs. Okano’s Ikebana class: