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Dharma in the Time of COVID-19

Exactly as planned a week earlier, I wrote this article on the afternoon of Sunday, March 15, not because the deadline was then, but because I was sure I would have some fresh material to write about. At that moment, …

May 22, 2020 Ministers Message

How Our Temple Will Continue to Exist

Of organizations, there are three kinds. First, there are those that are organized on the basis of the power, wealth or authority of great leaders.

Second, there are those that are organized because of their convenience to the members. They …

January 23, 2020 Ministers Message

Dharma Seeds

As we transition from autumn to winter, the days have become noticeably shorter. Even here in Southern California, changes are visible in the vegetation as it cycles through life, dormancy, or a return to the earth where it will contribute …

December 2, 2019 Ministers Message

Words to Live By

We recently had the honor of welcoming Gomonshu Kojun Ohtani to our temple. It was the second-last day of an arduous circuit for him up and down the West Coast, fulfilling responsibilities as our spiritual leader based at the head …

September 28, 2019 Ministers Message

Minister’s Message

For this issue, I’ve asked our three assistants, Eric and Stacy Reardon and Jean-Paul deGuzman, and our ministerial aspirant at the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS), John Mullins, to share their thoughts on our teaching. Over the past few years, …

August 2, 2019 Ministers Message

May You Be Happy and Well

Infinite life. What would we do without plants? What would plants do without sunshine, water, and nutrients in the soil, not to mention insects and microscopic organisms? Even if we wanted to exist on a diet of burgers and ice …

June 2, 2019 Ministers Message

Just Because Someone Says It, Doesn’t Make It True

Thanks to technology, people’s ability to communicate rapidly with others grows exponentially with every new platform or app that becomes available. Way back in the day, we used to joke that the party line was the fastest way to spread …

April 4, 2019 Ministers Message

Seeing Clearly, Making Choices

When you were young and dreaming about the life ahead of you, did you know where it would lead? Were you able to imagine all the people and events you would encounter; all the choices you would make; the kind …

February 5, 2019 Ministers Message

No Going Back

One of my favourite stories is Urashima Taro, about a poor young fisherman of long ago who ventures to the beautiful underwater realm of the Sea Princess. Though he enjoys a wonderful time with her, eating and playing to …

November 24, 2018 Ministers Message

The Path is Easy But You Have to Enter It

Until a few years ago, McGrath State Beach had become a favourite location for our annual Dharma School summer campout. Then the park had to close due to intermittent flooding, though it has recently re-opened. The grassy and wooded campground …

October 6, 2018 Ministers Message

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