Buddhist Teachings for Everyday Living

Ichi-Mi: All of the Same Essence
Judy Nakatomi Judy Nakatomi

Ichi-Mi: All of the Same Essence

“Ichi-Mi (一味)” is a term found in Shinran Shonin’s Shoshin-Nembutsu-Ge. The translation of this passage is as follows: When ignorant and wise, even grave offenders and slanders of the dharma, all alike turn about and enter shinjin. They are like waters that, on entering the ocean, become one in taste with it.

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Caregiving in the Shin Buddhist Way
Dr. Mutsumi Wondra Sensei Dr. Mutsumi Wondra Sensei

Caregiving in the Shin Buddhist Way

When we recite Namo Amida Butsu, we hear and receive Amida’s Vow. In the midst of caregiving, uncertainty, and fatigue, this calling fills me with spiritual gratitude and quiet strength. Amida’s unconditional liberation embraces us in every circumstance, in all directions, exactly as we are.

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Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters
Jon Turner Sensei Jon Turner Sensei

Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters

This is the idea of interdependence taken to its logical conclusion. As Joseph Campbell says, we may not like it but this is just the way it is. Everything is the results of an infinite number of causes and conditions. Reality is infinitely deterministic. Every action or thought is conditioned, dependent on everything that has come before.

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