Buddhist Teachings for Everyday Living
When The Snow Melts: How We Can Embrace Impermanence
A snowman doesn’t become more special because it lasts forever. It becomes special because it doesn’t. Its beauty is inseparable from its melting. We don’t love it despite its impermanence—we love it because of it.
Living with the End in Mind (Part 1)
I believe that when we face death with honesty and openness, it can illuminate how we want to live, what we truly value, and what we find meaningful. So today, I invite you into a gentle reflection: What does it mean to live fully, knowing that death is certain? And how can Buddhist teachings—especially in the Jodo Shinshu tradition—support us in facing that truth?
Outside-In
There is another perspective. It is one of appreciating our “external causes” and realizing their benefits. As we listen to the teachings and interact within a Sangha, our perspectives and viewpoints begin to soften. Buddhism is something that is now happening to us rather than for us. We are receiving benefits rather than achieving milestones, rank or status.
“The Right Time is Now”
The BCA theme for 2024 is “The Right Time is Now”, a quotation from Rennyo Shonin. How do I understand this theme? It is only five words on paper, but in life, it can drive one to make impacts one cannot imagine. After being diagnosed with cancer, I had to shift my views from my future ambitions to the present moment. I could not worry about what the future held, I had to worry about making it there.
Happiness in 3, 2, 1
Have you ever had one of those times in life where you feel like happiness and peace just aren’t within your grasp? Or maybe these moments are few and far between? This post is all about finding happiness, especially when things are tough. The good news is happiness isn’t down the road. It isn’t out of our grasp. Happiness is here, but we have to learn how to find it. The even better news—it’s not as hard as you think.
How to Savor the Day
Bishop Marvin Harada Sensei explains the Zen Buddhist idea of Ichigo Ichie. This powerful lesson about treating every day like it is your first day, and maybe your last day, is for everyone in any Buddhist tradition and beyond. Learn from real life examples how you too can live every day with gratitude and reverence.