Buddhist

Sensei Koho Takata

In this world, we make many labels and distinctions such as religion, sex, nationality, etc.  From Buddha’s eyes, we are all equal.  We always judge one’s quality and ability in our daily life whether it is good or bad, valuable or not, etc.  However, from Buddha’s eyes, there is nothing to compare.  Although we always create our own world by our limited thoughts which arise from our self-centered mind, Dharma is absolutely truth and free from self-centered thoughts. 

“I know nothing at all of good or evil.  For if I could know thoroughly, as Amida Tathagata knows that an act was good, and then I would know good.  If I could know thoroughly, as the tathagata knows, that an act was evil, then I would know evil.  But with a foolish being full of blind passions, in this fleeting world-this burning house-all matters without axception are empty and false, totally without truth and sincerity.  The nembutsu alone is true and real.”  (CWS, P.679)

Shinran Shonin deeply reflected upon his human nature throughout his life.  Many people think that one of the important goals in every day of human life is to being good.  As I reflect upon Shinran Shonin’s teachings, he did not emphasize being good because it would always change by situations and conditions through human’s self-centered nature.  He considered if Amida Buddha knew what good was, then, he would know what good was.  For Shinran Shonin, Buddha Dharma was always central to his life.  Shinran Shonin was not influenced by worldly matters.

Being good is not good enough.  We must know our true self, the limitation of our capacities.  Most of religion limits our deeds.  For example, some faith says “if you do this, you will be punished.”  However, Dharma does not speak of such limitations.  In other words, we have to realize our own limitations by reflecting ourselves through the guidance of Amida Buddha.  Without Dharma, we will not be able to aware of it.     

Since 2003, I joined the interfaith movements here on Kauai and started sharing the Dharma with other faiths at the services and community services.  Since then, some of other faiths come to our temple to listen to and practice the Dharma.  When they first came to the temple, most people asked me what it means to be a Buddhist.  Those who are members of Kapaa Hongwanji probably declare themselves as Buddhist.  However, what does it really mean to be a Buddhist? 

We always tend to cling to the word such as Buddhist.  However, Buddhism teaches me that there is no distinction between Buddhist and non-Buddhist.  Dharma is for everybody whether you are Buddhist, Christian, Moslem, Jewish, or Hindu, young or old, rich or poor, man or woman, educated or non-educated, and so forth.  Moreover, it is not only for human beings but also for all beings.  In this sense, the word ‘Buddhist’ does not have any deep meaning for me.  It is just one of a means to communicate with others.

Regardless of our religion, sex, nationality, etc., we are all same beings.  We all equally have life.  We received a precious life through numerous conditions and circumstances.  Once we are born, we experience being old, ill, and dying.  All beings definitely experience those sufferings without any exceptions.  When we feel joy and happiness, we have same joy and happiness regardless of any of our labels.  When we feel sadness or anger, we have same sadness or anger regardless of any of our labels.  Whenever I rejoice the true fact of my existence, Dharma always exists for me.  Dharma is universal for all beings.  This is why when those people who are not members of our temple come to listen to and practice the Dharma, I just welcome them to seek the truth together which we call Buddhism.  What does it mean to be a Buddhist for you?