August 2020
Sacred Words
The Gods in the sky will always serve him (an expounder of the Lotus Sutra) in order to hear the Dharma from him. When someone comes to his abode located in a village, in a city , in a retired place or in a forest, and wishes to ask him a questions, the gods will protect him day and night for the sake of the Dharma so that the hearer my rejoice because the sutra was, is, and will be protected by the supernatural powers of the past, present and future Buddhas.
What is Happiness?
By Shokai Kanai
In Hawaii, the number of people infected with the new coronavirus is the lowest in the United States, and there were days when the number of people infected on Oahu was zero. This seemed like the end to the lockdown. Restaurants, hair salons and gyms were opened. Nichiren Mission of Hawaii was able to hold Sunday services with limited participants through social distancing, hand sanitizer placed at entrance, and all the doors on Makai and Mauka (the seaside and the mountain side) were opened to let fresh air circulate.
Protecting injustices regarding racialism, many people marched in dense crowds across the country, with several days of marching on Waikiki Beach as well. After which the number of infected people on Oahu increased day by day. Stricter enforcement of wearing masks, social distancing and disinfection of the place where the people touched increased in restaurants and stores. Our lifestyle is still inconvenienced.
On the other hand, in nature, the air and sea water has become cleaner, and there are many people who work from home. Sunday services over the internet is becoming more common in churches and temples. However, for the elderly, viewing these services through a computer can become cumbersome. Without in-person contact at the temple, they can weaken mentally and physically. I cannot visit their homes to provide contact and I do not feel, just by contacting them by phone is enough. However, as mentioned above in the Sacred Words; the Buddha, Nichiren Dai’Shonin, and your ancestors protect you day and night, so do not worry and take it easy.
By the way, what is happiness! This is the first time I have lived in Hawaii since I preached in the mainland for more than 50 years. I realized that there are happier people in Hawaii than on the mainland. There are a couple of factors, first of which I think is the weather. It is always summer throughout the year. There are no “hot” or “cold” seasons. Secondly, it is the spirit of “OHANA!” The doctrine of Buddhism begins with “Life is Full of Sufferings.” Birth, old age, disease, and death which are considered the four major suffering. Additionally, separating from loved ones, being with people you do not like, not getting what you want, and suffering from changes in the natural order. These eight hardships are overcome by the ‘Ohana Spirit” for the people living in Hawaii.
I think happiness is the degree of satisfaction. I ask all of you to find ways to improve your personality. I recommend that you participate in zoom study sessions to improve your wisdom. With wisdom you can find true happiness in both the material and spiritual realms. The reason for this is that the Buddhas, divine beings, and your ancestors in their respective worlds will be pleased to hear the Lotus Sutra when you hold services at home in the morning and evening.
As a result, both you (the expounder of the sutra) and your families will become happy. Let us all chant the Lotus Sutera to make everyone happy!