2011 APRIL
Dharma Message
By Rev. Yushi Mukojima, Resident Minister
RISE! JAPAN!
Last week, on March 11 at 2:46 p.m. Japan time, a huge earthquake occurred in the
Tohoku region. In an instant, many people living there were killed by the great tsunami
caused by the terrible earthquake. At present, it is estimated that still missing 20,000
people have died with more victims yet to be discovered.
Many cities located by the sea were swept away by the muddy surge of the tsunami. The
landscape of the cities once filled with vibrant energy was totally altered into scenes of
devastation. For several miles in every direction in those areas, heaps of rubble and mud
remained where once living cities stood.
All the public utilities, electricity, water, and gas that are essential to life today were
lost. The survivors were completely bewildered, in grief over the loss of everything they
had known. At present, many countries around the globe are aiding in the rescue and
medical service efforts because they believe in the rehabilitation of Japan.
I first learned of this tragedy after the Board of Directors meeting finished on Thursday,
March 10, and I called my parents in Japan as soon as I got home. Fortunately, they were
not affected at all because Obama City where they live faces the Sea of Japan.
However, they seemed to be really worried about the terrible scenes being broadcast
from the stricken area.
When I first saw TV coverage of the huge tsunami that swallowed up the cities, I was
unable to grasp the reality of what had happened. It was if I was watching a movie. I was
speechless with the tragedy of those images and really couldn’t believe my eyes. And at
the same time, I couldn’t help but worry about my parents’ safety, wondering if a tsunami
might also hit my seaside hometown in a country where earthquakes are a constant
threat.
The next day, after discussion with some board members, we hur-riedly decided to
conduct a memorial service at the temple for those who had been killed by the disaster.
Despite the short notice, major San Diego media carried announcements about our
memorial service. As a result, even though it took place on Saturday evening, the
service drew not only temple members and Japanese living locally, but many
concerned people from the greater community.
We had a silent meditation to offer our deepest sympathy to all the victims. After the
service I was gratified by the warm words of encou-ragement from those in attendance.
Furthermore, they donated gene-rously to the temple for victim relief. Some had
brought bottled water. Later I received many phone calls from those who had watched
the news or seen coverage of the service in the newspaper who wanted to send a
donation to our Japan relief fund. Even though I am here in the U.S. a long distance from
Japan, the hope they expressed for the rehabilitation of Japan encouraged me greatly.
Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to you
who attended the service.
The Tohoku earthquake marked a magnitude of 9 and it is said that this earthquake was
the fourth largest ever in history, after the Great Chilean earthquake which registered a
magnitude 9.5 in 1960, the Indian Ocean earthquake which occurred in 2004, and so on.
It was, of course, Japan’s largest earthquake in recorded history and was estimated to
have 1,000 times more energy than the huge quake that occurred in Kobe in 1995. It is
said that this type of epic quake occurs once in a thousand years. Some scholars of U.S.
Geological Survey announced that the main island of Japan moved 8 feet (2.4 meters)
to the east as a result of this huge quake and its aftershocks.
Because of the powerful tsunami that resulted from such a terrible earthquake, the
damage was unimaginable. Although I have repeatedly watched video of the tsunami
as it engulfed the familiar Japanese houses and ports, I am filled with indescribable
anxiety, fear, and sorrow. It made me realize again that there is nothing we can do
before the power of nature.
To make matters worse, the situation with the radioactive leak at the Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Plant grew dire. There was the bad news that several workers trying to
solve the radiation problem as well as the inhabitants living around the plant were
exposed to radiation. People all over the world have watched this situation with
breathless interest, worrying that it might become the second Chernobyl disaster. In an
attempt to avoid this worst case scenario, members of the Self-Defense Force,
policemen and firemen are all working as one in the face of death to cool the reactor
core. My heart nearly breaks with grief when I think of the anxiety of people living in the
stricken area and how the many people working hard in the power plant must feel,
aware they are being exposed to radiation. I sincerely hope that the problem of the
leaking radioactivity will be solved as soon as possible and that those who are suffering
may return to their normal life.
By the way, when I look back over the past few years, there have been many large scale
disasters all over the world. Surely you remember that many people died in the Indian
Ocean tsunami
caused by the earthquake in Southeast Asia, and also Hurricane Katrina, the
earthquakes in Sichuan, Haiti and Chile? Even this year,
there were the floods in Brazil, Australia, and the quake in New Zealand. Many cities were
destroyed and many people were lost because of these cataclysmic events all over the
world. I cannot help but fear the violence of Mother Nature which far exceeds human
knowledge.
When I contemplate these disasters that occurred all over the globe, I cannot help but
remember the words of a Japanese novelist. She said, “The evidence that the earth is
alive is that earthquakes occur. Human-kind is able to live because the earth is alive.
The earth itself continues to live as the law of Nature, exceeding human will.” When I first
heard that, I was very impressed with her calm insight.
And at the same time, I understood that the living environment of
the modern city is a “palace of the illusion, constructed brilliantly as a symbol of human
ego and self-centeredness. Although the civilizations we have established from ancient
times look elegant, like Utopias that will last forever, they can collapse into nothing like
a house of cards before the wonder of nature.
What we should pay attention to now is; What is the spiritual support for those of us who
are Buddhist? Even with all of the miraculous scientific advances and great body of
knowledge that exist in our modern world, there is no one who can accurately predict
when natural disasters will occur. This fact makes us realize the validity of the law of
impermanence and that there are so many things in this world that are beyond human
understanding. Therefore, it is really dangerous to depend on ephemeral things like
family, wealth, social status, honor, and so on. It is as if you are leaning on a pillar of
illusion. Although it is natural to rely on family, Shinran Shonin teaches us that no matter
what might happen in our lives, only the teachings (Dharma) can form firm bonds of
family which can never be severed.
On such an occasion, the sole message that affects our mind and body is that, “A foolish
being filled with blind passion, living in this im-permanent world of burning house, all
things are empty and vain; therefore, untrue. Only the Nembutsu is true, real, and sincere,
as de-clared in the Tannisho. These are the true words that Shinran Shonin received from
the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha.
This devastating earthquake which occurred in the Tohoku region makes us realize that
all things are impermanent and that life is transient. This ought to be a warning for us, too.
It is most important for us to put ourselves in the position of those who are suffering so
that we may again reflect on the transient nature and value of the life that we have
received.
Now, we should think seriously what we can do for those suffering not only in Japan but
also around the world. Although at the beginning, it is just the small effort of one
individual, that small act will eventually join with that of others and can become a great
power that can give the many suffering people all over the world courage and peace
of mind. And also the great bonds of our wish will lead us to realize that we can share
both suffering and sorrow, bringing us to a deep understanding of the real value of our
birth as humans into this world. I think that this is the way we can repay an obligation to
all those who died in this disaster.
I believe that when faced with the violence of Mother Nature, we can respond to her
disasters in a way that binds us deeply together. Disasters teach us to help others and
treasure not only our own lives but that of all others. I sincerely hope that as we mourn
the precious lives of all the victims and honor them, we realize how foolish it is to kill one
other in order to protect our own interests.
In conclusion, I would like to show my profound respect for all those who are making
efforts in the rescue operations in Japan and express my deep gratitude for those who
are striving to raise funds all over the world in support of Japan’s rehabilitation. At the
same time, I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to all victims of these terrible
disasters.
I sincerely hope that when this article reaches your hands, the problem of the reactor’s
leaked radiation will be solved safely. Rise! Japan!
In Gassho
Dharma Message
By Rev. Yushi Mukojima, Resident Minister
RISE! JAPAN!
Last week, on March 11 at 2:46 p.m. Japan time, a huge earthquake occurred in the
Tohoku region. In an instant, many people living there were killed by the great tsunami
caused by the terrible earthquake. At present, it is estimated that still missing 20,000
people have died with more victims yet to be discovered.
Many cities located by the sea were swept away by the muddy surge of the tsunami. The
landscape of the cities once filled with vibrant energy was totally altered into scenes of
devastation. For several miles in every direction in those areas, heaps of rubble and mud
remained where once living cities stood.
All the public utilities, electricity, water, and gas that are essential to life today were
lost. The survivors were completely bewildered, in grief over the loss of everything they
had known. At present, many countries around the globe are aiding in the rescue and
medical service efforts because they believe in the rehabilitation of Japan.
I first learned of this tragedy after the Board of Directors meeting finished on Thursday,
March 10, and I called my parents in Japan as soon as I got home. Fortunately, they were
not affected at all because Obama City where they live faces the Sea of Japan.
However, they seemed to be really worried about the terrible scenes being broadcast
from the stricken area.
When I first saw TV coverage of the huge tsunami that swallowed up the cities, I was
unable to grasp the reality of what had happened. It was if I was watching a movie. I was
speechless with the tragedy of those images and really couldn’t believe my eyes. And at
the same time, I couldn’t help but worry about my parents’ safety, wondering if a tsunami
might also hit my seaside hometown in a country where earthquakes are a constant
threat.
The next day, after discussion with some board members, we hur-riedly decided to
conduct a memorial service at the temple for those who had been killed by the disaster.
Despite the short notice, major San Diego media carried announcements about our
memorial service. As a result, even though it took place on Saturday evening, the
service drew not only temple members and Japanese living locally, but many
concerned people from the greater community.
We had a silent meditation to offer our deepest sympathy to all the victims. After the
service I was gratified by the warm words of encou-ragement from those in attendance.
Furthermore, they donated gene-rously to the temple for victim relief. Some had
brought bottled water. Later I received many phone calls from those who had watched
the news or seen coverage of the service in the newspaper who wanted to send a
donation to our Japan relief fund. Even though I am here in the U.S. a long distance from
Japan, the hope they expressed for the rehabilitation of Japan encouraged me greatly.
Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to you
who attended the service.
The Tohoku earthquake marked a magnitude of 9 and it is said that this earthquake was
the fourth largest ever in history, after the Great Chilean earthquake which registered a
magnitude 9.5 in 1960, the Indian Ocean earthquake which occurred in 2004, and so on.
It was, of course, Japan’s largest earthquake in recorded history and was estimated to
have 1,000 times more energy than the huge quake that occurred in Kobe in 1995. It is
said that this type of epic quake occurs once in a thousand years. Some scholars of U.S.
Geological Survey announced that the main island of Japan moved 8 feet (2.4 meters)
to the east as a result of this huge quake and its aftershocks.
Because of the powerful tsunami that resulted from such a terrible earthquake, the
damage was unimaginable. Although I have repeatedly watched video of the tsunami
as it engulfed the familiar Japanese houses and ports, I am filled with indescribable
anxiety, fear, and sorrow. It made me realize again that there is nothing we can do
before the power of nature.
To make matters worse, the situation with the radioactive leak at the Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Plant grew dire. There was the bad news that several workers trying to
solve the radiation problem as well as the inhabitants living around the plant were
exposed to radiation. People all over the world have watched this situation with
breathless interest, worrying that it might become the second Chernobyl disaster. In an
attempt to avoid this worst case scenario, members of the Self-Defense Force,
policemen and firemen are all working as one in the face of death to cool the reactor
core. My heart nearly breaks with grief when I think of the anxiety of people living in the
stricken area and how the many people working hard in the power plant must feel,
aware they are being exposed to radiation. I sincerely hope that the problem of the
leaking radioactivity will be solved as soon as possible and that those who are suffering
may return to their normal life.
By the way, when I look back over the past few years, there have been many large scale
disasters all over the world. Surely you remember that many people died in the Indian
Ocean tsunami
caused by the earthquake in Southeast Asia, and also Hurricane Katrina, the
earthquakes in Sichuan, Haiti and Chile? Even this year,
there were the floods in Brazil, Australia, and the quake in New Zealand. Many cities were
destroyed and many people were lost because of these cataclysmic events all over the
world. I cannot help but fear the violence of Mother Nature which far exceeds human
knowledge.
When I contemplate these disasters that occurred all over the globe, I cannot help but
remember the words of a Japanese novelist. She said, “The evidence that the earth is
alive is that earthquakes occur. Human-kind is able to live because the earth is alive.
The earth itself continues to live as the law of Nature, exceeding human will.” When I first
heard that, I was very impressed with her calm insight.
And at the same time, I understood that the living environment of
the modern city is a “palace of the illusion, constructed brilliantly as a symbol of human
ego and self-centeredness. Although the civilizations we have established from ancient
times look elegant, like Utopias that will last forever, they can collapse into nothing like
a house of cards before the wonder of nature.
What we should pay attention to now is; What is the spiritual support for those of us who
are Buddhist? Even with all of the miraculous scientific advances and great body of
knowledge that exist in our modern world, there is no one who can accurately predict
when natural disasters will occur. This fact makes us realize the validity of the law of
impermanence and that there are so many things in this world that are beyond human
understanding. Therefore, it is really dangerous to depend on ephemeral things like
family, wealth, social status, honor, and so on. It is as if you are leaning on a pillar of
illusion. Although it is natural to rely on family, Shinran Shonin teaches us that no matter
what might happen in our lives, only the teachings (Dharma) can form firm bonds of
family which can never be severed.
On such an occasion, the sole message that affects our mind and body is that, “A foolish
being filled with blind passion, living in this im-permanent world of burning house, all
things are empty and vain; therefore, untrue. Only the Nembutsu is true, real, and sincere,
as de-clared in the Tannisho. These are the true words that Shinran Shonin received from
the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha.
This devastating earthquake which occurred in the Tohoku region makes us realize that
all things are impermanent and that life is transient. This ought to be a warning for us, too.
It is most important for us to put ourselves in the position of those who are suffering so
that we may again reflect on the transient nature and value of the life that we have
received.
Now, we should think seriously what we can do for those suffering not only in Japan but
also around the world. Although at the beginning, it is just the small effort of one
individual, that small act will eventually join with that of others and can become a great
power that can give the many suffering people all over the world courage and peace
of mind. And also the great bonds of our wish will lead us to realize that we can share
both suffering and sorrow, bringing us to a deep understanding of the real value of our
birth as humans into this world. I think that this is the way we can repay an obligation to
all those who died in this disaster.
I believe that when faced with the violence of Mother Nature, we can respond to her
disasters in a way that binds us deeply together. Disasters teach us to help others and
treasure not only our own lives but that of all others. I sincerely hope that as we mourn
the precious lives of all the victims and honor them, we realize how foolish it is to kill one
other in order to protect our own interests.
In conclusion, I would like to show my profound respect for all those who are making
efforts in the rescue operations in Japan and express my deep gratitude for those who
are striving to raise funds all over the world in support of Japan’s rehabilitation. At the
same time, I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to all victims of these terrible
disasters.
I sincerely hope that when this article reaches your hands, the problem of the reactor’s
leaked radiation will be solved safely. Rise! Japan!
In Gassho
 |  |  |  |  |