 |  |  |  |  |  |
July 2013
Dharma Message
By Rev. Yushi Mukojima, Resident Minister
Dharma Message
By Rev. Yushi Mukojima, Resident Minister
"Do You Have the Arrogant Mind?"
This is my final Dharma message as resident minister for the Buddhist Temple of San Diego.
Through the Bussei Script, I am very fortunate to have shared the Dharma with all of you and grateful to
have received much feedback from the Sangha and friends near and far.
Although I am still inexperienced, I was able to carry out my duty as your resident minister with the
support from so many members. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you for
your loving kindness and thoughtfulness.
When I look back over the past eight years, I have had challenging experiences with members, both
good and bad.
To tell the truth, if I had not been able to work something out with members, and when things didn’t turn
out as I wished, I would get depressed and become pessimistic by thinking, “It might be the time for me go
back to Japan… How miserable I am!”
When such issues occurred, my wife, Mika, always cheered me up and supported me. Because of her
devotion, I was reminded of my inexperience, and at the same time, I was able to become aware of how
important it is to try my best in everything positively no matter what might happen. It is no exaggeration to
say that I am able to continue to engage in work as a BCA minister because I married her. In this way, Mika’
s presence has a strong influence on my missionary life.
Mika and I will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary next March. I proposed to her in front of the
Philadelphia Museum of Art, well-known in the movie Rocky. I clearly remember that day as if it were
yesterday. It was the best location with a sweeping night view of downtown. The moment was so romantic
as if we were watching the movie. Well, our love affairs don’t matter but we will celebrate our 10th
anniversary next year. How quickly time flies after nearly 10 years.
Fortunately, many members have often said to me, “Sensei, you sure married a nice lady,” or, “you’re
really lucky to have such a wonderful wife.” Of course, I am very pleased to hear words of praise about my
wife. But, why is it nobody has ever said to her, “Okusan, I envy you your nice husband”? So, I am a little
jealous.
Over the past nine years we have argued because of our different values or sensibilities, but no matter
what we argue about, in the end my wife has always respected my opinion and gone along with me.
On the other hand, I have to admit I seldom listen to her opinion. Rather, I tend to solve problems with
the presumption that I am always right. When I think about this again, I am very embarrassed by my vanity
and arrogance. Nowadays, usually a husband like me might be forsaken by a wife saying, “Let’s separate!
Let’s divorce!” But my wife has followed, perseveringly, such a selfish and arrogant husband without
abandoning. When I think about her tolerance, I am very grateful that Mika has not left me in spite of my
stubbornness.
Contemplating “Wrong View”
With my last Dharma message, I would like to share with you a little about “wrong view” and
“arrogance” as described in the Shoshin-ge.
No matter what kind of person we think we are, we each have a self-serving and conceited mind, and in
no small way. It is extremely difficult to get rid of such thoughts completely. But if one fully realizes that he
possesses such a haughty mind and reflects deeply upon himself, he tries to listen attentively to others and
even agree obediently with them, saying, “Yes, you are right!” How about you? Are you able to listen
meekly to others and hear what they are saying even if you argue with them?
One reason we fight is because we do not have the capacity to listen to one’s opinions and questions.
The reason why we are not able to hear their side is because we have a convincingly strong selfish and
conceited mind “I am right,” or “I am the reasonable one.” In Buddhism, such a way of thinking is called
“Wrong View.” If we believe that we are a modest person, we are merely convinced only in our mind. From
the viewpoint of others, we are definitely not such an excellent person. And while we are confused by the
self-centered mind, we always tend to regard others as arrogant, unkind and difficult. With this kind of
attitude, no matter how hard we try, there is no room for accepting others’ opinions.
Wrong View does not refer to the viewpoint of a person with a selfish mind. It refers to the viewpoint of
those who would not even recognize their selfish mind if they had one. Therefore, if a person can sincerely
acknowledge, “I am filled with the mind of wrong view,” and is able to say, “How shameful I am,” that
person no longer has wrong view, nor is he an arrogant person.
Such a person can readily accept that Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow—to save all beings of wrong views
and arrogance — is meant for none other than himself alone. This person is able to recite the Nembutsu,
“Namo Amida Butsu” naturally as an expression of his deep gratitude for the great compassion of Amida
Buddha. On the other hand, if a person cannot see his true self filled with the mind of wrong views and
selfishness, unfortunately he will never be able to rejoice in Amida Buddha’s great wish for him.
There is a famous phrase of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, in the Tannisho as follows: “If a
good person attains birth in the Pure Land, how much more so than the evil person.” This means that there
is no distinction between ordinary people and sages before Amida Buddha’s compassion. By saying this,
Shinran shows us that, if anything, the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha sincerely wants to save those foolish
beings who are always confused by the mind of greed, anger, love and hatred. The evil person or foolish
being is the word which refers to each one of us. It does not refer to another person.
Unfortunately the (good) person who is unable to recognize his own foolishness and selfishness cannot
open his mind and heart to Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow. Because of this, he cannot accept the great
compassion of Amida Buddha. No matter how deep the compassion of Amida Buddha is, such a foolish
(good) person will not be able to show his respect and gratitude for the virtue of Amida Buddha by reciting
the Nembutsu. Such a selfish and vain person depends too much to the great compassion by concluding
that he is fine just as he is, without any self-reflection whatsoever.
Shinran Shonin says in the Shoshin-ge, “For evil sentient beings of wrong views and arrogance, ‘The
nembutsu that embodies Amida’s Primal Vow; Is hard to accept in shinjin;’ This most difficult of difficulties,
nothing surpasses.”
To say it more simply, “For those who cannot see the truth holding the wrong views and arrogant mind, it
is extremely difficult to receive obediently the Nembutsu that embodies Amida Buddha’s Vow and rejoice
in it. This most difficult of difficulties, nothing surpasses.”
Reflection through Nembutsu
When I reflect deeply, I am an arrogant husband who is unable to hear the sincere and right opinions of
my wife who is closest to me because I always believe that I am right. When I think deeply about it, I cannot
help but realize that it is impossible for me to accept obediently Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow all the more.
Even if I argue with my wife and hurt her feelings, I usually take a ‘so what!’ attitude while having
unfounded confidence unawares things like, “She would never walk out on me over something so trivial,
and that she would never let me down.” Such ugly and selfish dependence on my wife makes me arrogant
and encourages me to have the wrong kind of dependence on Amida Buddha’s unconditional
compassion. The more I listen to the Nembutsu teaching, the more I am able to see clearly my true self and
cannot help but reflect deeply upon my arrogant attitude which has become a totally self-centered way
of thinking.
Although all of us hold the wrong views and can be presumptuous to extremes, we become aware of
the Nembutsu teaching which we have received from Amida Buddha. It is the only way that encourages
us to examine obediently our selfish mind through the light of wisdom.
As Mika and I approach our milestone anniversary, I will try once again to make a fresh resolve to
appreciate her patience and tolerance and to set aside my unyielding self-righteous attitude before she
becomes totally disgusted with me. Without a doubt, I am really glad to have such a wonderful wife!
I sincerely hope that each of you will try to show your gratitude to the person who is closest to you – your
husband, wife, family, or those dear to you, reflecting upon your daily life with the Nembutsu teaching as
your lifetime precious mirror, and continuing to take the path of the Nembutsu while respecting and
supporting each other.
While reading my message, if you think things like, “I want to make him read this! He will surely change his
attitude,” you are an arrogant person. Therefore, please be careful about it.
In conclusion, my deep and valuable experience while serving the Buddhist Temple of San Diego over the
past eight years will remain a treasure in my life. The memories that I share with each of you, especially with
those who took care of me as if they were my family, will give me great encouragement in my missionary life
in the future. I will make a vow to share all of these wonderful experiences with the Mountain View Sangha.
Once again, my family and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the San Diego Sangha
members for the friendship and loving support you have shown us during our service in San Diego. We
sincerely hope to see you again!!!
In Gassho,
Through the Bussei Script, I am very fortunate to have shared the Dharma with all of you and grateful to
have received much feedback from the Sangha and friends near and far.
Although I am still inexperienced, I was able to carry out my duty as your resident minister with the
support from so many members. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you for
your loving kindness and thoughtfulness.
When I look back over the past eight years, I have had challenging experiences with members, both
good and bad.
To tell the truth, if I had not been able to work something out with members, and when things didn’t turn
out as I wished, I would get depressed and become pessimistic by thinking, “It might be the time for me go
back to Japan… How miserable I am!”
When such issues occurred, my wife, Mika, always cheered me up and supported me. Because of her
devotion, I was reminded of my inexperience, and at the same time, I was able to become aware of how
important it is to try my best in everything positively no matter what might happen. It is no exaggeration to
say that I am able to continue to engage in work as a BCA minister because I married her. In this way, Mika’
s presence has a strong influence on my missionary life.
Mika and I will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary next March. I proposed to her in front of the
Philadelphia Museum of Art, well-known in the movie Rocky. I clearly remember that day as if it were
yesterday. It was the best location with a sweeping night view of downtown. The moment was so romantic
as if we were watching the movie. Well, our love affairs don’t matter but we will celebrate our 10th
anniversary next year. How quickly time flies after nearly 10 years.
Fortunately, many members have often said to me, “Sensei, you sure married a nice lady,” or, “you’re
really lucky to have such a wonderful wife.” Of course, I am very pleased to hear words of praise about my
wife. But, why is it nobody has ever said to her, “Okusan, I envy you your nice husband”? So, I am a little
jealous.
Over the past nine years we have argued because of our different values or sensibilities, but no matter
what we argue about, in the end my wife has always respected my opinion and gone along with me.
On the other hand, I have to admit I seldom listen to her opinion. Rather, I tend to solve problems with
the presumption that I am always right. When I think about this again, I am very embarrassed by my vanity
and arrogance. Nowadays, usually a husband like me might be forsaken by a wife saying, “Let’s separate!
Let’s divorce!” But my wife has followed, perseveringly, such a selfish and arrogant husband without
abandoning. When I think about her tolerance, I am very grateful that Mika has not left me in spite of my
stubbornness.
Contemplating “Wrong View”
With my last Dharma message, I would like to share with you a little about “wrong view” and
“arrogance” as described in the Shoshin-ge.
No matter what kind of person we think we are, we each have a self-serving and conceited mind, and in
no small way. It is extremely difficult to get rid of such thoughts completely. But if one fully realizes that he
possesses such a haughty mind and reflects deeply upon himself, he tries to listen attentively to others and
even agree obediently with them, saying, “Yes, you are right!” How about you? Are you able to listen
meekly to others and hear what they are saying even if you argue with them?
One reason we fight is because we do not have the capacity to listen to one’s opinions and questions.
The reason why we are not able to hear their side is because we have a convincingly strong selfish and
conceited mind “I am right,” or “I am the reasonable one.” In Buddhism, such a way of thinking is called
“Wrong View.” If we believe that we are a modest person, we are merely convinced only in our mind. From
the viewpoint of others, we are definitely not such an excellent person. And while we are confused by the
self-centered mind, we always tend to regard others as arrogant, unkind and difficult. With this kind of
attitude, no matter how hard we try, there is no room for accepting others’ opinions.
Wrong View does not refer to the viewpoint of a person with a selfish mind. It refers to the viewpoint of
those who would not even recognize their selfish mind if they had one. Therefore, if a person can sincerely
acknowledge, “I am filled with the mind of wrong view,” and is able to say, “How shameful I am,” that
person no longer has wrong view, nor is he an arrogant person.
Such a person can readily accept that Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow—to save all beings of wrong views
and arrogance — is meant for none other than himself alone. This person is able to recite the Nembutsu,
“Namo Amida Butsu” naturally as an expression of his deep gratitude for the great compassion of Amida
Buddha. On the other hand, if a person cannot see his true self filled with the mind of wrong views and
selfishness, unfortunately he will never be able to rejoice in Amida Buddha’s great wish for him.
There is a famous phrase of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, in the Tannisho as follows: “If a
good person attains birth in the Pure Land, how much more so than the evil person.” This means that there
is no distinction between ordinary people and sages before Amida Buddha’s compassion. By saying this,
Shinran shows us that, if anything, the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha sincerely wants to save those foolish
beings who are always confused by the mind of greed, anger, love and hatred. The evil person or foolish
being is the word which refers to each one of us. It does not refer to another person.
Unfortunately the (good) person who is unable to recognize his own foolishness and selfishness cannot
open his mind and heart to Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow. Because of this, he cannot accept the great
compassion of Amida Buddha. No matter how deep the compassion of Amida Buddha is, such a foolish
(good) person will not be able to show his respect and gratitude for the virtue of Amida Buddha by reciting
the Nembutsu. Such a selfish and vain person depends too much to the great compassion by concluding
that he is fine just as he is, without any self-reflection whatsoever.
Shinran Shonin says in the Shoshin-ge, “For evil sentient beings of wrong views and arrogance, ‘The
nembutsu that embodies Amida’s Primal Vow; Is hard to accept in shinjin;’ This most difficult of difficulties,
nothing surpasses.”
To say it more simply, “For those who cannot see the truth holding the wrong views and arrogant mind, it
is extremely difficult to receive obediently the Nembutsu that embodies Amida Buddha’s Vow and rejoice
in it. This most difficult of difficulties, nothing surpasses.”
Reflection through Nembutsu
When I reflect deeply, I am an arrogant husband who is unable to hear the sincere and right opinions of
my wife who is closest to me because I always believe that I am right. When I think deeply about it, I cannot
help but realize that it is impossible for me to accept obediently Amida Buddha’s Primal Vow all the more.
Even if I argue with my wife and hurt her feelings, I usually take a ‘so what!’ attitude while having
unfounded confidence unawares things like, “She would never walk out on me over something so trivial,
and that she would never let me down.” Such ugly and selfish dependence on my wife makes me arrogant
and encourages me to have the wrong kind of dependence on Amida Buddha’s unconditional
compassion. The more I listen to the Nembutsu teaching, the more I am able to see clearly my true self and
cannot help but reflect deeply upon my arrogant attitude which has become a totally self-centered way
of thinking.
Although all of us hold the wrong views and can be presumptuous to extremes, we become aware of
the Nembutsu teaching which we have received from Amida Buddha. It is the only way that encourages
us to examine obediently our selfish mind through the light of wisdom.
As Mika and I approach our milestone anniversary, I will try once again to make a fresh resolve to
appreciate her patience and tolerance and to set aside my unyielding self-righteous attitude before she
becomes totally disgusted with me. Without a doubt, I am really glad to have such a wonderful wife!
I sincerely hope that each of you will try to show your gratitude to the person who is closest to you – your
husband, wife, family, or those dear to you, reflecting upon your daily life with the Nembutsu teaching as
your lifetime precious mirror, and continuing to take the path of the Nembutsu while respecting and
supporting each other.
While reading my message, if you think things like, “I want to make him read this! He will surely change his
attitude,” you are an arrogant person. Therefore, please be careful about it.
In conclusion, my deep and valuable experience while serving the Buddhist Temple of San Diego over the
past eight years will remain a treasure in my life. The memories that I share with each of you, especially with
those who took care of me as if they were my family, will give me great encouragement in my missionary life
in the future. I will make a vow to share all of these wonderful experiences with the Mountain View Sangha.
Once again, my family and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the San Diego Sangha
members for the friendship and loving support you have shown us during our service in San Diego. We
sincerely hope to see you again!!!
In Gassho,
| Copyright © Buddhist Temple of San Diego 2012. All rights reserved. |
| Buddhist Temple of San Diego 2929 Market Street San Diego, California 92102 (619) 239-0896 info@btsd.net |