Transitioning from summer to fall, a seasonal talk by Ikeda Sensei Thoughts for a Spring Day By Rev. Earl Ikeda On a recent sunny afternoon, my wife and I went to the park for a picnic. We found ourselves unconditionally embraced by the sweet scent of fragrant blossoming flowers and the light green of new leaves making their first appearance this year. The grounds were filled with new life reaching towards the sunlight. We saw many people enjoying casual walks while singing or having conversations filled with laughter, and heard the pleasant voices of children playing games. The sakura (cherry blossoms) were in full bloom, and when a sudden breeze blew, their delicate petals flew in all directions creating the impression of warm, gentle snowflakes. The quiet of the past season was now alive with the voices of both humans and birds. We were grateful to experience the changing from the cold, quiet, and heavy feeling of winter to a colorful, vibrant, and refreshing spring. It’s great to be alive and to be here in NYC. As we looked further, the plants and animals seemed to be celebrating life in some way by sharing their colors and songs to express the coming of new life. They seemed to be reaching out to us to express their gratitude for having survived the cold and celebrating the joy of living. Everything seemed to energetically use each precious moment to express a deep sense of joy and gratitude. That which helps us to become aware and appreciate every moment is called “goen.” Goen is derived from the Buddhist thought suggesting the coming together of all causes and conditions to this very moment in time. Every moment in our lives is “goen,” and is a precious gift of the life-energy that embraces and sustains every moment. Every moment we exist is something that has been in the making from the immeasurable past. It includes all things that sustain us, physically and spiritually, allowing us to appreciate experiences that will never come back again exactly as we experience them now. The flower blooms with all its might to be able to be the best blossom it can be, and the bird sings its best to express joy. I often wonder what I can do to express my gratitude for these many things that are selflessly sharing their very lives with me. Sadly, I sometimes find myself grumbling about the weather and all the mess the flower petals make when they fall and cover the ground. I tend to be grateful that the weather is getting warmer, but fussy when it suddenly changes and gets cold. As a human being I have the illusion that I can change things to “make them better.” But as I look at that attitude more closely, I realize that it leads me to think selfishly and foolishly only of my own personal comfort and to overlook that which I already have: all those precious gifts that make life possible. I ask myself if I am truly grateful for everything, including my own life. Countless causes and conditions have given me the opportunity to live as a human being and to hopefully make good decisions for a better tomorrow for all, including all plants and animals. It is important to realize the truth that everything is subject to change. It is a natural path and a universal truth. In a matter of months the light green color of the leaves will darken. In fall they will become red, then brown, before becoming one with the earth as the weather changes. We will also go through various stages and eventually become one with the earth. The o-nembutsu makes us aware of this universal truth and allows us to enjoy each segment of change with a feeling of joy and gratitude. If we open our hearts and minds to the truth of change we can truly appreciate this precious moment with joy and gratitude. Are we aware of this truth? Namo Amida Butsu
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:05:11 +0000
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