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Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple |
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Temple Blog
January 27, 2009 A
new cycle of change has begun. Each day if we are fortunate enough, we open our eyes and greet another
day. This morning I awoke and lay there thinking about how much has changed in the last 24 hours.
Children were born, people died, decisions were made, new relationship formed and new insights revealed.
This day is now half gone, and already this morning, people’s lives were affected by my decisions
and my actions. When a year goes by, or a month and even a week, it is easier to reflect
back upon the time and the events that occurred, but often times in a 24 hour period it is harder to discern the many events. This is when an event that is profound, saddening and deep occurs in our lives and we are made to see
ourselves and our lives in a different way. We are made to see the great and many changes that occur in
the short span of a few hours, and we are made to reflect upon the continuing influence of those who have come and gone from
our lives. This has been termed as the infinite and continuous compassion of Amida opening our eyes the
truth of our lives. And one of those truths is that we have the ability to reflect and learn and become
better, stronger, wiser human beings thanks to the many influences past present and future in our lives. “For
those who have lived and died are always in the embrace of Amida Buddha”, a new cycle of change has begun.
For us who are left to mourn the loss, a new cycle of change has begun. Let that new cycle be one
of not worrying about the future and the past, let it be one that is living life true and real. Let a new
cycle be one in which we open our eyes each morning to the wonder of life, and the preciousness of our existence.
Let it be a new cycle in which we live in deep gratitude to all the thoughts words and actions of
whose influence have opened our eyes to this new cycle of life. And let this new cycle of life for us begin
with Namoamidabutsu as the most profound way of expressing our reliance and gratitude to Amida Buddha. Tomorrow
if you are fortunate enough to open your eyes, enjoy and say thank you and participate in life with gratitude and wonder. Namoamidabutsu, Rev. Shinseki Enter content here Enter content here Enter content here |
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