Attachments
Today, many great items help us live comfortably and conveniently. Around us we find computers, cellular phones, flatscreen televisions, etc., and many other new materials that are so convenient. With these modern and outstanding technologies, the world has become so close. For example, everyone can get the world news almost simultaneously with other Countries.
It truly makes our life much more convenient and global, but at the same time I firmly believe that our lives are moving so fast. Most of the time, I cannot keep up with our advancing technologies. I have so many great new technological items but cannot utilize them fully! However, even if I cannot use them fully, these types of equipment are essential for most of us, and we rely upon them daily. Moreover, these items are very reasonably priced, so instead of fixing them, replacing the old items with new ones is a less expensive option. This is the reality of our society today. Why did we choose this way? I don’t know the proper answer to this, but there would be many reasons. Maybe it would be much easier and more convenient for most of us, or instead of repairing those items, the cost of the parts and time would be much more complicated than what we are estimating.
However, even if we have so many new items, some of us may keep unused items in the boxes. Why? Is it because of value? Is it a rare item? I am sure there are many different reasons depending on the person’s interest. Maybe attachment? Or the feeling of “Mottainai” don’t want to waste them. Me too! I have so many items in boxes for years. I haven’t unpacked those boxes for so many years, too, and there’s so much dust on the boxes. This is because of my unnecessary attachment! It is all my greedy mind making these attachments! I am BONBU – foolish being!
Impermanence
One of Buddha’s excellent guidance said, “Everything in our lives is all Impermanent.” It is true! We may all know about this fact but not be aware of this truth until we are getting older or facing difficult situations. Buddha’s guidance is so great, and it has opened our eyes to see the reality of life. Maybe it is very simple, but we ignore the truth in our lives. Buddha was a great spiritual leader, and many of his disciples may have felt that he would live forever. However, through his death, all his disciples became aware of the truth of life, which is impermanence. One of the great phrases is that “Everything changes, and everything appears and disappears.” This remarkable passage reminds us, all, to be aware of the reality of life.
Buddha Shakyamuni’s final statement in his last message to his disciples is,
Make of yourself a light. Rely upon yourself: do not depend upon anyone else. Make my teachings your light. Rely upon them: do not depend upon any other teaching. After my death, the Dharma shall be your teacher. Follow the Dharma, and you will be true to me.
According to Yuien in the Tan Ni Sho,
“The Master used to say, when I carefully consider the Vow which Amida brought forth after five kalpas contemplation, I find that it was solely for me, Shinran, alone!”
When I think of Dharma, it is just like a light, and this light is coming to me, a person who has full of blind passion by a great greedy mind that is full of attachment in the heart. This is just like a massive iceberg, but the great light of the Buddha’s compassion will melt this evil passion little by little and become one with water in the ocean and be able to support others.
On the second Sunday of February, we may observe Nirvana Day, which is Shakyamuni Buddha’s exceptional memorial service at the temple. This is the most precious time for all of us to remember that whenever we meet the excellent guidance of the Buddha, we are planting the seeds of Buddha Nature in our hearts and our society through the dynamic guidance of the Nembutsu. May Peace Prevail in our Society with the dynamic guidance of the Namo Amida Butsu.
Namo Amida Butsu
