Namo Amida Butsu
Each year, we celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. On this special occasion, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all fathers and grandfathers for their devotion to their children and grandchildren, and for guiding them with compassion and wisdom along the path illuminated by the Buddha’s teachings.
For many of us, our fathers and grandfathers have already passed away. Yet whether they are still with us or not, when we quietly reflect upon them, precious memories naturally arise and continue to live within our hearts.
To be a father or grandfather is one of life’s greatest joys and responsibilities. Through their care, sacrifices, and encouragement, they help shape the lives of future generations. Speaking personally, my wife and I always treasured watching our three children grow. Each had different interests from a young age. My oldest daughter learned hula, my son played baseball, and my youngest daughter played soccer.
Sometimes their events were held on the same day in different places, but we always tried our best to attend as many as possible. We knew that when we were there, our children felt happy, supported, and encouraged.
I remember having a similar experience as a child when I played Little League baseball. Sometimes my mother would come to watch my games. Whenever I saw her at the ballpark, I felt calm and confident. Somehow, just her presence gave me strength and courage. Because of that experience, my wife and I understood how important it was simply to be present for our children.
In Buddhism, we are reminded that our lives are supported by countless causes and conditions. The warmth, encouragement, and sacrifices we receive from our parents become important conditions that help us grow with confidence, gratitude, and compassion. Often, we do not fully realize these gifts until later in life.
Father’s Day itself began from a daughter’s deep gratitude toward her father. Sonora Smart Dodd was one of six children raised by her father after the death of her mother. Her father, a Civil War veteran, devoted himself to raising all six children alone with patience, kindness, and sacrifice. Wanting to honor him, she asked her minister to hold a special service recognizing fathers. From this sincere expression of gratitude, Father’s Day gradually spread throughout the nation and eventually became a national observance.
Our fathers and grandfathers are often our first teachers. From them, we learn kindness, perseverance, responsibility, compassion, and gratitude. At our Japanese Language School, students sometimes speak about their parents. One student proudly shared, “My dad is a mechanic, and he can fix anything.” As she described how he repaired engines, fixed dents, and painted cars, her face shined with admiration. In her eyes, her father was a hero to the family. Hearing her story reminded all of us how deeply children treasure their parents.
When we think about our own fathers and grandfathers, many memories come to mind. Even after they are gone, the love, wisdom, and care they shared continue to guide us. Their memory becomes a light within our hearts, quietly leading us along the path of truth.
The Buddha Dharma teaches us the importance of compassion, wisdom, cooperation, and gratitude. At temple services, we learn not only through the minister’s message, but also through the kindness, support, and encouragement of our sangha members. In this way, we receive the values and teachings of those who came before us, and we pass them on to future generations. On this Father’s Day, may we take time to express our sincere appreciation to our fathers and grandfathers, and may we continue walking the Nembutsu path with gratitude.
- “Manabe” — to learn their true heart.
- “Uketsuge” — to receive and accept their teachings.
- “Tsutaero” — to pass them on to the next generation with gratitude.
May we continue listening deeply to the Buddha Dharma and cherish the precious gifts we have received from our fathers and grandfathers. Happy Father’s Day!
