I have been a member of OCBC for over 30 years but have been a Shin Buddhist all my life. I grew up in a small farming community where the Church was an important part of our social, cultural and religious activities. We have always heard the words interdependence, gratitude, impermanence and respect as our Dharma School lessons. It is ingrained in my existence. My grandparents always had a shrine (Obutsudan) proudly displayed in their homes. The first rice was for the offering. Itadakimasu and gochisosama deshita were part of our mealtime rituals. We didn’t sit and discuss religion but their everyday life was an example of Shin Buddhist practices. We relied on each other for help and assistance. When times were hard, everyone shared what we had, everyone helped each other in the fields or to work on a project, be it church, community or neighborhood in need. If you had nothing to give, you offered your kind words, support or offer to help. It was what they did. I often heard Namo Amida Butsu repeated in my grandparent’s home, not just at the shrine or alter but whenever the feeling warranted or just because.

In this time of Pandemic, I have seen many of the things I grew up with and recognize so much of the Shin Buddhist lessons I have heard and seen thru the years. I am so grateful for an OCBC that has been there for the Sangha with new and innovative ways to stay connected. Virtual services, Dharma Lessons, Buddhist Education Classes online, virtual meetings were initiated early on. The Sangha groups have reached out to those who are sheltered, in need, isolated and at risk. Virtual support groups, meals delivered to isolated seniors, DANA groups outreach and phone calls, Project Kokoro checking on the Seniors, are just a small sample of what OCBC has offered and continues to provide, encouraging safe/restricted interaction. One of our members donated fabric masks to all the seniors receiving Bentos so our Volunteers can check on them and make sure they are Ok. Volunteers are calling on seniors at risk to see if we can provide anything for them even if its a smile hidden by a mask but showing in their eyes.

Things have had to change. Some of our practices cannot be carried out. Sadly we cannot physically support our grieving friends and families in their time of loss. We may not have our minister physically present for some of our rituals. But we have found ways to continue our Shin Buddhist practices, in a new way. Our interdependence is so prominent, our gratitude expressed everyday and our hope of impermanence, that this will all end soon, at the forefront.

I have so much gratitude for the OCBC Community and the Shin Buddhist Family available to me. Namo Amida Butsu.

[submitted on 5/29/2020]