Midwest Buddhist Temple Dharma Talks Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Midwest Buddhist Temple - Chicago
This is a weekly podcast of the Sunday service at the Midwest Buddhist Temple, a JodoShinshu Buddhist temple. The Midwest Buddhist Temple is a member of the Buddhist Churches of America, http://buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/home/.
Visit our website at http://mbtchicago.org or come to one of our services at 435 W. Menomonee St, Chicago, IL 60614, Visit our website for directions.
Rev. Blayne Higa of the Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple give the Dharma Message for the 850/800 Service comemmorating 850 years since Shinran Shonin's birth and 800 years of Jodo Shinshu teachings.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the August Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma message.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the April Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma message.
Rev. Tsuchiya shares his Dharma Message for Sunday Family Service and the Shinned Enkai new year celebration.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the January Monthly Memorial Service and shares his message about the Lotus Flower as a symbol for Buddhism.
Rev. Miyamura conducts the December Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma Message.
Rev. Todd Tsuchiya shares his Dharma Message. Please note: the first 2 minutes of his talk were inadvertently not recorded.
Minister's Assistant Jesse Zavala shares his Dharma message for Family Service. Please note: unfortunately, the first part of the talk was not recorded.
Rev Ron Miyamura conducts the November Memorial Service and shares his Dharma message about Dana.
Rev. Miyamura conducts the October Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma message.
Rev. Bly of the Twin Cities Buddhist Sangha shares her Dharma message for the September 11 Family Service.
Rev. Miyamura conducts the September Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma message.
Rev. Miyamura conducts the September Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma message.
Eli Brown, leader of MBT ZenShin Meditation, shares his Dharma Message for Family Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the July Monthly Memorial service and shares his Dharma Message on "interconnectedness".
Rev. Todd Tsuchiya shares his Dharma message for Family Service in honor of Memorial Day.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the May Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma message about Remembering.
Minister's Assistant Cynthia Mee gives the Dharma message for the Eshinni/Kakushinni Memorial Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura welcomes the Sangha back to the first in-person Family Service since August 2021.
Rev. Miyamura shares his Dharma message for the April Monthly Memorial Service. His topic is Our Ancestors
Eli Brown, leader of MBT ZenShin Meditation sessions, shares his Dharma Message for Family Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the March Monthly Memorial service and shares his Dharma Message.
Rev. Miyamura conducts the February Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma Message.
Rev. Miyamura conducts the Monthly Memorial Service and the first service of the New Year.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts Family Service which includes a Memorial for MBT's Founding Minister, Rev. Gyodo Kono.
Rev. Miyamura conducts the November Memorial Service and shares his Dharma Message on Climate Change.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the October Memorial Service and shares his Dharma Message: "Let it Go"
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts Family Service and shares his Dharma Message: Significant Dates.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the September Memorial Service and shares his Dharma Message on Common Sense.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the August Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma Message.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the July Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma Message.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Message for the June Memorial Service: "Are We Back?"
Wuxing Lin, a Pure Land Buddhist monk studying at the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. He is also doing his internship at the Midwest Buddhist Temple.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Message for Sunday Family Service and Mother's Day.
Rev. Todd Tsuchiya of the Twin Cities Buddhist Sangha, shared his Dharma Message for the May Monthly Memorial Service.
The Sanghas from Cleveland Buddhist Temple, Twin Cities Buddhist Association, and Midwest Buddhist Temple held a joint Hanamatsuri Service on Zoom.
Rev. Miyamura conducts the April Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma Message.
Minister's Assistant Jesse Zavala conducts Family Service and shares his Dharma Message.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts 'virtual' Family Service and the theme of his Dharma Message is 'Interdependence'.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the virtual Monthly Memorial Service and shares his Dharma Message on Justice.
Rev. Ron conducts "virtual" Family Service and shares his Dharma message "the need to shift the way we're thinking".
Rev. Miyamura conducts Family Service observing Ho-Onko, the annual memorial for Shinran Shonin the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Rev. Ron Miyamura gives the Dharma Message for Family Service and the Memorial for our temple's founder Rev. Gyodo Kono.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Message for the November Monthly Memorial Service on the topic of Kindness.
Guest speaker Rev. Todd Tsuchiya of the Twin Cities Buddhist Association shares his Dharma Message for Virtual Family Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Message for the September Monthly Memorial Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Message about "Inter-dependence and Inter-connectedness"
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the Family Service with a Sutra Chant followed by his Dharma Message.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts a virtual Family Service with chanting and a Dharma Message.
During this period of “Shelter in Place” due to the Corona Virus, Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the May Memorial Service "virtually" beginning with Sutra chanting, for the Dharma Talks podcast.
During this period of “Shelter in Place” due to the Corona Virus, Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts Family Service, beginning with Sutra chanting, for the Dharma Talks podcast.
During this period of “Shelter in Place” due to the Corona Virus, Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts 'virtual' Family Services beginning with Sutra chanting.
Rev. Ron Miyamura holds a 'virtual' Hanamatsuri Service during the time of 'shelter-in-place' due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
April 2020 Memorial Service: During this period of "Shelter in Place" due to the Corona Virus, Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts Family Service, beginning with chanting, for the Dharma Talks podcast.
Rev. Ron Miyamura delivers his Dharma Message for March 29, 2020 during the Covid-19 Shelter-in-place.
During this period of "Shelter in Place" due to the Corona Virus, Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts Family Service, beginning with chanting, for the Dharma Talks podcast.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the first Family Service after MBT (and many other organizations) have suspended public gatherings to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Rev. Ron, speaking to an empty Hondo, begins with a Sutra Chant and then delivers his Dharma Talk.
Minister's Assistant Cynthia Mee shares her Dharma Message for the March Memorial Service.
Rev. Miyamura conducts a special memorial service honoring Lady Takeko Kujō – a humanitarian and founder of the Buddhist Women’s Association.
Rev. Ron Miyamura gives his Dharma Message for the annual Nirvana Day (memorial service of the Shakyamuni Buddha) service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma message for Family Service and MBT’s Shinnen-Enkai (New Year) celebration.
Rev. Patti Nakai of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago shares her Dharma message for the Ho-Onko Service.
Guest speaker, Rev. Don Castro shares his Dharma message for Sunday Family Service. Rev. Ron Miyamura introduces Rev. Castro.
Guest speaker Antonio Terrone shares his Dharma Message for Family Service. Mr. Terrone is an independent scholar specializing in Asian studies with a focus on religion, politics, and ethnic policies in East Asia, especially China (Tibet and Xinjiang).
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Message for the September Memorial Service Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Message and answers questions during Family Service.
Today's Dharma Message is given by Howard Ruan, student at the Divinity School of the University of Chicago.
Minister's Assistant Joy Zavala shares her Dharma message and the Sangha joins the MBT Band in singing "The Long and Winding Road".
Duncan Ryūken Williams, USC Dean of Religious Life and author of AMERICAN SUTRA A Story of Faith and Freedom in the Second World War, shares his Dharma message.Rev. Ron Miyamura introduces Dr. Williams.
Rev. Miyamura conducts a special memorial service honoring Lady Takeko Kujō - a humanitarian and founder of the Buddhist Women's Association.
Reverend Patt Nakai of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago shares her Dharma Message for Ho Onko (Shinran Memorial Service).
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma message for the first Family Service and Memorial Service of 2019.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma message about the founding minister of Midwest Buddhist Temple Rev. Gyodo Kono.
Minister's Assistant Terry Cichocki shares her Dharma Message for the Monthly Memorial Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura, for this Monthly Memorial Service, shares his thoughts about his recent attendance at the Parliament of World Religions held in Toronto.
Sarah Jacoby, assistant professor in the department of Religious Studies at Northwestern University is the guest speaker for Family Service.
Minister's Assistant Todd Tsuchiya of Minneapolis shares his Dharma Message for Sunday Family Service.
During Family Service, Rev. Ron Miyamura holds a Q&A session for Dharma School students.
Minister's Assistant Melissa Maslanka shares her Dharma message for the Fall Ohigan Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharm Message "Where is Amida Buddha?" for the September Monthly Memorial Service.
Guest speaker, Rev. Candice Shibata, shares her Dharma Message for Sunday Family Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma message which includes a discussion of Dukkha, the Buddhist concept of suffering.
Minister's Assistant Melissa Maslanka shares her Dharma Message for Sunday Family Service.
Minister's Assistant Jesse Zavala shares his Dharma Message for the June Monthly Memorial Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Message about the meaning of Memorial Day for the Midwest Buddhist Temple.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Message for Family Service - also celebrating Gotan-E and Parents Day.
Rev. Ron Miyamura's Dharma Talk provides more detail about the origin of Ohigan as a Shin Buddhist holiday.
Minister's Assistant Joy Zavala shares her Dharma message for Ohigan (Spring Equinox). Dharma School Children chair the service and there is a live music gatha.
Minister's Assistant Jesse Zavala shares his Dharma Message about the Sutras and Shin Buddhism.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his thoughts on current events of violence before he speaks about the annual memorial service for Lady Takeko Kujo (founder of the Buddhist Women's Association).
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma message about Nirvana Day - the memorial service for Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma message for Family Service and MBT's Shinnen-Enkai (New Year) celebration.
Reverend Patt Nakai of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago shares her Dharma Message for Ho Onko (Shinran Memorial Service).
Minister's Assistant Terry Cichocki shares her Dharma message about Buddhist traditions for memorial services.
For the November Monthly Memorial Service Rev. Ron Miyamura shares the Buddhist view of Birth and Death.
Sarah Jacoby, Associate Professor of Religion at Northwester University, shares a message at our Sunday Family Service. Rev. Miyamura provides an introduction for Dr. Jacoby.
Rev. Ogui, who served as our resident minister for 12 years, visits MBT and shares his Dharma message for Family Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the closing service of the 2017 Eastern Buddhist League Conference.
Rev. Kurt Rye of Placer Buddhist Church conducts the keynote seminar on "A Path Forward" for Buddhism in North America.
Minister's Assistant Todd Tsuchiya of the Twin Cities Buddhist Association give the Dharma Talk for the EBL Sunday Morning Service.
Minister's Assistant Cheryl Ikemiya of the New York Buddhist Church delivers the Dharma Talk for the 2017 EBL Opening Service.
Rev. Kurt Rye of the Placer Buddhist Church delivers a message on understanding Buddhism in today's environment.
Minister's Assistant Roger Suekama shares his Dharma Message about the question "What Brought You Here Today?"
Minister's Assistant Jesse Zavala shares his talk about the meaning of the famous Shin Buddhist Gatha - Ondokusan.
Rev. Bhutia was raised from the age of 3 to be a Tibetan Buddhist monk but at the age of 28 he encountered Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. His path led to the founding of Nepal's first Hongwanji temple and a thriving new Buddhist community in Kathmandu. He shares stories of his dramatic personal journey.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Talk about the origin of Obon and our celebration of Bon Odori.
Rev. Ron Miyamura speaks about the 2017 Eastern Buddhist League Conference hosted by MBT on Sept 1-3.
Guest minister, Rev. Matthew Hamasaki, of the BCA Central California District, shares his Dharma message. Rev. Miyamura provides an introduction for Rev. Hamasaki.
Minister's Assistant Joy Zavala discusses the lessons of two popular works of art - Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" and George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".
Rev. Ron Miyamura speaks of the significance of Memorial Day from a Buddhist perspective.
Minister's Assistant Melissa Maslanka speaks about the documentary film Saving Mes Aynak which tells the story about heroic attempts to save a 5,000 year old archaeological site in Afghanistan.
Rev. Ron Miyamura, for the May Monthly Memorial service, speaks about 'teaching Buddhism'.
Guest speaker, Mike Intocia, shares his thoughts about intolerance drawing examples from the time of Jodo Shinshu's founding.
Minister's Assistant Dan Peterson focuses on Compassion as a guide to navigate difficult times.
Minister's Assistant Jesse Zavala speaks of Rennyo Shonin, descendant of Shinran Shonin and Jodo Shinshu scholar credited with bringing the teachings of Shinran to the masses.
The theme of Rev. Miyamura's Dharma Talk is 'Change' - the concept of Change is a principle of Buddhism.
Rev. Miyamura's Dharma Talk is about the "Wintertime Memorial" service which honors Lady Takeko Kujo who founded the Buddhist Women's Association (Fujinkai) in the early part of the 20th century.
Rev. Miyamura's Dharma Talk is about Nihan-e - the memorial service for the Shakyamuni Buddha.
For the February Memorial Service Rev. Ron Miyamura shares this thoughts about Spiritual Offering.
Rev. Miyamura speaks about the Online Book Club sponsored by Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada - Living Dharma Center.
Minister's Assistant Todd Tsuchiya of Minneapolis references Rennyo Shonin in his Dharma Talk about hearing the Dharma. He begins his talk with a short message for the Dharma School classes.
Rev Patti Nakai of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago delivers the Dharma Talk for Ho-Onko, the memorial service for Shinran Shonin.
Rev. Ron Miyamura's Dharma Talk is about Bodhi Day - the commemoration of Siddhartha Gautama's enlightenment thus becoming Shakyamuni Buddha.
Minister's Assistant Terry Cichocki shares her Dharma Talk for the December Memorial Service. She shares three "teachings" that may help others cope with difficult situations.
Minister's Assistant, Chiemi Bly of the Twin Cities Buddhist Association, shares her Dharma Talk in both Japanese and English.
Rev. Ron Miyamura delivers a Dharma Talk about one of the Six Paramitas, Kshanti - Patient Endurance.
Sarah Jacoby, Associate Professor of Religion at Northwestern University, speaks about the development of Buddhism in to "American Buddhism".
Rev. Ron Miyamura delivers a formal Dharma Talk explaining a Shinran Shonin quote on the subject of cross-wise transcendence.
Rev. Ron Miyamura speaks to the Dharma School about "Itadakimasu and Gochisousama" - words of gratitude spoken before and after meals.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the October Monthly Memorial Service. During his Dharma Talks he shares some observations of the recent Ministerial Assistants seminar.
Ministerial Assistant Todd Tsuchia, of Minneapolis, shares some of his background and connection to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the Fall Ohigan (Equinox) Service and shares a story about the "Other Shore".
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares a Dharma Talk about Eshinni and Kakushinni, the wife and daughter of the Shinran Shonin.
Rev. Diane Thompson of Denver, Colorado, is the guest speaker for Family Service. Rev. Ron Miyamura provides an introduction for Rev. Thompson.
Rev. Ron Miyamura conducts the August Monthly Memorial Service and the Hiroshima/Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Memorial Service.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Talk which is about a Buddhist lesson in preparing one's mind to receive wisdom.
Minister's Assistant Roger Suekama explores the reasons and lessons that brought him to Jodo Shinshu services.
For the Obon and Hatsubon (first Obon after the passing of a loved on) Rev. Ron Miyamura shares the story of Obon.
Rev. Ron Miyamura, in recognition of the Monthly Memorial Service and July 4th Holiday, gives a message about Interdependence and finding the Dharma in everyday life.
At the Temple's Founder's Day service, Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Talk on the subject of Diversity.
Rev. Ron Miyamura delivers his Dharma message about acceptance and tolerance of people, groups or religions that may be different than us.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Talk about Interconnectedness or how things are interdependent upon everything else.
Minister's Assistant Joy Zavala shares her June Memorial Service talk about the "Buddha Nature" present in all living beings.
Rev. Ron Miyamura speaks about Memorial Day and its observance by MBT and the Chicago Japanese community.
Rev. Ron Miyamura shares his Dharma Talk for Family Service. His message is about the lessons of Shinran - the genius of his teachings in how they brought enlightenment to people of all walks of life.
Minister's Assistant Dan Peterson shared his Dharma Talk at Family Service. He describes how Buddhism helped him overcome some frustrations in every-day life.
Rev. Miyamura shares his Dharma Talk on the occasion of Gotan-E (the birth of Shinran Shonin, Hatsumairi (the "first service" for new born children) and Parents Day in honor of both mothers and fathers together.
Minister's Assistant Cynthia Mee shares her Dharma Talk entitled "Roots and Wings". Her message includes lessons about Gratitude and Gratefulness, Interconnectedness, and the Golden Chain.
Rev. Miyamura shares some lessons from "Bits of Rubble Turned into Gold" - a Shin Buddist book by Rev. Taitetsu Uno.
Rev. Miyamura shares his Dharma Talk. He begins his talk with a message about the "Sincere Heart".
Minister's Assistant Melissa Maslanka gives the Dharma Talk at our Spring Ohigan service. Her message is about Ohigan (crossing to the "other shore") and the Six Paramitas.
For the March Memorial Service, Minister's Assistant Jesse Zavala shares his Dharma Talk about Amida's presence in everything that surrounds us.
Rev. Ron Miyamura speaks to the Dharma School and Adult Sangha joint service on the subject of the Golden Chain.
Minister's Assistant Sandra Adams shares her Dharma Talk about the Teachings of the Buddha and Shinran Shonin.
Rev. Miyamura shares his message about the Nirvana Day service which is the observance of the death of the Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Rev. Miyamura shares a Zen story containing a lesson about being patient and open to learning.
Rev. Miyamura shares his thoughts about our climate, nature, and how they may be viewed by Buddhists.
Rev. Patti Nakai, resident minister of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago, is the guest speaker our Ho-Onko service. Ho-Onko is the annual memorial service in honor of the founder of Shin Buddhism, of Shinran Shonin.
During this January Monthly Memorial Service, Rev. Ron Miyamura introduces his Dharma Talks teaching theme for 2016 - the Buddhist concept of "Interdependence".
Rev. Miyamura shares his Dharma Talk on the last Sunday in 2015. He reflects on some of the events that affected him during this eventful year.
Rev. Miyamura's Dharma Talk is about Rev. Gyodo Kono the founding minister of the Midwest Buddhist Temple. Each December the temple holds a special memorial service in Rev. Kono's honor.
Minister's Assistant Roger Suekama speaks at our December monthly Memorial Service. In this holiday season, his Dharma message is about the Buddhist holidays that Shin Buddhist observe.
Rev. Miyamura shares his Dharma message about the importance of humility in seeking the Buddha's Teaching.
Minister's Assistant Melissa Maslanka shares her Dharma message about examples of Buddhism and even Sangha (community of Buddhists) that she observers in nature.
Minister's Assistance Chimie Bly of the Twin Cities Buddhist Association, shares her Dharma message in Japanese about being a Minister's Assistant (she pauses to provide a translation of parts of her talk).
Minister's Assistant Terry Cichocki speaks at the annual Perpetual Memorial service. In keeping with the theme of the Perpetual Memorial service, her Dharma message is about thinking of our ancestors.
In his Dharma Talk, Rev. Ron Miyamura turns the tables and "Asks the Sangha", including the Dharma School children, about their knowledge of the Buddha's Teaching.
Rev. Miyamura's Dharma Talk is about the most fundamental of Buddhist Teaching, the Three Treasures. He also shares some of his observations from his participation in the Parliament of World Religions.
Professor Sarah Jacoby holds a PhD of Religious Studies, focusing on Buddhism, in Northwestern University's Department of Religious Studies. Her talk is about Buddhism in our current times and culture.
Rev. Miyamura speaks at the monthly Memorial Service for October. His Dharma message is about the Parliament of World Religions - an organization founded in Chicago that fosters understanding between world religions.
Rev. Fumiaki Usuki of the Buddhist Temple of West Los Angeles shares two messages during Family Service. First he speaks to the Dharma School class and then he shares his Dharma talk describing how he came to Shin Buddhism.
Rev. Miyamura delivers his message about Ohigan, the special service held at the time of the Spring and Fall equinox.
Rev. Miyamura speaks at the September Memorial Service. His message is about the Sangha and the recently concluded Eastern Buddhist League convention.
Rev. Patti Oshita of the Sacremento Betsuin shares her dharma message as part of the memorial service for Eshinni and Kakushinni, the wife and daughter of Shinran Shoning.
At the MBT's back entrance is a sign that says "Midwest Buddhist Temple - All are welcome, come as you are!". Rev. Miyamura provides the background of that phrase in the context of Shin Buddhism.
Minister's Assistant Cheryl Ikemiya shares insights on her path to Shin Buddhism and the Nembutsu.
Minister's Assistant Joy Zavala shares her Dharma Talk about happiness and how the simple practice of Dana (the act of giving) leads to the most fulfilling happiness.
Minister's Assistant Cynthia Mee shares her Dharma Talk at Sunday Family Service. Her message is about meaningful concepts she's learned as she became a Buddhist.
Speaking at our annual Obon service and Hatsubon (first Obon after the passing of a loved one), Rev. Miyamura re-tells the story of the first Obon.
Rev. Miyamura speaks at the July Monthly Memorial Service. Rev. Miyamura has just returned from Rome where he participated in a conference hosted by the Vatican. He shares some of his thoughts, impressions, and gratitude for this unique opportunity.
Rev. Miyamura is among a group of American clergy invited by the Vatican to participate in a Buddhist-Catholic dialog. During his Dharma Talk Rev. Ron shared some of his thoughts about this special journey.
Minister's Assistant Jesse Zavala shares a story of Zen Master Sengai to illustrate a Buddhist teaching about our own attitude towards death.
Rev. Miyamura shares some personal stories about his mother who recently passed away in California.
Minister's Assistant Cynthia Mee speaks about the Naijin and the meaning of the many artifacts found on the Naijin. Also, in this season of family holidays, her message includes thoughts about Shinran Shonin's family.
Ellen Dunleavy speaks of Karma as she shares her story of her journey to Shin Buddhism and to the Midwest Buddhist Temple.
Rev. Kurt Rye of the Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Washington DC gives two Dharma Talks, one to the Dharma School class, on this occasion of Go-tan-e; the birth of Shinran Shonin. In his second talk Rev. Rye recounts the story of Shinran's life as a monk leading to his teachings of Buddhism.
Rev. Miyamura speaks to the Shanga at the May Monthly Memorial service. His talk is about interconnectedness - how "thankfulness" completes the act of receiving a gift.
Rev. Miyamura begins his Dharma Talk with some words about the recent earthquake in Nepal. His Dharma message is about insights he gained by reading "Buddhism of the Heart" by Professor Jeff Wilson.
Minister's Assistant Susan Gilkey provides an introduction to Zen Shin meditation services. As part of her talk she conducts a brief Zen Shin service to illustrate the sounds and methods practiced during a typical service.
On the occasion of Hanamatsuri Rev. Ron Miyamura gives two Dharma talks (first to the Dharma School class and then to the Sangha) about the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha.
For his Dharma Talk Rev. Miyamura answers questions from Dharma School students as well as others in attendance at Family Service.
Isabelle Bernard is a Ministers Assistant from the New York Buddhist Church. She recently completed her Buddhist training in Japan. Her talk is about the Buddhist meaning of Ohigan or "other shore".
Ministers Assistant Dan Peterson provides the Dharma Talk at Family Service. His message is about applying Buddhist lessons to the many thoughts and judgements we each have in everyday life.
Jeremy Nicholls, Outreach Worker for Conerstone Community Outreach (CCO), addressed the Sangha to provide an insight to the work of his organization. CCO operates a Homeless Shelter in Uptown which houses between 400 and 500 individuals each night. CCO has also partnered with New Life for Old Bags (MBT's Buddhist Womens organication participates in NLOB) to provide sleeping mats to individuals as a part of their aid.
Ministers Assistant Sandra Adams speaks at the March Monthly Memorial Service. Her message is about gaining a better understand of Shakyamuni Buddha's teaching through the many writings of Shinran Shonin.
Rev. Ron Miyamura speaks of how ego is the obstacle to understanding and accepting the change around us. He speaks of Shinran Shonin's experience of overcoming his ego to attain enlightenment.
Ministers Assistant Roger Suekama speaks about his life-long journey to realizing the significance of Buddhism in his life.
Rev. Miyamura speaks about Nirvana Day which, in Buddhist tradition, is the day commemorating the death of the historical Shakamuni Buddha. In his Dharma Talk, Rev. Miyamura shares one of the stories of the Buddha's final days and the teaching he conveyed even in his death.
Rev. Miyamura speaks at the combined February Family Service and Monthly Memorial Service. His message is about Oshoko (offering of incense) and the expression of Gassho (placing palms together and reciting the Nembutsu).
Rev. Miyamura speaks at the Family Service and the temple's annual Shinnen-Enkai, or new year celebration. In his message he provides more examples of Zen Chi Shiki, "good Dharma friend",who have provided him with lessons of Buddhism.
Guest minister, Rev. Patti Nakai speaks at the annual Hoonko Service (Shinran's Memorial). The first part of her talk is addressed to the Dharma School children in attendance. Then, on this occasion of Hoonko, Rev. Nakai talks about Shinran Shonin's life, concentrating on his later years when he created many of his writings which are still studied today.
Rev. Miyamura speaks of how the historical Buddha passed on his wisdom of enlightenment. As a doctor prescribes treatment unique to a patient, the Buddha (called by some the "good doctor"), delivered his teaching in a way that was unique and meaningful to each individual.
Rev Miyamura speaks at Family Service and the January Monthly Memorial Service. His message is about Zen Chi Shiki or "a good dharma friend" who by their actions or words communicates teachings of the Buddha.
Rev. Miyamura speaks at the last Family Service of 2014. He speask of Amida Buddha, the Immeasurable Buddha, as he asks the Sangha to reflect on their accomplishments of the past year.
Rev. Miyamura speaks at Family Service and the December Monthly Memorial Service. In his message Rev. Miyamura speaks of the many decisions, some routine - some profound, that we face in our lives.
Rev. Miyamura draws inspiration from Rashamon, the classic film of Akira Kurosawa, to illustrate his lesson on "imperfection".
Lay speaker Michael Harada shares what he learned about Buddhism through his relationship with his father in law.
Rev. Kodo Umezu, Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America, makes his first visit to the Midwest Buddhist Temple. In his Dharma Talk, Rev. Umezu shares his view on the meaning of Pure Land.
Ministers Assistant Roger Suekama shares a Dharma Talk that he first delivered at the Ministers Assistants seminar in New York. He speaks of growing up in a Buddhist family and personally discovering the Buddha Dharma.
Rev. Miyamura speaks at the November Family Service and Monthly Memorial Service. His message is about "beginning". Through a Buddhist parable he explains that we should always be ready to receive the Dharma, Buddha's teaching.
Rev. Miyamura speaks of the traditions of Halloween and points to some Buddhist lessons in the process.
Ministers Assistant Kay Schroeter shares her thoughts about the Sutras on which the Jodo Shinshu sect is founded.
Rev. Miyamura speaks and the October 5 Family Service and Monthly Memorial Service. His Dharma Talk focuses on the many different ways in which Shin Buddhists receive the Dharma - the teaching of the Buddha.
Rev. Ogui, former MBT Resident Minister and Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America, visits our temple and speaks at Family Service. Rev. Ogui, as the title of his talk suggests, provides his unique and thoughtful insight of life through the lens of Buddhist teachings.
Lay Speaker Melissa Maslanka shares her observations of nature and how they parallel the path and journey of those seeking enlightenment.
Rev. Miyamura speaks at the September Monthly Memorial service. His message is about the journey to enlightenment among Shin Buddhists - Fellow Travelers.
Rev. Miyamura speaks about the Ministers Assistants program and its importance to Shin Buddhist temples in America.
Rev. Miyamura expresses his thoughts about the temple's annual Ginza Holiday. His Dharma message is about the Buddha's Teaching.
Rev. Miyamura speaks at the August Monthly Memorial service recalling a lesson about Enlightenment: the Path and the Journey are both the goal of Enlightenment.
Mike Intocia grew up in the Christian faith and came to Buddhism later as an adult. In his talk Mike shares his view of the similarities and differences between Christianity and Buddhism.
Joy Zavala delivers her message on examples of Buddhism found in every day popular culture. She sites lessons from old television programs and more recent expressions of Buddhism found in films and even television commercials.
Rev. Miyamura speaks of the tradition of Hatsubon at our annual Obon service. Hatsubon is the first Obon service following the passing of a loved one and has special meaning in Jodo Shinshu tradition.
Rev. Ron Miyamura speaks at our Monthly Memorial service. His message is about the openness and accessibility of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism to people of all walks of life.
Rev. Gyosho Kono, the nephew of our founding minister Rev. Gyodo Kono, speaks in honor of MBT’s 70th anniversary with Rev. Ron Miyamura translating.
Rev. Ron Miyamura talks about the completion of the Legacy Garden and its physical and symbolic significance to our temple.
Rev. Miyamura speaks at our Monthly Memorial service about anger, grudges and attachments and how we should just “let go of them”.
Rev. Ron Miyamura pays tribute to a member of the temple, then speaks about Nirvana Day.
Rev. Patti Nakai, resident minister of The Buddhist Temple of Chicago, speaks about Shinran Shonin—and his initial “stinky feet” religion.
Rev. Ron Miyamura discusses expressing gratitude to loved ones and wishes a temple member a happy 101st birthday!
Rev. Ron Miyamura talks about women in Buddhism, particularly Shinran Shonin's wife and daughter.
Professor Sarah Joacoby talks about what drew her to Buddhism, both academically and personally.
Rev. Ron Miyamura admits to his stage fright when it comes to Dharma talks, but then discusses how to overcome any kind of fright.
Rev. Ron Miyamura talks about the history of Buddhist memorial services and expressing gratitude to those that have passed on.
Rev. Koyo Kubose talks about “OK-ness” in Buddhism and in everyday life. (Technical error at about 9 and a half minutes in.)
Rev. Ron Miyamura describes the many ways one can express gratitude for those that have passed away.
Jason Matsumoto talks about the basics of Buddhism and how difficult they can be to understand.
Melissa Maslanka talks about how she writes her Dharma talks—and how this process applies to a Buddhist life.
Late Night Dharma Talk Radio 54:57 Sandra Adams Midwest Buddhist Temple dharma talk of the week Religious
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
Please consider donating to the Temple to offset the cost of producing the weekly dharam talk podcast. A modest $5.00 a month donation would be greatly appreciated. Refer to the Temple's website http://midwestbuddhisttemple.org for information.
This is a celebration of the 40th year since the Temple was constructed as part of the urban renewal program. The neighborhood where the Temple is situated was once a neighborhood in decline. The urban renewal government program transformed a civic problem into one of the most desired neighborhood in Chicago to reside in.
Tom hosts a weekly Buddhism discussion group in the Temple after Sunday services. All are welcome.
There is no dharma talk today due to the Chicago Marathon. A number of streets local to the Temple are closed for the Marathon making it very difficult for people to attend service. In light of this occasion we have decided to cancel Sunday service.
Today's service is our monthly memorial service in remembrance of those who passed away during the month of August. Sunday's service is also remembering those who died in the only use of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
This is Sensei Siebuhr's last dharma talk at the Midwest Buddhist Temple. After many years of teaching the dharma, Sensei has decided to leave the full time ministry and resume a career in the private sector.
Listen to Sensei Siebuhr's last dharma talk.
Today marks the celebration of the birth of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu. Sensei talks about Shinran and how unlikely a person he was to have started our sect, one of the predominant Buddhist sects in Japan.
The meaning of Buddhism. If you've ever wondered what is the core tenant of Buddhism listen to this podcast.
Today is Hanamatsuri, Buddha's birthday according to the Japanese calendar. Listen to Sensei's dharma talk on this special day.
What peace of mind has Buddhism brought to you? Sensei reflects upon his life and Shinran Shonin's struggles. He talks of the difference between Buddhism and the other major religions of the world.
Sensei talks about the masks we wear and how what we say is really not what we're thinking. Buddhism comes from lifelong learning and not in a moment of enlightenment.
There is no podcast for the week of January 31, 2010 due to technical difficulties. I apologize for missing this week. The problem has been addressed and the podcasts will resume the week of February 7, 2010.
Sensei Siebuhr reflects upon recent deaths and how those tragic events remind us all of impermance.
This Sunday is the Ho-Onko service. Ho-Onko, meaning a gathering to express our indebtedness and thankfulness, is a memorial service in honor of Shinran Shonin. It is also an occasion to express our gratitude to Amida Buddha for having awakened us to life’s supreme meaning. Ho-Onko is the most important Jodo Shinshu ceremony. Our guest speaker is Reverend Ashikaga.
This is the Buddhist Ohigan service conducted during the fall and spring equinoxes, the date when the length of daylight and night are equal. This symbolizes a midpoint or a point of no return where the distance returning to your origin is equal to the distance completing your journey. Listen to today's dharmtalk as Sensei explains the meaning of Ohigan to the Buddhist community.
This is the last dharma talk of the summer. We will be on hiatus until September 13, 2009. Today's service is in remembrance of those victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings.
Socho Koshin Ogui sets the direction of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA), headquartered in Berkeley, CA. The position of Socho is equivalent to a Bishop. Socho Ogui was the sensei at the Midwest Buddhist Temple for over 10 years before his promotion to Socho. During his visit to Chicago, Ogui-san was part of the panel at the Mind and Body seminar conducted at the Midwest Buddhist Temple. This talk was part of the all day workshop.
Dr. Mary Elsbernd is the current Graduate Program Director of the M.A. in Social Justice deree, and former Director of the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University.
This week's speaker is Roger Suekama, board member and a longtime member of the sangha.
Shoshinge "The Hymn of True Faith" A crucial component of the Buddhist faith is chanting. The practice of chanting is much akin to the Christian hymns. Much like the past practice of the Catholic churches tradition of chanting in Latin, one does not need to know Japanese in order to be absorbed by the melodic rhythm of foreign sounds. This podcast is a recording of Shoshinge, one of the many Jodo Shinshu chants. Here's some background on this important chant. About Shoshige The following introduction is from Shinshū Seiten, Jōdo Shin Buddhist Teaching, published by the Buddhist Churches of America. The English translation of the gāthā is from The True Teaching, Practice and Realization of the Pure Land Way, Vol. I., Shin Buddhist Translation Series, Hongwanji International Center, Kyoto, Japan. The full title of this gāthā, Shoshin Nembutsu Ge, means ‘Gāthā on the Right (or True) Faith in the Nembutsu.’ The title consists of three terms: Shōshin, lit. ‘Right Faith’ refers to Shinjin, or Faith. Nembutsu, lit. ‘thinking of the Buddha,’ refers to the practice of uttering Amida’s Name. Ge, or ‘gāthā’ in Skt. Means ‘verse,’ or ‘hymn.’ Faith and Nembutsu are very important ideas constituting the central concepts of Shin Buddhism. In the passage which introduces the Shoshin Ge, Shinran notes; Relying upon the true words of the Great Sage and reading the commentaries of the great masters, I have realized the profound grace of the Buddha. Hence I here compose the Gāthā of True Faith in the Nembutsu. This shows that he composed this gatha out of his gratitude to Amida Buddha on the basis of the Teachings of Śākyamuni and the commentaries of the Seven Patriarchs. ‘The words of the Great Sage’ directly refers to the Dai Muryōju Kyō (The Larger Sutra), in which Shinran Shonin found the true religion by which a sinful and helpless man can be saved. He trusted in the Teachings of this Sutra singleheartedly, and conceived of all the other Teachings of the Buddha as being expedients to Pure Land Buddhism. It is also important to note that Shinran approached the Teachings of Amida’s Salvation through seven predecessors, namely, Nāgārjuna and Vasubandhu from India; Doran, Dōshaku and Zendō in China; Genshin and Genkū in Japan. In the Kyō Gyō Shin Shō he abundantly quotes from their discourse, and in the Shōshin Ge he gives their essentials. The whole gāthā is an exposition of the Pure Land Teaching which may be divided into two parts: 1) based on the Sutra and 2) based on the commentaries. The contents of the gāthā with minor divisions are as follows: I. Exposition based on the Sutra 1. Homage to Amida 2. Adoration, in particular, to a. Amida Buddha b. Śākyamuni Buddha 3. Exhortation II. Exposition based on the commentaries 1. General statement 2. Exposition, in particular, to a. Nāgārjuna [2nd or 3rd cen. A.D.] b. Vasubandhu [4th cen. A.D.] c. Donran [T’an Luan, 476-542 A.D.] d. Dōshaku [Tao-ch’o, 562-645 A.D.] e. Zendō [Shan Tao, 613-681 A.D.] f. Genshin [942-1017 A.D.] g. Genkū [Honen, 1133-1212 A.D.] 3. Exhortation Ki myo mu ryo ju nyo rai Na mu fu ka shi gi ko Ho zo bo satsu in ni ji Zai se ji sai o bus-sho To ken sho butsu jo do in Koku do nin den shi zen maku Kon ryu mu jo shu sho gan Cho hotsu ke u dai gu zei Go ko shi yui shi sho ju Ju sei myo sho mon jip-po Fu ho mu ryo mu hen ko Mu ge mu tai ko en no Sho jo kan gi chi e ko Fu dan nan ji mu sho ko Cho nichi gak-ko sho jin setsu Is-sai gun jo mu ko sho Hon gan myo go sho jo go Shin shin shin gyo gan ni in Jo to gaku sho dai ne han His-shi metsu do gan jo ju Nyo rai sho i ko shus-se Yui setsu mi da hon gan kai Go joku aku ji gun jo kai O shin nyo rai nyo jitsu gon No hotsu ichi nen ki ai shin Fu dan bon no toku ne han Bon jo gyaku ho sai e nyu Nyo shu shi nyu kai ichi mi Ses-shu shin ko jo sho go I no sui ha mu myo an Ton nai shin zo shi un mu Jo fu shin jitsu shin jin ten Hi nyo nik-ko fu un mu Un mu shi ge myo mu an Gyaku shin ken kyo dai kyo ki Soku o cho zetsu go aku shu Is-sai zen maku bon bu nin Mon shin nyo rai gu zei gan Butsu gon ko dai sho ge sha Ze nin myo fun da ri ke- fi Mi da butsu hon gan nen butsu Ja ken kyo man naku shu jo Shin gyo ju ji jin ni nan Nan chu shi nan mu ka shi In do sai ten shi ron ge Chu ka jichi iki shi ko so Ken dai sho ko se sho i Myo nyo rai hon ze o ki Sha ka nyo rai ryo ga sen I shu go myo nan ten jiku Ryu ju dai ji shut-to se Shitsu no zai ha u mu ken Sen zetsu dai jo mu jo ho Sho kan gi ji sho an raku Ken ji nan gyo roku ro ku Shin gyo i gyo shi do raku Oku nen mi da butsu hon gan Ji nen soku ji nyu hitsu jo Yui no jo sho nyo rai go O ho dai hi gu zei on Ten jin bo Satsu zo ron setsu Ki myo mu ge ko nyo rai E Shu ta ra ken shin jitsu Ko sen o cho dai sei gan Ko-yu hon gan riki e ko I do gun jo sho is-shin Ki nyu ku doku dai ho kai Hitsu gyaku nyu dai e shu shu Toku shi ren ge zo se kai Soku sho shin nyo hos-sho jin Yu bon no rin gen jin zu Nyu sho ji on ji o ge Hon shi don ran ryo ten shi Jo ko ran sho bo satsu rai San zo ru shi ju jo kyo Bon jo sen gyo ki raku ho Ten jin bo satsu ron chu ge Ho do in ga ken sei gan O gen ne ko yu ta riki Sho jo shi in yui shin jin Waku zen bon bu shin jin potsu Sho-chi sho-ji soku ne hon His-shi mu ryo ko myo do Sho-u shu jo kai fu ke Do shaku kes-sho do nan sho Yui myo jo do ka tsu nyu Man zen ji riki hen gon shu En man toku go kan sen sho San-pu san shin ke on gon Zo matsu ho metsu do-hi in Is-sho zo aku chi gu zei Shi an nyo gai sho myo ka Zen do doku myo bus-sho I Ko ai jo san yo gyaku aku Ko myo myo go ken in nen Kai-nyu hon gan dai-chi kai Gyo-ja sho-ju kon go shin Kyo-ki ichi nen so o go Yo-I dai to gyaku san nin Soku sho hos-sho shi jo raku Gen shin ko kai ichi dai kyo Hen ki an nyo kan is-sai Sen zo shu shin han sen jin Ho ke ni do sho ben ryu Goku ju aku nin yui sho butsu Ga yaku zai-hi ses-shu chu Bon no sho gen sui fu ken Dai-hi mu ken jo sho ga Hon shi gen ku myo buk-kyo Ren min zen maku bon bu nin Shin shu kyo sho ko hen shu Sen jaku hon gan gu aku se Gen rai sho-ji rin den ge Ket-chi gi jo I sho shi Soku nyu jaku jo mu I raku Hit-chi shin jin I no nyu Gu kyo dai ji shu shi tou Jo sai mu hen goku joku aku Do zoku ji shu gu do shin Yu-I ka shin shi ko so se-tsu Shoshinge Translation I take refuge in the Tathāgata of Immeasurable Life! I entrust myself to the Buddha of Inconceivable Light! Bodhisattva Dharmākara, in his causal stage, Under the guidance of Lokeśvararāja Buddha. Searched into the origins of the Buddhas’ pure land, And the qualities of those lands and their men and devas; He then established the supreme, incomparable Vow; He made the great Vow rare and all-encompassing. In five kalpas of profound thought, he embraced this Vow, Then resolved again that his Name be heard throughout the ten quarters. Everywhere he casts light immeasurable, boundless, Unhindered, unequaled, light-lord of all brilliance, Pure light, joyful light, the light of wisdom, Light constant, inconceivable, light beyond speaking, Light excelling sun and moon he sends forth, illumining countless worlds; The multitudes of beings all receive the radiance. The Name embodying the Primal Vow is the act of true settlement, The Vow of entrusting with sincere mind is the cause of birth; We realize the equal of enlightenment and supreme nirvāņa Through the fulfillment of the Vow of attaining nirvāņa without fail. Śākyamuni Tathāgata appeared in this world Solely to teach the ocean-like Primal Vow of Amida; We, an ocean of beings in an evil age of five defilements, Should entrust ourselves to the Tathagata’s words of truth. When the one thought-moment of joy arises, Nirvāņa is attained without severing blind passions; When ignorant and wise, even grave offenders and slanders of the dharma, all alike turn and enter shinjin, They are like waters that, on entering the ocean, become one in taste with it. The light of compassion that grasps us illumines and protects us always; The darkness of our ignorance is already broken through; Still the clouds and mists of greed and desire, anger and hatred, Cover as always the sky of true and real shinjin. But though light of the sun is veiled by clouds and mists, Beneath the clouds and mists there is brightness, not dark. When one realizes shinjin, seeing and revering and attaining great joy, One immediately leaps crosswise, closing off the five evil courses. All foolish beings, whether good or evil, When they hear and entrust to Amida’s universal Vow, Are praised by the Buddha as people of vast and excellent understanding; Such a person is called a pure white lotus. For evil sentient beings of wrong views and arrogance, The nembutsu that embodies Amida’s Primal Vow Is hard to accept in shinjin; This most difficult of difficulties, nothing surpasses. The masters of India in the west, who explained the teachings in treaties, And the eminent monks of China and Japan, Clarified the Great Sage’s true intent in appearing in the world, And revealed that Amida’s Primal Vow accords with the nature of beings. Śākyamuni Tathāgata, on Mount Lankā, Prophesied to the multitudes that in south India The mahasattva Nāgārjuna would appear in this world To crush the views of being and non-being; Proclaiming the unexcelled Mahāyāna teaching, He would attain the stage of joy and be born in the land of happiness. Nāgārjuna clarifies the hardship on the overland path of difficult practice, And leads us to entrust to the pleasure on the waterway of easy practice. He teaches that the moment one thinks on Amida’s Primal Vow, One is naturally brought to enter the sage of the definitely settled; Solely saying the Tathāgata’s Name constantly, One should respond with gratitude to the universal Vow of great compassion. Bodhisattva Vasubandhu, composing a treatise, declares That he takes refuge in the Tathagata of unhindered light, And that relying on the sutras, he will reveal the true and real virtues, And make widely known the great Vow by which we leap crosswise beyond birth-and-death. He discloses the mind that is single so that all beings be saved By Amida’s directing of virtue through the power of the Primal Vow. When a person turns and enters the great treasure-ocean of virtue, Necessarily he joins Amida’s assembly; And when he reaches hat lotus-held world, He immediately realizes the body of suchness or dharma-nature. Then sporting in the forests of blind passions, he manifests transcendent powers; Entering the garden of birth-and-death, he assumes various forms to guide others. Turning toward the dwelling of Master T’an-laun, the Emperor of Liang Always paid homage to him as a bodhisattva. Bodhiruci, master of the Tripitaka, gave T’an-laun the Pure Land teachings, And T’an-laun, burning his Taoist scriptures, took refuge in the land of bliss. In his commentary on the treatise of Bodhisattva Vasubandhu, He shows that the cause and attainment of birth in the fulfilled land lie in the Vow. Our going and returning, directed to us by Amida, come about through Other Power; The truly decisive cause is shinjin. When a foolish being of delusion and defilement awakens to shinjin, He realizes that birth-and-death is itself nirvāna; Without fail he reaches the land of immeasurable light And universally guides sentient beings to enlightenment. Tao-ch’o determined how difficult it is to fulfill the Path of Sages, And reveals that only passage through the Pure Land gate is possible for us. He criticizes self-power endeavor in the myriad good practices, And encourages us solely to say the fulfilled Name embodying true virtue. With kind concern he teaches the three characteristics of entrusting and non entrusting, Compassionately guiding all identically, whether they live when the dharma survives as but form, when in its last stage, or when it has become extinct. Though a person has committed evil all his life, when he encounters the Primal Vow, He will reach the world of peace and realize the perfect fruit of enlightenment. Shan-tao alone in his time clarified the Buddha’s true intent; Sorrowing at the plight of meditative and non-meditative practicers and people of grave evil, He reveals that Amida’s Light and Name are the causes of birth. When the practicer enters the great ocean of wisdom, the Primal Vow, He receives the diamond-like mind And accords with the one thought-moment of joy; whereupon, Equally with Vaidehī, he acquires the threefold wisdom And is immediately brought to attain the eternal bliss of dharma-nature. Genshin, having broadly elucidated the teaching of Śākyamuni’s lifetime, Wholeheartedly took refuge in the land of peace and urges all to do so; Ascertaining that minds devoted to single practice are profound, to sundry practice, shallow, He sets forth truly the difference between the fulfilled land and the transformed land. The person burdened with extreme evil should simply say the Name: Although I too am within Amida’s grasp, Passions obstruct my eyes and I cannot see him; Nevertheless, great compassion is untiring and illumines me always. Master Genkū, well-versed in the Buddha’s teaching, Turned compassionately to foolish people, both good and evil; Establishing in this remote land the teaching and realization that are the true essence of the Pure Land way, He transmits the selected Primal Vow to us of the defiled world: Return to this house of transmigration, of birth-and-death, Is decidedly caused by doubt. Swift entrance into the city of tranquility, the uncreated, Is necessarily brought about by shinjin. The mahasattvas and masters who spread the sutras Save the countless beings of utter defilement and evil. With the same mind, all people of the present, whether monk or lay, Should rely wholly on the teachings of these venerable masters. Sutras: Juseige | Junirai | Sanbutsuge | Shoshinge Copyright © 2006 by Nishi Hongwanji L.A.
"Who is Amida Buddha and why is he central to Jodo Shinshu? This dharma talk addresses this and more. Notable and quotable from the talk, "Recognition that we alone are the sole objects of Amida's Wisdom and Compassion does not take place through calculative thinking, i.e meditative practice, rather through effortlessness for it is precisely when we lose confidence in nailing down reality and truth through our own efforts do we simultaneously come to appreciate the story of Amida Buddha." In Gassho, Rev. Bryan Siebuhr Priest, Midwest Buddhist Temple Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha "The True Pure Land Teachings, Temple of the Primal Vow" "Even when we act upon our ignorance, if we revere the power of Amida Buddha's Primal Vow, all the more deeply, gentle-heartedness and forbearance will surely arise in us through great naturalness. With everything we do, as far as our becoming a Buddha after our physical body has been discarded, we should constantly and fervently call to mind Amida's immense benevolence without any thought of being wise. Then the Nembutsu, Namu-Amida-Butsu, will indeed emerge; this is great naturalness. It is itself Other-Power." Shinran Shonin From "Collected Works of Shinran"
The Six Word Novel - This week's dharma talk begins with Sensei talking about writing your own story. How story telling is an important device for learning. Sensei tells of the story of Ernest Hemmingway and how he was able to write a novel of six words. In Jodo Shinshu there is also a story told in six Kanji characters. Listen to this week's talk to discover the value of stories. You can also access an archive of several years of past talks from iTunes. Search for "Midwest Buddhist Temple" in iTunes and you should be able to locate our archive.
Sensei Siebuhr is out of town conducting service for our sister temple in Cleveland. In his place, Roger Suekama, dharma lay leader will deliver today's talk.
Roger talks about Rennyo Shonin who is responsible for the flourishing of Jodo Shinshu in 15th century Japan. http://www.shin-ibs.edu/academics/ccsbs2.php
Hoonko is a holiday in the tradition of Japanese Jodo Shinshu Buddhism that observes the memorial of its founder, Shinran Shonin. Today is Hoonko. Delivering our dharma talk is Sensei Ashikaga. Sensei is the minister at the Buddhist Temple of Chicago located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago.
Experiences of a Buddhist student - Sensei Adams talks about his journey to become a Jodo Shinshu minister. Henry comes from Buffalo, MN and received his academic training in the United States. He has several very interesting anecdotes about his ministerial training he received in Japan. If any of our listeners are curious about pursuing the dharma please contact the Buddhist Churches of America http://buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/home/. We offer all levels of study both graduate and distance learning.
Reflections on the New Year - Sensei Siebuhr delivers the first dharma talk of the New Year reflecting upon the impermanance of life and the human condition of unhappiness. Henry Adams, a student of the Buddhist Churches of America, is visiting today. Sensei recalls the many funerals he has presided over the years of his ministry, funerals ranging from the very young to the very old. From this duty of his ministry he is reminded of the impermanence of life. Sensei also touches upon the human condition of unhappiness. You may have heard of the global survey of happiness. Here is a link to the website of the foundation that conducts this annual poll http://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/. The organization does quite an academic survey of the citizens of the world. You may find it interesting to examine the results in the survey PDF found on the website. Survey results can be found in the appendices.
Shoshinge - The Hymn of True Faith
For those of you are not able to attend one of our services I have recorded our Sensei chanting Shoshinge. This podcast episode consists of a short explanation of ShoShinge, a Buddhist chant. For a more in-depth explanation http://www.shindharmanet.com/writings/sanbutsuge.htm. Sensei ends the service with a short five minute talk.
Sensei Siebuhr conducts our yearly New Year's Eve service. We introduce the service with the ringing of the Temple's bell. This is followed by chanting the San Butsuge (http://www.shindharmanet.com/writings/sanbutsuge.htm). This is followed by a short dharma talk where Sensei reflects upon the impermanance of life and how we should not take our existence for granted. Sensei then explains why it is a Japanese Buddhist tradition to ring in the New Year by ringing the bell 108 times. The number 108 is the 108 blind passions (http://www.michineko.de/culture/silvesteregl.htm) humans are subject to.
Life is suffering - The first noble truth ... Shakyamuni Buddha Sensei Siebuhr delivers this week's dharma talk. Sensei discusses in depth what is meant by "life is suffering". We are all dying. Dwelling on the human situation would be very depressing but examined from a different philosophy it could lead to a constructive conclusion. What does it mean to be a human being not to suffer the torment about imminent death? Human suffering leads to enlightenment.
300 or 10, You never know who's listening. ... Sensei Kono
Service this week is in honor of the founder of the Midwest Buddhist Temple, Sensei Gyodo Kono. Sensei Kono came to Chicago directly from the relocation camps of World War II. A majority of Japanese-Americans resettled on the West Coast upon release from the camps. Chicago and the Midwest was a secondary destination.
Reverend Kono came to Chicago to serve the Japanese community and founded the Midwest Buddhist Temple 34 years ago. Reverend Kono also undertook the ambitious task of constructing what is now the home of the Midwest Buddhist Temple on 435 W. Menomonee dedicated in 1971.
Sensei Miyamura, having served under Sensei Kono, has many stories to tell about him. The way Reverend Kono learned English was especially insightful to his ability to overcome obstacles in creative ways.
Today is Bodhi Day, the day that Shakyamuni Buddha obtained enlightenment. Unlike Buddhist teachings of Shakyamuni's time, Shinran Shonin taught that you can attain enlightenment without the discipline of lifelong meditation or being part of the privileged class. Sensei talks a little about the history of our tradition, the Pureland sect of Buddhism, and how we came to being. Sensei also tells about the historical relationship between the Midwest Buddhist Temple and the Buddhist Temple of Chicago. Another interesting fact is the historical relationship between Nichiren and Shin-Buddhists. This is a must listen for people who are curious about the history of Shin-Buddhism. You can also access an archive of several years of past talks from iTunes. Search for "Midwest Buddhist Temple" in iTunes and you should be able to locate our archive.
Sorry for missing last week's upload. I think I've ironed out all the bugs and we should be back on schedule. This week Sensei starts his talk with the Amida sutra or the longer chant. He then explores the Buddhist position on striving or competition in modern life. He then closes with his thoughts on music in Buddhist practice and sings along to a J-pop song. I will try to find the lyrics for this song and post them to MidwestBuddhistTemple.org You can also access an archive of several years of past talks from iTunes. Search for "Midwest Buddhist Temple" in iTunes and you should be able to locate our archive.
We're back on the air. Sorry for the hiatus. The podcast recorder was down due to a hardware failure.
Sensei Siebuhr talks about what's mistakenly called ojuzu beads. In shin-buddhism these beads are called o-nenju. Sensei also describes what buddhists are doing when they clasp their hands in what looks like prayer. Buddhists do not believe in petitionary prayers or requests to a superior being.
Sensei also talks about his conversation with someone who is seeks tranquility in his life.Sensei Siebuhr talks about
Sensei talks about Buddhist views on animals and their relative stature to humans. He refers to the Jataka Tales during his talk.
Sensei talks about many things today. The common thread of his talk is of lifes impermanence, all beings will die. Just as each person must live their life alone, so must we experience death alone.
With life being so short let us live everyday and try to be kind to all people. We must let go of wrongs done to us in the past and forgive those who have wronged us.
This service talks about the fall ohigan. Shin Buddhists observe ohigan twice a year at the fall and spring equinoxes where the day and night are of equal duration. Symbolically this instance of equal day and night is represented by the painting "Two Rivers and White Path."
Sensei talks about the ideas represented by this famous Buddhist painting.
Sensei finds some old papers which causes him to reflect upon change and how that change affects the Temple. Sensei talks about the change and the future of the Midwest Buddhist Temple.
http://www.midwestbuddhisttemple.org
This week's dharma talk is given by Sensei Siebuhr. This week commemorates the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This segment commences with an interview of a survivor of the Hiroshima devastation and ends with a short talk by Sensei.
For those listeners in the Chicagoland area, this weekend is the 53rd Annual Ginza Festival. Come down to the Temple for the BEST teriyaki chicken in Chicago. Visit our website for details.
This week's dharma talk is given by Sensei Siebuhr. Sensei starts with an explanation of "What is the Buddhists' Bible?".
This week's talk is given by Ellen Dunleavy, a lay dharma leader. Ellen tells a personal story which causes her to reflect on the fact that we're not the center of the universe except where infinite compassion is concerned.
This weekend we celebrated Obon, a Japanese date honoring the dead. Part of the Obon tradition is a group dance or Bon Odori. Sensei briefly talks about the origins of Obon and then goes on to tell of the fable of the monkey and the Buddha.
This week's talk is given by Kay Schroeter, a lay dharma leader of the Midwest Buddhist Temple. Kay reflects upon the writings of Reverend Kono, the founding minister of the Midwest Buddhist Temple.
This week Sensei is inspired by monuments in memory of senseless destruction and the story of one of the Buddha's followers to muse on human ignorance.
What do fatherhood and Buddhism have in common? This Father's Day Sensei explores the connection.
On the day which we remember Prince Shotoku's legacy, Sensei discusses his own short comings in light of the promise of the Nembutsu.
Of rivers and reality. Sensei uses metaphor to graphically illustrate the dangers of delusion.
In his portrait of Shinran Shonin, Sensei illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of the man who would guide us to the not so easy path to enlightenment.
This week Temple Member, Jason Matsumoto, asks the question: How can we reconcile our expectations of ourselves in our competitive society with the Buddha's Four Nobel Truths?
This week Sensei relates what the Buddha knew 2500 years ago - the truth about human behavior.
Sensei returns to tell us about attending the Pope's inter-faith meeting and muses on religious differences and common values.
Our Sensei is travelling this week, in his place Roger Suekama, a longtime member of the sangha, delivers this week's dharma talk. Roger reminds us to be mindful of our inter-connectedness, and to foster gratitude for all those who touch our lives.
On Buddha's birthday Sensei focuses not on the circumstances of his birth but explains rather what the Buddha awakened to; something to celebrate every day - infinite compassion.
This week Rev. Ron Miyamura examines the surprisingly symbiotic relationship between our differences and our dependence on one another.
Is that spot legal? Sensei observes the physical and moral complexities of parking in Chicago leading him to contemplate ignorance, delusion and compassion.
Living on a speck of dust. This week Sensei discusses the nature of faith and gratitude in the contexts of the Nembutsu and the recently released movie Dr. Seuss' "Horton Hears A Who."
There are many paths to enlightenment and various Buddhist practices toward that goal. Sensei illustrates with a video on Japanese Zen Buddhism the differences between that extremely austere practice and Jodo Shinshu's Nembutsu path.
This week Sensei examines the connection between the Buddha's (famous) last words: Be a Lamp Unto Yourself and controlling one's ego.
Sensei Ashikaga is the minister for the Buddhist Temple of Chicago (BTC) located in the uptown neighborhood of Chicago.
Sensei Siebuhr uses the ice hes gathered from the Temple's parking as a prop for this week's dharma talk. He makes the comparison of the ice's frozen grip on the asphalt to the grip of your ego on your thoughts.
Our dharma talk this given is given by Sensei Siebuhr. Welcome to another year of dharma talks. Sensei starts this season with a recollection of his roadtrip to the South. As always, life and nature has something to teach us. Sensei relates what he learned during his trip.
Sensei Siebuhr talks about the life of Hisako Nakamura (visit the link to see some of Misako's dolls, dolls she sewed with her mouth), a woman so severely handicapped that she brought Helen Keller to tears. Hisako suffered severe frostbite as a child and had to have all her limbs amputated. In spite of Misako's own severe handicaps she met a couple who she felt had endured an even harder life than her own. These are some of Hisako's reflections: "I have been guided by my handicaps. It is my helpless body that has made what I am now and I feel I am saved or spiritually elevated. God gave me my life - I have lived it through with gratitude!"
This week's dharma talk is given by Sensei Siebuhr. Sensei starts his talk describing the idiosyncracies of his food preferences in his younger days. Listen to how it unfolds into the teachings of the dharma. Along the way he describes what is meant by the Japanese phrase "itadakimasu" that is commonly said before eating a meal.
This week's dharma talk is given by guest speaker Reverend Unno. Sensei Unno has a humorous style of delivering the dharma. Unfortunately the service ran a little longer since we were celebrating Gotan-e and Hatsumairi and the pre-programmed recording software stopped recording before the end of Sensei Unno's talk. I editted that audio segment to stop at a logical break.
This week's dharma talk is given by Reverend Bryan Emyo Siebuhr. Sensei starts with his tale of buying his first house. He then talks about how some teachings in Buddhism seem contradictory and inconsistent. Concepts such as non-discriminatory thinking, oneness, universality and individuality often appear in conflict with another. Sensei uses the physical structure of the Temple and the design of the space shuttle as a lesson on interdependence.
This week's dharma talk is given by Reverend Bryan Emyo Siebuhr. Sensei delves into the topic of trust and how we all have to trust one another in order to function in a civilized society.
Sensei uses the lyrics from the Japanese song "A Flowers Heart" (Hana no Kokoro) to teach this week's dharma lesson.