By Kelly Branan When we say together, Namu Amida Butsu, we are not reciting a password. We’re not trying to pass some hidden test. We’re responding to an invitation—simple, yet profound: “Come as you are.” That’s it. No prerequisites. No spiritual résumé. No checklist of virtues. Just you, here, now, with all your baggage, all your…
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Hide Self View
By Kimmy Dojinyo Sensei Hi, welcome, and thank you for being here with us in community. Today, I want to share how much I have been thinking about myself—specifically, my delusion of self. This Dharma Talk idea first came about during a Zoom meeting several years back, shortly after the COVID lockdowns, when a large…
The Space In Between: Miles Davis, Pure Land, and the Music of Emptiness.
by Steve Rojin Genyo Lefever 🪷 Opening Koans “Not knowing is most intimate.”Zen Master Dizang “It’s not the notes you play, it’s the notes you don’t play.”Miles Davis “True entrusting is living fully in the here and now.”Rev. Koyo Kubose 🎺 Who Was Miles Davis? Miles Davis (1926–1991) was one of the most influential jazz…
My Bodhisattva the River by Rio Branham
Nature as a Teacher of the Dharma We get to spend our annual retreat in such a beautiful place—one that has quickly become one of my favorites. We listen to Dharma talks and attend workshops, we have time to meditate, and we enjoy the beautiful altars. But we can also learn so much by simply…
Not knowing is the most intimate.
Not Knowing – I would like to start today’s Dharma talk with one of the most famous of the Zen Koans – Attention! Master Dizang asks Fayan,“Where have you come from?”Fayan replies, “I pilgrimage aimlessly,”“What is the purpose of your pilgrimage?” asks Dizang.“I don’t know,” replies Fayan.“Not knowing is the most intimate,” remarked Dizang.At…
Sangha As Practice
I want to start today’s talk with one of my favorite teachings of the Buddha found in the Upaddha Sutra in the Pali Canon. This story involves Ananda, the Buddha’s cousin and attendant, who has been with him for many years. As they rest during their journey, I can envision him glancing over the assembly…
On Humility: The Path of Studentship
DHARMA TALK by CHRISTOPHER KAKUYO Today, I want to share a few thoughts on humility. Some years ago, I came across a profound teaching by Nubuo Haneda in his book Dharma Breeze. In the first chapter, he recounts the origins of the Shin Buddhist tradition when Shinran meets his teacher, Honen. Here is the passage….
Namu Amida Butsu: The Call Home
“Come as you are,” is a call many of us have longed to hear; it embodies one of the many meanings of Namu Amida Butsu. It invites us to come just as we are—there’s no need to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid. This phrase represents a welcoming home for us in our current state, both…
Broken and Whole at the Same Time.
“Come as you are” is a heartfelt invitation that many of us have longed to hear. This message is captured in the various meanings of Namu Amida Butsu. For me, Namu Amida Butsu represents a call from the core of reality, encouraging us to return home and embrace ourselves just as we are—free from embarrassment,…
On Ritual
Today, I want to discuss rituals in relation to Buddhism and Buddhist practice, Before we begin, I want to share a few words and have you shout out the first thing that comes to your mind. Faith Belief Prayer Ritual Evil Sin Most of us have left the traditions of our fathers and mothers and…
Everyday Nembutsu 