Chris Leibow’s dharma talk invites us to embrace the Buddhist mantra “come as you are” through Namu Amida Butsu, focusing on compassion, interdependence, and mindful presence. He reflects on the meaning of attending to ourselves and others within a unique, trans-ectarian Buddhist fellowship inspired by Pure Land teachings. This talk blends poetry and ancient wisdom to guide listeners toward awakening and wholeness in everyday life.
Tag: buddhism in utah
Is not impermanence the very fragrance of our days?
Good morning. So the title of this dharma talk is actually a quote from Rainer Maria Rilke: “Is not impermanence the very fragrance of our days?” I love this quote because it reminds me that our impermanence is what gives life meaning. The fleeting, unknowable, ephemeral, impermanent nature of being alive can bring heartbreak and…
Build-a-Buddhism: Choosing what spirituality means to you
By Rio Branham I want to start by talking about a favorite book of mine. The Alchemist by Paulo Cuelho. It’s a story about a boy named Santiago who decides to leave all he has and all he’s known behind to follow a dream. Without knowing much about what will come of his pursuit, he…
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…
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…
In Praise of Failure
Dharma Talk – Christopher Kakuyo Leibow I want to start with a personal story. Let me paint you a picture. I’m about 43. I sit on the floor in a small room in a stranger’s house with my back against a wall. It’s late. I am watching reruns of Perry Mason on a 12-inch black…
THE WAY OF THE FOOLISH BEING
DHARMA TALK BY CHRISTOPHER KAKUYO SENSEI The Path of the Foolish Being Preface It is interesting how wandering through a bookstore on an unremarkable Wednesday can change your life forever. On one of those Wednesdays, while I was walking the aisles of Ken Sander’s bookstore looking for something to read, I serendipitously found what I…
Haiku as Awareness Practice.
I would like to talk about Kobayashi Issa and Haiku, well technically senryu as practice. Haiku’s focus us usually nature and senryu is like haiku but the focus is primarily on human nature and emotion. For today, when I say haiku I mean both haiku and senryu. So who is this Issa fellow. He…
Kwan Yin Goddess of Compassion
Here is something I wrote for the “blessing of the hands” event that is held each year at the University of Utah Hospital. Traditions from all over the valley come together to give spiritual support for all of the hospital caretakers, from janitorial staff, to surgeons. The blessing of the hands is returning after a…
Everyday Nembutsu 