It's not so much a look at the future, but also a look into the past.

Lewis Lancaster is the Professor Emeritus of Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Wisconsin. A distinguished scholar of Buddhism, we are fortunate that Lancaster has made available his entire one-hour lecture on the history of Buddhism and its future in the age of technology. How it made its way from India to the rest of Asia. Lancaster explains the path Buddhism took through Korea, on its way to Japan, as opposed to how many historians thought, that it was spread from China.

This research is part of the Electronic Cultural Atlas. A project Lancaster founded to promote worldwide electronic access to quality research data. The initiative uses the latest computer technology to map the spread of various strands of Buddhism from the distant past to the present.

The lecture was part of the "Burke Lectureship on Religion & Society" series at the University of California - Berkeley on April 10, 2008.

courtesy robotpirateninja.com

Barack Obama has made it clearly known that he is a Christian. But many Buddhists believe that he may have studied some of the Buddha's teaching. It looks like we were not the only people looking for a connection on the internet:

Every once and a while I Google 'Obama and Buddhist' just to see if he is a secret Buddhist. So far nothing has come up. What I did note is that there were a number of Buddhists blogs, organizations, and individuals who see Buddhism in Obama's approach to listening, problem solving, patience, tolerance, and so on. -The Original Black Buddha

Earlier this year, we told you about his sister, Maya, who considers herself a "Buddhist".

So the connection grows, whether it's real or not. Even Obama's own website has a "Buddhists for Obama" group. At last count, 438 people have become members.

And that leads us to the "Buddhists for Obama" fridge magnets.

But our favorite comes from Lama Surya Das, who made a guest appearance this month on the Stephen Colbert Show on CTV/Comedy Central. Colbert introduced him on a very funny segment called "Obama's Church Search". Colbert asked Surya Das why Obama should become a Buddhist now that he’s left the church he grew up with. The Lama gave twelve reasons why Obama should become a Buddhist on his blog:

12. Buddhists have more fun.

11. It’d be great to have a president for once who practiced right speech, right actions, right intentions and right livelihood, as Buddha taught.

10. I’d call him Head Lama Obama.

9. All the best people are. My religion is the best and the only way, just like yours.

8. Buddha has for 2500 years taught change and inclusivity.

7. Buddhist meditation and mindfulness training is good for both physical and mental health.

6. Buddha was the world’s first ecological leader and protector of animals as well as human beings. (Obama could rename 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue “The Green House”)

5. Nonviolence and altruism is the Buddhist way. War might be outlawed.

4. Buddhist practices of mindful anger management and nonviolent conflict resolution could make him an enlightened leader, like Aung San Su Kyii of Burma and the Dalai Lama of Tibet. (Pres. Medvedev of Russia does yoga.)

3. I am a Buddha, and so can you.

2. It would help the energy crisis.

AND FINALLY, LAST BUT NOT LEAST, my father’s favorite answer to all of life’s big questions:
1. BECAUSE…

Before eating at our temple, we always say, “itadakimasu.” This isn’t necessarily a “Buddhist” practice, but more a Japanese tradition. It is also an opportunity to stop and reflect on all the causes and conditions that made this meal possible. But as Rev. Harry Gyokyo Bridge explains in this dharma talk, the origin of the word comes from Japanese society and its respect for hierarchy.

It is the humble form of morau, the verb for “receive.” This implies that we are receiving something from a superior. At a ceremony, when you receive a certificate or something, then you hold it up to your head. This demonstrates in a physical, bodily way that you are “receiving it from above.” An example of this in Buddhism can be seen when we open sutra books: we lift the book to about chest level, then raise it up to our heads, before opening it. This is because the sutras are the sacred words of the Buddha, and by holding them above our heads we symbolically and physically receive them from something or someone greater than us. When we say “itadakimasu” before a meal, we are acknowledging in a similar way, but this time with our speech, that we are “receiving something from above.

READ MORE IN THE NENJU-REV. HARRY'S DHARMA BLOG...
LISTEN TO THE DHARMA REALM WITH REV. HARRY...

Looking for podcasts on Buddhism?

If you are looking for the "raw" goods, you might want to check out the "Bad Buddha."

Ryu Cope of West-Central Illinois, is the Bad Buddha. His 54 podcasts and counting, give you his unique take on Buddhism in a contemporary context. Cope admits that he is not a scholar or expert in Buddhism, but his recordings are entertaining and informative.

I think that, while Ryu is probably a bit brash and simplistic for someone out there looking for thick, heavy philosophic discussions, he is a fresh, very palatable speaker and keeps his audience well-entertained during his show while dishing up a good tutorial on the thought school and giving you something to think about at the end of the day. If you’re even a little bit curious about Buddhism, I’d highly recommend his show, even for an overview of the philosophy. The Bad Buddhist is fun, amusing, and if you’re not careful, you might even learn something or find a new way of viewing the world. I know I have. -PhilosYphia

To get a feel for the podcasts, here's a brief Q & A from his website:

Q: Who is Ryu Cope (The Bad Buddha)?
That would be me. I'm a creative, spiritual type who has been a frustrated Buddhist for quite a while. I believe strongly in the Middle Way and the pragmatic teachings of the Buddha. I don't believe in the importance given to the confusing messages that have been added to the Buddha's words over the past twenty-six centuries -- karma, reincarnation, transmigration, enlightenment as an "escape" of anything, etc.
I'm also an ex-stand-up comedian, so don't take anything I say too seriously. Including the previous comment. So there, nyah!

Q: Why "Bad" Buddhism?
Because it is my feeling that modern Buddhism has gotten lost in a quagmire of "feelgood" babble and spiritual mumbo-jumbo. To me, the teachings of the Buddha were about reality and practicality -- not "infinite love and compassion for all things" and "escaping the wheel of rebirth". I believe that the practical, no-nonsense Buddhism I espouse makes me a "bad" Buddhist in the light of what is generally accepted as modern Buddhism by society at large.

Q: Are you a Buddhist monk?
Nope. And neither was the Buddha.

Q: Then what makes you such an expert on Buddhism?
Absolutely nothing. The Buddha himself was special only in that he considered himself "awake". I'm trying to wake up and I'm trying to wake others up with me. And that waking up also means waking up from the metaphysical idiocy that seems to have taken over the Buddhist world.

GO TO THE BAD BUDDHA WEBSITE TO DOWNLOAD PODCASTS...

The former Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of Canada has passed away. Rev. Toshio Murakami's life ended on May 26, 2008 at the Pali Momi Hospital in Hawaii. He was 77 years old.

Toshio Murakami was born in Fukuoka, Japan on October 5, 1931. He came to North America in 1959 after receiving his kyoshi certification. His first assignment was at the Berkeley Buddhist Church in California. He was the minister at several temples on the U.S, west coast before working at the BCA headquarters in 1977.

On March 15, 1986, Rev. Murakami began his term as the Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of Canada. Here's a short video clip of Bishop Murakami during a short documentary produced in 1989. In it, he explains his vision for the future of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Canada.

Canada's current Bishop, Socho Fujikawa writes, "He will be remembered as the Bishop who had helped the 1990 World Buddhist Women’s Convention in Vancouver."

After serving the BCC for seven years, Rev. Murakami served the Australian Jodo Shinshu community. He would eventually retire as the minister of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, but continued to be the resident minister of the Pearl City Hongwanji Mission.

His funeral was held on June 6, 2008 at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. It was officiated by Bishop Thomas R. Okano and sponsored by both the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii and the Pearl City Hongwanji Mission.

Rev. Murakami leaves behind his wife, Yoko, two daughters, Mari and Rumi and two grandchildren. If you would like to make a donation, the Murakami family has requested that it should be made directly to the Pacific Buddhist Academy.

Ogui Socho of the Buddhist Churches of America makes a very special appearance on this internet video on the DharmaNet web site. Learn why he chose the Buddhist path and more about his Zen mentor, Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. Also find out why he was "kicked out" of his first temple in the United States and how he eventually overcame that setback to become the Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America.

The video is a part of an online video series called "The Buddhist Way of Life." In 2005, the Society for the Promotion of Buddhism (Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai) [BDK] initiated a BDK-TV Series shown in Southern California. The weekly 15-minute shows featured interviews and teachings from major American Buddhist followers and teachers. 

SEE THE VIDEO...

He's having an incredible year so far and the Masters is just around the corner. Tiger Woods is on par to win his fifth green jacket in Augusta, Georgia.

So what's his secret?

Meditation. This is an excerpt from an article from the UK Times web site:

Woods does not talk much about the fact that he meditates, something he learnt from Kultida, his mother, who is a Buddhist. “In the Buddhist religion you have to work for it yourself, internally, in order to achieve anything in life and set up the next life,” he said. “It is all about what you do, and you get out of life what you put into it. So you are going to have to work your butt off in every aspect of your life. That is one of the things that people see in what I do on the course.”

READ MORE IN THE TIMES...

As the race for the democratic nomination for President of the United States nears the finish line, here's an interesting take on Barack Obama. The positive values that Obama exemplifies can be compared to many of the teachings of the Dharma. This is why the blogger believes that this is a big reason why he is the inspirational figure that he is today.

Like the Buddha, Barack Obama learned in his early adult years as a community organizer that poverty is the root of much suffering in the world. He saw how poverty seeps into people's lives like a poison that drives people into a life of crime and overall suffering. He understands that to bring people out of poverty is to improve society as a whole. He is known as a uniter, he is quite gifted at being able to bring about compromises that work for all sides involved.

READ MORE FROM THE BUDDHIST BLOG...

FYI, even Barack Obama's sister, Maya, considers her outlook on life as "Buddhist".
READ THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERVIEW...

October 17, New York Times

Over furious objections from China and in the presence of President Bush, Congress on Wednesday bestowed its highest civilian honor on the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists whom Beijing considers a troublesome voice of separatism.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES...

The following is a letter sent to the White House in 2001, stating the feelings of all Higashi Honganji ministers regarding the World Trade Center tragedy and their future American foreign policy.

September 24, 2001

President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President

The terrorist attacks on New York and Washington D.C. on September 11th have brought tremendous confusion and suffering. We, the followers of Shin Buddhism, express our deepest condolences to the victims, their families and friends. This tragedy reminds all of us how helpless we are in the face of such a catastrophe where only sadness, pain, and anger remain.

However, while we do not accept any act, terrorist or otherwise, in which the dignity of human life is ignored, we cannot condone any retaliatory acts that can lead to war. Such actions will only result in spreading more hatred and violence throughout the world and lead to the suffering of innocent victims. We therefore urge you to seek a course of non-violent action to detain and bring before a world forum of justice, those who may be responsible for the acts of September 11, 2001. We further urge you to seek a way of building bridges of understanding and reconciliation with all those who have harmed us. In addition, we ask that you do everything possible to defend the safety and rights of citizens here in the United States who may be targeted because of their ethnic or religious background.

Six years ago, in June 1995, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, our Headquarters, Shinshu Otani-ha of Kyoto, Japan, issued an Anti-War Statement which reaffirmed that all followers of our tradition should do our best to work for world peace and walk the same path as all people, regardless of their ethnicity, language, culture, and religion. Buddhism is a religion to free oneself from sufferings, one of which is the attachment to one’s own views and the imposing of it on others. This attachment hinders true dialogue.

The terrorist attacks and the probable American retaliation reconfirm the urgent need for our pledge to be practiced. The primary wish of all humanity, past, present, and future, is to live peacefully in a world free from discrimination. Only through realizing this universal wish, may all human beings be united as one.

It is our fervent hope that America display her greatness by looking deeply into the nature of all suffering and showing true Compassion.

Respectfully,

Ministers of Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temples
(North America and Hawaii Districts.)

On the anniversary of 9-11, we looked for a symbol of peace and harmony. We found this video taken at the New York Buddhist Temple. In such a big and busy city, it is interesting to see Shinran standing there all alone. The statue of Shinran Shonin survived the bombing of HIroshima. It was brought to New York as a symbol of peace. The person who posted it says that children usually leave paper cranes at his feet.

The New York Buddhist Temple is led by Sensei Nakagaki. He has been called upon to lead the lead the Buddhist and interfaith community during the memorials of 9-11.

Sensei Nakagaki and Socho Ogui at the 9-11 ceremony, 2002

Every year, since 9-11, the New York Buddhist Temple has Memorial Floating Lanterns Ceremony. It is an ancient Japanese custom of floating lighted lanterns in waterways. It symbolizes respect for the lives of people who have gone before us (Obon). It is a quiet and serene ceremony that provides a place to reaffirm our commitment to building a peaceful future and to pay respect to the lost lives at the World Trade Center.

9-11 Memorial Floating Lanterns Ceremony in New York

READ MORE about Sensei Nakagaki in this article by the New York Times Magazine.

Not sure many of you know this, but Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada is the Slurpee capital of the world. We have retained the title for eight years in a row. Besides sales of over 8,000 drinks per store, per month, a spokesperson for 7-11 says one of the reasons for the Winnipeg winning the title is, where else would someone be drinking a Slurpee in -40'C weather.

7-Eleven began selling Slurpees, then called Icees, in its stores in the United States in 1965. Despite its history in North America, this eighteenth-generation Jodo Shinshu priest recently had his first one. Socho Koshin Ogui Sensei has been a resident of the United States since 1962, but he he seems to be enjoying his first Slurpee.

courtesy bcayouth.org

Socho Ogui became minister of the Cleveland Buddhist Temple in 1977 and of the Midwest Buddhist Temple in Chicago in 1992. In 2004, he was appointed Socho (Bishop) of the Buddhist Churches of America and has been instrumental in the ongoing revitalization and outreach efforts of that organization. THe is the author of "Zen Shin Talks", and now lives in San Francisco.

For an interesting article on Socho Ogui's view on Jodo Shinshu and meditation, read this recent article from tricycle Magazine.

Looking for answers? Do you have 15 minutes? Then, go to TED. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. The annual conference now brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives. This site makes the best talks and performances from TED available to the public, for free.

Here's a sample from Tenzin Bob Thurman who became a Tibetan monk at age 24. He's a professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies at Columbia University, and co-founder of Tibet House U.S., a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization. In this talk, he says that in our hyperlinked world, we can know anything, anytime. And this mass enlightenment is our first step toward becoming Buddha. When we can know everything, we can see how everything is interconnected -- and we can begin to feel compassion for every living being.

And by the way, he is Uma's dad.

No, this doesn't mean we will start having pop-ups and ads blinking all over our site. But we would like to direct you to the BCA (Buddhist Churches of America) Bookshop. It's located in the new Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, California.

The Online BCA Bookstore is virtual, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's a great online store to purchase books on Jodo Shinshu and other Buddhist merchandise. The prices are in US but there is little difference now between our Loonie and the American dollar. So another good reason to shop.

They will be adding extra features as new items are introduced, so they request you come back regularly.

You can online order from their web site or contact: sales@bcabookstore.com or phone (510) 809-1435, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.

By the way, in the bottom left corner of the web site there is an odd reminder for a Buddhist store.....

Are You Ready?
Just 203 days 'til Christmas!

May 23, 2007 The Kansas City Star

Talk about a test of faith.

Eight Tibetan monks spent two days cross-legged on the floor at Union Station, leaning over to meticulously create an intricate design of colored sand as an expression of their Buddhist faith. They were more than halfway done. And then, within seconds, their work was destroyed by a toddler.

Video from the Associated Press

Monks are bald, so they couldn’t rip their hair out. But were they angry? Did they curse?
READ THE ARTICLE AND WATCH THE VIDEO...

Imagine a high school that has a curriculum based on Jodo Shinshu Buddhist teachings. Its more than an idea. In Hawaii, they are about to graduate their first class of students.

INCENSE drifts through this small school overlooking a white Buddhist temple in Nuuanu. Students and faculty bow their heads before and after class, and misbehaving children must do yoga and meditation as an alternative to suspension. Four years after opening, the Pacific Buddhist Academy, the only Shin Buddhist high school in the country, will graduate its first class Friday. Fourteen seniors will get their diplomas and chant in a ceremony at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin temple, just steps away from a college preparatory school that taught them as much about math and science as it did about respect, gratitude and peace.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE FROM THE HONOLULU STAR BULLETIN...

In the Editor's Blog, we are on the lookout for interesting posts and articles. This posting came the blog, GODZ. The aim of this blog is to write about different religious experiences in various churches, mosques or temples. In this post, they attend a Buddhist temple. The article begins by being quite skeptical of Buddhism as a current trend.

As the sensei said in temple, your practice should be whatever floats your boat, but I'm talking about the kind of yogi who spends 400$ on a new meditation cushion or yoga mat and another 1,500 dollars on their yoga clothes.

After attending the temple, they have these observations after attending their first Jodo Shinshu service.

The sensei seemed real, honest, intelligent and content. It did not bother him that the folding chairs were only 1/5th full. I got the sense that he might actually have some inner peace.

The writer seemed to lump Buddhism with the "new age" movement. Buddhism is not new age. Jodo Shinshu is not new age. It is old age. It has a rich history. The writer seems to understand and appreciate this knowledge in the end.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE...