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9:45 AM – 10:15 AM: Zen Shin Sangha Meditation:

As the days are getting longer and we approach the vernal equinox this week, give yourself a moment of contemplation and self-reflection by quiet sitting and guided meditation. We will have sutra chanting including the Heart Sutra, and sutra recitations. We sit to calm our mind and body in order to focus on the present moment revealing our profound connection to all beings. With this calmness we are more prepared to hear the Buddha Dharma shared in the Shin Buddhist service to follow. All levels, including beginners, and families with children are welcome.

(Check out our Children’s Table, complete with coloring books)

10:30 AM: Cleveland Buddhist Temple: Rev. Anita Tokuzen Kazarian

• Shin Buddhist Service
• Honoring Eshinni (wife) and Kakushinni (daughter) of Shinran Shonin who preserved the Shin teachings for us.
• O-Higan: Vernal, the Vernal Equinox
• Shin Buddhist Memorial Service to express gratitude to ancestors who passed away in the month of March. Those attending may include the name of a loved one in our Memorial Service. Please provide Rev. Anita with the name by 10:15 AM.

Following the Service:

Following coffee and our Sangha’s March birthday cake, we will discuss a short reading. Handouts of text provided.

Dhammapada

Dhammapada, a collection of verses of Shakyamuni Buddha

How to Listen to the Teaching

A sense of gratitude, comfort in an unwavering embrace, strength to deal with life’s challenges, deep self-reflection, and broader perspectives liberated from self-centeredness—these are just a few of the gifts we receive from the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Through its guidance, we can enhance the quality of our everyday lives. To receive such gifts, we engage in listening to Dharma messages, reading books on Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and discussing the teachings with Dharma friends. While what we listen to and read certainly matters, how we listen and read is even more crucial. I would like to share an episode that illustrates this point.

    In Sanuki (modern-day Kagawa Prefecture, Japan), there was a devout Jodo Shinshu follower named Shōma (1799–1871). A farmer by occupation, he regularly attended services at his affiliated temple. Because of his joyful and deep appreciation of the teaching, he was well known in his village and admired as a true Nembutsu follower. However, not everyone viewed him favorably. Some were envious of his reputation, including an assistant minister of Shōma’s temple.

            One day, this assistant minister sought to humiliate Shōma in front of other temple members. During a service, he opened the Larger Sutra, one of the most important scriptures in the Jodo Shinshu tradition, and asked Shōma to read it aloud, knowing that Shōma was illiterate. Maintaining his composure, Shōma received the sutra book and held it up. Some people began to giggle upon noticing that he held the book upside-down. Being unable to read Chinese characters, Shōma had no way of knowing which side was up or down. However, undeterred by their laughter, he began reading the Sutra aloud: “Shōma, I will provide the guidance and liberate you from samsara!” Closing the Sutra book, he turned to the assistant minister with a smile and said, “This is what is written in this Sutra.”

            The Larger Sutra is a lengthy scripture that contains many profound doctrinal teachings about Amida Buddha. If read literally, there is no sentence that explicitly states, “Shōma, I will provide the guidance and liberate you from samsara!” Yet, when read or listened to with deep spiritual insight that is precisely the message conveyed. Despite his illiteracy, Shōma was able to grasp the true meaning of the Sutra through his continuous and deep listening. Through all the words and characters of the Sutra, he heard the voice of Amida Buddha calling out to him.

            This episode brings to mind an insightful passage by Ven. Rennyo (1415–1499), the 8th spiritual leader of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, in which he describes how one should read Buddhist sutras:

            Although some read Buddhist sutras, they don’t read them. On the other hand, although some cannot read Buddhist sutras, they read them. Even though some are illiterate and cannot read any letters, if they guide others to read Buddhist scriptures, to listen to the Dharma, and to attain shinjin, it should be said, “Although they cannot read Buddhist sutras, they read them.” On the contrary, although some can read Buddhist sutras, if they don’t truly grasp them or have no appreciation, it should be said, “Although they read Buddhist sutras, they don’t read them.” (From Article 94, Thus I Have Heard from Rennyo Shonin)

            When we read sutras or writings on Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, do we truly grasp their essence? Or do we merely skim the surface, missing the deeper meaning between the lines?

            One of the distinctive features of Pure Land Buddhism is its use of symbolism. Symbols and narratives are prevalent throughout Pure Land Buddhist scriptures. However, some may find these elements challenging to interpret. Why is symbolism so dominant in Pure Land Buddhism? It is understood that all symbols and narratives in Pure Land Buddhism serve as concrete manifestations of the ultimate truth, which is inherently formless and transcendent. This truth compassionately takes on concrete forms so that we may perceive them. Therefore, rather than getting stuck on the literal meanings of these symbols and narratives, it is essential for us to delve deeper and explore the wisdom they convey. For Pure Land Buddhists, developing the ability to perceive the voiceless voice of Amida Buddha and the formless workings of the truth within these symbols and narratives is a fundamental practice.

            As we continue our journey in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, let us strive to listen deeply—not just with our ears, but with our hearts. May we all receive the great gifts of the Dharma and live spiritually fulfilled lives through the path of deep listening.

In gassho (palms together),

Rev. Kiyo Kuwahara

The Way of the Bodhisattva

by

Shantideva

Seated Guanyin Bodhisattva. Northern Song Dynasty (1127). 

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Kansas City, MO 3-10

Chapter 6 – Patience, continued 

Stanzas 100 - 109 of 134

100. For I am one who strives for freedom.

I must not be caught by wealth and honors.

How could I be angry with the ones

Who work to free me from my fetters?

101. They, like Buddha’s very blessing,

Bar my way, determined as I am

To plunge myself headlong into sorrow:

How can I be angry with them?

102. I should not be irritated, saying,

“They are obstacles to my good deeds.”

For it is not Patience the supreme austerity,

And should I not abide by this?

103. And if I fail to practice patience,

Hindered by my own shortcomings,

I myself create impediments

To merit’s causes, yet so close at hand.

104. If something does not come to be when something else is absent,

And does not arise, that factor being present,

That factor is indeed its cause.

How can it, then, be said to hinder it?

105. The beggars who arrived at proper times

Are not an obstacle to generosity.

We cannot say that those who give the vows

are hindrances to ordination!

106. The beggars in this world are numerous;

Assailants are comparatively few.

For if I do no harm to others,

Others do no injury to me.

107. So, like a treasure found at home,

That I have gained without fatigue,

My enemies are helpers in my bodhisattva work

And therefore they should be a joy to me.

108. Since I have grown in patience

Thanks to them,

To them its first fruits I should give,

For my patience they have been the cause.

109. And if I say my food should not be honored

Since they did not mean to stimulate my patience,

Why do I revere the sacred Dharma?

Cause indeed of my attainment?

Excerpt in gratitude from: Śāntideva, The Way of the Bodhisattva: A Translation of the Bodhicharyåavatåara. Boulder: Shambhala, 2006.

Photo by Elijah Hiett on Unsplash

October 9 - 11, 2025

Center for Buddhist Education

MAP Seminar

Jodo Shinshu Center, Berkeley CA

This in person training session is hosted by the BCA’s Center for Buddhist Education and is open to all BCA Minister Assistants both certified and non-certified. The BCA encourages all Minister Assistants to participate in continuing education. The sessions will cover basic Jodo Shinshu teachings, chanting, Onaijin etiquette as well as other topics. This is a great opportunity to learn from other BCA ministers and to build relationships with MAs from different temples.

Participating in the Minister Assistant Program (MAP) is available at all levels. The third Jewel in Buddhism is the Sangha. It is the Sangha that helps us understand and supports us as we put the teachings to the test on our Shin Buddhist Path. All who attend often are already engaged in the CBT Sangha. By exploring this next step you can deepen your understanding at a level and pace of your choice.

Please email Rev. Anita for more information, or if you wish, to set up a time to explore if participating in the Minister Assistant Program is for you.

Supervising Minister:  Rev. Ron Miyamura

Resident Tokudo Minister: Rev. Anita Tokuzen Kazarian

rev.anita.cbt@outlook.com

Buddha Post is published by the Cleveland Buddhist Temple, 21600 Shaker Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44122 

The Cleveland Buddhist Temple is an affiliate of the Buddhist Churches of America, founded in 1899: 

https://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/

© 2025 Anita Kazarian. All rights reserved.

Web and Newsletter Design: Stuart "Kodo" Ott KodoDojo@clevelandbuddhisttemple.org