In the United States, all attention this week is on our celebration of Thanksgiving. It’s a traditional time for family, food and football. It’s also a celebration to remind Americans to practice gratitude and appreciation for everything in our lives.
The concept of repaying debts of gratitude is fundamental in Buddhism. According to the principle of the oneness of self and others, the reason each individual is able to exist at the present moment is due to the many influences of others. We are able to exist only because of connections to others: to parents and ancestors, teachers, friends, neighbors, society, the nation and the environment. In fact, we owe our existence to everything, both the tangible and the intangible. One who is awakened to this feels gratitude for all living beings, and to all existence.*
Intro Video and Lecture on Buddhism’s Core Beliefs and Origins
Register today for our next Introductory lecture (online or in-person at Myosenji Temple) this Sunday, November 27th. Buddhism’s Core Beliefs, including gratitude, will be explained by our Chief Priest, Rev. Sakabe.
- Learn how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and properly use the Juzu Beads, Buddhist prayer beads.
- Q&A with our Chief Priest.
- The meeting starts at 2:00 pm and concludes around 3:15 pm.
If you have decided to become a Buddhist or are interested in learning how to become a Buddhist, after Sunday’s meeting (about 3:30 pm) Rev Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.
