Here is a nice blog posting from Communications students at Pacific Lutheran University. They write about a recent visit to the Seattle Betsuin Temple. The article has some interesting observations and interviews....

“It’s a laid back Buddhist. That’s the way I like to say it, laid back Buddhist, because traditional Buddhist you are really trying to improve yourself and you’re working towards your enlightenment. Then as you move in that direction you find out how difficult it is to obtain enlightenment on your own. As you find that out Jodo Shinshu Buddhism then you realize that we all are enlightened. We are all working in that direction. But we do it with the help of the other power which is known as Amida Buddha, which is what our whole shrine is dedicated to. Amida Buddha is not really a person per say, it’s a personification of an ideal or concept which is love, wisdom and passion all rolled into one,” said Rev. Jim.

“That’s what life really is because every time something good happens there is kind something bad is lurking or just happened. The best example of this is when the Buddha was out during a ceremony for planting the crops in the spring when he was a young child or teenager they were ploughing out the fields and this was important to the village, because this provided crops for the rest of the year. They were ploughing the fields and the Buddha noticed you know were getting all this good stuff but there is also bugs and plants and animals dying out there because all the sudden they were exposed. The birds come down and eat the bugs, the lizards jump on the birds and it goes on. So even during this great time and celebration there is this stuff going on that isn’t so good and that’s was it really is. Things aren’t going to be perfect, and the more we want them to be perfect the more frustrated we are going to become. If we just accept things as they are then life kind of makes sense,” said Rev. Joe.

Rev. Jim and Rev. Joe refer to Jim Warrick, and Joe Schwab, who are both Certified Minister’s Assistants . They work with Rev. Don Castro at the Seattle Betsuin Temple.

READ THE ENTIRE POSTING AT PACIFIC LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY WEBNEWS...
GO TO THE SEATTLE BETSUIN TEMPLE WEBSITE...

Tricycle magazine has made space on their website for a brief retrospective of articles on Shinran Shonin and the teachings of Jodo Shinshu. The links are posted on the Tricycle Editor's Blog. Here's a sample:

Beyond Religion: An interview with Rev. Dr. Alfred Bloom
by Jeff Wilson

How has Shinran made an impact on you personally?
I see Shinran as a towering figure. He took Buddhism, turned it upside down, and made it something that could illuminate people’s personal experience in a new way. Even though it comes out of medieval Japan, I believe his teaching is universal. And so he intrigues my imagination.

I think it’s the right time to explore a deeper interpretation of Shinran, because I think it might help those who are racked by guilt, by distinctions of flesh and spirit, and by the other dualisms of Western culture.


Born Again Buddhist
by Clark Strand

One morning not long ago, I was born again. Though unexpected, this was never outside the realm of possibility. According to the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism, all who call Namu Amida Butsu, Amida Buddha’s name, may be reborn in the “Land of Utmost Bliss,” provided they truly believe that he will save them. That, of course, had been the problem. Try as I might to finesse my way into the Pure Land, it didn’t matter as long as I didn’t believe.

DISCOVER MORE LINKS TO JODO SHINSHU ARTICLES ON TRICYCLE....

The JoyTV program, "Discovering Buddhism" introduced viewers to the teachings of the Buddha. The 18 part, half-hour program was produced in 2009. The main participant was Sensei Fredrich Ulrich of the Manitoba Buddhist Temple.

In this clip, host, Tim Smith asks Sensei Ulrich to explain why some may choose to not think of Buddhism as a religion but more of a teaching.

Rev. Ulrich's rich knowledge of history and art provided viewers with a unique perspective on the historical Buddha. He describes the symbolism in the statues that often represent Amida Buddha.

Check your local TV listings to see when the series will air again. Unfortunately, JoyTV is only seen in B.C. and Manitoba.

SEE MORE JODO SHINSHU VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE...

"We wish the torch of the Buddha-Dharma lit in the City of Winnipeg is never extinguished"

Jenny Setsuko Nishimura was the wife of Rev. Hideo Nishimura, the first minister of the Manitoba Buddhist Temple. She would have celebrated her 100th birthday in June 2009. Even with her passing into nirvana earlier in the year, her life continues to resonate in our hearts because of her selfless service.

Jenny's poem was discovered by her niece, Tomoko Tatsumi. Bishop Orai Fujikawa graciously wrote the kanji and it now hangs in the hondo as a reminder... to care and celebrate life in our temple.


READ MORE ABOUT JENNY NISHIMURA...

In September, Sensei Ulrich was invited to introduce the documentary, Burma VJ at Winnipeg's Cinematheque Theatre. Here are some photos from opening night.

Poster in the lobby


Sensei Ulrich introduces the film with a brief history of Buddhism and politics in Myanmar


Sensei Ulrich meets with the audience after the film

The Manitoba Buddhist Temple is grateful that the Winnipeg Film Group invited us to participate and hope to continue working together on future projects.

VISIT THE WINNIPEG CINEMATHEQUE WEBSITE...

Concerned that Buddhism is no longer part of everyday life, the Hongwanji Temple in Kyoto sought to reach out to the younger set by coming out with a DVD depicting the life of its founder, Shinran, of Shin Buddhism. The 108-minute Japanese anime DVD, comes with collectible miniature characters, key rings, pens and notes.

Sorry, no English subtitiled version seems to be available yet.

Monshu Koshin Ohtani is the spiritual head of Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto, Japan. He is a scholar whose articles have appeared in major magazines for several years, including an interview with the Dalai Lama in 2008 in which they exchanged views of religion in to­day's world.

Jodo Shinshu members in North America have had limited opportunities to read Monshu's messages in English. Now, for Shinran Shonin's 750th Memorial, an English translation of his 2003 book, "Ashita niwa Kogan arite" is available as "The Buddha's Wish for the World." It gives English-speaking Shin Buddhist members a wonderful oppor­tunity to get to know Monshu Ohtani's views on life, family, religion and society.

Here is a brief excerpt from a recent interview with the Monshu, courtesy of the American Buddhist Study Centre:

HEAR MORE FROM MONSHU OHTANI ON YOUTUBE...
LEARN MORE AT THE AMERICAN BUDDHIST STUDY CENTRE...

Reviews for "The Buddha's Wish for the World" are now appearing. Rev. Gregory Gibbs of the Oregon Buddhist Temple has previewed the book and has these comments:

"For Jodo Shinshu Buddhists in North America this book will be important. The Go Monshu/Chief Abbot has not been obvious in a leadership role so far as understanding our teachings goes for some decades. People look to the Kangakuryo for questions of accuracy but a committee cannot be a leader. His Eminence Monshu Koshin Ohtani will now be more obviously in his proper role of leadership for those of us who are pretty much limited to the English language for our appreciation of the Buddha-dharma.

Here are some partial reviews so far...

Precious Metal: the blog

I really enjoyed the book because it not only taught me about the tradition of Shin Buddhism but also brought to light the importance of values this form has picked up based on its geographical origins. Specifically, the importance of family and surrounding oneself with family. Not only considering our direct family, but all of humanity as one big family.

Flatbed Sutra

Buddhist practitioners of all schools (including Zen) are certain to discover many affinities with the Shin teachings–which can certainly provide some profound insight into their own traditions. While it is true that students and practitioners of all Buddhist traditions will find many similarities, it may be the unique qualities of the Pure Land teachings, when compared to other traditions, that offer some of the more profound insights.

The Buddha Blog

It is a short book and can be read in one sitting but don't let that fool you into thinking that it's not full of great wisdom. It is frankly wonderful how much wisdom and unique insights Monshu offers in this thin but enriching monogram.

Robert Thurman (from the introduction)

To read The Buddha’s Wish for the World is to feel enfolded within that wish, which the author so deeply feels to be expressed in the vision of the original compassionate vow of the bodhisattva Dharmakara, who eventually became the Infinite Light Amitabha Buddha.

READ A SAMPLE OF THE BOOK AT THE AMERICAN BUDDHIST STUDY CENTRE...
PURCHASE THE BOOK AT THE BCA BOOKSTORE...

What does it mean to say Namu Amida Butsu? Rev. Gregory Gibbs explores this question in an article at the Shambala SunSpace blog. Gibbs is the minister at the Oregon Buddhist Temple in Portland. A former Catholic and Zen Buddhist, Gibbs also reflects on his experience to also answer how far the practise of meditiation can take you in an article for the Shambala Sun blog page.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AND SEE LINKS TO OTHER JODO SHINSHU LINKS AT SHAMBALA SUN...

Over at Barbara's Buddhism Blog, she recently posted a wonderful photo on her website describing the Japanese Buddhist practise of Takuhatsu. She correctly described it as a practise performed by monks. But in this case, as "Jeff" pointed out in her comments, these were not monks, but members of the New York Buddhist Church. He was able to identify them by the wisteria crest on their kesa (ribbon around the neck).

We can further tell you that the man leading the group is Jodo Shinshu minister, Rev. T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki of the New York Buddhist Church.

Traditionally, Buddhist monks would walk through their communities pausing for donations of food or money. Today, Takuhatsu is more commonly used as a meditative practice.

All Photos by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

In the case of these photos, Rev. Nakagaki was experimenting with the practise in North America. He was also taking donations for his temple. In 2008, a member of the New York Buddhist Temple wrote about the experience:

We went by subway to “Strawberry Fields” of John Lennon and Yoko Ono fame in Central Park, where we began the traditional meditation walk. “Ho ho ho ho, ho ho ho.” Stop. Ring the bells and gong simultaneously. Start again. “Ho” means “the Dharma” (the Teaching of the Buddha) -- not Santa Claus. This continued all the way to and around Columbus Circle and Midtown Manhattan. We walk to bring the Dharma to the city. --Dimitri Bakhroushin, New York Buddhist Church

READ DIMITRI'S ARTICLE IN THE WHEEL OF DHARMA...
VISIT BARBARA'S BUDDHISM BLOG...

It wasn't long ago, that if you wanted to know more about Pure Land Buddhism, your choices were limited. Local bookstores carried only a handful of "Buddhist" titles.

Today, the Buddhist book business has changed. Visit a bookseller, either at a mall or online and you will find a wide selection of books with Buddhist themes.

For Pure Land Buddhists, it is only recently that a selection of books written for Western readers have become available. One of the first Jodo Shinshu-specific books that was written in English is the classic, "Ocean" by Kenneth Tanaka. While others were penned, they were originally written in Japanese or another Asian language and then translated.

Only in the last few years, Jodo Shinshu Buddhists are able to find titles specially relating to the sect.

Authors like Caroline and David Brazier, Alfred Bloom and Jeff Wilson are writing books for Western readers.

The most recent release to North America is from the Monshu Koshin Ohtani. Ohtani is the head of Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism. Though originally written in Japanese, "The Buddha's Wish for the World" headlines a list of new books available to lift your knowledge of the Buddha's teachings.

While these may not be available at your local bookseller, you can purchase most of the titles online.

We hope the recent influx of books is due to demand and that many North Americans have discovered the Pure Land path and wish to read more.

GO TO THE BCA BOOKSTORE...
SEE SENSEI ULRICH'S RECOMMENDED READINGS...

"heart-wrenching"
****Starting on Friday, September 11 at the Winnipeg Film Group's Cinematheque...

Anders Østergaard's terrific documentary about a loosely organized network of scrappy underground videographers who risked their lives photographing the 2007 uprising against Myanmar's military dictatorship.

The government shut down the Internet and local media, and banned foreign journalists from covering the demonstrations, which were led by Buddhist monks and students with growing support from an emboldened public.

Burma VJ takes us on a roller coaster of alternating hope and despair as the young guerrilla reporters, always on the lookout for ubiquitous informers, wade into the thick of the struggle with Handycams hidden in bags, then transmit the footage to a hidden colleague, who smuggles it out of the country via satellite. The raw, shocking images of courage and brutal backlash, here enhanced by added voiceover from two anguished young cameramen, were then broadcast, uncanned and unpolished, by the mainstream media.

 

“Should be required viewing for anyone thinking of becoming any kind of journalist, be they blogger, indie-media digicammer, or Facebook feed-streamer. It's the truth, unshackled and captured against all odds, and it's one of the most powerful documentary films I have ever seen, period.     AUSTIN CHRONICLE

VISIT THE WINNIPEG CINEMATHEQUE WEBSITE...
READ MORE ABOUT THE FILM INCLUDING REVIEWS...

The head of Jodo Shinshu, Monshu Koshin Ohtani, has written a book that will be available in English for the first time. "The Buddha's Wish for the World" will be published in September, 2009, by the American Buddhist Study Center Press.

The book is dedicated to honor the 750th memorial of Shinran Shonin (1173 - 1263), the founder of Jodo Shinshu, who established this spiritual path in 13th century Japan. It includes a foreword by world-renowned Buddhist scholar, Professor Robert Thurman, Professor of Buddhism at Columbia University and Founder of Tibet House in New York.

Born in Kyoto in 1945, Koshin Ohtani is the twenty-fourth Monshu or head of the Jodo Shinshu tradition. He also serves as chief minister of Nishi Hongwanji, the tradition's head temple in Kyoto and one of the largest Buddhist centers in the world.

"The Buddha's Wish for the World" consists of 36 short chapters, demonstrating how Buddhism is lived in everyday situations.  Monshu Ohtani shares his insights on compassion, mindful attention to others, faith, and self-understanding through personal stories and examples.  Americans who are familiar with other Buddhist teachings will find many similarities, but also unique differences that come out of the Pure Land vision.

Robert Thurman writes in his foreword that the book includes a "range of observations of life and liberation, from the tiny but utterly significant moments in ordinary life, of the turning of the mind from egotism to altruistic heart's entrustment to the vast and beautiful vision of the immanence of the all-enfolding universal compassion of Amida Buddha."

READ A SAMPLE OF THE BOOK AT THE AMERICAN BUDDHIST STUDY CENTRE...

It's one of our favorite movies of all-time. And while many religious groups have claimed it as their own, the question many ask, is "Groundhog Day" a Buddhist movie?

Shambala Sun magazine went to the source. In the July issue, writer Howard Garfinkel talks to Filmmaker Harold Ramis about his movie "Groundhog Day."

“The primary rule of Buddhist humor is that you never laugh at someone else’s expense. But, rather, laughter arises when we realize our futile attempts to escape the first noble truth. Pointing to our common bumbling deluded nature—with humor—apparently relieves some of the suffering. Ramis has done that in most of his films, but especially in Groundhog Day, where he seems to be saying, ‘This is what it’s like. Every day is the same thing; we make the same mistakes over and over.’ Ramis is always trying to shatter our ordinary take on reality, to reveal hidden dimensions. He is trying to create what Buddhists would call ‘beginner's mind.’”

READ THE ARTICLE AT SHAMABALA SUN....
READ THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS ACCORDING TO "GROUNDHOG DAY"...

The Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada - Living Dharma Centre has its own channel on YouTube.

You can watch dharma talks for Jodo Shinshu ministers, see the Jodo Shinshu Centre in Berkeley, California and even learn how to repair your ojuzu.

CHECK IT OUT AND SUBSCRIBE...

A birthday cake for Myanmar's detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
Photo by Saeed Khan for the Agence France-Presse.

Campaigners across the globe are honoring the birthday Friday of Burma's detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The Burmese pro-democracy leader spent her 64th birthday at Rangoon's notorious Insein prison, where she is on trial and facing up to five years behind bars. Activists and politicians are marking Aung San Suu Kyi's 64th birthday with gatherings of support from Thailand to Europe and the United States. In addition, a coalition of 23 Burma rights groups has formed "64forsuu.org", a website where supporters can post messages urging her release from detention.

READ MORE FROM THE "VOICE OF AMERICA"...
SHOW SUPPORT FOR AUNG SAN SUU KYI...

The Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta is the talk of the town. While the casino just across the street might be a bigger draw. The right choice might be the new Lethbridge Buddhist temple.

This week the temple was the focus of the local TV newscast and a chance for many to see the temple without leaving home.

SEE A SHORT VIDEO OF THE CHIGO PARADE AND DEDICATION SERVICE...
VISIT THE WEBSITE OF THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA...

The University of Calgary is pleased to welcome His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama as an honoured guest at NOW – a two-day event and conference from September 30th to October 1st, 2009.

Tickets for the Dalai Lama's public address at Calgary, Alberta's Pengrowth Saddledome are no longer available. Officials are optimistic that additional tickets may be released when stage configurations are finalized.

Two-day packages are also sold out. Tickets for the one-day conference which includes appearances by F.W. de Klerk (he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela), the Dalai Lama, Bryan Adams, K.D. Lang and actor, Sandra Oh are still available.

"The Dalai Lama helps serve lunch at a San Francisco soup kitchen on Sunday, April 26, 2009.
Speaking as Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, he told visitors "Me too, homeless person.'"
-Photo by Noah Berger for the Associated Press via Rev. Danny Fisher

MORE ABOUT TICKET INFORMATION...

On April 26, 2009, a Dedication Service was held to open the new Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta. The celebration included a Chigo parade, a Japanese tradition when a temple or shrine is constructed. Children who participate are said to be "happy for life." The dedication of the new temple in Lethbridge, Alberta also marked the 80th anniversary of Buddhism in southern Alberta, drawing visitors from across Canada and Japan, including Sensei Ulrich of Manitoba Buddhist Temple. Ministers and delegates attending the annual general meeting of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada were also in attendance.

READ AN ARTICLE FROM THE LETHBRIDGE HERALD...

The Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film, "Departures" opens in North American this May. The film is a delightful journey into the heartland of Japan as well an astonishingly beautiful look at a sacred part of Japan’s cultural heritage.

The movie is based on the book, "Coffinman-The Journal of a Buddhist Mortician" by Shinmon Aoki. In the Foreword, Shin Buddhist scholar, Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno writes,

This little book, a diary of a mortician, invites the reader into the fascinating world of Buddhist spirituality which sees the extraordinary in things ordinary, mundane, and even repugnant. Written with deep affection for life and poetic sensibility, the author Shinmon Aoki evokes theworld of boundless compassion found in Shin Buddhism which evolved from the Pure Land tradition of Mahayana Buddhism.

SYNOPSIS
“Departures” follows Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki), a devoted cellist in an orchestra that has just been dissolved and who is suddenly left without a job. Daigo decides to move back to his old hometown with his wife to look for work and start over. He answers a classified ad entitled “Departures” thinking it is an advertisement for a travel agency only to discover that the job is actually for a “Nokanshi” or “encoffineer,” a funeral professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial and entry into the next life. While his wife and others despise the job, Daigo takes a certain pride in his work and begins to perfect the art of “Nokanshi,” acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the family of the departed. The film follows his profound and sometimes comical journey with death as he uncovers the wonder, joy and meaning of life and living. A story of love, of discovery, of revelation and of the transcending human spirit, “Departures” will linger in your heart and mind long after viewing.

Expect to see "Departures" in Winnipeg by the end of 2009.

GO TO THE OFFICIAL "DEPARTURES" WEB SITE...

Daily Buddhism has been asking for practitioners of Buddhism to explain their denomination. It is inviting essays explaining "your " version of Buddhism.

Up for the challenge, we get this great explanation of Shin Buddhism from Jeff Wilson. He begins with a description of Shinran's interpretation of Buddhism.

Shinran taught that Amida is actually reality in its true, liberated nature, and the Pure Land is a poetic description for nirvana. Putting the insights of Mahayana Buddhism into narrative format, he talked about how Amida embraces all beings no matter how bad or good, and liberates them from their greed and delusion. In fact, this liberation is something that has been accomplished in the primal past (i.e. it is always naturally present), and so we should stop endlessly chasing after attainment. Instead, when we give up attachment to our ego-laden efforts to become enlightened, and relax back into the embrace of inconceivable wisdom and never-abandoning compassion, we are freed from our anxieties and pettiness. Our practice, then, stops being about getting Buddhahood for ourselves, and instead is refocused to be about expressing gratitude for all that we have received, spiritually and materially.

Wilson points out that the main focus of Shin is the practise of "gratitude." And that, everyone can become a Buddha by reciting the Nembutsu.

None of us are deluded about our level of attainment-we are ordinary people, prone to foolishness. But everyone, Shin Buddhist or otherwise, exists within an inconceivable network of support from all things, an ever-changing matrix that provides us with nourishment, shelter, love, and, if we don’t let our egos get in the way, pushes us on toward final liberation. Awakening to this inner togetherness which we all share helps us to get a perspective on our karmic limitations, and this engenders humility, patience, and a sense of humor about our shortcomings and those of others. When we wake up to how power-beyond-self is always nurturing and supporting us, we often say the nembutsu in gratitude. Nembutsu is a phrase, Namu Amida Butsu, that expresses our happiness and thankfulness. It isn’t a mantra or a prayer-it doesn’t accomplish anything other than letting out that bottled-up gratitude in a joyful utterance.

Jeff Wilson is currently an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Renison College on the campus of the University of Waterloo in Canada. He recently wrote the book, "Mourning the Unborn Dead A Buddhist Ritual Comes to America" from Oxford Press.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT DAILY BUDDHISM...

Our Mother Temple in Japan has started a new web site and it's a great way to keep up-to-date on the upcoming celebrations for Shinran Shonin's 750th Memorial.

The Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Hongwanji International Centre in Kyoyo is where many aspiring and active ministers go for their training. Located only a few streets away from the grounds of the Hongwanji, the International Centre is the also where scholars research, translate, and publish Buddhist texts and articles.

Part of the outreach of the International Centre is to provide the latest information about current events originating from our head temple in Japan including updates on preperations for Shinran's 750th Memorial celebrations.

VISIT THE HONGWANJI-HA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE WEBSITE...

Many of us, pass by Roy's Florist on our way to and from the temple. So it was a shock to hear about this weekend's fire at 710 Notre Dame Ave. We know the building from its landmark neon sign and the Japanese-Canadian mural on the side of the building. But, we also know the shop as the place where the Kaita family has worked for and supported members of our community for many years.

courtesy Winnipeg Free Press

Roy's Florist has provided flowers the Manitoba Buddhist Temple since the store opened in 1962. The flowers you see on the hondo are often donated from Roy's. They also supply bouquets for funerals, weddings and other special occasions.

We hope the Kaita family can recover from this terrible incident. Customers who want to reach current owners, Michael and Kathy Kaita can email rfltd@mts.net.

READ MORE ABOUT THE FIRE AT THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS...

Want to take a peek at a small Shin Temple in Japan? Ryokeiji Temple gives you the opportunity to do that, because most of its site has been translated in to English.

The temple belongs to the Izumoji Sect, one of the ten allied sects of Shin Buddhism in Japan. Located in the Fukui Prefecture, the temple has been in its present location for 400 years.

For over fifty years, Koju Fujieda has been the temple’s priest. He is also a Professor of English and has travelled to the U.S. and England. He has written several books including, “Dewdrops of Dharma.”

With his knowledge of both languages, he has been able translate his site for English-speaking guests. The most interesting part of the site is the Publication section. Within its folder, you will find interesting documents used to promote Buddhism to the temple’s followers. See the monthly “Dharma Cards” section that contain Buddhist sayings which are regularly sent by priests to temple members and friends. Also available is the quarterly publication, “Gunmo.” This dharma newsletter has been publishing for over 45 years.

Sensei Fujieda writes:

“Since my temple is located in the provincial area, few people visit here, except for the monthly and annual services and events.  As for English speaking guests, one or two in a few years come to the temple, mostly my friends.  So I would like a lot of English speakers to visit my web site. I would be pleased if you would tell your friends about my web site.”

Fujieda also tells us that when you visit the temple’s web site, it will not be time wasted in vain.

VISIT THE RYOKEJI TEMPLE WEB SITE...

Leading Edge Health Education Course Explores Spiritual Aspects of Care

Aboriginal, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jew and Humanist will gather to explore the spiritual aspects of health care at the fifth annual Spiritual Diversity: Hope and Healing course, presented by Health Sciences Centre Spiritual Health Services and University of Winnipeg Faculty of Theology.

“Healing involves the body and the spirit. It is important for health care providers to be aware of different cultural and spiritual perspectives on suffering, illness, healing, death and life,” --- Roger Armitte, Aboriginal Elder and Spiritual Health Specialist at Health Sciences Centre. 

The course is open to healthcare and social work professionals, University of Winnipeg students, community activists and volunteers, and any other interested spiritual seekers. The course may be taken for credit through University of Winnipeg Faculty of Theology. Applications will be accepted until May 29, 2009, for the course beginning in September. 

This spiritual health care education program is based on principles of diversity, inclusivity, hope and healing. Students will explore their own and others’ spiritual and religious perspectives.

The curriculum combines practical and theoretical elements, featuring guest speakers from a cross-section of spiritual traditions and health care professions. In addition, students will have opportunity to be actively involved in patient care.  

Through participating in the course, past students have found deeper appreciation and respect for different traditions, a new focus for their work in the healing professions, and positive change in their relationships. 

For more information contact:
Spiritual Health Services, Health Sciences Centre
T: 787-3884
E: pfrain@exchange.hsc.mb.ca 

Faculty of Theology, University of Winnipeg
T: 786-9857 

"Fifty years after Chinese rule began, Tibet's leader is still in exile, and many fear chaos will erupt if the conflict with China isn't resolved within his lifetime." -HEADLINE FROM GLOBE AND MAIL ARTICLE

So where does that leave the people in Tibet and in the future, for Buddhism in the west? Read this comprehensive article from Canada's national newspaper. Here are some short excerpts:

In the minds of many, the Tibetan struggle and the current incarnation of the Dalai Lama, 73-year-old Tenzin Gyatso, are inextricably linked. Which is why — after a series of health scares in recent months — this year's anniversary of the Tibetan uprising is accompanied by rising concern over what might happen if the spiritual and political leader of Tibet were to die or become incapacitated before he has the chance to return home to the official residence in Lhasa he fled with his followers in 1959.

The spiritual and political ruler of Tibet through the years. First as a four-year-old peasant child about the time he was chosen Dalai Lama, as a 15-year-old wearing a gold peaked cap that is his crown and during a 1956 visit to India. Photo: Associated Press

"There's no doubt that life without the Dalai Lama, in the current state we're in, would be a terrible blow," said Lhadon Tethong, executive director of Students for a Free Tibet, one of an array of Tibetan exile groups opposed to Beijing's rule. "It's going to be awful if things are not resolved in his lifetime."

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE FROM THE GLOBE AND MAIL...

In the spring issue of Tricycle magazine, Jeff Wilson interviews Taitetsu and and his son, Mark Unno.

Both men are ordained minsters in the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism. They are also teachers and writers. Mark Unno is a professor of Buddhism at the University of Oregon. Taitetsu Unno is a professor emeritus of religious studies at Smith College and the author of "River of Fire, River of Water: An Introduction to the Pure Land Tradition of Shin Buddhism" and "Shin Buddhism: Bits of Rubble Turn into Gold." Both books are have helped many people discover the riches of this major Buddhist tradition.

The Unnos help to sort out the subtle differences between the various sects and forms Buddhism takes. Here are a couple of quotes from the interview:

In Asia, laypeople generally relate to Buddhism devotionally. But in America, when laypeople engage in these traditions they most often want to relate to them solely as a yogic path, beyond devotion. The problem is that they have all of the problems that lay Buddhists have always had. Trying to force yourself into the yogic path while living with all of the distractions, complications, and follies of the lay life may not always work so well. In order to ease some of the strain on this artificial image of what a Buddhist life might be, it could be very helpful to bring in the Shin emphasis and recognition of our blind passions and our natural limitations as laypeople.

In some approaches to Buddhism, you try to get rid of emotional attachments, but not in Shin. We want to treasure the blind passions, the defilements, because they are the fertilizer for realization. It’s hard to make the passions disappear, but they can be deepened into wisdom and compassion. Some people use the word “transform,” but I don’t like it myself. The passions don’t become something else; they become more pungent. Pungent dharma. That’s Shin Buddhism.

READ THE ARTICLE ON THE TRICYCLE WEBSITE...

The move has begun at the new Jodo Shinshu temple in Lethbridge, Alberta. For a sneak peek inside, visit the Living Dharma Centre website .

Anyone wishing to support the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta for its national fund-raising campaign can make a one-time donation and be included in the donor wall. The end of construction is in sight and the BTSA will host the JSBTC AGM and Dedication Service at the end of April 2009.

SEE MORE PHOTOS AT THE LIVING DHARMA CENTRE...
MAKE A DONATION TO THE BUILDING FUND OF THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA...

The Calgary Buddhist Temple has put together a great guide available for downloading. It's called a "Guide to Jodo Shinshu Teaching and Practices."

The Guide was translated from Japanese to English by Kyojo S. Ikuta & Trudy Gahlinger of the Calgary Buddhist Temple.  It was originally developed as an introduction to Jodo Shinshu for the layperson.

Part One describes the life and teachings of the Buddha, and the history and evolution of Jodo Shinshu teachings.

While, Part Two discusses Jodo Shinshu practices, including Jodo Shinshu religious days and services.

It also answers the questions, "What is the Pure Land?" and "Who is an evil person?" The 63 page document (check your printer for ink and paper before downloading) also contains photos and information explaining the meaning and history of the ornaments and artifacts that comprise the Jodo Shinshu tradition.

The document was originally produced by the Renken Tokuhon Study Group in Japan.

The Guide is a great way to ready, study and understand the life of the Nembutsu.


DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE TO JODO SHINSHU TEACHING AND PRACTICES...

Peacefully, at the Tuxedo Villa, on Thursday, December 25, 2008, Jenny Setsuko Nishimura, wife of the Late Rev. Hidoe Nishimura, entered Nirvana at the age of 99 years.

Jenny was born June 19, 1909 in Shiga-Ken, Japan and immigrated to Canada in 1934. She and her husband lived in British Columbia before moving to Winnipeg during the Second World War. She was predeceased by her husband in 1971. Jenny taught Sunday School at the Manitoba Buddhist Temple and worked hard to introduce Japanese culture to the community.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Extendicare Tuxedo Villa for the compassion and care given to Jenny and a special thanks to her friends and temple members who helped to provide palliative care to Jenny. Funeral service 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Manitoba Buddhist Temple, 39 Tecumseh Street with Sensei Fredrich Ulrich officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Buddhist Temple at 39 Tecumseh Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3J8.

READ A DHARMA TALK FROM SENSEI ULRICH...

Worth watching! The landmark six hour, six part mini-series, "The Story of India" is a fantastic journey through the history of India. Michael Wood is your engaging and articulate guide who brings you along on a whirlwind tour of the country and its history.

Especially don't miss episode two, "The Power of Ideas." The series spends some time under the Bodhi Tree telling the story of the Buddha.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FILM ON THE PBS WEBSITE...