SLO BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Minister's Message

A little consideration,
A little thought for others,
makes all the difference.
~Eeyore of Winnie the Pooh

I recently had the privilege of attending the 58th Annual Hawaii’s Minister Seminar in Kauai, Hawaii. The weather was warm with several quick rain showers and always a gentle breeze. It was wonderful, for I was able to experience what rain felt like on the skin. Since it has been quite a while since it rained in California, I had to think about this moisture on me. Another feature of Kauai was all the “free range chicken and roosters” around the island. It was an experience that does not come along too often.

The days were filled with lectures, morning service and making good friends. We were treated to a ban-quet of chicken (hmm…I noticed fewer chickens around). We were entertained by ukulele playing and singing by several ministers whose enthusiasm was contagious. During the dinner we all sang a song that produced a very important message. It comes from the meaning of the word “ALOHA.” This word is synonymous not only to “welcome” but how it relates to us as sentient beings.

This explanation was written by Mrs. Cecilia Lindo of Hawaii Betsuin. She explains that the spirit of ALOHA means love. It is not easy to truly love or share. We are filled with ego and ignorance but we can try to make changes in our lives with the simple knowledge of ALOHA.

“A” is for Akahai which stands for kindness, not only to others, but also to our selves. When we make a decision and it does not work, we can be kind to ourselves in learning from it, without guilt. “L” is for Lokahi which stands for oneness or a unity where we can be agreeable without anger or impatience. “O” or Olu’olu refers to courtesy. Some days just do not go our way, and we take it out on others. However, we must think first and if that does not work, go for a walk or just stay at home. It does take effort on our part. It is not others who created this situation and we do not have to “take it out on them”. “H” or Ha’aha’a is humility, modesty and unpretentiousness. There are many people out in the world who think they are superior to others yet it is humility and humbleness that people respect and are willing to listen to. “A” is for Aloha or gratitude, compassion, friendship, peace and flexibility. ALOHA is like our Nembutsu that we share in thankfulness and gratitude for being able to hear the teachings and to look within ourselves to find the truth. It takes our flexibility to hear. We tend to allow our emotions take control of ourselves, making us rigid and not thinking and hearing.

I learned another word while in Kauai and that word is Ho’ o ponopono. This word means to “make things right” or “resolve problems”. Through Ho’ o ponopono we are able to listen carefully, without judgment and ignorance. When we listen carefully or what I call “listening between the lines”, we can learn to better understand a person’s problem or situation. It is our ego that stands in the way of hearing what a person is saying. Yet, it also works for both parties. Through Ho’ o ponopono, we can try to make things better and make life around us more peaceful.

We share Namu Amida Butsu with ALOHA. Both express our thankfulness and gratitude for making us better sentient beings and for helping us in our search of the self.


Gassho Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano