::::: Workshop Report 16: July 27th, 2014 :::::

posted Jul 28, 2014, 11:18 PM by INFO ICT [ updated Jul 28, 2014, 11:19 PM ]

The Roots of Japan 2 ~ Buddhism and the way of LIFE ~

On July 27th, ICT held the last workshop before its summer vacation, 10 participants from 4 different countries joined, where we felt and touched the enlightenment world of Buddha world leaded by Buddhist priest Rev. Shojun Ogi san at a beautiful temple Kongoin (金剛院).

After enjoyed seeing the chanting performance at the man hall, we moved to a comfortable tatami room and learned the history and the basic teachings of Buddhism. Rev. Ogi san introduced us the origin of the word “religion” at first, which was separated into “re” (rebound) and “ligion” (connect), that means to reconnect human and god! And then he taught us the key words related to Buddha (さとり、四聖諦、八正道、煩悩、三毒、カルマ、慈悲 and much more) with laugh and funny stories.

Some of the interesting questions from Tony (US) in Q&A time were why we called Nodobotoke (喉仏) in Japanese (Answer: the shape of Adam’s apple looks like Hotoke 仏様) and why we Japanese throw change “Goendama (五円玉)” in the offering box (Answer: Goen also means “chance, fate and tie”, praying to bring us good luck). And he knew the meaning of 15en, 25en and 35en (enough, double and triple Goen!) to attract more good luck! It was a great chance for Rev. Ogi and Japanese participants to rediscover the simple things which Japanese know as common sense but Non-Japanese don’t know.

What it comes down to is that Buddhism is not the religion but the way of life which is deeply connected to our daily life. Life is suffering! We are suffering in a job or a relationship that isn’t really working for you, but it’s not so horrible that you can “accept” and “let it go” (from the teaching of Four Noble Truth), and should know the path leading the cessation of dukkha (苦). Moreover, if you have the heart of Buddha “Your suffering is my suffering and your happiness is my happiness (compassion)” and remember even for a single moment, you may realize the hints how to live at ease and safe. And then the people around you might react to your love or compassion, and your stress in human relationships will be reduced! You get more abundant happiness if you change your mind and add the teaching of Buddha that might shed a different light on your life!

Many thanks to Rev. Ogi san, Priest Nonobe san (Kongoin) and Horiuchi san for arranging the workshop with all preparation and giving us a super amazing opportunity for all members! And also a big thank you to all guests joined the workshop.

Our next workshop (Part 2) will be held in the end of October, which is more focus on “Japanese Buddhism”. Please visit our FB page or website for more details if you are interested! We have more temple-events coming up from this fall! Don’t miss them!

(Posted by Tsubasa Kato)