On December 8, 2024, Bodhi Day, SACBC held a special service to commemorate the Buddhist Churches of America’s 125th Anniversary, the 850th of Shinran Shonin’s Birth, and 800th of the Establishment of the Jodo Shinshu Tradition.
We invited a special guest speaker, Bishop Marvin Harada, who is our spiritual leader of the BCA. We were very honored to have him and his special friend “Freddy the Frog” join us in celebrating this day. Following the service, the Bishop conducted a Kieshiki or Affirmation service, where the participants affirmed their faith and religious identity as Nembutsu practitioners. During this service, they received their Dharma Name, or Homyo. A homyo is considered a very sacred gift that is bestowed upon the individual. It is something that they take with them for the rest of their lives. When someone receives their Dharma Name, it is a goal that one aspires to become and endeavors to fulfill while in this life. Then, upon returning to the Pure Land at the end of one’s life, that individual will indeed embody that attribute and return to this world to teach and guide others to follow the Nembutsu Path.
For example, one of the applicant’s Dharma Name was “Shaku 釋浄薫JO-KUN, which translates to “Pure fragrance.” Fragrance is a metaphor for how the Dharma spreads and transforms us. Just like a pure fragrance changes the atmosphere of a room, the Dharma transforms us from being deluded to being true and real. Yet another one is “Shaku慶教 – KEI-KYO, which translates to “Joy of the teachings.” The teachings are the source of our spiritual happiness and joy. When we come to realize that, then we never tire of listening to the teachings, studying the teachings, or sharing the teachings with others. In this way, when a Dharma Name is given to an individual, that person aspires to fulfill that name in their spiritual journey ahead. It is something to take with you for the rest of your life and beyond.
It is truly a joy to see our SACBC members come together to receive their Dharma Names. What better way to commemorate the people who came before us and wanted us to share in the joy of the Nembutsu teaching than by having the present generation come before the Buddha to affirm our faith in the Buddha Dharma. All the smiling faces and people coming together: this is why we come to temple. This is why the temple is a sacred place. In a time of endless Zoom meetings, where even though the dangers of the pandemic have subsided, we still find it preferable to sit in the comfort of our homes talking to each other through the screen, is there not something missing? This past commemorative service serves as a reminder of the
importance of in-person activities and the sangha. Thank you for that reminder.
