There are early signs that indicate the change in season. The Obon season has ended and some schools have already started. Some of the leaves are starting to change its colors. It is harvest time and the weather is slightly cooler. It is also a time to reflect on the ever-changing season of our lives. As Buddhists, we observe the changing of the season and the change within our selves.

This change is just a fact of life. No matter how hard we try, change is inevitable. Change is difficult for many of us. We want everything in our lives to remain the same, but alas it does not. Yet, change can be good for it can give us a different perspective, may help us see what we can change in our selves and to witness our true self. No one has ever said that life was easy, however, with the reliance on the Buddha’s teachings, we can find a gentler acceptance and adjustment of this change.

Although this change in season is only observed in Japan, it is still a time to truly and deeply hear and listen to the teachings (Dharma) of the Buddha. This entrusting or reliance on the teachings gives us guidance as we mature. This guidance leads us to see what we have and to appreciate all that have been shared and shown. It is at this time when we can somewhat settle our lives and be thankful for the many adventures and experiences that were shared with us.

This autumn we can become a part of this balance of nature and our selves. As we progress in life, we try to reach the “Other Shore” of entrusting. This “shore” is our awakening that we can find who we are and it is practiced through the Six Paramitas or Six Perfections. Through our diligence of giving of ourselves to the dharma and to the temple, with our right behavior to others, our endurance of patience, our true effort in hearing, our true focus on this change and the wisdom we gained, we can grow and realize who we truly are. It is a difficult bridge to cross and yet, our reliance on the power of the Buddha’s teachings and our entrusting on Namu Amida Butsu can make this obstacle less stressful for us to cross.

This bridge can expand this life to a better understanding of who we truly are. Through our hearing we can come to realize that no matter how hard we try to stay the same, we cannot. Yet the Buddha’s teaching gives us the opportunity to get reacquainted to our true self or to reach the “Other Shore”, so change can be less difficult to accept. We are who we are and the Buddha accepts us “just as we are”. We are individuals filled with greed, anger, ignorance and ego.

However, changes begin with us and us alone. We use each of the 6 senses which include the mind and heart. As the seasons change, maybe we can also transform ourselves.

Gassho,
Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano