November 17, 2024
Dharma Message

Imagine that you are a member of a rowing team. You go rowing every weekend for an upcoming race. Normally there are 18 oarspersons, a helmsperson standing at the back who steer and a caller who help maintain the speed and spirit of the team. One rows and rows to build teamwork and to feel the rhythm of each teammate. The teammates are rowing together to maintain speed, to increase speed and to learn of each other’s ability. Each member has to learn to hear and see, give encouragement and share support when needed. There is no individual ego involved when working as a team, but only the building of strength by working as One.

The day of the big race arrives and everyone is “hyped” for the competition. The team is warming up and is huddled together, encouraging each other and given the last instructions. The boats are at the starting line and the energy is electrifying, knowing the objective is to cross the finish line and to win the race. Yet, there may be a member whose mind is elsewhere, for he or she is struggling with a problem of some sort. He/she is focusing on the problem and not on the race.

The starter fires the gun and the race is on. Everyone is paddling and working together to get the lead. Yet, that one teammate is still struggling and sloughs off his/her responsibility and commitment to the team. The boat is falling behind and the other teammates are working extra hard to gain the lead or at least stay with the other boats.

But the person’s personal struggle is letting the team down. When there is a reliance on each other to reach a common goal, it is the team that pitches in to help, support and share direction for each member of the team. There is a relationship, camaraderie and a dependence on each other. But hearing and sharing is hindered by our problems.

This could be said for a Sangha in a temple. We are strangers, trying to reach a common path of self-reflection and how we can become better human beings. However, it also means to work together as a team for the welfare of the temple. There have been generations of Nembutsu followers from years past to the pre-sent who work together toward our continuation of the Buddha Dharma. We may not know these people who worked so long and hard for our learning, however we are indirectly connected to them. We have become acquainted with their ancestors of the Sangha members. We are so fortunate to be able to hear the Dharma and to know those who continue to ensure of our hearing.

We will be observing Eitaikyo or “perpetual memorial service” to those who gave their time, material, compassion and who shared wisdom so that the teachings could last into the future. We also share our gratitude to those who continuously work for us. We share our appreciation and gratitude and are thankful for their care, thoughtfulness and support. We reflect on their generosity and share our Namu Amida Butsu with them and for them.

Teamwork is important in maintaining our connection to the teaching and to each other. We come to hear and learn yet it is also through our actions that demonstrate our relationship to the Dharma. How do we do that, you ask? The answer is inside you. No one has the answer, but it is inside us. We examine within our hearts and minds to find the answers. Our Nembutsu helps us to find what we can do and how to develop teamwork as a Sangha. Our Nembutsu is entrusting in the teachings and in gratitude to those teammates, past and present, who continue to work as a Sangha for our sake. I wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Gassho,

Rev. Seijo Naomi Nakano