The memorial service for 2024 was solemnly held.
Honen Shonin showed us that if we chant the Nembutsu, we can be reborn in the Pure Land after surviving in this world of suffering, where things don't go as we want them to. I think this beautifully shows us the true essence of how humans should live by chanting the Nembutsu. The Gokie ceremony is an event to express our gratitude to Honen Shonin for showing us such an important lesson.
At least those of us who participate in the memorial service attach great importance to Buddhist ceremonies such as memorial services and annual memorial services.
Why do we place importance on Buddhist rituals?
This is because there are two goals: to live each day to the fullest, and to be welcomed into paradise at the end where our loved ones await us.
Why is Buddhist ritual necessary in order to live each day to the fullest?
This is because it provides an opportunity for introspection for those of us who lead busy lives. We get so caught up in our daily lives that we tend to lose sight of the true essence of what we originally wanted to value. The time we spend quietly facing our ancestors and Buddha in the main hall and facing ourselves gives us an opportunity to reaffirm the true essence of the things we have lost sight of.
Why are Buddhist ceremonies necessary to be welcomed into the Pure Land?
This is because one can recite the Nembutsu. Just as one cannot go to Kyoto without buying a Shinkansen ticket, one cannot go to the Pure Land without reciting the Nembutsu. Once one has bought a ticket one feels relieved, but there are times when one forgets what time the Shinkansen is to board. At such times one checks the ticket again. The same goes for the Nembutsu; one recites the Nembutsu from time to time to double-check that one can go to the Pure Land.
There are about two months until the next Spring Equinox. It looks like the cold weather will continue, but let's live each day to the fullest, relying on the essence of the way of life that we consider important.
Let's meet again at the Spring Equinox Festival in two months, when we can take a break from our busy daily lives, once again engage in introspection that will give us the strength to live our lives to the fullest, and reaffirm our determination to be welcomed into the Pure Land.
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