Showing posts with label NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NEWS. Show all posts

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Selected Teachings from Honen Shonin with Commentary (free edition and printed edition for sale)

The role of a teacher is to make things simple and this is exactly what I’m trying to do through my books. I pick and choose that which is easy to understand from the many volumes of the sacred texts and organize and explain them in such a way so that both the idiot and the scholar can understand and receive faith (shinjin). 

I also try to make useful connections between various Masters and their teachings. For example, in this book I show that Honen and his disciple Shinran, spoke the same language of faith and essentially taught the same teaching although sometimes the words and context are different.

Among the many sayings of Honen, I chose a few in this book and my other books, that I consider to be very important and which can serve as a standard of reading and understanding him in our Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. 

Click here if you wish to download the free online edition in pdf,


Click the donation box if you wish to make a DONATION to support me and Amidaji temple, and especially the recent project about water and sewage system (click here to read about it),

 


If you wish to order a printed copy from Amazon you can click on one of these links,

Thursday, February 22, 2024

A big nenju has been gifted to Amidaji temple

My Dharma friend Cheusa Wend (77) from USA donated this beautiful big nenju (mala/Buddhist rosary) of around one meter and a half to Amidaji temple Romania in the name of her late husband Koun Eb Whipple, and her parents Phyllis Latham Stoner and William Richard Stoner. May all their obstacles be removed and may they create indestructible connections with Amida Buddha, entrust to Him, say His Name and wish to be born in His Pure Land! 

The nenju now adorns the hands of the statue of Amida Buddha in the Amidado (Amida Hall) of Amidaji temple Romania until we decide where to keep it. We intend to use it in some ceremonies, perhaps in chanting the Nembutsu in a circle, and other liturgies to express faith in Amida Buddha and our gratitude for being saved as we are. 

As you might know, in our Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, the nenju represents faith in Amida Buddha and the Nembutsu of faith. It shows our devotion and connection with Him. 

Namo Amida Bu

 

Sunday, September 24, 2023

The first monk ordination in Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism (Rev Kosho Arana from Columbia)



On the evening of September 21st 2023, I ordained our brother Kosho Arana from Colombia as a Buddhist monk (priest).  This is a historical day for Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.

As you may know, Amidaji follows the wise and compassionate instructions of the late 23rd Monshu of Nishi Hongwanji temple, Shōnyo Shōnin (Kosho Ohtani)[1], who encouraged non-Japanese Nembutsu followers to organize themselves independently from Japan, and who agreed with the first non-Japanese ordinations done in Europe by Rev Harry Pieper (Shaku Shōgon Hōshi)[2] and Rev Jean Earacle (Shaku Jôan)[3]. In the same spirit initiated by Shōnyo Shōnin of sincere aspiration to spread the authentic Jodo Shinshu Buddhist teachings in a non-Japanese environment, Amidaji affirms the right to have its own ordination platform. Thus, a candidate for monkhood (priesthood) can receive his or her ordination from any of the monks or nuns affiliated with Amidaji after a serious examination and going through the ceremony of ordination that we can held at any of our temples or dojos.

Sunday, April 9, 2023

The inexcusable gesture of the Dalai Lama trying to tongue kiss a boy

Scroll down to read the last updates! 

I have never imagined that one day I will write something against the Dalai Lama, and believe me that I find no joy doing it now. Whenever I heard somebody criticizing him I used to point out his good parts, especially his contribution to the salvation of the Tibetan schools in exile, the printing and spreading of various useful books, etc. However, what I saw today shocked me and disgusted me so much that I realized keeping silence would make me an accomplice to something terribly evil.
 
Here is what happened! Please watch this video carefully for at least ten times, as I myself did,
 
 

 Yes, dear friends, the Dalai Lama is kissing a child on his mouth, then he says “suck my tongue” and approaches him in a perverse manner with his tongue out of his mouth!

Monday, November 28, 2022

The teachers of Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism


Amidaji Sangha has two new lay teachers – Sensei Shingyo Yuri Demianov from Russia, appointed on August 23, 2022 and Sensei Daigan Alejandro Macia Machado  from Uruguay, appointed today, November 28, 2022. 

As lay teachers they can teach and open dojos affiliated with Amidaji in their own countries and any Russian speaking or Spanish speaking areas. At the present, Amidaji has four official teachers - one monk (priest), that is me (Josho), and three lay teachers, Shingyo Yuri Sensei (Russia), Daigan Alejandro Sensei (Uruguay) and Gansen JohnWelch Sensei from Australia. 

All of them passed the necessary examination within Amidaji and have proved to be dedicated followers, doing various activities to help many people entrust to Amida Buddha and hear the orthodox Jodo Shinshu Dharma we teach in our school. Daigan and Camilla Jishin do a wonderful work with the Youtube channel in Spanish,  and meet with people interested in Jodo Shinshu in Montevideo, Shingyo Yuri with his collegues Hojun Nikita and Chisho Valentin work tirelessly at Russian translations and at administering the Amidaji group on VK where there are around 400 readers , while Gansen John Welch has narrated my books and wrote many Dharma essays and poems that are useful to many people, thus helping a lot those who have difficulties in reading. 

Among the three lay teachers it is sure that Daigan will receive monk (priest)ordination within our Amidaji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism next year. 

May all beings create indestructible connections with Amida Buddha, entrust to Him, say His Name and wish to be born in His Pure Land!

Namo Amida Bu 🙏


Rev Josho , leader of Amidaji Sangha




Thursday, September 22, 2022

Three Dharma friends from Taiwan visited Amidaji (May and September 2022)

 

Recently, I was very pleased to welcome two of my Dharma friends and readers from Taiwan in May and September 2022.  
We chanted Nembutsu and had many meaningful Dharma talks. As you know, Amidaji is open to visitors who are in a learning mood for its conservative and orthodox teaching style. 
Do not hesitate to contact me if you plan for a visit!
I am always here if you need me.

Namo Amida Bu 







Visit from September 2022:








Thursday, December 23, 2021

New stove inside Amidado (Amida Hall)



Last month I installed a stove on wood in Amidado Hall of Amidaji temple. This makes services and teaching activities easier during the cold season. Thank you very much to all who donated to make this possible. 

Please continue to support Amidaji temple!

Click here if you wish to make a donation or become a patron (constant monthly supporter) as there are still many things to be done:

 Here you can also find other methods to donate if you don't have PayPal.


 

Monday, August 30, 2021

The exterior walls of Amidado (Hall of Amida) are finished

this is how Amidado looks now
 CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE NEW UPGRADES AT THE TEMPLE 

After I finished the outside thermal insulation (click here to read) I painted the walls and  added some tiles on the concrete platform which help against water infiltration. You can see in the photos bellow all the phases of the work process, including the materials I bought.

Also, I must continue with the plan for this year that I presented to you in my first post of 2021 (click here toread): add a stove inside Amidado and library, buy new doors and windows for the library and accommodation place, build a gate, add water in the whole courtyard of Amidaji, buy firewood for winter, pay some taxes and many other things that are too many to mention.

Amidado and the other buildings of Amidaji

If you wish to help me please donate using this PayPal box:

 
 or use other methods (Bank accounts, Revolut, etc) from this link (click here). Any small help is appreciated and very much needed.
The names of donors and/or people in whose name a donation is given will be mentioned in the dedication list of my books and video teachings (new videos in the playlist at the bottom, have a dedication list)

Monday, July 19, 2021

I added the outside insulation on the walls of Amidado (Hall of Amida) but there is still more to be done

This is how Amidado (Amida Hall) looks now.
 CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE NEW UPGRADES AT THE TEMPLE 

I’ve made some important steps forward in the construction of Amidaji since my last post on this topic, by adding the thermal insulation on the outside walls of Amidado (Amida Hall). You can see how this hall looks now in the left photo. Bellow I am presenting you all the phases of the process.  I had to pay a professional worker to do all these things because I have no technical skills.

Now I need to add a few layers of pre-paint materials and then paint it. I also need to add some tiles that will help against water infiltration. There are some other technical things to do but I don't know how to explain it because I am not a professional. The worker knows what to do and I need to buy new materials indicated by him and pay him more for the next phase. Also, I must continue with the plan for this year that I presented to you in my last post (click here to read), add a stove inside Amidado and library, buy new doors and windows for the library and accommodation place, build a gate, pay some taxes and many other things that are too many to mention.

If you wish to help me please donate using this PayPal box:

 

 

or use other methods (Bank accounts, Revolut, etc) from this link (click here). Any small help is appreciated and very much needed.

The names of donors and/or people in whose name a donation is given will be mentioned in the dedication list of my books and video teachings (new videos in the playlist at the bottom, have a dedication list).

Monday, July 12, 2021

Visit of Rev Oku Kyokai at Amidaji temple

in Amidado (Hall of Amida)
Rev Oku Kyokai of Zuikoji temple in Osaka visited Amidaji   to renew our long Dharma friendship. He is the one who   offered the statue we keep in Amidado (Amida Hall), the scroll  in the library and various ritual objects. Almost all the robes and kesa I have here were kindly offered by him, including the two that I am wearing in the photos[1]. I also offered him copies of my books in English.

Rev Oku belongs to Nishi Hongwanji but this is not obstacle    to our friendship. I and Amidaji is opened for collaboration and friendly relations with all people who respect our conservative and orthodox style. Rev Kobai too, a Nishi Hongwanji priest and scholar, is my friend. I also haven’t interrupted my friendship and letter exchange with other priests in the same branch. 

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Plans for the continuation of the construction work at Amidaji temple (please help if you can)

Amidado Hall (left) and the Library (right)


CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE NEW UPGRADES AT THE TEMPLE 

update: video added at the bottom of the article

 As you may remember, last year I built the roof (click  here to read), the walls (click here to read) and   added the inside insulation (click here to read) to Amidado (Hall of Amida).  I also added the doors and windows (click here to read) to the same building in Amidaji complex.

This year I had very few funds so I haven’t been able to do anything until now, but I hope that with your help I will resume the work at the temple. Here is what I need to do next:

          1) Add thermal insulation on the outside walls of Amidado (Hall of Amida). This is my main priority because otherwise the walls will be damaged from rain and snow. Basically, I need to make it look the same as the other two wooden houses in Amidaji complex (the library and accommodation place – see the photos). The estimative cost for the thermal insulation is around 600-700 euro

-        2) Build a gate for the temple courtyard. Presently if anybody visits Amidaji with a car or by foot I open a section of fence so that he can enter the yard. The estimative cost is around 500 euro

Amidado (left), library (far left) and accommodation place (right)
3) Add better doors and windows to the library and accommodation place – the same type of door and window I added to the Amidado last year. That type of door and window is expansive but is a better insulation for the cold season and keeps the warm inside. The estimative cost for the two doors and windows is around 600 – 800 euro

A   4) Add a stove on wood in the Amidado so that I can make religious services during the cold season. The estimative cost for installing a stove in Amidado is around 400 euro

-        5) Add a stove on wood in the library so that people can also study during winter. The estimative cost for installing a stove in the library is around 300 euro.

I also have many other things to do like paying some taxes for the buildings and land which are also urgent, repair and extend the fence (perhaps even making a better fence), a better bathroom, repair the living house near Amidado courtyard, etc

The list is long and I struggle every year to do something and advance a little. However, the situation is very difficult and my funds are limited.

If anybody wishes to help me, he or she can donate by using this PayPal box: 

 

 

Other methods of donation (Bank transfer, Revolut, etc) can be found here (click here).

The names of donors and/or people in whose name they donate will be mentioned in the dedication list of my books and video teachings (new videos in the playlist at the bottom, have a dedication list)

 

Here you can see a video with the same plan as described above. Sorry for  the poor quality. I recorded it with my bad phone:


  

Inside Amidado Hall

 

Friday, May 21, 2021

Dharma talks - the new playlist on my youtube channel

Since 2020 I've had many online discussions on zoom and other platforms with students and readers from all over the world that prefer this kind of interaction. I also started regular meetings with some of my Sangha members where we discuss various topics and answer to questions together.  

As I think that some of the talks might be useful and because many readers said they wanted me to appear more often on Youtube, I've decided to create a new playlist - DHARMA TALKS where I will post fragments from my meetings as well as personal reflections. Please excuse my broken English as it's easier for me to write than to speak.

Here is the  link for the playlist:

 

Please subscribe to my channel and to this playlist so that you can see my new posts. Of course, I will remain available for students and readers who prefer email or Facebook communication.

On my Youtube channel you can find all my audio books, various teachings, recitations, as well as the poems and essays of Gansen John Welch Sensei from Australia.

Please also check the Youtube channels of my student Shaku Joshin  from USA


 

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

The first Jodo Shinshu Buddhist wedding ceremony was officiated at Amidaji

The happy couple - Myoko Adelina
and Monshin Sorinel


 The first wedding was officiated at Amidaji temple on Sunday October 18th, after the couple   attended a three day Nembutsu retreat.

 Here are some photos and explanations. 

 The service started with a short Nembutsu recitation followed by the Three   Invitations when we invited Amida, Shakyamuni and all Buddhas to enter the   Amidado (Hall of Amida) and spread petals of roses to welcome them. 

 Then we continued with the Nembutsu liturgy of our temple with the couple   making oshoko (offering incense), bowing towards the altar and to each  other,  saying their vows and drinking together bitter tea from the same cup. 

Friday, September 18, 2020

Amidaji is open to international membership



Do you want a Sangha which focuses on solving “the greatest matter of afterlife” through simple faith in Amida Buddha?
Do you want a Sangha which is not ashamed to be religious, devotional and faith oriented?
Do you want a Sangha which is not affiliated to the ideological agenda of political groups?
Do you want a healthy Dharmic environment focused on listening deeply to the Jodo Shinshu teaching as it was taught by Shakyamuni Buddha, Shinran Shonin and Rennyo Shonin?
Do you want a place without modernists and false teachers who are not capable to accept the existence of Amida Buddha and His Pure Land?

If your answer to the above is YES, then Amidaji International Temple might be the right place for you! We accept members from any country and we intend to develop a genuine Sangha of orthodox Jodo Shinshu Buddhists all over the world.


Click here to download our Constitution, find everything you need to know about the purpose of Amidaji, activities, membership, priesthood, organization, etc.

Click here to read the conditions to be accepted as a member of Amidaji


Please read carefully the information from the above links and think deeply before joining us.  Do not hurry. Life and death is serious business and we are looking for dedicated people.
Namo Amida Bu 


Friday, September 4, 2020

Constitution of Amidaji International Temple

The crest of Amidaji 

revised and updated on July 6th 2022

Any place where unenlightened beings meet needs some kind of organization, especially if it is a Dharma place. In our case, if we want to preserve and transmit the Jodo Shinshu teaching, we need a good team of people who can accomplish that goal. However, a team cannot work without common rules that will help us focus on our religious goal, so I hope this Constitution will provide the administrative base, rules and regulations for our aspirations. 

During many years of monkhood in which I have closely watched the ways of various Jodo Shinshu temples and communities I realized that a reform in both doctrinal and administration matters is very much needed. 

Monday, August 10, 2020

New statue of Amida Buddha from Zuikoji temple in Osaka


A great gift arrived today at Amidaji from Rev Oku Kyokai  of Zuikoji temple in Osaka. I am very grateful to him for this surprise. He is also the one who offered us the Amida scroll we have in the Hondo. After the completion of the 
Amidado (Hall of Amida), the statue will be placed there  and the scroll will remain in the Hall where it is now 
and which will be transformed into library.
Namo Amida Bu 




Tuesday, June 16, 2020

The roof of Amidado (Hall of Amida) and next plan

The roof is ready, shinning in the sun!
Click on the photo to enlarge it
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE NEW UPGRADES AT THE TEMPLE 


As you may know, last year I built the concrete platform and metal frame for Amidado (Hall of Amida). These days I finished the construction of the roof. The total amount I paid for two workers and materials was 750 euros.

I needed to start with the roof this year because it was cheaper than the walls. I will, of course, continue with the walls as soon as I raise the necessary amount which will probably be arround 2000 euros (double walls filled with thermal insulation, door, windows, exterior insulation and paint, workers, etc).

Monday, June 15, 2020

All lives matter! Amidaji does NOT take a knee to racist movements

As I saw a lot of unwise statements made by various Buddhist priests and centers, including Buddhist Churches of America, in the support of the racist movement called "Black Lives Matters" while they say absolutely nothing about the violence and killings made under this slogan in many American cities, and because Amidaji has many readers and supporters in USA,  I decided to publish here what I already stated on my Facebook Page.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

An appeal to all Buddhist teachers - stop transforming your followers into scared puppies


I think its time for all Buddhist teachers to STOP obeying politicians and STOP saying bullshit like "stay home, save lives". Enough is enough!

Don't you realize with all your wisdom that this lockdown is not physically, mentally, or spiritually healthy for your followers? Don't you realize that we can't sacrifice freedom of religious assembly indefinitely for the fear of catching a flu? Illness is part of life, and we cannot stop living, practicing, and coming to temples for fear of illness.

Don't you realize that all these insane dictatorial measures will, in the end, destroy our communities? A Sangha also needs actual face to face meetings and people must come together for practice and services. Keeping our followers in their homes for two months is NOT compassion, but STUPIDITY.
Wake up and start acting like teachers by promoting the physical, mental, and spiritual well being of your followers!

Friday, April 17, 2020

My message on coronavirus - go out and enjoy life


It seems that I am one of the few Buddhist priests and teachers that goes against the stream and advise people to go outside and breath fresh air.

Nowadays, Facebook is filled with priests posting profile images with the message, ”stay home, save a life” and they think this is showing Compassion. No, it's NOT! This is the offering of fear and stupidity! I do not imply that this is their true intention, but it's what they actually do by their actions.

To teach people to give up their liberty and rights because of stupid virosis, no more dangerous than a flu means to teach them to be stupid and fearful. This is NOT what I teach and NOT the way I live.

Go out, dear friends. You need to be seen by the sun, receive vitamin D, and enjoy life. If you stay inside as the stupid authorities ask you to do, your immune system will suffer and you will get sick easier.

I do not say go and kiss people on the street nor I advise you to not be careful. I only encourage you to treat this coronavirus with wisdom and non-fear. Don't stay home all day! Go out and save lives by showing that sunlight is good and healthy.
Go out and show others that life must be lived freely and with dignity, not locked up in a room and dancing like cage birds at the windows.

Yours in Namo Amida Bu,

Josho Adrian Cirlea, resident priest of Amidaji temple

Dharma talks on my youtube channel