"May the wind blow in time, the rain fall seasonably, and the
people live happily."
Jodo Shinshu Seiten, page 214
As usual, June is proving to be rainy, but much cooler than typical.
I have always loved watching the turbulent storm clouds rolling in, a
mixture of white, gray, and deep blues often bordering on black. The
underlying current of energy in these clouds represents both good and
bad.
Much-needed rain sustains and nourishes our bodies and the sound of
falling rain and the fresh smell following nourishes our spirits. How
wonderful that something totally outside of our control impacts us in
such a positive
manner.
However, that same set of circumstances can easily bring powerful
winds, hail, lightning and tornadoes that destroy and take life. Hu-mans
have continually at-tempted to control and rear-range nature to create
conditions we view as good, and eliminate conditions we view as bad.
Our discernment always originates from a selfish viewpoint. It is
very difficult for us to believe that good cannot exist without the bad.
Most of us spend very little time trying to control our own minds and
seeing the whole picture. Shakyamuni Buddha observed that this was the
root of our unhappiness.
I hope that whatever sort of
summer you have, you will embrace the whole experience with a sense
of wonder and appreciation. To be embraced by Amida Buddha is to
understand that it is all good.
Namo Amida Butsu
James Sensei