"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