Inge: ‘An Overwhelming Feeling of Gratitude and Thankfulness I Didn’t Expect Came Forward’

My experience in Young Buddhist International Cultural Study Exchange (YBICSE) has given

me a new perspective on my personal and communal relationships with Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. 

In our lessons and talks, we were reminded that Jodo Shinshu Buddhism is the foundation of our spiritual journey, and while the teachings are relatively formless, it is up to us to give it its shape. 

Through this understanding, we are given opportunities to express our practice in ways that are meaningful to us. This experience has allowed me to explore what practicing Buddhism looks like for me, and I was able to observe and hear the expressions of others. 

While my experience in Buddhism is mainly through the Sangha, this chance to get a global perspective on Buddhist practice had me thinking of the ways I can integrate it more independently in my life. 

Additionally, this trip has allowed me to compare and contrast between western and eastern expressions of our religion. 

The deep and rich traditions in Japan were humbling and profound, leaving me speechless. Seeing the graceful rituals I only observe a slice of back home reminded me of the small point in time I represent in this historical religion. 

While with YBICSE, I often thought of my temple at home, and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and thankfulness I didn’t expect came forward. 

As I sat in that first morning service, the unrelenting heat already swirling around us and the wasan beginning — the only thing I felt was gratitude. 

While we chanted, I was tearful as I thought about my home temple, teaching me how to chant and giving me the religious foundation to connect with those around me. 

My eyes still sting when I think about the beauty of the preserved setting of the Hongwanji-ha and how lucky I am to be given the opportunity to participate in something like this during my youth and lifetime. 

Additionally, this trip allowed me to find a greater appreciation for the western interpretation of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The strong emphasis on community and Sangha I now see has influenced me in innumerable ways. 

I now realize I wouldn’t have wanted to be brought up any differently.  

I feel so lucky that the Hongwanji has given us a space to explore these differences with other global youth. I am so grateful for the way we can all connect behind one commonality, and are one Sangha, even if we students didn’t know each other before. This trip has allowed me to form a deeper relationship with Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, but also with like-minded young Buddhists — an opportunity I didn’t get often prior to this trip. 

Finally, during our tour of Mount Hiei, Rev. Hideaki Saito translated for us that, “There is no ‘calling’ in life, as there are many paths we are able to take. But given this, we should do the best we can in whatever we do. That is the Buddhist way.” 

I hope to take this message and the many other lessons from this YBICSE trip into my life and allow them to lead the path of my spiritual journey. 

Whether it is in my new nursing career, my personal intentions and choices, or how I give back to my temple, I feel inspired moving forward as a Buddhist and am curious to see what shapes I give to my own Buddhist practice.