Shinran’s Saying Came to My Mind in LA Wildfires

The wildfires that broke out on Jan. 7 had a significant impact on many residents of Los Angeles. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in this tragedy, as well as my heartfelt concern for those who lost their homes and all their belongings.

Since the West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple is located near the Palisades fire, we moved the statue of the Buddha, scrolls of masters, deceased record books, etc. to a secure location on the night of Jan. 7 as a precaution. 

This was likely the first time in the history of our temple that these sacred objects had been taken outside the temple. During the evacuation of our sacred objects from the temple altar, Ho-onko service was held with a temporary altar, where the Name of Amida Buddha was enshrined in place of the statue of the Buddha. All the sacred objects and important records were safely returned to the temple on Jan. 29.  

During my three weeks of observing the wildfires with uncertainty and anxiety, Shinran Shonin’s saying came to my mind: 

“With a foolish being full of blind passions, in this fleeting world — this burning house — all matters without exception are empty and false, totally without truth and sincerity. The Nembutsu alone is true and real.”

— Shinran Shonin, CWS, Page 679

Similar tragedies and events constantly occur all over the world. As Sakyamuni Buddha teaches us all things in this world are constantly changing. Everything is empty and temporary. There is no permanent self. 

However, failing to recognize this and clinging to the notion of a permanent self can lead to great pain and suffering. While the teaching of impermanence is easy to understand, fully embracing this truth can be quite challenging, especially when we confront it. Hearing the working of Amida Buddha’s Wisdom and Compassion can help us move forward in accepting and realizing this difficult truth and reality.

Shinran Shonin respectfully received the truth from Sakyamuni Buddha and taught us that we live in this fleeting world, much like a burning house with a huge fire full of defiled passions. We often become greedy when it is convenient for us to accept things, but we feel anger and frustration when it is not. Thus, we are constantly consumed by our selfishness, living in a fleeting world without a dependable truth. 

During times of a wildfire, we encounter a great deal of uncertain truths such as false emergency alerts, scams, incorrect information, etc. The truth defined by our self-centered perspectives constantly changes depending on our convenience and is therefore not dependable. Yet, we often accept the false truth as true based on our convenience. Shinran Shonin teaches us that we have no choice but to call this defiled world empty and false totally without truth and sincerity if we act, speak and think solely based on our convenience arising from our defiled passions.

Amida Buddha constantly calls out to those consumed by greed, anger and ignorance, who are unaware of burning their selfishness, urging them to be aware of the dangers of the burning house. 

Shinran Shonin reminded us that our defiled passions caused by our self-centered minds are so deeply rooted in us that extinguishing the flames full of defiled passions is beyond our ability. He urged us to entrust ourselves to the dependable truth, Namoamidabutsu, which is only true and real in this defiled world, rather than relying on the uncertain truths created by foolish beings consumed by selfish desires.

As I reflect on the tragedy of the Southern California wildfires, I realize how easily I am swayed by negative thoughts and emotions due to my self-centered mind by hearing the Buddha’s Primal Vow. Furthermore, I have come to realize that my compassion and empathy for the victims are truly limited and my small compassion cannot solve anything completely. I genuinely wish to help those affected, but I often feel powerless in the fact of such a significant natural disaster. 

When I contemplate my deep-rooted ego along with human abilities and limitations, I understand why Dharmakara Bodhisattva established the Primal Vow to liberate all beings from afflictions, pain and suffering. Shinran Shonin teaches us to entrust ourselves to the Great Compassion of Amida Buddha, rather than relying solely on the limited compassion of humans. 

Let us extend our deepest condolences to the victims and families who were affected by the disaster. At the same time, let us sincerely receive and accept the Compassionate Working of Amida Buddha, who is always concerned for us and continually calls out to us. In response, let us live our lives to the utmost, hearing Namoamidabutsu and receiving the working of the Buddha’s Infinite Wisdom and Compassion as it is. 

Please remember that the West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple is a spiritual home for all beings. If you need any help, please don't hesitate to contact us.