Our busy lives make the opportunities to be together always fleeting — they are truly one chance in a lifetime occurrences. How precious it is to encounter one another. It is even more special when that encounter provides an even greater connection that we can look back upon with special appreciation and deep gratitude for its occurrence.
“Ichi-Go Ichi-E” was the theme of the 2024 Federation of Buddhist Women’s Association (FBWA) Conference held on the weekend of Oct. 4-6 in San Jose, California.
I have seen the calligraphy on beautiful scrolls hanging in rustic tea houses in Japan since it is often linked with the famed tea master Sen no Rikyu. However, I did not appreciate the deeper meaning and its true Buddhist essence until hearing the keynote address at the FBWA Conference by former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa from Hawaii.
She offered an inspiring talk on “Ichi-Go Ichi-E” and how it captures the Buddhist principle of the transience of human existence. Because of this transient nature it is important to be fully present in the moment, experiencing each encounter to its fullest. For as the proverb is translated as “never again,” or “for this time only,” or “one chance in a lifetime” we can then realize how precious each encounter is.
Since the Sept. 1 celebrations for the BCA 125th anniversary at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco, I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet many Sangha members throughout the BCA.
The events have included: a surprise visit to the Parlier Buddhist Church’s fall Ohigan service; sharing a message with FBWA delegates in San Jose; celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Buddhist Temple of Salinas; the Northern California District’s Eitaikyo, Bishops Memorial and BCA 125th anniversary at the Buddhist Church of Stockton; the Southern District Conference; and the Bishops Memorial and BCA 125th anniversary at the Buddhist Temple of San Diego.
The preciousness of these encounters leaves me with a profound sense of gratitude. These encounters have allowed me to renew acquaintances from more than 50 years ago in my home temple of San Diego, many of whom are now in their 90s and over 100.
It was an opportunity to meet many for the first time in-person after many Zoom encounters and to make new connections that only confirm that there are really only two degrees of separation when it comes to the BCA Sangha: from Salinas to Oakland, from Parlier to San Diego, from Oakland to San Diego; Mountain View to Las Vegas; from Stockton to Sacramento, Florin to Reno to Placer and back to Oakland.
The BCA Sanghas are truly interconnected with each encounter a precious moment that binds us all.
Having the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with many who I have met in the last month, I am energized by their commitment and dedication. It is only through these efforts that we continue to have the Dharma be heard in local temples and churches throughout the BCA. Yes, we are all struggling with change and the transience of our human existence, but it is through our own individual efforts that our temples stay strong.
Performing at both the FBWA Conference and the Southern District Conference in San Diego, the Grateful Crane Ensemble brought to us the parody of our temple women and how their strength and conviction have been the mainstay of each and every BCA temple.
We can laugh about our Issei grandmothers, our Nisei mothers, our Sansei and Yonsei sisters and how we all respond to the “Queen Bee” in the kitchens of our temples. We can laugh because we understand the truth behind this parody. These women have been and continue to be the source of the strength of our temples. Their commitment to supporting the temples allow each of us to hear the Dharma today and forever into the future.
Our encounters with the “Queen Bees” of BCA temples are precious and we shall never forget our appreciation and gratitude to their efforts. It is therefore my wish that we all seek to show our gratitude and appreciation for their efforts by reciting the Nembutsu and truly find meaning in the phrase, “Ichi-Go Ichi-E.”
Namo Amida Butsu.
It is special to be reminded of the significance of every moment and Block Blast preciousness of every encounter, especially in the context of the BCA community, where every interaction is filled with deep meaning and value.
These escorts cater to various preferences, ensuring that your time spent together is enjoyable and fulfilling. With their captivating personalities and flair for conversation, engaging with Mahipalpur Escorts will make your outing unforgettable, whether for a business event or a leisurely evening.
Drop and merge fruits to make larger ones. The watermelon game finishes if the fruits overflow from the container, so careful stacking is vital.