Rev. Shingo Furusawa, Hawaii Betsuin

Submitted by Rev. Shingo Furusawa

Due to COVID 19, we are all having a difficult time. Many people are thinking and asking how we should deal with this difficult and challenging situation. We must accept our present situation just as it is, and then we should find what we can do now.

First of all, we must accept the present situation even though it is very hard. One lady, who lost her husband due to an accident, asked a Buddhist minister if her pain would ever go away. She was told that the pain would never go away. It will remain because she and her husband shared a very deep love. If the pain disappears it means that the relationship was not as sincere. Because she and her husband shared such a deep love, the more deeply she feels her loss. When accepting the truth, the lady could prepare for living with the pain. This story shows us that it is important for us to accept our present situation just at it is.

Secondly, we should think, “What can I do now?” For example, I am poor at listening to English. So every day, I watch documentary programs in English on a website that helps improve my listening and comprehension skills. Our grumbling and saying, “Why must I have such difficulties and hardships?” never works. We should find what we are able to do in the present even if we can only do limited things.

Let us accept our present situation just as it is and do what we can do now!

Namo Amida Butsu