Rev. Hasebe in robes outside hondo at Bon Dance 2018

Rev. Yuika Hasebe, Hawaii Betsuin

Submitted by Rev. Yuika Hasebe

Realizing that I live because of others,
I will strive to live life to the fullest with an attitude of gratitude.
Just like the Buddha, who promises to embrace us all.

Sometimes, we feel angry or anxious. We try to find the reason for the anger and often we search for the reason outside of ourselves. We may think that our spouse, family and friends are the cause of our anger. But, is it true?

By ourselves, it is difficult to become aware that we are under stress. Not only in this unusual COVID-19 situation, even an everyday routine which you think you should do but don’t want to do, can be a cause of your stress.

When you feel angry or easily irritated, it may be a good time to take a deep breath and take a look into your heart. You may find something that troubles you and you may be able to find another way or change how to approach the problem. As mentioned in “Our Pledge,” as much as we try our best to take care of and be kind to others, we should take care of ourselves. It will help us to live to the fullest with an attitude of gratitude towards others, too. Namo Amida Butsu.

Dharmagrams are short messages by Hawaii Betsuin ministers. The series was initiated during the coronavirus outbreak of 2020 as one way to continue sharing the Dharma during the stay-at-home period.