Taking advantage of the memorial service celebrating the 850th anniversary of the birth of Saint Shinran and the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Buddhist sect, we would like to start a series in which we hear the voice of our mentor. We will be savoring the essays of Professor Asai Narumi. Thank you for your support. Prayer hands [Profile of Professor Asai Narumi] Asai Narumi (May 28, 1935 - June 6, 2010) Biography Born in Fukui City. Graduated from Ryukoku University, he became an associate professor and professor in the Faculty of Letters at Ryukoku University. He retired in 2001 and became a professor emeritus. In 2003, he received a Doctor of Letters from Ryukoku University for his work on "Research on the Doctrines of Honen and His Disciples: The Succession and Development of the Basic Doctrines of Honen." Former Chief Priest of Jokoji Temple, Jodo Shinshu Honganji School [Quote] "Sorrow and loneliness allow me to deepen my life. I would be sorry if my life was shallow and flat. Namu Amida Butsu. Even when I'm alone, I'm not really alone. I can't see the bamboo in the bamboo grove. Just like we're all connected in the earth. On rainy days, on sad days, on sad days, there is an irreplaceable and precious life. "What have I become over the years?" It would be unfortunate to simply say, "I've become an old man," or "I've become an old woman." So what have I become? I have been given the ability to recite the Nembutsu. Even those who don't pray are worshiped. Even when they don't pray, they are worshiped. Just like a child lives in the hopes of their parents, even now I am truly allowed to live. I feel so sorry, but it's such a waste. This fact is so great. Namu Amida Butsu. The white magnolia has bloomed. Its brilliant white. Its true white. It's finally becoming tarnished. Namu Amida Butsu." "In the midst of any suffering, sorrow, or problems, I want to continue to listen to the Buddha's call, which allows me to rise up and survive. Whether I realize it or not, I have been worshiped since the infinite past. I am nothing more than Nembutsu." The Heart of Buddhism, the Heart of Nembutsu, published in 2000 by Hozokan, pp. 197-200 [Our Promise] 1. Do not withdraw into your shell, and cherish a calm face and kind words. Like a Buddha who smiles and speaks to you. 2. Do not be swayed by greed, anger, or foolishness, and strive to have a flexible heart and behavior. Like a Buddha with a peaceful heart, I will not care only for myself, but share my joys and sorrows with others. Like a Buddha filled with compassion, I will be aware that I am alive and will do my best each day. Like a Buddha who devotes himself to saving others [Related Links] Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha Zenryouji official website http://zenryouji.jp/ Honganji Kosha Zenryouji Tomoniko official website http://zenryouji.jp/tomoniko/ Official web magazine "Chadou" http://www.chadeau.com/ Ryukokuzan Honganji Kosha official website https://kousha.hongwanji.or.jp/index.... [Distribution manager] Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha Tokyo Diocese Kamakura Group Zenryouji Chief Priest Honganji Kosha Zenryouji Tomoniko Contact person Narita Tomonobu (Dharma name Shaku Tomonobu) [Address] 125 Yabe-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture [Contact phone number / mobile phone of contact person] 080-5182-3479 [Inquiry hours] 9am - 6pm #For more information about Zenryouji Tomoniko, please see the related links