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Amida Buddha is ... ? The "who" or "what" of his existence: what do we really know? Better yet, HOW do we define him in a way that we can truly grasp? I have some thoughts ....

Minister's Assistant Ron Taber explains "Shigata ga Nai," a phrase loosely translated as "it can't be helped." This phrase isn't a defeatist attitude; it represents a hands-off approach to life, what will come will come, and what will be will be.

Minister's Assistant Ron Taber speaks to the paradox of social distancing, as we start to see the "light at the end of the tunnel" of COVID-19 and its effect on our daily lives. The concept of "distancing to stay alive" is in direct conflict with the power of "Sangha" (Buddhist community), and our need as humans to interact regularly.

"The Wisdom of Zen Monk Ryokan" (presented by guest lecturer: Minister's Assistant Ros Dong, Vista Buddhist Temple)

[浄土真宗・やすらぎのひと時] Episode #j015: コロナに開け、コロナに終わる2020年かな (Rev. Dr. Wondra)

Discussion about anxiety, why it ruined 2020, and what can we do about it in 2021? A special intercalary episode, back-logged from last month.

Starting the new year. producer jim scott discusses gratitude, Ps & Qs, and how to "built-in gratitude" in some languages. The Weekly Wheel returns from hiatus (since August 2020).

Vista Buddhist Temple's Minister's Assistant Rosalyn Dong starts each day with a simple question. Mother nature vs human nature: how's the weather inside ... you?

After an unexpected hiatus, we are back, with a new lesson learned? In this episode, I (Jim Scott, the producer) talk a little about why we were gone for two months, a little about what I was experiencing, and what I did with the anger that resulted.

Minister's Assistant Janis Hirohama discusses one of the most troubling aspects within our attempts to see our Buddha-nature: the Ego-Self.

BCA Bishop Reverend Marvin Harada has a message to all of us who are NOT graduating from school this year: you never graduate from Buddhism! We never "know it all" but instead, we are always learning, always seeking, always growing in Namo Amida Butsu.

Reverend Jon Turner shares his lecture on "The Two Paths."

Reverend Ellen Crane discusses: why do we have Obon? Obon is a special celebration within Buddhism, most popularly identified by its Bon-Odori (盆踊り: Bon dance). The festival itself and the dance both honor those who have lived (and passed) before us. We honor their contributions to the "causes and conditions" that brought us to where we are today, and join with them, in memory, and in Namo Amida Butsu.

As The Weekly Wheel approaches its first anniversary, Reverend Jon Turner discussed Obon, and why the origin of the Bon-Odori (盆踊り) is, in fact, a dance for joy.

Reverend Jon Turner discusses how our daily practice (and our daily actions) are, in fact, "spiritual exercises."

Minister's Assistant James Pollard discusses how our practice (our thoughts, words, intentions, and actions) are not just representations of our faith but themselves are beyond faith.

Reverend Ellen Crane shares the two of the greatest sources of inspiration on her path from the Gejin to the Naijin. Can you guess who they are?

Take your medicine! Reverend Jon Turner discusses the healing power of the Dharma.

I decided to review where we are and where we're going, given the craziness we've experienced recently. No matter what, OCBC, and its Sangha, is here for you.

"The Shin Buddhist Path:" Reverend Ellen Crane discusses the journey that brought her to (and along) the Shin Buddhist Path.