Each year at our Shocho Ki Service, we pause to remember the past Bishops who served the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA). We honor their leadership and guidance, particularly the ways they helped our temples navigate changes and challenges in the greater society while keeping us connected with the efforts and teachings of the Honpa Hongwanji, our mother temple in Kyoto, Japan.

The service also commemorates Rennyo Shonin, the 8th Gomonshu of the Hongwanji. Rennyo experienced many hardships throughout his life and often emphasized the Buddhist teaching of impermanence. Through his tireless efforts, he helped spread and strengthen the Jodo Shinshu teachings during a difficult period in its history. He also helped establish the Hongwanji as a strong and lasting institution. Much of the strength of our tradition today can be traced to Rennyo’s dedication to sharing the Nembutsu teaching with ordinary people and building communities of followers.

In addition to Rev. Fujimoto’s sermon, we were pleased to welcome Dii Lewis of the Buddhist Temple of Berkeley as our guest presenter. Dii spoke about protest songs and the Dharma messages that can be found within them. Songs that arise during times of struggle can express suffering, hope, compassion, courage, and the desire for change. By listening closely, we can discover lessons within these songs that connect with the Dharma and with our own lives.

Our Shocho Ki observance gave us an opportunity not only to remember those who came before us, but also to consider how the Dharma continues to speak to us in many different ways. Whether through the teachings and examples of our past leaders, a minister’s Dharma message, or even the words of songs written by songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger, we can find reminders that help guide us along the Nembutsu path.