2000 SLOGAN:

"REDEDICATING OURSELVES. . . THROUGH REFLECTION"

As we stand I this moment of time, we experience time at its ultimate. As one millennium closes behind us, another opens before us. In this moment, we come to the realization that our being is the result of innumerable causes and conditions that are beyond our capacities of reasoning and logic.

Thus, Shinran wrote in the preface of the Kyo Gyo Shin Sho," Ah, hard to encounter, even in many lifetimes, is the decisive cause of birth, Amida's universal Vow, Hard to realize, even in myriads of kalpas, is pure shinjin that is true and real! If you should come to realize this practice and shinjin, rejoice at the conditions from the distant past that have brought it about."

As we leave the millennium, let us look within to see more deeply into that which sustains and supports this life, our life, all life.

With the dharma as the mirror for reflecting upon our life, we come to experience life that is true and real, life embraced by Amida Buddha.

THEME AS ATTITUDE

SLOGAN AS ACTION

This year, the Hongwanji calendar contains the theme and slogan to guide us in our daily actions. Please consider the selections from Buddhist literature and scriptures as guides for reflecting upon our thoughts, actions, and expressions.

The 1999 theme and slogan, "Home-Talk Story Together" as well as the themes and slogans of prior years, continue to highlight the key ideas of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii upon which we can continue to build our understanding and appreciation for the teachings.

Conversations, discussions, debates, essays, letters and commentaries are but a few forms that we can use in our temple newsletters to bring life into the theme and slogan. Consider using a miniaturized version of the poster in your temple publications. A visual presence is a kind reminder of our aspiration to live our lives as expressions of the Nembutsu.