Sakyamuni Buddhism perceives the ‘twinge’ and ‘pain’ of humans, and there is a source in compassion and wisdom that heal the heart. Japanese Buddhism before the parishioner system was established also had the ideal, and temples took on roles “Saisei rimin*1” such as providing medical plants, taking in orphans and caring for them. In today’s ear, what temples are required is to close to the suffering of the modern world. There are fresh spaces in most Japanese temples. There are seasonal trees next to the flagstones in the quiet precincts of the temples, the smell of scent wafting out of nowhere gives us spiritual purity and calmness. The statue of Buddha which exists at the back of the main hall has something like holy breath that embraces the visitors of the temple. It is only a formality, but how about taking advantage of it and giving free access to local people beyond the parishioners? The problem here is conduct that temples try to expand doctrine of their own sects. Doctrine is certainly soul of religion, however it is good for ordinary people if it saves their own hearts and they can get themselves back. It is said that the teachings of Buddha are “Obyo Yoyaku*2”, which is to give the appropriate medication for the medical condition. In other words, Sakyamuni Buddha valued nostalgia as the origin of humanity, which is a feeling that we miss our hometown and the distant past. So to speak, Buddhism originally used to be the thing that made humans go home to the peaceful world.
-To be Continued-
―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
*1Saisei rimin: To save lives and life of people of the world and be useful for them.
*2Obyo Yoyaku: That is an example to preach the law depending on a person.