By Rev. Charles Kenko Hasegawa

As beautiful blossoms canvass the premises, we realize the winter season is now over. The spring is just around the corner.

Honeybees, bumblebees, hummingbirds all flock toward the blossoms, and it’s such a rejuvenating sight to behold. Especially for those people who live in the cold, snowy places, the coming of spring must be very special. Even though this part of the country is endowed with mild climate most of the year, the oncoming spring signifies renewal, a rededication, a new beginning. How wonderful it is to welcome an exciting spring once again.

Twice a year, we observe OHIGAN SERVICES, once in spring and once in autumn. This tradition of coming to the temple when the weather is ideal for a quiet meditation, listening to the Buddha Dharma, discussing the Buddha Dharma with fellow travelers of the way, was established hundreds of years ago by Japanese Buddhists, and we are maintaining the tradition here in Stockton. Those of us who find it hard to come to the temple for one reason or another should take advantage of this age old tradition in order to pay a closer attention to our often times forgotten, barren and desolate spiritual dimension of our lives by attending the services held at the temple. The beautiful temple and a wonderful Sangha have been here for over one hundred years.

Time goes by very quickly. There is really no time to waste. Let’s utilize our precious time by periodically delving into our spiritual arena to resolve our basic questions of the purposes of our life itself. The Buddha-Dharma is here for our sake. The Temple-Sangha is also here for our sake. How fortunate we are, indeed.