In the ten thousand world-systems an immeasurable light appeared. The blind received their sight, as if from very longing to behold
this, his brilliance. The deaf heard sound. The impeded spoke one with another. The disfigured became straight. The disabled
walked. All prisoners were freed from their bonds and chains. In each hell the fire was extinguished. In the realm of the
Hungry Ghosts hunger and thirst were allayed. The wild animals ceased to be afraid. The illness of all who were sick was
soothed. All people began to speak kindly. Horses neighed, and elephants trumpeted gently. All musical instruments gave forth
each its note, though none played upon them. Bracelets and other ornaments jingled of themselves. All the heavens became clear.
A cool soft breeze wafted pleasantly for all. Rain fell out of due season.
Looking out the full round window in the temple office, one can easily see the beautiful ginkgo tree in the
courtyard. It’s waiting for spring. Better than any calendar, the view of this magnificent tree from the office window
majestically informs us of the change in season throughout the year.
The tiny light green buds which are now emerging will soon blossom into lovely fan-shaped leaves, announcing
the arrival of spring as our days become more filled with sunlight and warmer temperature. Like morning dew
nestled on the tips of each blade of grass, how fleeting is each such moment in eternity.
April is a time of renewal and celebration. It is an auspicious occasion which marks the birth of Sakyamuni
Buddha, a superb event which is commemorated with harmonious delight throughout the world. As is described in
the early sutras, on the day of Buddha’s birth.
The birds forsook their flight on high. The rivers stayed their waters’ flow. The sea became sweet water.
Everywhere its surface was covered with lotuses of every color. All flowers blossomed on land and
in water. The trunks, and branches, and twigs of trees were covered with the bloom appropriate to
each. On earth lotus trees sprang up by sevens together, breaking even through the rocks; and hanging
lotuses were born in the sky and bestowed everywhere a rain of blossom. In the sky heavenly music
was played. The ten thousand world-systems revolved, and rushed as close together as a bunch of
gathered flowers, and became as it were, a woven wreath of worlds, as sweet smelling and resplendent
as a mass of garlands, or as a sacred altar decked with flowers.
The observance of Hanamatsuri (flower festival) in our Shin Buddhist tradition is not solely the celebration
of the birthday of one historic person. Hanamatsuri truly is an expression of our joy in being able to encounter the
Dharma today, for it is that personal encounter that gives us each the opportunity to receive the enduring life of the
Buddha’s Wisdom and Compassion.
On Sunday, April 3, the Vista Buddhist Temple will conduct our Hanamatsuri service from 10:00 am. We
are truly honored to have as this year’s very special guest speaker, the Venerable Dr. Karma Lekshe Tsomo. Dr.
Tsomo is an Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego. She studied
Buddhism in Dharamsala, India for 15 years and completed a doctorate in Philosophy at the University of Hawaii,
with research on death and identity in China and Tibet. She is president of Sakyadhita, the International Association
of Buddhist Women and has published a number of books on women in Buddhism. The Venerable Dr. Tsomo is also
director of the Jamyang Foundation, an initiative to provide educational opportunities for women in developing
countries, especially the Indian Himalayas and Bangladesh. Please make a concerted effort to join our Sangha in listening
together to the Dharma message of this venerable teacher on the wonderful occasion of the Buddha’s birth.
