Another Buddhist Chaplain for U.S. Army

Second Lieutenant Songkran Waiyaka takes commissioning oath today administered by Chaplain Christopher Mohr and witnessed by Chaplain Aroon Seeda at the University of the West, Rosemead, California.
Congratulations!

Namo Amida Butsu

Remembering September 2011

Let us take time to reflect on what we have done 10 years on, and what we may do 10 years from now; on the cause-and-condition of our existence, and our journey on the path of Dharma.

"Even though there are Buddhas,
A thousand million kotis in number,
And multitudes of great sages
Countless as the sands of the Ganges,
I shall make offerings
To all those Buddhas.
I shall seek the supreme Way
Resolutely and tirelessly.

Even though the Buddha-lands are as incalculable
As the sands of the Ganges,
And other regions and worlds
Are also without number,
My light shall reach everywhere,
Pervading all those lands.
Such being the result of my efforts,
My glorious power shall be immeasurable.

When I have become a Buddha,
My land shall be most exquisite,
And its people wonderful and unexcelled;
The seat of Enlightenment shall be supreme.
My land, being Nirvana itself,
Shall be beyond comparison.
I take pity on living beings
and resolve to save them all.

Those who come from the 10 directions
Shall find joy and serenity of heart;
When they reach my land,
They shall dwell in peace and happiness.
I beg you, the Buddha, to become my witness
And to vouch for the truth of my aspiration.
Having now made my vows to you,
I will strive to fulfill them."

[from the Larger Sutra on Amitayus, Inagaki translation].