Buddhist materials now available at MCAS Yuma

I dropped off some Buddhist texts (Teaching of Buddha, BLP booklets), Thai amulets, and mantra players at the Station Chapel. Ask the RP on duty for assistance if you'd like one of these items.

Happy Bodhi Day!

Happy Bodhi Day to all the readers of the blog!

Bodhi Day (December 8th), also known as Rohatsu, is commemorated by several schools of Buddhism as the day when the Buddha achieved Enlightenment. In the Ariyapariyesana-sutta, the now-Buddha encounters a man named Upaka, who notices his radiant appearance, and inquires as to who he is and his teacher. The Buddha replied,

"Victor am I over all, and omniscient.
In all things I am free from defilement.
I have abandoned everything and have become liberated, free from craving.
Since I myself have gained knowledge, whome should I seek?

For me there is no teacher;
There is none like me.
In this world, including all its deities,
There is none who can rival me.

It is I who in this world am worthy of veneration,
I am the supreme teacher;
I alone am the perfectly enlightened,
I am purified and have attained tranquility.
In order to turn the wheel of the Dhamma
I am going to Kasi [Varanasi].
In the blinded world
I will beat the drum of deathlessness.

Those who have destroyed the defilements
Are like me victors.
I have conquered that which is evil,
And so, Upaka, I am the victor."

Later Buddhist commentators state that although Upaka initially rejected the Buddha's teaching, several years later he returned to him after escaping an abusive wife, became his disciple, and attained Enlightenment!

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Seventy years ago today Pearl Harbor was attacked and ‎2,402 Americans were killed and 1,282 wounded, and 65 Japanese dead. Let the wounds of yesterday heal and the lessons learned today inspire us to work for the world's future in the present. May our country remain strong and a beacon for freedom in this world. May our women and men serving today come home with honor and in well mind.

Namo Amida Butsu

Another Chaplain Candidate for U.S. Army

Welcome LT Niphon Suk, the latest addition to the U.S. Army Chaplain Candidate program!
(Thanks to Rev. Danny Fisher for the news and photo! This is a photo of LT Niphon being administered the Oath of Office by Chaplain Christopher Mohr at the University of the West, Rosemead, California).