just venting ..

so while walking to the bart station from work yesterday i see all these protestors and camera crews in front of city hall .. all of them there because of the legalization of same-sex marriage. is it just me or is it completely ridiculous to take hours out of your day to go protest something that's none of your business? it's a total waste of time .. i mean .. you could be protesting something meaningful .. like the extremely high gas prices.

every thursday the quakers come and protest the war in iraq in front of my building .. now that's a meaningful protest. they just stand there peacefully for an hour or two during lunch time with non-derogatory signs.

so my point being .. let people who are in love marry each other .. nuff said.

ON THE WHITE ASHES
by: Rennyo (translated from Japanese)

As we deeply observe the transient form of human life, we realize that in this world, from the beginning to the end, what is momentary and passing is the illusory course of human life.

Thus, we have not heard of anyone receiving human form which lasts for ten thousand years. The course of life ebbs very rapidly. Can anyone preserve their body for a hundred years at the present time? Not knowing whether it will come today or tomorrow, those who depart before us are as countless as the drops of dew.

Therefore, in the morning we may have radiant health; in the evening we may be white ashes. When the winds of uncertainty strike, our eyes are closed forever; when the last breath leaves our body, the healthy color of the face is transformed and we lose the appearance of radiant life; loved ones may gather around and lament, but to no avail. When such an event occurs, the body is sent into an open field and cremated, leaving only the white ashes. What a sad plight!

Thus, we see that what we cannot control is the passing away of the young and old alike. Therefore, we should all look to our future life and the faith in Amida Buddha repeat the Holy Name.

With reverence, I remain...

Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu