The Lesson Of Hanamatsuri Today

K. Ken Fujimoto

At times like now, with the uncertainty and anxiety in regard to the economy and unemployment and the uncertain political situation throughout the world, it may seem odd to talk about the birth of Siddartha, the prince who would become the Sakyamuni Buddha. To talk about something that should be festive and happy at such a time may seem wrong to some people, but the reality is that this event is not simply a birthday. It is an event made especially happy because the birth led to the enlightenment and teaching. This teaching deals with the reality of the human condition and can give us insight into the issues and problems that lead to the various hardships and conflicts in human life and in the world. By seeing the error of dualistic thinking and striving to realize the truth of interdependence and oneness, we can break through to a world of harmony.

The baby who was to become the Sakymuni Buddha is said to have made the proclamation, “Under the heavens and on the earth, I am the only honored one.” Starting from this ego-centric point of view, Siddartha was able to grow and learn that reality was something very different. He came to understand that everything that he was able to accomplish and realize was due to karma and interdependence. He came to see that each step of his journey through life and towards the goal of enlightenment was possible because of each previous step. Once he had accomplished his goal of finding the truth, he could no longer make that boast. The I was only a figment of his imagination and pointed to the unique set of karmic conditions and results that human convention refers to as an individual. Everything and everyone in his life made the journey to enlightenment and enlightenment, itself, possible. This realization made that original boast absurd. The journey to enlightenment can therefore be seen as the journey from self-centered conceit to the humility that comes from full awareness of the interdependence of all life and actions.

From the viewpoint of interdependence and karma, we see that dualistic thinking does not adequately express reality and, though it can be a helpful tool at times, it also leads to confusing and divisive simplifications. What do we mean when we talk about pro-war and anti-war? It would be hoped that we have gone beyond anyone being for war without reservation. There may be situations where the argument that war may be necessary is understandable, but does granting that possibility mean one is for war? On the other end of the spectrum, there may be people who are against a particular war and others who are against all wars, in principle. This is something that should be respected, especially since we acknowledge that the taking of any life is something that should be avoided. These people also have to be careful to avoid the vilification of those who have been put into the karmic situation to have to fight in a war. We can have similar discussions for the issues of pro-choice and pro-life and for the issue of gay marriage.

We have to see that there is a wide range and to make it a matter of being for or against is not only oversimplification, but also divisive. This oversimplification destroys any sense of harmony that may have been achieved. This dualistic thinking poses an obstruction to any dialogue where people can listen to each other and reach an understanding. There are going to be people who are supportive without question and others who hold differing and even opposing opinions of varying degrees. Those different views should not become a source of conflict, but rather a starting point for dialogue and understanding. To label and divide, only creates further distrust and antagonism.

The oneness and interdependence of all life needs to be reaffirmed at times such as this. We need to truly look at the life and teaching of the Sakyamuni Buddha to break through those delusions that create division and conflict and can strive towards a greater, lasting harmony. We have to make that same journey from ego-centric assertion to the humility that comes from the realization of interdependence.

This is the enlightenment that Siddartha was able to achieve and made him the Sakyamuni Buddha. This is the reality that Amida is trying to get us to realize by constantly reaching out to us as the Nembutsu. Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our quest to seek the Truth in all facets of our life. Let us continue to pursue that same Truth that the Sakyamuni Buddha pointed out as being the path to true peace and harmony and make this Hanamatsuri a truly meaningful one.

© March 23, 2009