Visit of Rev Oku Kyokai at Amidaji temple

in Amidado (Hall of Amida)

Rev Oku Kyokai of Zuikoji temple in Osaka visited Amidaji   to renew our long Dharma friendship. He is the one who   offered the statue we keep in Amidado (Amida Hall), the scroll  in the library and various ritual objects. Almost all the robes and kesa I have here were kindly offered by him, including the two that I am wearing in the photos[1]. I also offered him copies of my books in English.

Rev Oku belongs to Nishi Hongwanji but this is not obstacle    to our friendship. I and Amidaji is opened for collaboration and friendly relations with all people who respect our conservative and orthodox style. Rev Kobai too, a Nishi Hongwanji priest and scholar, is my friend. I also haven’t interrupted my friendship and letter exchange with other priests in the same branch. 

  

in the library

 

Religious service in the Amidado (Hall of Amida)

Rev Kyokai, Rev Josho and Athena, our friend and translator

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[1] Those who wonder why I or lay teachers at Amidaji sometimes wear kesa with Hongwanji crest should know that it is because I received them as gifts, and being a poor priest I do not afford to buy or create new ones with Amidaji crest. Also, according to our Constitution, Amidaji has a traditional connection with Hongwanji and is actually a continuation of everything that is good in Hongwanji. Perhaps one day we’ll have our own kesa with Amidaji crest, but until then we don’t mind the ones with the wisteria flower, which is also representing Shinran’s family, and we are of Shinran’s family too, because we faithfully follow his teachings.