Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to this Eitaikyo service, our traditional ceremony in loving memory of our departed family members. It is with a heart full of gratitude that we welcome you to our temple today. In this sacred service, we honor those whose names are permanently inscribed in the Eitaikyo ledger, remembering their precious lives and the deep bonds that continue to connect us.

I am certain that each name in this book brings back tender images of your beloved family members. Throughout their lives, they showered us with unconditional love and gifted us with invaluable memories. Although the natural law of impermanence has taken them away from our physical presence, they remain vibrantly alive in our thoughts. Indeed, Eitaikyo is far more than a simple memorial service; it is a vital opportunity to honor their life legacy and transmit their cherished spiritual values to future generations.

We enter this world, meet precious companions, share moments of joy and sorrow, and, inevitably, the time comes for our own departure. However, Buddhism teaches us that physical death is not a cold ending, but a profound transformation. Guided by our encounter with the Dharma in this life, we walk toward Amida Buddha’s Pure Land. Inscribing a loved one’s name in the Eitaikyo ledger is a beautiful way to express our gratitude while illuminating our own spiritual path.

Some may wonder about the significance of registering a name in this ledger. Allow me to say that this act is a spiritual investment in the future, a testament of love for your children and descendants, and a path toward cultivating lasting inner peace. By inscribing a name, you ensure that your loved ones will be perpetually remembered and honored in this temple, and that their spirits dwell in the absolute peace of the Pure Land.

And for those of us who remain here, strengthened by the Buddha’s compassionate teachings, we can continue to live our lives with hope and the joyful certainty that we will meet our loved ones once again. Eitaikyo is a sacred tradition that guarantees your ancestors will be honored continuously, even if a family lineage eventually comes to an end. We believe that the truest memorial lies in our love and sincere intention to keep their memory alive. I warmly invite you to connect deeply with this temple, a sanctuary of peace and comfort. My family and I came to Brazil with the sole purpose of serving this wonderful community. Please feel free to reach out to us; we are always here to listen and support you on your journey. Thank you very much for your presence today.