Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to our Hoonko service here at the Honpa Hongwanji Temple of Mogi das Cruzes. Today we observe Hoonko, a deeply significant day to express our profound gratitude for the teachings of Shinran Shonin. He left us a timeless and comforting message: we are never truly alone. We are continuously connected to all forms of life—past, present, and future.

It is as if we are always accompanied by two sacred presenças: Amida Buddha, who represents boundless compassion, and Shinran Shonin, who guides our daily steps with his wisdom. This temple serves as a sacred space that bridges our world with the spiritual realm, connecting us with those who have passed before us, as well as with our own inner selves. It is a sanctuary for meeting, quiet reflection, and finding true inner peace.

Today, we also assemble to pay loving tribute to those we cherish who are no longer physically with us. The grief of losing a loved one is undeniably deep and painful, yet the teachings of the Buddha offer us immense comfort. The sorrow we experience does not stem from the nature of death itself, but rather from the deep sense of loss and the physical absence we feel in our daily lives.

Those who have departed now rest in perfect peace, embraced by the infinite compassion and mercy of Amida Buddha. As we fondly remember the beautiful moments we shared with them, we find the strength to step forward, knowing with absolute certainty that they are at peace. While death may often seem like a distant event, it is a natural reality that every one of us will face. It is a part of the beautiful cycle of existence.

Amida Buddha warmly embraces everyone with unconditional love—both those who have already departed and those of us who remain here to carry on. Let us place our trust in this boundless wisdom and love. In loving memory of those we hold dear, let us celebrate the gift of life, cherish every precious moment, and walk forward together with hope, kindness, and mutual compassion.