Good afternoon, everyone. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we gather today to express our love and pay tribute to our departed family members. In preparing for this month’s memorial service, I reviewed the list of our loved ones on the temple website and found 170 names registered for January alone. This served as a solemn reminder of how many precious lives concluded their earthly journey in just this single month. Of course, this list represents only a fraction of the many unique life stories and contributions that have shaped our world.

Human life is finite, and physical death is an inescapable reality for us all. It is completely natural that it brings profound grief and, at times, a sense of fear. But does death mark the absolute end of our existence? I firmly believe it does not. The indelible fact that a person existed, the unique moments shared, the gentle words exchanged, and the unconditional warmth we received from them—all of these remain vibrantemente alive within our hearts in countless beautiful ways.

We are naturally fascinated by the biographies of great historical figures, not only for their remarkable achievements, but because they reflect a universal human yearning: the desire to leave a lasting legacy and avoid being entirely forgotten. “How will I be remembered?” “How can I prevent my existence from fading away?” When faced with these anxieties, our initial instinct might be to ask others to remember us. Yet, perhaps the truest essence of life is found elsewhere. Rather than focusing on our own self-centered desires, the most meaningful path is to deeply appreciate the existence of every individual currently around us, while cherishing the memories of those who have passed and passing them gently to future generations.

A compassionate glance, a word of deep comfort, a sincere smile—may each of us seek out the profound beauty hidden within the small, everyday gestures of life and preserve them tenderly in our hearts. In this way, loving memories and sacred teachings are naturally transmitted across time, from generation to generation.

Throughout history, diverse religious traditions have arisen to comfort and guide humanity. Some may teach that it is enough to simply ask for our worldly desires to be fulfilled. However, within Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, what truly grounds us is pure compassion—the altruistic aspiration to serve others without expecting anything in return. Today, you have gathered here with the beautiful memories of your loved ones held tightly in your minds. This act of remembrance demonstrates not only your desire to honor their legacy, but also a noble, unselfish intention to do something meaningful for the world. Acting for the welfare of others is the definitive path to true happiness, a principle made perfectly manifest in this very memorial gathering.

The memories of those we love may shift and evolve with the passage of time, but they will never completely fade. Keep these precious recollections safely in your hearts as you continue your journey, treasuring the people around you, offering mutual support, and walking hand in hand into the future. In Buddhism, memorial services offer us an invaluable mirror to examine our own lives and reflect on how we ought to live. May this service be a sacred time not only to honor those who have gone before us, but also an opportunity for each of you to look within, appreciate your own unique path, and discover renewed strength and hope for the journey ahead.