Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you, as always, for your kind and constant attention. The Dharma talks of our Jodo Shinshu tradition consistently convey deep messages regarding how we ought to live our daily lives. Today’s service marks a truly memorable milestone, commemorating the historical arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to Brazil and the very beginning of our Jodo Shinshu activities on this land. On this meaningful occasion, I would like to speak to you about the core essence of our teachings.

At the absolute center of our path lies the infinite and profound compassion of Amida Buddha. Amida Buddha embraces and saves all people equally, without a single exception, guiding every being safely to the Pure Land. We are assured that when this present life reaches its end, we will not be left to wander alone in darkness; rather, we will be warmly welcomed into a realm of eternal peace. This ultimate salvation does not depend on our imperfect self-powered efforts, but flows entirely from the great compassionate power of Amida. To recite the Nembutsu, “Namu Amida Butsu,” is the natural act of accepting this boundless mercy and experiencing our profound spiritual connection with the Buddha.

Furthermore, we cherish our continuous connection with those who have passed before us. Through sacred gatherings like today’s service or during the season of Obon, we turn our thoughts to the deceased to express our deep and sincere gratitude. To remember them is not merely to grieve their physical absence; it is an opportunity to reconfirm the unconditional love and wisdom we received from them, transforming those memories into a source of daily strength. Their life examples and legacy continue to dwell vibrantly within our hearts, destined to be passed down carefully to the next generation.

Our teachings are also firmly grounded in the universal truths of impermanence and interconnectedness. Amidst the continuous flow of encounters and farewells that shape our human existence, it is vital that we awaken to the true value of our relationships and the profound oneness shared by all living beings.

Above all, Jodo Shinshu is a path that emphasizes a heart of mutual “compassion.” Learning to genuinely rejoice in the happiness of others and to embrace their sorrows as if they were our own brings our minds into beautiful alignment with the heart of the Buddha. True fulfillment is never found in the narrow pursuit of our own isolated happiness, but in acting selflessly for the welfare of others. In our daily lives, let us practice gentle self-reflection, live with deep gratitude, and treat everyone with absolute sincerity. All of these practices guide us along the path of faith, living in the warm embrace of Amida Buddha’s vow with the Nembutsu on our lips. This enduring faith grants us an unwavering hope and a profound peace of mind amidst the natural sufferings of life.