Today, we observe the Hoonko service, the most significant ceremony of our Jodo Shinshu tradition, honoring our founder, Shinran Shonin, and our departed loved ones. Hoonko literally translates to “A Gathering of Grateful People.” Many of us occasionally wonder what it truly means to step into the temple and join a memorial service. Today, I want to share with you how much your presence and devotion carry a vital meaning for the future of our world.

First, let us contemplate how this path began through the compassion of Shinran Shonin. When he established our teachings, and when the masters of succeeding generations formalized our Hoji services, their actions were guided by a deep and profound care: “Let us preserve a path of universal salvation that functions flawlessly for all eternity.” Thus, Hoonko stands as the very origin of our memorial traditions in Jodo Shinshu, representing Shinran Shonin’s great project of compassion to bring absolute peace of mind to everyone in the future.

The power of Amida Buddha, our focus of devotion, is not a magical force, but the “Sacred, Unseen Power of Connection That Binds People Together.” The mutual support and harmony that blossom during temple activities are beautiful expressions of the Buddha’s compassion, a presence that already surrounds us everywhere. Shinran Shonin brought this intent of Amida Buddha into the world as a practical, living teaching. Therefore, we express our gratitude (Hoon) by touching this boundless compassion of Amida Buddha through our participation in the Hoji service.

How then does this act of gratitude connect with the deep longing we hold for our departed loved ones? To understand this, let us reflect on our own existence. The “I” who stands here right now is not an isolated individual. You are a unique space where our departed ancestors and the future lives yet unborn exist simultaneously. These lives are not physically present, but they harmonize perfectly within your being.

The true meaning of the Nembutsu—”Namu Amida Butsu”—that Shinran Shonin passed down to us was never meant for isolated, individual salvation. Your choice to visit the temple today means you are actively anchoring the peace of your ancestors and securing the well-being of all who will inhabit the future. Nothing is separate; everything is interconnected. Your participation is a noble act that embraces not only your family but the entire future of our world. The Buddha is the eternal presence binding all lives around us. Your presence in this service is the ultimate expression of gratitude to Shinran Shonin, who showed us that you, your ancestors, and all future generations are eternally linked within this embrace. Namandabu.