Zen Dialogues

Reflections from Japan's Buddhist Traditions

Do you have ancestors in graves?

Hello. I always read it while having fun and being healed. The other day, since it's the equinox, I went to visit graves where my grandfather's and grandmother's bones are located for the first time in a long time. I love my grandparents, and even now, about 7 years after they passed away,...

4 responses

Can't God or Buddha help me?

Why do innocent people have to be severely abused, stabbed by unknown passers-by, and die in disasters? I think we are in a position to be saved only when we are in a difficult situation where we cannot do anything with our own efforts. Therefore, I cannot trust God or Buddha.

4 responses

Recite sutras at funerals, etc., and receive offerings

I'm sorry for your busy schedule. Among the oldest sutras which are said to be closest to the Buddha's original teachings, The Buddha was refused to receive alms when he committed any act, I hear it says Also, Buddha explained that there is no point in chanting something like nembutsu to...

4 responses

I want to meet you

My father passed away a month ago. My father was clumsy but kind, and I love him. It's so lonely, sad, and unbearable when I think that they aren't there anymore. I open my urn and touch my bones every day. I touch it with the feeling that I want to be convinced that my father is gone, and...

4 responses

hopelessness. I don't know what to do.

I had a consultation here 2 days ago. I received an answer, and I was just thinking of doing my best in a positive way again. Progress has now been made. In an email from my ex-husband, “My parents said they had no intention of replying.” It was written on it. I still get emails from my...

4 responses

I'm being cornered at work

I'm isolated at work. It's a 6-person team workplace, and only I'm in my 30s, and all 5 other people are in their 50s. Three of them are bosses, and 2 are seniors with over 20 years of company experience. They are all conservative, don't like challenges, changes, or new ways of doing things,...

4 responses

I want to let go of my lost heart between superiority and inferiority

I lived my life because I had to get results. I went to cram school from elementary 2 to junior high school entrance exams. There is a weekly review test on Sunday, and the results determine the seat order from the beginning. When my grades are bad, I'm in a bad mood, and when I'm good, I smile....

4 responses

Nothing is going well

Nothing has been going well for the past year or two. I'm heartbroken, my relationships break because things don't go well with my friends, and I'm being transferred against my will at work, so honestly, I'm mentally overwhelmed. Probably because of that, I don't know, but I often sleep all the...

4 responses

Shouldn't you believe in different denominations?

Hello. I was very moved when I came across the Heart Sutra when I was in middle school, and I am indebted to the temples of the Jodo Shinshu sect on New Year's. However, while studying Buddhism, I came across the term “Haijin Sanmai.” I really liked this phrase, which describes the Buddha's...

4 responses

is money good for offerings?

There is a temple where people come to pray every month. They were handing out sweets along with the offering. From now on, they said, “I don't need sweets, please increase the number of offerings instead.” The temple says that the temple earns little money, but they also have other jobs...

4 responses

Names that have a bad meaning for homophones

I'm indebted to you. I've discussed it with my son's name once before. At that time, we discussed what they regretted having used guesswork, but after reading the words you received, the original arrangement of the kanji was unique, but I also liked it, and my sense of regret was suppressed...

4 responses

Even though I'm married, I'm worried about my co-workers!!

Hello. We are a married man in his 30s The content seems like a joke, but it's a serious problem. There's a woman I'm interested in my current job. I don't think that person has a good personality, and I think they have ten faces, but they have very big breasts. I know I'm married, but...

4 responses

About SNS

What do monks think of SNS? I've always felt lonely. However, I wasn't good at socializing, partly because I had trouble communicating. I started a blog to get away from loneliness. Since then, socializing with people on the internet has become essential. Right now, I'm using Twitter and other...

4 responses

There was a past where she worked in the sex industry

I looked at her cell phone and discovered that she had been working in the sex industry until about 1 year ago. I was also considering getting married to her, and she promised me that I would never do that kind of work again. I love her, and the feeling that I can't help it doesn't change, but...

4 responses

Who is faith for?

I've been wondering a lot lately. What do monks believe for? For example, in order to believe and go to the Pure Land of Paradise (although it may change depending on denomination)... I think it's common for people who believe in religion to have good things and not so good things happen for...

4 responses

Have I made a mistake?

Thank you for your support this time too m (_ _) m This consultation is about mistakes made by my own immaturity. Right now, it looks like she's pregnant with a child whose child she doesn't know. It cannot be determined that proper tests will not be performed at the hospital in the near...

4 responses

Is death a bad thing?

Hello. I am very grateful for your words here when I lost my beloved cat to illness about a year and a half ago. Actually, there is another cat, and they are the sisters of the deceased child, but this one is now 9 years old My cat is nearing old age. I'm doing fine now without any...

4 responses

Should I directly complain to the temple?

I always enjoy reading it. I'm worried about the temple that has taken care of my great-grandmother's grave since her generation. About 20 years ago, the son of the chief priest finished his ascetic practice and began working at a temple. This son is a wonderful Osho who has also participated...

4 responses

Tragic events and Buddha's mercy

Thank you very much for your continued support. Also, there are times when I feel doubtful, so I would like to ask a question. I would be happy if you could give me some good advice. It's around this time today that indiscriminate killings and news of major natural disasters have been...

4 responses

I slapped my 4 year old daughter on the cheek

I'm worried about my daughter who cries a lot. My daughter has been crying a lot since she was a baby. During the period when my ego began to sprout, I was able to remove circular hair due to tantrums every day. Even so, I sympathize with my daughter's desire to do it herself, and I've raised her...

4 responses

page 1