Tomo (Together: 共, Friend: 友)

Good evening!

A lot of flowers are blooming – forsythias, daffodils, magnolias, pears, plums, even cherry blossoms are now blooming.

We cannot totally enjoy them because of the disaster in Japan – m-9 earthquake, 30m surge tsunami, and the nuclear disaster still continuing – more problems are spreading.

Such a tragedy invites compassion and cooperation. It’s reported that 134 countries and 39 international organizations have offered to help. The U.S., India, Israel, etc., are working.

From this country alone, 20,000 people are working hard, helping isolated people in extreme hardship. This is called O-tomo-dachi (???) Sakusen, Friends Operation.

We become friends beyond the boundaries of nation, race, religion, etc. It is equalization. Casualties may well top 30,000, as more than 10,000 are lost and over 17,000 still missing.

When we sit, we join together with all in the original, complete equality and serenity, going back to nirvana, unconditioned peace – going beyond human karma, habits.

Then, we can eliminate delusion, attachment, and aversion – without discrimination, exploitation, extermination; satisfied, simple, safe, and saving all.

It is said, “A moment in a spring evening is worth a thousand pieces of gold.” Please sit and see this precious moment in peace and truth, serenity and sameness!

3/29/11