MAY 2026:
SUPPER WITH SHINRAN
This month we will observe Gotan-e, the birthday of Venerable Shinran (1173-1263), the father of our school of Buddhism. Since everyone deserves a nice meal on their birthday, I recently reflected on what I would serve Shinran if we were to magically appear.
Shojin ryori, or exquisite Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine? Perhaps a luxurious steak from Lucky’s in Montecito? Or my go-to comfort food, the Khao soi (egg noodle soup) from Empty Bowl in SB Public Market?
But then it hit me: I want to invite Shinran to one of our post-service potlucks at the temple! Of course, I want Shinran to sample the tenderly crafted meals that our sangha members provide, but more significantly, the multiethnic and multigenerational cuisines that represent our backgrounds show how the Nembutsu teachings that Shinran clarified for us transcend time and space. It’s no accident that at my first potluck as BCSB’s minister’s assistant I enjoyed inari zushi, enchiladas, macaroni salad, and more.
Shinran’s teachings have resonated with people from across the globe due to his radical humility. He wasn’t the kind of religious leader to implore his followers to listen to him because he was the most rigorous scholar or had mastered some esoteric rituals.
Just the opposite: he actually descended from the literal heights of the Buddhist hierarchy atop Mount Hiei near Kyoto to live among the people, realizing his self-power search for enlightenment was futile. Although he went on to assiduously study under his new teacher, Honen, coming to a refined grasp of the great Pure Land masters, ultimately he reflected upon himself as one of us: a foolish being (bonbu) governed by our greed, anger, and delusion. Referring to himself as a stubble headed old man, he stated “The heart of Gutoku is such that I am inwardly foolish, outwardly wise.”
For Shinran, what was significant was not the number of rituals we perform or ways we try to master our minds, but to awaken to both our foolish nature and that because of that foolish nature we are actually embraced by unhindered light shining wisdom upon our path, and limitless compassion that connects us to infinite life. When our hearts are opened to this reality we live life with a bit more awe and gratitude.
Even though it’s Shinran’s birthday, and I feel like I should get him a gift, I’m so grateful for the gift of these teachings he gave me!
Namo Amida Butsu!
REV. J.P. DEGUZMAN
What a potluck plate tells us about the universal teachings of shinran shonin