14 Sept 2013

Dear Rev Adams,

My, has time gone by; seems just yesterday when you arrived back in the spring of 2010 I think.  We had been without a resident minister for about a half year, which seemed longer than it actually was.  We were all so happy and excited when you finally arrived, and I can tell you, for me, Oxnard temple has not been the same ever since. 

You were able to boil down the complex sutras & Dharma down to its essence in a way I could understand in layman terms; you spoke about little heard but important topics, such as the 6 Realms & the 7 Patriarchs; you taught me that Buddhism is not just sermons & sutras but the whole external world as well: you brought in Shoko, Ryoma, your parents, and opened our doors to this town & the surrounding areas, Buddhist or not.  You invited us to the homeless shelters, other Buddhist communities, and the web where I heard your broadcast about Oxnard’s Obon a few years back while I was on travel.  You constantly reached out to us thru study classes, adult talks, special seminars, and an open door policy. 

I was not able to participate as much as I wanted, or should have, but what I did participate in was enormously beneficial.  I have seen your effect on others:  we’ve had lots of inquisitive visitors, I liked your response to questions, and you helped develop our young people.  Your mastery of the Japanese language was of great help to Sanae, and she appreciated your study class & services in Japanese.  I think what I will remember the most is when we traveled together to & from Nishi Hongwanji for a seminar, when you performed the Nubutsushiki for our family obutsudan, giving me my homyo and my feeble attempts to keep up with you when chanting Shoshinge. 

And so it is with mixed feelings that we are sending you off today:  sad because you, Shoko and Ryoma, who have become part of our family, are moving on; glad because of the fortunate causes & conditions that enabled us to meet in the first place; and hopeful to where you are headed.  You displayed much energy and passion in your work, which taught me is essential in the matter of faith.   I’m sure that where you are going your compassion, knowledge & services are desperately needed in this modern day and I know you will do well.  Thank you so much and I know in my heart that we will meet again.

NamuAmidaButsu

In gassho,

Elwyn Kawate