by Rev. Goto Tensho, Priest of Entoku-in

Introduction

Speaking on Buddhism has never been easy for me. Although the Buddhist teachings are in themselves quite straightforward, it's hard not to feel that something is missing when they're presented in a clear, simple way. And yet that's exactly what I have always attempted to do-to show, in ordinary, understandable language, how Buddhism applies to the reality of our everyday lives. 　　It was at the urging of my teacher, Takeda Ekijo, the late Abbot of Kennin-ji monastery, that I first started preaching the Dharma. That was over twenty years ago now. I once calculated that during these past two decades I've spoken on more than 3,500 occasions. Throughout that time I have sought to present, not the teachings of Zen Buddhism in particular, but the more basic outlook of Buddhism as a whole. 　　Recently a number of my talks were selected by the editors of Kamogawa Books and published as a short collection entitled Kiotte iru anata e (For You Who Seek). It was this work that led, indirectly, to the creation of this English website. Several Japanese living in Italy read the book and told me that, if presented in this way, Buddhism would be far more comprehensible to the European public. It thus occurred to me to have the essays translated into English and make them freely available on the Internet, in the hope of contributing to interreligious understanding and assisting those who wish to know more about the way in which Buddhism views the world. 　　As the talks were originally intended for Japanese audiences, they contain much material that relates directly to Japanese culture. Nevertheless, I present them in the hope that their underlying message willtranscend cultural differences and touch the hearts of all who read them. 　　To be born as a human is precious indeed; 　　We deeply appreciate the gift of life. 　　To encounter a Buddha is rare indeed 　　We deeply appreciate the gift of Dharma 　　Tensho Goto 　　Priest of Entoku-in, Kyoto Translator's note I first met Rev. Tensho Goto in the early 1980s, when I was a monk in training at Kennin-ji monastery; Rev. Goto had recently finished his practice there and assumed the position of priest of Entoku-in, a small temple about a five minute from the monastery. Many times during our monastic begging rounds we would stop at Entoku-in for a welcome cup of tea and a chance to rest our weary feet. I was always impressed by Rev. Goto's warmth and unfailing kindness to all who went to him for help. 　　It was thus with pleasure that I undertook the task of translating Rev. Goto's talks into English for an international audience. The original Japanese has an almost poetic charm and simplicity that is nearly impossible to render into English; in addition, as the author notes above, there is much material that assumes an understanding of things Japanese. In translating the essays I have opted for clarity over poetry, adding information where necessary and attempting to express as simply as possible the straightforward messages that Rev. Goto seeks to convey. Together with him, I hope that they will contribute to the reader's understanding of Buddhism. 　　Thomas Yuho Kirchner