Since coming to Canada, in 1979, I began my ministry from the Toronto Buddhist Church. This was followed by assignment to the Calgary Buddhist Temple in 1980, and the Alberta Buddhist Federation from 1982 to 1985. From 1985 to 1999, I served as the resident minister of the Manitoba Buddhist Church, in Winnipeg. Since 1999, I have been on an educational leave from the BCC and have been studying in the Religious Studies Departments at the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba. 

My family members are my wife, Valerie and a son, Muga. Our son is already in his own, and is presently in Japan.

I am pleased to be back to the ministry, and sharing the teachings of Shinran Shonin with the members of the Okanagan churches. This coming year (2005) will be the Centennial celebration of the founding of the Buddhist Churches of Canada. Many special services and events will be planned, and I feel privileged to be able to participate in this significant milestone in Canadian Buddhist history, as we welcome our Abbot (Gomonshu) and Delegates from Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan to this special celebration throughout Canada.

As Shinran Shonin often quoted from the Chinese Pure Land Master, Tao-ch'o in Shinran’s written masterpiece Kyo gyou shin sho, in order to encourage people to keep the teachings of Nembutsu. Shinran quoted Tao-ch'o's words at the end of Kyo gyo shin sho; “those who have born first guide those who come later, and those who are born later join those who were born before.”(Kyo gyo shin sho) We, the followers of the Shinran Shonin, have the important responsibility to keep the teachings alive and hand them down to our succeeding generations. We need to follow the example of those who have paved the way of the Nembutsu for us, and keep the tradition of Nembutsu alive by reciting Namu Amida Butsu in our daily life.

I feel that religion plays an important role in family life, in many aspects. Over the past years we have built our tradition and kept the Nemubutsu teachings for 100 years here in Canada. I would like to join you in maintaining this tradition. Let us continue to grow in strength, and cultivate our faith through our religious activities within our families and the community. I am honored to be able to join with you in the Nembutsu teaching throughout the Buddhist community, and look forward to meeting all of you.

In Gassho Rev. Yasuhiro Miyakawa