How did you decide to become a Buddhist minister?
Many of my life experiences have brought me to this point. What was probably the most influential was the death of my sister when I was a teenager and how it affected our family and so many others.
When I saw how people were changed by her life, I came to realize I was surrounded by people who lived with the Dharma in their lives. Although my parents were devastated by her death, when I reflect back, I see how the compassionate working of Amida Buddha was a guiding light in their life. Through them, I have come to realize that the Dharma was being taught to me every day. Although I didn’t pursue the ministry initially and became a dentist, the way I practiced was strongly influenced by my Jodo Shinshu upbringing.
So after leaving my dental practice, causes and conditions made it possible for me to learn more about the teachings. My sister was married when she died and her husband at the time became a Buddhist minister and scholar. He became my teacher at the Institute of Buddhist Studies and was very influential in my education and my decision to become a minister.
Gassho, Rev. Todd