We’ve recently started to read the names of those who died during the monthly memorial service, why did this change occur? What does this practice mean to him as the person who often reads the names out loud?
This reminds me of the Ireicho that I know Rev. Todd has visited, does he see any similarities between that monument and this practice?
I realize this is a new traditionthat I started for MBT. As I read the names and see so many come forward to oshoko, it is very moving to me. I have received positive feedback that people didn’t realize someone was on the list until we started reading them aloud. In the past, knowing someone was on the monthly memorial list required one to read all the names on their own. When we say the names out loud and take the time to hear them, I think it matters. Our practice in Jodo Shinshu is often described as deep hearing. It is not just hearing through our ears but from our hearts. This includes hearing all the names.
I think that is also the purpose of Ireicho where we take the time to remember our ancestors by stamping their names in a memorial book. In fact, all those who do this are also asked to stamp the names of some of the older incarcerees who likely don’t have families to honor them. By this action, it is a way to repair the collective Karma of our past.
I recently watched the Disney animated movie Coco. It is a movie inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday. There are many wonderful messages throughout but one that struck me was when in the spiritual world, a being will disappear when they are eventually forgotten. They don’t know where they go but the character in the movie says it will eventually happen to everyone.
Here are the lyrics to the song “Remember Me” featured in the movie.
Remember me though I have to say goodbye
Remember me, don’t let it make you cry
For even if I’m far away, I hold you in my heart
I sing a secret song to you each night we are apart
Remember me though I have to travel far
Remember me each time you hear a sad guitar
Know that I’m with you the only way that I can be
Until you’re in my arms again
Remember me
This is the significance of reading the names that we are honoring. It is our way to remember each person with gratitude. We are guided and sustained by them whether we knew them or not.
An added benefit when the names are read is we get to listen to the wonderful accompaniment of our talented pianists!
Gassho, Rev. Todd