Finding Hope in Small Things
Rev. Blayne Higa Recently there has been so much chaos in the world. From devastating natural disasters to violent conflict in Israel and Gaza, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and our everyday personal tragedies, we have sometimes struggled to discover hope in the face of all this darkness. However, by taking refuge in the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha we can find our footing on the deck of this ship sailing on stormy seas and we can discover our innate resilience for when life gets difficult.
I want to share an article I wrote for “Chasing the Light” in the September 20, 2023, edition of MidWeek in which I reflect on how we can find hope in times of difficulty.
But though the light of the sun is veiled by clouds and mists, Beneath the clouds and mists there is brightness, not dark. -Shinran Shonin
I am always being reminded of how life can turn on a dime. Of how the truth of impermanence manifests in big and small ways in an endless cycle of transformation and change. From moment to moment we experience both happiness and sorrow along this remarkable journey.
It is easy to appreciate change when we hit the jackpot in Vegas or when we accomplish a cherished goal. It is certainly more difficult to appreciate our challenges and the dark times of our lives. However, we often have the most to learn from these moments of difficulty.
Caring for those in spiritual distress, I have experienced how the darkness we face can often feel overwhelming and how difficult it is to see even a glimmer of light. And yet, we can discover hope when we realize that we are not alone in our struggles. Of how the embrace of family and community comforts and heals when we are hurt and lonely. That even the simple act of quietly holding someone’s hand can be the light we need.
Years ago, I was home in Hilo after the passing of my grandmother. One quiet sunny morning, I walked to the river where I had spent countless hours swimming and playing in my youth. With icy water rushing over my feet, I closed my eyes and listened to the familiar sounds of birds and water crashing on rocks and smiled. In that moment of stillness, I knew I was not alone. I sometimes counsel those seeking care to reconnect with nature, as research suggests it can calm the mind, soothe the heart, and uplift our spirit.
When I’m feeling down, I sometimes curl up on the couch to watch The Hobbit movie just to hear the wizard Gandalf’s words, “I have found that it is the small things…everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay…simple acts of kindness and love.” It reminds me that each of us, in our own way, can be a light for others in dark times.
In Hawaii, we experience this light of hope in the aloha spirit which gives us courage and inspires us to act compassionately when life gets difficult. This is who we are. Our world is truly made brighter by these small gestures of kindness and generosity. Buddhism offers us a path of supreme optimism in which our challenges can become the source of profound spiritual awakening. When we place our trust in the compassionate Vow of Amida Buddha which embraces us unconditionally, our innate courage and resiliency is revealed. This is the power of Namo Amida Butsu which holds us in times of joy and sorrow as we journey through the changing ocean tides of our lives. Amida’s light of wisdom and compassion is a shining beacon in the darkness guiding us home to ourselves. Within Amida’s embrace, we discover we are never without hope or light because we are never alone. Amida’s light is truly manifested in the small things that can transform our world. Namo Amida Butsu.
