Experience Dharma through Gardening
Buddhism is often recognized as one of the most tolerant spiritual paths in the world. Rather than claiming exclusive truth, Buddhism teaches that all beings are on their own unique journeys toward awakening. The Buddha’s teachings encourage deep respect for other religions, spiritual traditions, and cultural expressions of faith. Instead of judging or dividing, Buddhism invites us to listen, reflect, and understand.
In Shin Buddhism, this openness is rooted in the compassionate vow of Amida Buddha, who embraces all people—regardless of background, belief, or past. Amida’s Light does not shine only on those who follow a specific path. It reaches all beings with wisdom and compassion, just as they are.
We can also discover the heart of Buddhism not only in temples or sutras, but in our daily lives. In moments of patience with a friend, gratitude for a meal, or reflection during a quiet walk, the Dharma reveals itself. Even in our struggles, we are gently reminded of our shared human nature and the interconnection of all life.
To live as a Buddhist is not to separate from others, but to walk with humility and kindness, recognizing the sacredness in ordinary moments. In this way, Buddhism becomes not only a belief, but a way of seeing and being in the world.
Recently, I had a wonderful opportunity to experience the Dharma through gardening—right in my own backyard. After a good spring rain, I went outside to find that the weeds had taken full advantage of the moisture. They were everywhere! Some were easy to pull, but others had deep, stubborn roots that clung tightly to the earth. As I struggled with one especially persistent weed, I couldn’t help but shout, “You are so stubborn!” To my surprise, I felt as if the weed shouted back, “That is you!”
In that moment, I laughed to myself. How true it is—we, too, are deeply rooted in habits and attachments. Just like those weeds, our self-centered thoughts are not always easy to pull out. In the busyness of daily life, it’s easy to fall into judging others, criticizing situations, or thinking only from our own point of view. But the Dharma gently encourages us to reflect inward instead of pointing outward. When we find ourselves saying, “You are so stubborn,” the Dharma might ask us to pause and ask, “Am I being stubborn, too?”
While working in the garden, I also found little worms and lizards darting under leaves and soil. Some people might find them unappealing or startling, but I paused to appreciate them as part of this great web of life. In Shin Buddhism, we often speak of Amida Buddha’s Light of Wisdom and Compassion reaching all beings—without exception. That includes not only us human beings, but also the crawling worm, the scurrying lizard, and even the weed growing in the wrong place at the wrong time. All are embraced just as they are.
Amida’s Light is not like sunlight that shines only on beautiful flowers. It shines even on the tangled roots, the fallen leaves, and the places we might overlook. It illuminates our blind spots and gently invites us to see ourselves more clearly—without judgment or shame, but with honesty and gratitude.
This season, I was also grateful to receive help in my garden from members of our Buddhist Women’s Association and Adult Buddhist Association. On a warm day, they kindly lent their time and energy not only to their own gardens but to mine as well. What a wonderful gardening team! Their presence reminded me that we are never alone on the path. Just as we care for the garden together, we also support each other in tending to our spiritual lives.
Gardening teaches patience, mindfulness, and appreciation for impermanence. The flowers bloom, then fade. The weeds grow back again and again. But through it all, we are invited to see the beauty of life as it truly is—imperfect, ever-changing, and yet fully embraced by Amida’s Compassion.
The next time you step into a garden, whether in your backyard or at the temple, I encourage you to pause and listen. The Dharma is there, in the soil, in the breeze, in the weeds, and even in our own frustrations. May we continue to discover the Dharma not only in the sutras and chants, but also in the quiet, earthy moments of everyday life.
As we welcome the warmth and energy of the summer season, may our hearts, like our gardens, open to the light of Amida’s Wisdom and Compassion.
Namo Amida Butsu
