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In mid January 1997, some of us returned to the main hall of the L.A. Nichiren Temple to chant the Odaimoku. Although I do not have any background in the Japanese culture, I still feel that I am a true Buddhist. We quite often end our Sundays now by chanting with the lights off in the temple (Shodaigyo Meditation). The only illumination is the light from the altar candles. Some of us sit on floor mats in front of the altar, while others sit in the pews.

I love the intimacy of these moments and the energy generated during this time most definitely influences my whole week. It's a wonderful way to begin each work week.

This particular Sunday I felt, for the first time, the presence of someone who was not in a physical form. It was a man, who stood to my right...he had come to join us during the chanting. I believe he had been behind me and then moved around to the right of me. I remember also that one of the temple's members was also seated behind me.

I found out later that this was the anniversary of her son's passing, so perhaps it was he who had come to join us.

by W.V.

Lotus # 16

May, 1997