Merry Christmas!
Many folks are surprised when I say that I consider myself a Christian … even though I’m a Buddhist. They are sometimes offended because, for example, they don’t like Christianity (or any religion) or one can’t be Christian and something else at the same time. As an American, where Christian (Judeo-Christian) traditions, as a whole, across all denominations, is the most prevalent religion, it can’t help but become engrained in my psyche.
I grew up in Hawaii during the 1960s through 1970s. With the vast mixing of cultures, being a stickler to a particular religion makes for a tough life. As a child, I’d been to a few weddings and funerals presided by a Christian minister and Buddhist priest. It was nothing to anyone there that I’m aware of.
It’s not that I favor Buddhism and Christianity over other religions. It’s what I grew up with and came to know in my experience as a Japanese-American growing up in Hawaii at a time when the world wasn’t nearly as connected as it is now. I also learned a bit about the Baha’i Faith, where I learned the phrase, “Same light, but different lamp”. In my impending retirement, I’ll learn about more religions and philosophies.
Although Mrs. Hanamoku and I obviously celebrate Bodhi Day (I made a whole site about it!), we celebrate Christmas probably even more since most of our friends do and we always have. As all the Christmas movies say, “It’s our favorite time of year.”
The theme of this site and fishnu.org is that we believe there is an omnipotent entity out there, but Life on Earth is about our growth. That means we shouldn’t depend on that entity, although we can seek guidance and comfort. Even when I’m reading about modern physics, which I don’t claim to understand well, I can’t help but think how the implications are much more fantastical than anything I’ve read in religious text.
Ginger Bread Obutsudan
I thought the Rubber Ducky Buddha of Joliet deserves a special Gingerbread Obutsudan to spend Christmas. I pushed one of the side walls back to give him covering. Hopefully, this Gingerbread Obutsudan will last until the Lunar Bodhi Day on January 7, 2025. Unfortunately, the Eternal Fishnu it too tall … at least when standing on his fins.
Although my skill with the frosting/glue is … well … not great, it’s a good thing I was mindful about what I was doing. Had I blindly followed the instructions, my gingerbread house … I mean, Obutsudan … would be very strange. Notice that the roof and the sides are mislabeled on the right side of the image.
If anything, remember that mistakes are made, there is no way to know everything in a complex world. Therefore, we must cultivate our minds to be aware of our surroundings, but through a calm mind, not crazy diligence. That awareness will not protect us from everything or make our wildest dreams come true, but at least we have a chance.
Christmas Cookies
The Eternal Fishnu, The Rubber Ducky Buddha of Joliet, and I made Christmas cookies today.
Faith and Patience,
Reverend Dukkha Hanamoku
Bodhi Day 
Hi, did you receive my comment? It seems to have gotten lost in WordPress so called registration that I did not agree with. Let me know if yes, if not I will try to send again. Love and Light Rob Farrow
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Hello Rob,
Hope your Holidays are going well. Thank you much for the like and comment, from yesterday and those from the past.
I didn’t receive your comment, even though I received this message. So, maybe resending will work.
Or, you can write to me at fishnu@fishnu.org. Looking forward to it!
Take care.
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Hi sir trying to comment was very hard it got confusing with word press!! What I wanted to say was I appreciate your position on Christianity, I was brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness whilst they didn’t believe in Christmas I decided as I grew up and away from them to also celebrate Christmas and Jesus but as a JW we never believed he was born in December! I moved into Reiki in 2000 found the Kadampa Tradition Buddhism to my liking. The books by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso are inspiring. Now I’m an Aussie expate based in the Philippines no real way to meet other Buddhists so I meditate with my statues. I look forward to your next articles Love and light Rob
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Hey Rob,
I’ve been intrigued by Kadampa Buddhism, and will spend some time looking into it.
I hadn’t thought in many decades about three kids in my elementary school who were taken out of the classroom during Christmas activities over the five years I knew them. I just thought they just didn’t like Christmas, but later learned the were Jehovah’s Witnesses and that they don’t celebrate Christmas. In fact, it was my first inkling that there were divisions even within Christianity. That sounds so naive, even for a ten year old … ha.
I will let you know my impressions of Kadampa after my “Spring retreat” in a few months (around April-ish). Feel free to send me your email address at fishnu@fishnu.org.
Take care.
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