Established in 1994
Three Wheels is a branch temple of Shogyoji Temple in Fukuoka, Japan, itself founded in 1593.
About Us
We belong to the Shin Buddhist (Jōdo Shin-shū) tradition, founded by Shinran Shonin, which emphasises awakening through the Other-power activity of Amida Buddha’s Original Vow, as manifested in the form of the nenbutsu (i.e. pronouncing “Namu-Amida-Butsu”).
At Three Wheels, we emphasise learning through experience, and so we encourage you to join in our activities regularly whenever you are able to do so.
When you spend time with other Sangha members, you will naturally become aware of the meaning of Nenbutsu teaching through listening to their humble, respectful and sincere expressions of repentance and gratitude. Then, in time, you will find that you have naturally come to know how to digest the Dharma selflessly in your own experience.
You are very welcome to join in and start your own journey of encounter with the Buddha’s teachings.
The Essence of Shin Buddhism
“In Shin Buddhism we take refuge in Amida Buddha in order to free ourselves from suffering. With repentance for the times when we have hurt both ourselves and others, we entrust ourselves to Amida Buddha. At the moment of entrusting ourselves the wall of our self-consciousness collapses and Amida’s light comes pouring in and pierces through our consciousness. The Meditation Sutra states: “It embraces us all and abandons none.”
One who attains faith in Amida Buddha is filled with joy at being freed from selfish attachments… We become aware of how much has been done for each one of us. It fills our minds with pure light.
If we are happy to have attained faith and peaceful awareness, we will want others to become happy too, so we try to be altruistic. But it is difficult for us always to love others. Nevertheless, through a true encounter with a single individual, whether teacher or friend, we will come to discover those around us as Buddhas and bodhisattvas.”
– Reverend Professor Kemmyo Taira Sato
One time someone asked Rev. Sato the question,
“What is Shin Buddhist practice?”
Rev. Sato replied, “Every moment is our practice”.
