Where has Bombu Been?
If you are a regular reader of the Being Bombu blog and/or its companion newsletter What’s New, Bombu?, then you have probably noticed that we have been quiet for a few months. Let’s just say that life has a habit of getting in the way of creative pursuits. Truth be told, a lot has been going on in the background. From dealing with family issues to pressing projects at the office, it has been sink or swim the last few months. Me? I have been doing my utmost to keep doggy paddling my way forward to calmer waters!
The break has not been all bad, mind you. Yes, I missed sharing my thoughts on Jodo Shinshu and its application to what it going on in our world. But the time away from my desk has also given me pause to think long and hard about what I want this site to be and where I want to go with it. This is not just a return to blogging for me, but the launch of some exciting new initiatives here on Being Bombu. I cannot wait to share some great new content with you as we head into this latter half of the year. Thanks to all who took the time to answer my poll, by the way. Your recommendations and feedback have been invaluable as I ponder the future of this site.
I also have some personal updates to share with you. During my absence from content creation for the blog, I have been busy exploring my role as a BCA Minister’s Assistant. This has meant learning more about ritual, taking a bigger part in services, finding new ways to offer outreach on behalf of my temple, and delivering more dharma messages. Public speaking has long been a passion of mine and nothing motivates me more than having a positive message to share. The homework that I do before I each and every talk deepens my knowledge of Jodo Shinshu and helps me to better apply what I am learning. It is also incredibly cathartic as it forces me to look often into the literal and proverbial mirror. I was also honored to recently contribute an essay to a new BCA publication about making a home in the temple. I will share more on that soon.
It feels to good to be at the keyboard again and I promise to do my best to keep interruptions like this to a minimum. But I do have to remember that as a bombu, there will always be things beyond my control and situations in which I will fall short of my own best intentions. I am grateful for your patience, dear readers, and for your support of this blog.
Namo Amida Butsu,
John Sokusho DiGilio
9 August 2024
