“The most significant moment for me during the last two years was the realization that I was getting better at applying one of our most basic teachings – that all things are impermanent. By worrying about the future, I was neglecting to live in the present.” — Stacy St. James

What is your favorite OCBC festival food?

It’s not easy to pick just one.  I love the wonton! I can eat a whole plate (or two) by myself.  Teri-beef sandwiches are so good.  I love the fresh hot corn on the cob with butter and lots of salt. I love the smell of the grilled octopus on the BBQ. Scent memory is strong, and I am getting hungry just thinking about it. Everything is OISHI!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Orange County, California. I was born in Fullerton and still live and work there now with my partner Eugene.  We have a cat named “Binchotan” and a Chihuahua named “Smirk”. 

What was the most significant moment for you during the last two years?

The most significant moment for me during the last two years was the realization that I was getting better at applying one of our most basic teachings – that all things are impermanent. By worrying about the future, I was neglecting to live in the present. Does it mean that I never worry? No, it does not. However, the teachings have brought me more awareness about the patterns in my thinking that were not working. I have learned to focus more on the present by paying more attention to how I breathe and saying Namu Amida Butsu.

How did you decide to attend OCBC?

I have been coming to OCBC for Obon and Hanamatsuri festivals for the last 20 years with my spouse, Eugene. The festivals are wonderful gateways for cultural understanding and Buddhist practice, but I made the (unfounded) mistake of thinking that I might not fit in as a member of the temple. I did a lot of reading about Buddhism and finally acknowledged to myself that reading about the Dharma was not sufficient. I had many questions! 

I needed a sangha and a place to take my provisional understanding and make it into something more. It was also important to me that the spiritual emphasis be on the teaching —not a particular teacher—and that the organizational structure be based on shared governance as opposed to a rigid hierarchy. OCBC seemed like a good fit. I started taking adult education classes and got to know some of the ministers who were extremely warm and patient. This made the teachings more accessible, and I soon started to see myself on a Shin Buddhist path. We followed up with regular attendance at the weekly meditation and Dharma talks on Wednesday nights. After a few months, we started to attend the family services on Sundays.  Right away, people introduced themselves and made us feel welcome.  It’s been four wonderful years that have changed my life forever.

What does a Strong Sangha mean to you?

A strong sangha is where the love is. It is a sense of place where we can feel connected to something bigger than we are and directly experience our interdependence.  It’s a supportive community that laughs together, cries together, and never fails to come together when it’s time to roll up our sleeves and do what needs to be done.