July 26, 2026
Dharma Message

This summer I have used various modes of transportation. I have taken a plane, train, bus and of course, driven. During all these trips, I have seen “both sides of the coin”, particularly personalities. Wherever and whenever I traveled, people were either impolite, isolative or very friendly and helpful.

Depending on the transportation seems to bring out their people’s personalities. When waiting to board or depart a plane, I observe people. It seems people are in their own “bubbles”. They are either on the phone or their computers. They do not look up from their devices. No one says a word to others, except maybe to ask if a seat is taken or “excuse me”. There is no “hello” or any type of greeting. They seem to want to get where they are going. Even sitting next to someone on the plane, there is no conversation. Some people will help the “vertical challenged” folks with getting luggage from the overhead compartment, but that could be because they want to depart as soon as the doors open. People are polite while waiting for each row to exit, but there are some who want out. Of course, we “pay” for this fast mode of travel.

Depending on where our destination is, taking a train is a much different adventure. People seem to be more “laid back” because they know that the trip is going to take time. By the end of their or my destination, I know their life’s history or their reason for traveling. I always take food with me, and we may share some of it. People seem more willing to engage in conversation or help each other walk to the restroom, for at times, the ride can be a little jerky.

My last trip from Southern California, there was a slight altercation between the steward and a young person. Waiting for the train to arrive, this young person was smoking one of those “funny cigarettes” and the smell was VERY strong. The smell clung onto this person’s clothes. In fact, everyone on the platform noticed the smell. When the train arrived, the young person went straight to the restroom. The steward noticed the odor and asked to see the person’s ticket. Those in the same car took notice. We did not know what to think. The young person either produced evidence of a ticket or the steward called the station. The young person was upset and said that a complaint would be reported. The steward gave the 1-800 number to call. This was the beginning and end of the short-lived situation. It made the journey a bit scary.

Unfortunately, the schedule had all the passengers transfer to a bus at Union Station to Van Nuys train station. A husband and wife who were going in the same direction came to my rescue. The husband asked if this was my first experience of transferring to a bus. I said yes and he immediately said that I should follow them. He and his wife said and felt that it was not safe to be alone.

The husband went ahead and his wife helped me carry my bags. While walking to the bus, the wife told me she was married to her husband for 38 years, the husband served in the armed forces and was helpful to others. She said being a Christian, she and her husband liked to be as helpful to others. We arrived at the bus, and I thanked them for their support and help. The wife said there was no need for thanks because we should all be “kind and gentle” to each other.

I learned that not everyone lives in a “plastic bubble”. Even though they may not have heard of the Buddha Dharma, they find compassion for those in need. They took the time to talk with others and, “to protect those weaker” than themselves. It was Nembutsu, Namu Amida Butsu for the kindness and concern for others.

Gassho,
Rev. Naomi Nakano