Key Message
Once believing that Buddhism couldn’t accept his queer identity, Kodo embarked on a journey that led him to the heart of Pure Land teachings – where diversity is embraced and every individual is welcomed without judgment. His story challenges the notion that faith and identity must be at odds, showing instead that true spiritual practice celebrates authenticity, compassion, and the courage to shine in your own colour.
Transcript
Kodo Nishimura: Hello, my name is Kodo Nishimura. I’m a Buddhist monk and artist.
I used to believe that Buddhism doesn’t celebrate my sexuality. When I was young, my father told me that if you decide to succeed to the position of a Buddhist monk, I will have to get married to a woman because being a monk is a demanding job. I used to think that Buddhism is all about minimalism and I will have to give up all the desires.
But I liked to wear accessories and be free, so I felt that Buddhism is not for me.
For a long while, I used to not like Buddhism. At that moment, my mother, who is a pianist, told me a story. My music teacher said if you say you don’t like the music by Mozart, you have to play his piece, you have to study other composers and be able to compare it. Otherwise, it’s an opinion from prejudice.
And I felt, well, that’s true, I don’t know about Buddhism enough, so let me go to the training. And when I went to the training, to my surprise I found out that Buddhism supports diversity.
In Amitabha Sutra there is a part that talks about the Pure Land, which is like heaven. And he says in the Pure Land there is a pond of Lotus flowers. It goes ‘Shoshki Shoko Oski Oko Shakrishki Shako, Byakrishki Byako’, which means blue Lotus flower shines in blue light, yellow Lotus flower shines in yellow light, red Lotus flower shines in red light, and white Lotus flower shines in a white light.
And since that moment I changed my mind, I felt that I can be myself. And my professor also told me that Amitabha Buddha, who is the Buddha that we worship in Pure Land, will be happy and delighted to welcome me as a homosexual monk.
I just want everyone to know, I want you to know that impure and Buddhism, your difference is celebrated. Everyone is equally respected. So, the next time, if you ever doubt, please remember that shining in your colour makes the world more colourful and more beautiful.
In the Buddhist, Queer and Beautiful series, the Pure Land Foundation joins forces with Kodo Nishimura, Buddhist monk, makeup artist, and LGBTQ+ advocate to spotlight powerful reflections on self-acceptance, challenging societal expectations, and celebrating authentic beauty.
Bruno Wang: If this message speaks to you, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. And if you know someone who could benefit from this, please share it with them.