Vol. XXXI, No. 8 August 2012 Jodo Shinshu and Prayer By: Rev. William Briones

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1 The Newsletter of Ekoji Buddhist Temple alavinka Fairfax Station, Virginia - Established 1971 Vol. XXXI, No. 8 August 2012 Jodo Shinshu and Prayer By: Rev. William Briones In this issue: This article s author, Rev. William Briones, is a minister of the L.A. Hompa Hongwanji Temple, and this article is reprinted with his permission. As Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, we shall seek to be mindful of our words and deeds, be responsible citizens of our society and share with others the truth and reality of Jodo Shinshu. Understanding fully the principle of causality, we shall not practice petitionary prayer or magic, nor shall we rely upon astrology or other superstitions. Several months ago, I was called by the chaplaincy office of the UC Medical Center. There was a Vietnamese family at the hospital that had just lost their father and they requested a Buddhist priest to offer prayers to their loved one. I told the chaplain on duty that I was a Jodo Shinshu minister, which is a Japanese Buddhist tradition, but he said they had tried several Buddhist temples and no one was willing or able to go. Hearing the chaplain s predicament, I agreed to meet with the family. As I drove to the hospital I thought, What am I going to do? I don t pray. When I met with the family at the hospital, I expressed my condolences, and we talked about their father. I then told them that I was a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest and explained that, within our tradition, we chant with the understanding that we are expressing our appreciation and gratitude to our loved one. However, I told them to please offer a prayer within their own tradition while I chant. After I chanted a sutra, I remained with the family in silence as they wept. As I departed I was touched by their expression of appreciation that I had come to chant a sutra for their father. Among all Buddhists, Jodo Shinshu Buddhists are the only Buddhists who do not practice prayers nor do we teach that there can be benefits in this world through petitionary prayer. For most Buddhists, prayer is center in their practice. The reading I began with is an excerpt from the Essentials of Jodo Shinshu (Kyosho). It can be found in the front page of any Jodo Shinshu service book, under TRADITION: Understanding fully the principle of causality, we shall not practice petitionary prayer or magic, nor shall we rely upon astrology or other superstitions. In one sentence, Jodo Shinshu radically differentiates us from all other Buddhist traditions. Most major religions involve prayer in one way or another. Prayer is probably the oldest form of spiritual/mystical practice in the history of mankind. It is natural for people to want to be blessed with personal benefit. As Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, we reject this form of prayer since the basic teaching rests on the Law of Cause and Effect. Buddhism teaches that happiness and unhappiness are the results of action. And that good fortune and misfortune are also the results of one s thoughts, words, and deeds. If we cannot understand this then for sure we will continue to be frustrated and unhappy. For Buddhists, we are to awaken or be mindful of our innate inner capacities of strength, compassion, and wisdom rather than petition external forces. The Continued on page 6. Sangha News and Events Eastern Buddhist League Conference Obon Photos Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Seminar Flyer Ekoji Presidents Message Ekoji Dana List Page 5 Page 6 Page 7

2 Page 2 KALAVINKA August 2012 Sangha News and Events Congratulations!! Congratulations and best wishes to newlyweds Elspeth Noyes and Kevin Gates, married June 1, 2012, at Ekoji Buddhist Temple. Asian Vegetable Sale on August 11th Suzuki Farms will be holding a fresh Asian vegetable sale in the Ekoji parking lot following the service on August 11th. Please bring your appetites for healthy food, your shopping bags, and some spending money and stock up! In-Kind Dana Ekoji gratefully acknowledges the following in kind dana: Arlene Minami: two bags of rice for Obon John Ohta: three cases of spam for Obon Dale Shirasago: two flats of strawberries for Obon bento lunches Jane and Hannah Blechman: stuffed animals for Obon Lollipop tree Laverne Imori: ekagari (alter offerings for Sunday Service) Steve Nishigawa and Ron Ohata: fixing the parking lot asphalt John Grimes: installation of second kitchen sink Tamon and Marissa Honda: Introduction to Ekoji Buddhist Temple DVD for Obon Emlen Hamilton and Ron Ohata: cleanup in parking lot after Derecho storm Deepest Condolences Our deepest sympathies go to Joy Aso on the passing of her husband, John Malcolm, on July 8, and to Susan Kasa on the loss of her aunt, Chizuko Yoshida, who passed away in Stockton, California, on July 13, Ekoji Temple s Monthly Guest Minister s Schedule for July 2012 December 2012 The following is the schedule for guest ministers/ speakers for the remainder of See the calendar on Ekoji s website for the most current information. August 11 Monthly Guest Minister Series: Rev. Kurt Rye, Associate Minister, Fresno Betsuin, Fresno, CA. August 12 Rev. Kurt Rye, Dharma Talk Speaker, Adult Service September 22 Dr. Shoyo Taniguchi, Minister Emeritus Day To Day Decisions and Buddhism September 23 Dr. Shoyo Taniguchi, Dharma Talk Speaker, Dharma School Service & Adult Service October, 6 Rev. Ron Miyamura Ekoji Ministers Assistant and Lay Leader Training workshop October 7 Rev. Ron Miyamura Dharma Talk Speaker, Dharma School and Adult Service November 17 Rev. Masao Kodani, Resident Minister, Senshin Buddhist Temple, Los Angeles, CA - Public Seminar: What are the Differences between Christianity and Buddhism November 18 Rev. Masao Kodani, Dharma Talk Speaker, Dharma School and Adult Services Buddhist Mini-Lesson: Buddhist Terminology This article comes from the Oxnard Buddhist Temple s April 2012 newsletter, Prasada. Before eating any meal, Buddhists Gassho and say Itadakimasu. The expression literally means, I will raise it to my head. Raising to one s head is the traditional gesture of respect and gratitude. Itadakimasu is, thus, an expression of gratitude before partaking of a meal. At the end of a meal, Buddhists again Gassho and say Gochisosama. Go is an honorific prefix; chiso means to run about busily and sama is an honorific suffix. The term has no English equivalent but has the meaning of being grateful for, or acknowledging, the great effort put into preparing and presenting the food one has just eaten. It is said regardless of whether or not the cook is present.

3 August 2012 KALAVINKA Page Eastern Buddhist League Conference Registration materials are now available in the Ekoji office for the Eastern Buddhist League Conference being held over Labor Day weekend, Friday, August 31, 2012, through Sunday, September 2, 2012, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Hilton hotel near the famous Mall of America. As many of you know from previous years EBL conferences and retreats, the annual gathering is a great time of fellowship with Buddhists from throughout the Midwest, East coast, and Canada. The Twin Cities Buddhist Association is the host this year. Their Sangha has put together an informative and fun program of events under the theme, Many Paths, One Path. In addition to the Friday evening interfaith panel discussion and Saturday workshops on Buddhism, optional trips are planned to places such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Mystic Lake Casino, and there will be special activities for youth. Detailed information and registration forms are available at and we have forms available at the temple office. We hope you join our temple s delegation of adults and children to the EBL conference, not only for your own spiritual development, but to learn from the Twin Cities Buddhist Association about putting on a successful gathering. In a few years, it will be Ekoji s turn to put on the EBL conference Ekoji Obon: A Great, Big Thank You!!! By: Ekoji Obon Committee To Ekoji members, family, and friends: Thank you for making the 2012 Obon festival a wonderful success. Our Obon had good food, a wonderful crowd, high energy, and a great time. Special words of appreciation go to Rev. Brian Nagata, who conducted the Candlelight Service in the Three Treasures Garden to conclude the Saturday Obon festival, and who presided over our Hatsubon Service the next day, remembering our family and friends. Thank you also to Rev. Ken Tanaka and Truc Vo, Youth Minister s Assistant, who assisted with the Hatsubon Service. This year, we were honored with the visit of His Excellency, Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador of Japan to the United States (pictured with Rev. Nagata). He was gracious in his words when he briefly addressed our Sangha and guests, and he stayed a bit to mingle with the crowd and enjoy the festival. Our Sangha, including our friends and family, worked tirelessly to prepare for the Obon and then continued to work during the Obon. Please know that these efforts set the stage for the success of our community event and successfully presented Ekoji in a most inviting light. And again, as important as it was for all to have great fun, the true benefit to us was in working together and sharing these experiences as a Sangha. Of our Obon goals, this sharing of work and experiences is always the most important and enduring accomplishment. Thank you again, and see you next year.

4 Page 4 KALAVINKA August 2012 O B O N

5 August 2012 KALAVINKA Page 5 Ekoji Buddhist Temple Presents "Crossing Over" Becoming a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist A public seminar featuring Reverend Kurt Rye Associate Minister, Fresno Buddhist Temple Fresno, California Saturday, August 11, a.m. -11:45 p.m. Workshop for Ekoji Lay Leaders 1 4 p.m. Reverend Kurt Rye was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but his early years were spent in the Washington, D.C. metro area. He moved to Washington State in high school and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from the Evergreen State College in He started his career working with the chronically mentally ill population in Seattle. He then moved to Japan and for four years taught English in Tokyo where he was exposed to Buddhism. He attended the English Buddhist Academy in Tokyo and had the opportunity to take several courses on Japanese Buddhism at Taisho University. Upon his return to Seattle, he became an active member of the Seattle Betsuin under the guidance of Rev. Don Castro. During this period he managed a housing program for homeless clients with mental illness to help them become stable and move on to more permanent housing. Buddhist Churches of America has different levels of ordination culminating in the final ordination taking place in Japan. In the fall of 2003, he received his Tokudo ordination as a lower-level minister at the Hongwanji in Kyoto, and started attending Institute for Buddhist Studies (IBS) in January of He graduated in the fall of 2007, received his Kyoshi certification in December 2007, and his Kai Kyoshi certification in April He has served at the Fresno Betsuin as an associate minister since April Lunch will be provided for a $5.00 donation. Please RSVP to ekojieventsrsvp@gmail.com! (If you need child care, please advise when you RSVP.)

6 August 2012 KALAVINKA Page 6 Ekoji Presidents Message August 2012 Fujie Ohata and Melanie Hatter Greetings Ekoji Sangha Members! Welcome to the August 2012 Kalavinka. We hope that you and your family are faring well through the extremely hot and humid weather. To all our 2012 Obon weekend volunteers, we thank you very much for your valuable time and efforts in putting on this year s festival and service. We especially would like to recognize Rev. Brian Nagata, director, BDK America, and Ron Ohata, 2012 Obon Festival Committee Chair, for all their hard work. Their presence and encouragement throughout the weekend kept the momentum and energy going throughout each day. We also wish to thank minister s assistants Erick Ishii, Laverne Imori, and Chris Fugate for all their help as we transition through our first full month without a resident minister. Ed Sams and his Religious Committee are doing an outstanding job ensuring that all Sunday service roles and responsibilities are being fulfilled. And our gratitude goes to all Sangha members who have served as service leaders, doshi, dharma message presenters, and pianists for their wonderful contributions. We encourage all Sangha members to come out and hear our guest minister for August, Rev. Kurt Rye, Associate Minister at the Fresno Betsuin in Fresno, California, on August 11-12, On Saturday, Aug. 11, he will be making two presentations. In the morning, he will discuss the topic, Crossing Over On Becoming a Shin Buddhist, and in the afternoon he will lead a training session/workshop for all Sangha members interested in being a lay leader of the temple. This three-hour afternoon workshop will feature his experience attending the first BCA Minister s Assistance Class, helpful hints on ways to help the temple, and expectations of the lay leader and Minister s Assistance Program at a BCA temple. On Sunday, Aug. 12, Rev. Rye s dharma message will focus on the Shin Buddhist topic of Impermanence. Finally, please consider attending the Eastern Buddhist League Conference that will be held August 31 through September 2 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Join the Ekoji delegation in learning more about the Dharma and having a fun-filled weekend in Minneapolis! Registration materials can be found in the foyer of the hondo. In Gassho, Melanie and Fujie Jodo Shinshu and Prayer Continued from page 1. well-being of human life is dependent upon the consequences of our actions. There are no miracles, magic, or prayers that can change the course of events. Amida Buddha is not a god, a creator of the universe, a being who watches over me and the world, or that judges the action of man. Rather Amida Buddha is the ultimate truth/reality. Amida is the living compassion, free from all limitations. Therefore, there is no judge and no judgment. There is no wrong and there is no right. There are only the effects of our thoughts, words, and deeds. These effects exist as the consequences of what we think, say and do. And, how we respond to these effects, determines what our next moment shall be. It determines what type of human being I shall become. As Shin Buddhists, we do not consider the Nembutsu a mantra or prayer to be used to evoke awaking or to invoke Amida. It is not even a practice or good action that helps us reach enlightenment. The recitation of the Nembutsu, Namu Amida Butsu, is the outward expression of appreciation and gratitude to Amida. My saying Namu Amida Butsu is not merely my saying it rather it is Amida calling to me. Therefore Amida Buddha is not the object I am calling, rather the subject who calls to me. The wonderful thing about Nembutsu is that when we say Namu Amida Butsu, anywhere or anytime, it transforms the ordinary and mundane into the path of awakening. The Nembutsu enriches our lives with deep spiritual connection and makes every moment special manifesting the Pure Land here and now. Namuamidabutsu

7 Ekoji Dana List for July 2012 Alexis Yamashita Arlene Minami Arturo and Marlene Politano Brant and Maya Horio Brian Nagata Charles (Bud) Uyeda, Jr. Dale Shirasago Eileen Yamashita Elspeth Noles Evan Cantwell Cris Fugate Hatsuko Horio Emily Ihara Gerald Rhoads Jane Blechman Jennifer Fuchs Ken and Nori Nakamura Kenichi Kuwabara Kenneth Tanaka Kenrick Chien Kevin Gates Kio T. Kanda Lauren Ohata Laverne Imori Mark and Terri Hamill Mark Lawall Mary Okamoto Melanie Hatter Nagatani Trust Ngoc-Yen Vu Norman and Gail Kondo Paul Q. Piper Paula Lucas Richard Carl Ron and Fujie Ohata Sandra Lukic Stefani Cruz Steve Nishigawa The Ohata Group The Sawtooth Group (PNC Bank) Thomas and Phoebe Horio Yuko Keicho Kalavinka Managing Editor: Andrea A. Walter Assistant Editors: Melanie Hatter, Fujie Ohata, Ken Nakamura Advertising: Sangha members and community businesses can publish advertisements in Kalavinka. Please contact us for information! Kalavinka is published by the Ekoji Buddhist Temple, 6500 Lake Haven Lane, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, (703) Join us at Ekoji! Adult Service: Sundays at 11 a.m. Meditation: Thursdays at 8 p.m. Yoga: Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Buddhism 101: Sundays at 10 a.m. (remaining classes: August 5, 12, 19, 26) Children s Dharma School (Sept. through June): 10 a.m. family service and 11 a.m. classes Consult the Ekoji website for the complete event calendar at EKOJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE 6500 Lake Haven Lane Fairfax Station, VA ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED FIRST CLASS