Remember! Order your dinners by October 15th! Call Cheryl Koga, DIRECTORY OF OFFICERS UPCOMING OCTOBER EVENTS.

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1 DIRECTORY OF OFFICERS UPCOMING OCTOBER EVENTS Ministers Church President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Maintenance BWA President Newsletter Editors Webmaster Rinban Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Matt Hamasaki Curtis Koga Open Position Sho/Kari Higuchi Glenn Yoshimoto James Goishi Kaye Kozuki Lynne Yoshimoto Curtis Koga Karen Shimizu Sho Higuchi Glenn Nakamichi /1 10/9 10/11 10/14 10/15 10/29 (Sun) (Mon) (Wed) (Sat) (Sun) (Sun) Sangha Gathering Church Board Meeting Dharma Discussion Church Clean Up, Group 2 Eitaikyo Service Yard Sale Drop Off 10:00 am 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm Remember! Order your dinners by October 15th! Call Cheryl Koga,

2 2 October SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Sangha Gathering 10:00am Parlier Taichi Class 8:00am Welcome Center 9:15am-11:30am Parlier BC Board Meeting 7:00pm Curtis Dharma Discussion 7:00pm 12 Parlier Taichi Class 8:00am Welcome Center 9:15am-11:30am Church Clean Up Group 2 8:00am 15 Eitaikyo Monthly Service 10:00am Shoshinge Chanting 7:00pm Parlier Taichi Class 8:00am Welcome Center 9:15am-11:30am Parlier Taichi Class 8:00am Welcome Center 9:15am-11:30am Yard Sale Drop Off 12:00pm

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4 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER Eshin-ni and Kakushin-ni, the Mothers of Shin Buddhism in Japan by Rinban Kakei Nakagawa Have you ever thought to Eshin-ni, the wife of Shinran Shonin, or his daughter, Kakushin-ni? I often think of them in gratitude and my feelings are like those of a son to his mother. Without any doubt, Eshin-ni and her daughter Kakushin-ni are the mothers of Shin Buddhism. They never preached like Shinran or ever appeared in front of people, but this doesn t mean their contribution was small. Kakushinni was the one who took care of Shinran Shonin in his later years, especially when he was on his death bed. She built the first mausoleum of Shinran on her piece of land which was also his gravesite. In 1277, she donated this gravesite to all Shin Buddhist followers as a common memorial to Shinran. Later, this memorial was known as the Ohtani mausoleum. She established the system of caretakers composed of her descendants who had to look over the gravesite. This caretaker system later developed into what is known today as Monshu of Honganji-ha and the Ohtani mausoleum became the original Honganji temple. Now lets be reminded about Shinran s wife, Eshinni. She actually supported Shinran Shonin financially by her inheritance during his years of exile. Above all, she loved him deeply, gave him the full support only a wife can give. Indeed, who was closer to our dear Shonin than his own wife?... She saw his feelings, sad moments, good moments, hard times, etc. We all know Shinran and his great contribution to all mankind (Shin Buddhism is steadly spreading in the modern world without the so-called religious propagation), but who was behind him day to day if not his wife? To whom he went home for love and warm, if not to his wife? Who was the one he regarded to be a manifestation of Kannon Bodhisattva if not his own wife, after that inspirational dream? A woman, even if she stays behind the scenes, can be of an immense support to her husband, and I think that Eshin-ni was such a wonderful 4

5 MESSAGE FROM RINBAN KAKEI NAKAGAWA woman. To me, she is a co-founder of Jodo Shinshu in Japan. I often think to her and venerate her in my mind. She appears to me like those supporters of Buddhas which are often found in Buddhist iconography. Now Shinran is an Awakened One. Even though he is not eligible to attain buddhahood by following Buddha s foot-steps because of his gravely poluted karma as well as other ordinary people like us, Nenbutsu practice takes him to the point of no doubt by realizing wholly the origin and effect of Buddha s boundless wisdom and perfect empathy. Shinran definitely had a moment that the Buddha became him instead he should attain buddhahood. And according to Shinran s vision, the Buddha would become Eshin-ni also and become one with her in the moment of her passing. Eshin-ni is another promised Buddha, so they are now a couple of Buddhas whom appeared in the beginning of Shin Buddhism in Japan. The partners in Enlightenment were working together as they worked during their earthly life for to save all beings. Since Shinran and Eshin, millions of couples have followed the same process during the last 800 years in the Shin Buddhist society. They all proved that they could realize a realm where Buddha and Buddha bow and thank each other, and share the Nenbutsu with each other. In October, six chapters of the Central California District have Eshin-ni/Kakushin-ni Memorial Services. Rev. Naomi Nakano of San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple will be the guest speaker at 11 AM on Sat. 7th at the Visalia Buddhist Temple and at 10 AM on Sun. 8th at the Fresno Betsuin Family Dharma Center. I hope you will attend either of these services or the service being held at your temple, and enjoy the uniqueness of Jodo Shinshu, family-oriented Buddhism where a husband, wife and their child established. 5

6 MESSAGE FROM REV. MATT HAMASAKI Within the ritual aspects of our form of Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu, also known as Shin Buddhism, we carry many cultural traditions taken from Japan, which is where our branch originated. One of the things that many of us are familiar with is the Japanese confection known as manju. I think all of us have seen the small round mounds up on the altar area as symbolic offerings to the Buddha to show our gratefulness for giving us the teachings. And I m sure many of us have also tasted these tiny cakes for one reason or another because it is a custom passed down from the Japanese immigrants to become part of the culture here in America. It has always been present throughout my life, but I hadn t given it second thought so I began to look up the history of manju. As it turns out, the concept of manju was brought to Japan from China. It originates from a bun called mantou which has an interesting if not gruesome etymology. In the period of the Three Kingdoms in the third century, a chancellor of one of the states in China came across a river whilst leading his men back from a victory. Although they tried, they could not cross the river no matter what they did as the river was simply too tumultuous. A barbarian lord nearby told the chancellor that the barbarians sacrificed 49 of their own and threw their heads into the river in order to calm the deity that resided in it. Not wanting to lose any more lives, the chancellor told his men instead to make steamed buns filled with meat shaped like heads and throw those into the river. Following that, they were able to cross unharmed and the buns were called barbarian s head. However, over time characters with the same sound but different meaning eventually came into use, so it now literally means steamed bread bun. In Japanese, the characters have the similar meaning with the Japanese pronunciation although the last character in both languages 6

7 MESSAGE FROM REV. MATT HAMASAKI actually still means head. When these buns were brought to Japan, legend has it that Japanese priests that went to China brought them back in the 13th or 14th century. And since monks did not eat meat, they instead filled it with sweet bean paste. Its popularity spread and now they are common as souvenirs or gifts, and as such, are common as gifts to the Buddha. Within our lives, we have things and events that either make us happy or content. While manju is delicious (to people who enjoy manju) it s very difficult to eat many manju at once. Because of their sugary nature, they have an intense sweet taste and after a couple of them one may get sick or an upset stomach. It wouldn t do well as the main dish for a meal and serves well as a dessert or snack, just a small helping to compliment food which is more nutritious and filling. Within our lives, we have things and events that either make us happy or content. These two things may sound like the same and they are similar, but ultimately they are different. To do something very enjoyable is an intense emotion and is quite fleeting. To be content is a lasting feeling which is not as acute, but still call be powerful. As Shin Buddhists, we are not taught to deny ourselves the pleasures of life. We shouldn t stop from trying to have fun experiences or buying nice things. But we are encouraged to realize that more than the rush that we get from having such things, it is important to have a content life. Just as we shouldn t constantly be having manju for all meals of the day and instead should just be having a couple to go along with the meals, we should try to live in such a way in which we are content and find opportunities to have delectable experiences to complement such a life. 7

8 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our appreciation to the following for their generous donations TEMPLE Nona, Donna, & JoAnn Ebisuda Hirakawa Family Mr. & Mrs. David Windle Mr. & Mrs. Dick Koga Mr. & Mrs. Henry Guerra Donations Donations MEMBERSHIP DUES Mrs. Sumiko Ebisuda Mr. Glenn Nakamichi Ms. Lynda Okino Monthly memorial for Yoshino Ebisuda Monthly memorial for Tom Hirakawa Monthly memorial for Masanobu Kimura Monthly memorial for Genzo & Taka Koga 13th year memorial for Estie Kobashi September Sangha Gathering Fall Ohigan Mr. Neil Okino Mr & Mrs Tom Wilson $60.00 $ $50.00 $ $ $27.00 DONATIONS for AUGUST MEMORIAL SERVICE: Mrs. Sumiko Ebisuda Mr. & Mrs. James Goishi $25.00 Kanemoto Family $50.00 Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga $60.00 Ms. Jan Koga $50.00 Mrs. Kiku Koga $40.00 Mrs. Denise Kusunoki $40.00 Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa Mr. & Mrs. Yuki Mori Mrs. Toshiye Nakamichi Mrs. May Takata Ms. Akiko Yorizane Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Yoshimoto Mrs. Ruby Yukawa $ $25.00 $25.00 FALL OHIGAN DONATIONS: Mr. Patrick Chiamori Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Doi Ms. Gail Hachiya Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga Mr. & Mrs. Tad Kozuki Mr. & Mrs. Yuki Mori Mrs. Miyo Ohara $25.00 $25.00 $

9 Reedley Buddhist Church FOOD BAZAAR Sunday, November 5, 2017 at the REEDLEY BUDDHIST CHURCH Corner of 15th & J Streets ~ Reedley, CA 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Dinner - $15: Chow Mein, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Namasu (salad), Rice, & Fortune Cookie Other items available: desserts, sushi, beef sticks th Street - Reedley, CA Call (559) for tickets or reedleybc@gmail.com 9

10 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 Buddhist Church of Parlier Board Meeting 9/11/17 Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm. Gassho was led by Yuki. Quorum was established. Those in attendance: Sho Higuchi, Curtis Koga, Cheryl Koga, Steve Sasai, Lynne Yoshimoto, Glenn Yoshimoto, Yuki Mori, Toshie Mori, Joyce Sasai, Calvin Doi, Dennis Ikuta, Tad Kozuki MINUTES - Minutes from August 14, Motion to approve by Steve, second by Toshie. Minutes passed. TREASURER S REPORT - Glenn gave the treasurer s report. MINISTERS ASSISTANTS -Proposed service schedule sent into Lee COMMITTEE REPORTS Maintenance - Floor waxed, looks good! - Tree trimming came out to check out the tree by parsonage - Motion to authorize removal of tree in October. Motion by Dennis, seconded by Glenn. - Eddie suggested to staple the tiles on the ceiling, will look into the cost BWA - Thank you to Charlene for bringing refreshments - Thank you to Group 1, led by Kaye and Gary for cleaning on Sept 16th - Group 2 cleaning October 14th, led by Lynda and Neil, 8 am - Thank you Kathy and Christine for preparing the Ohigan Luncheon - FBWA Delegates meeting, October 14th at the Family Dharma Center - October 21st, we will be making visitation to homebound meet at 9am - October 29th, Yard Sale drop off 12pm Publication - Need to put more money into the postage V & P - Super Bowl Sunday Service in Reedley this year - Peace on Your Wings Ministerial Affairs Committee - Will be meeting on the 21st, will be able to give more information after - Working on getting evaluation form for ministers BCA Announcements -Many seminars and events. Please check out the BCA website. -Curtis will look into forwarding the BCA events OLD BUSINESS Past month s services & events -Sangha Gathering & Shotsuki services held Pod Cast Put the podcast link on the PBC website Fundraising/New Ideas - Meeting 8/19/17 Corporate Giving Program - Tim Kozuki ed, for every 1 hour of volunteer work he does, his company will pay $10 to a non-profit. Property Sale - Nothing to report NEW BUSINESS Upcoming Services - 9/13 Dharma Discussion - 9/18 Shinran Memorial Shoshinge chanting - 9/24 Nembutsu Seminar - 10/1 Sangha Gathering Nembutsu Seminar 9/24/17 at Fresno Dharma Center 10am Fowler s Gotane Service on May 6, 2018 with Koichi Mizushima - Parlier s scheduled for 5/20/18 Q&A this Saturday, Rev. Shinseki Saturday, Family Dharma Center 9:30, 9/16 - Dr. David Pating, MA from San Francisco Buddhist Temple Meeting adjourned at 8:43pm. NEXT MEETING 7:00 Financial - Funds look good 10

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12 12 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER

13 GOODBYE SUMMER, HELLO FALL! 13

14 Reminder Temple Dues Yearly dues for 2017 are due now. Thank you to those who have paid already. Your support is greatly appreciated. The schedule of payment is again: $275 per person and $550 per couple. For 1 st year new member, dues are $ and 2 nd year is $ A Sangha Gathering October 10am Topic: Karma Join in and enjoy a morning of informal Dharma talk, interaction with others, and a nice light lunch. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend! s J October Eitaikyo/Shotsuki Service Oct. 10 am Rev. Matt Hamasaki Officiant Refreshments provided by North Toban K BWA Yard Sale Saturday Nov. 4, 8am-11am Drop off, Sunday Oct noon to 2:00pm Appliances should be clean & in working order, cords attached with tape. Clothes; clean and ready to wear. Bedding labeled by size, grouped together or tied together, holiday items welcome, furniture in good condition. No big appliances. We will need lots of help from all members. Welcome Center Open for fun and Mohjong Every Thurs morning 9:15 At the Parsonage Everyone is welcome! CC Nembutsu Seminar Sept 24 Guest Speaker Rev. David Matsumoto, IBS 10am 1pm (lunch included) Fresno Dharma Center Shoshinge Chanting With The Moris Third Monday of the Month Next session Oct 16-7pm 14

15 The Wish List: Parlier Buddhist Church Wish List An enhance listening device for our hard of hearing member. All of us are going to need something to help with our hearing in the Hondo. We have researched a listening device which would transmit to a small device each person could individually control for volume. The unit with 4 headphones would cost about$2000 including installation. Each headphone after that would cost about $150. We hope to purchase 4 more headphones for now. Purchase of a new microphone for the rostrum to enhance the quality of the sound would be nice to have. The cost would be $250. Hopefully, more donations for this listening device will be received. If you would like to try them out, ask any Board member at the next Service. We are all going to need something like this listening device as we all age. Unfortunately, that time comes sooner rather than later. Scrip Cards Another way to support our Temple is to purchase Scrip cards to numerous stores you could choose from. As an example; we frequent Walmart and use the card to buy our purchases. It is fast and easy. Or grocery shopping at your favorite store: You need groceries all the time. Now part of your purchase can go to our Temple. When we were using the Save Mart cash back cards our Temple, in one year, received almost $1000 from you purchases. Contact Bowlersr@aol.com or call her to place your order. Don t forget the Holidays are just around the corner. 15

16 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE The October Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday October 15, Familes as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend. October Shotsuki DECEASED Mrs. Miyoko Yoshimoto Mr. Alan Kiyoshi Miyakawa Mrs. Yoshi Masuda Mr. Hatsuno Tanaka Mrs. Tomi Watamura Mrs. Masako Sanada Mr. James Nakao Mrs. Yoshiye Nakao Mrs. Kasumi Suehiro Mrs. Shime Saito Mr. Yahichiro Nakadachi Mr. Masaki Ohara Mrs. Tami Ohara Mr. James Noboru Kozuki Mrs. Sada Yamamoto Mr. Muneo Nakamura Mrs. Momi Miyakawa Mrs. Mary Sachiko Okubo Mrs. Chiyoko Kurokawa Mr. Masanobu Kimura Mrs. Fumiye Yamanaka Mrs. Natsuko Kimura Mr. Fred Takata MOURNER Mr. Evan Yoshimoto Mr. Kelvin Miyakawa Mrs. Ellen Tsudama Mr. Bill Watamura Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro Mr. Alan Nakadachi Mrs. Miyo Ohara Mrs. Miyo Ohara Mr. Steven Kozuki Mr. Jimmie Yamamoto Ms. Gail Nakamura Mr. Kelvin Miyakawa Mr. Warren Okubo Ms. Arlene Kurokawa Ms. Varlene Kimura Mr. Tom Yamanaka Ms. Joanne Kimura Mrs. Fukuko Hillis One Year Memorial rd Year Memorial th Year Memorial th Year Memorial th Year Memorial th Year Memorial rdYear Memorial th Year Memorial 16

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