B U D D H I S T T E M P L E O F S A N D I E G O

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1 B U D D H I S T T E M P L E O F S A N D I E G O BUSSEI SCRIPT 2929 Market Street, San Diego, California Web: info@btsd.net Phone: VOLUME CXXIV NO. 5 MAY 2014 LISTENING AND HEARING TOWARD A LIFE OF GRATITUDE By Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi, Resident Minister There may be some confusion as to what we do as Shin Buddhists. We often hear and read that our main practice is to recite the Nembutsu. We also hear that Shin Buddhism is about a life of gratitude. For many, it may be helpful to have some direction toward an experience that would provide a personal meaning to these words. Perhaps this article can bring some clarity. In the 2 nd chapter on Practice in Kyogyoshinsho, Shinran makes many references about hearing. So hearing the Dharma is sometimes considered a practice. I would like to elaborate on this thought to expand our experience of practice. Closely related to hearing is the verb listening. What can we learn from this? Listening can be synonymous with hearing, as in listening to music. It can also have a connotation of intent, without hearing, as in listening for the sound of one hand clapping. This usage includes a sense of searching, especially if we add the adverb, active listening. Hearing indicates a connection with another, such as hearing the sound of two hands clapping. We often say, I hear you, meaning that I acknowledge a connection. It also means that I get it, acknowledging an understanding. But hearing can also have a passive tone, such as hearing traffic noise. I like to consider both active listening and hearing as a way of practice. They are both acts of receiving. Active listening can imply an intention, with a sense of searching. Hearing indicates a connection or acknowledgment of understanding. What we are listening for and hearing are the acts of Amida s Compassion. If we can expand the sense of hearing to include the senses of sight and emotion, we are equipped to receive in many forms. In everyday terms, Amida s Compassion might be anything that benefits us. Now we are prepared to practice living. Events are constantly occurring, both locally and globally. We judge their value according to their affect on our lives. Our dissatisfactions may be due to our focus on what isn t working. Our capitalistic economy also emphasizes what we don t have, as a means to sell more stuff. The middle path, a life of balance, is part of our road to satisfaction. A life of gratitude would suggest an emphasis on appreciating what we do have. Thank you acknowledges the many things that we have received, that support my life. Please indicates a dissatisfaction with what we don t have. By applying the practice of active listening and hearing, our outlook in life is oriented toward receiving. We begin to realize the unimaginable causes and conditions that support us. Events and conditions that were taken for granted, become gifts of compassion. Having a home or shelter, adequate food and water, clothing, education and a civil society, are conditions that many other parts of the world do not experience. The many situations of life that are unsatisfactory remain. But, our attention is balanced by the effort to recognize and appreciate the many situations that we do enjoy. Things may not have changed on the exterior, but our perception of the world can change. We can appreciate that a red light may cost us 1 minute to allow others to pass, instead of a collision at an uncontrolled intersection. This simple process of searching and finding things, to which we can say thank you may seem too simple. However, it is a practical process that can develop a shift in perspective. It has been used by many, as an introduction to the deeper meaning of Namo Amida Butsu. In his two books, Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno refers to deep hearing alluding to the experience of the Nembutsu. Becoming aware of the many common factors that support us, is a practical first step in a life of gratitude. We are changing the internal mind as external world goes on. With an increase in our awareness of the benefits that we enjoy, an attitude of gratitude may emerge. This arigatai feeling is a joyful sense of gratitude. Our subsequent actions tend toward the outward sharing of this feeling. It can balance an unhealthy impulse to achieve for self-gratification. This shift in our attitude of living, leads to a shift in the motivation of our actions. Rather than thoughts of action to achieve, we are oriented toward acts of service in response to receiving. This is a reflection of the phase of returning, or, genso eko in Shin terminology. This is the doing part of listening, hearing, and doing, which will be explored in a subsequent article. This suggestion to search and discover opportunities to express appreciation for the common things of life, replicates the attitude of our Jodo Shinshu pioneers. Under conditions much less hospitable than ours, they established a religious organization that has flourished for over 100 years. Let us strive to take this first step in developing a grateful heart. As this simple, conscious act of gratitude becomes a natural response, the depth of the Nembutsu will become apparent. Gassho. PRESIDENT S MESSAGE By Glenn Torio, Board President Spring is in full bloom and so is Padres baseball! Petco Park is a great venue for baseball and has a unique San Diego feel. I (Continued on Page 3)

2 MAY 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 4 9 a.m. Dharma School Staff Hall 10 a.m. DS/FAMILY SERVICE 日曜礼拝 May Shotsuki Memorial 5 月祥月法要 11:30 a.m. Hall 11:30 a.m. Taiko Hall 12 p.m. BWA Hall 11 8:30 a.m. Jr. YBA Mother s Day Breakfast 10 a.m. DS/FAMILY SERVICE 日曜礼拝 11:30 a.m. Hall 11:30 a.m. TAIKO Hall a.m. GOTAN-E 宗祖降誕会 Guest Speaker: Rev. Akio Miyaji, BCA Minister, Emeritus 11:30 a.m. Taiko Hall 11:30 a.m. Jr. YBA p.m. BWA Chirashi Zushi light Hall 25 Temple Closed (NO SERVICE) 11:30 a.m. Taiko Hall 5 Temple Closed 7 p.m. W&M Hall 12 Temple Closed *June Bussei Script articles due 19 Temple Closed 26 Temple Closed Memorial Day 8:30 View 9:30 a.m. Community Memorial Day Hope 11:30 Rosecrans p.m. Minyo Group Hall 1 p.m. Shigin 1.2 6:30 p.m. Taiko Hall 7 p.m. Buddhism 13 10:30 a.m. So. Dist. Ministers Mtg.@LA Betsuin p.m. Minyo Group 1 p.m. Shigin 1.2 6:30 p.m. Taiko 7 p.m. Buddhism p.m. Minyo Group 1 p.m. Shigin 1.2 6:30 p.m. Taiko 7 p.m. Buddhism p.m. Minyo Group 1 p.m. Shigin 1.2 6:30 p.m. Taiko 7 p.m. Buddhism 7 p.m. Fundraising :30-9:30 p.m. Spring Furniture Sale PREP 8 12 p.m. IRC Mtg. 6:30 p.m. Board of Directors Hall 2 12 p.m. BTSD/KIKU GARDENS Senior Lunch Garden 4:30-9:30 p.m. Spring Furniture Sale PREP 9 7:30 p.m. So. District Council Buddhist Temple a.m. 宗祖御命日 3 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Furniture PLUS Sale 3 p.m Nat l Council Mtg. Hall 5 p.m. - ABA Restaurant a.m. Koto Class Hall p.m. Jr. YBA Mother s Day breakfast Hall a.m. Koto Class Hall Imperial Valley Memorial Day Cemetery Services 9:30 10 Centro p.m. BTSD/VFW Hall

3 MAY 2014 BTSD BUSSEI SCRIPT Page 3 (PRESIDENT S MESSAGE: Continued from Page 1) encourage you to attend a ball game and enjoy the experience. Also in full swing is construction of our new Temple kitchen! You would be surprised and excited to see how far along it has come. We are still a ways from completion but on the right track. I thank you for supporting this project. As with most all construction projects there are unexpected additional costs involved, regardless of how one plans ahead. I m sure that support will continue as the project progresses. We had a beautiful Hanamatsuri Service, along with our famous potluck lunch, by far one of the best around! We were fortunate to have former Bishop Yamaoka as a guest speaker. He gave individual messages to the Dharma School, English and Japanese members of the Sangha. The day before (Saturday), he was the speaker at our BEC s workshop. I would also like to thank Kenji Sensei and Mrs. Karen for their great dedication and hard work each day since arriving here in San Diego. As Rev. Yamaoka stated, we are very fortunate to have them as our spiritual leaders and to guide us into a future of continued growth and prosperity. Gassho. BOARD HIGHLIGHTS On Thursday, April 10, 2014, the Board of Directors met and the following items were acted on or discussed. 1. Condolences to the families of the late Kazuo Kiyono and Mrs. N. Koga who passed away April 6 and April 9, respectively. 2. The Board approved the payment for the Ingo for past President Kazuo Kiyono. 3. The Board approved support of several community activities: JAHSSD's Dinner-Dance, a web link to a fundraiser for the JFG's Garden of Unity documentary, an insert in the Bussei Script for the 2014 Japan-America Grassroots Summit, Odori dancers' participation in the Asian Cultural Fair, and BTSD representation at the JCC's annual Keiro Kai luncheon. 4. A thank you will be sent to Kiku Gardens for the use of their kitchen facilities in prepping for the JFG Cherry Blossom Festival. 5. Steven Tomiyama will continue as BTSD's representative on the Kiku Gardens Board of Directors. 6. The Board approved registration fees for two members to attend a County of San Diego approved Food Handler Manager Class. ABA NEWS April started out quiet. On the 13 th was Hanamatsuri and a potluck luncheon after the service. We thank those that brought a dish to share. May 3 will be our dinner meeting at Peking Restaurant at 5:00 p.m. Please let Motoo or Tsune know if you can attend. BWA NEWS We enjoyed the various Hanamatsuri activities April Some members were able to attend the lecture by Rev. Dr. Yamaoka on Saturday, and his talk in English and Japanese at the service on Sunday. Our group helped provide side or main dishes and salads for the potluck after service, and of course, made all the yummy treats for the yearly BWA Bake Sale. This year, our group will be donating the bake sale monies to the Kitchen Compliance Project. For the Gotan-E service, we will be providing otoki for the attendees. Prepping will be on Saturday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m., and Sunday, beginning at 7 a.m. Our annual luncheon to welcome our new members will be in June. It is always a joyous occasion, and one we all look forward to every year. The May 15 sign-up deadline for the 2015 FBWA Convention to be held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, will soon be here. If you are interested in the convention or exciting tours planned, please contact Sue at (858) , or sl.sd@roadrunner.com. Thanks to Group C for providing a delicious lunch for our April meeting. Group D will host our May meeting. DHARMA SCHOOL NEWS On April 13, the temple observed Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival) commemorating the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha. In preparation for the celebration, Dharma School students (Julianna Henschen, Breven Honda, Riley and Bryson Moribe, Trina Muraoka, and Davis and Evan Ong) and Sangha members (Linda Lee, Ann Ong, Roger Coppock, Margo Spears, Susan Moribe, Miki Honda, Ruth Voorhies and Mrs. Karen Akahoshi) came out to decorate the hanamido and prepare flower arrangements on Saturday, April 12. It looked beautiful. Great job! Dharma School wishes to thank Mrs. Asako Morinaka and her son, Ronnie, for donating the beautiful cymbidium orchids. The orchids lined the hondo stage and other areas of the temple. Also, many thanks to Roger Coppock, Ann Ong, Kaytee Sumida, Steve and Sanae Zaveloff, and others for providing beautiful flowers. Steve and Sanae Zaveloff brought beautiful pink flowers all the way from the state of Texas. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. John Hashiguchi, Nancy Martinez, and Wayne Tsukamoto for your monetary donations. The Federation Dharma School Teachers League (FDSTL) Conference was held on April 26 at Mountain View Buddhist Temple. The Coast District served as host. Richard Matsumoto, Kimberly Kruse, Jamie Shimizu, and I attended. The theme was Shinran s Journey, My Journey, Our Journey. More details on the conference, plus our visit with Rev. Mukojima and his family, will be reported in the June Bussei Script... Stay tuned! Hatsumairi (Infant Presentation Ceremony) is the first service when a child is formally presented to Amida Buddha. In Japanese it is called Shosan shiki, The First Visitation. Hatsumairi will take place on Sunday, May 18 at 9 a.m. Registration forms may be obtained in the temple s office or in this month s Bussei Script. Registration deadline is May 11. Mother s Day is Sunday, May 11! All mothers are invited to attend the Dharma School/Family service this day. Prior to the service, the Jr. YBA will be serving its traditional Mother s Day breakfast. More details can be found in the Jr. YBA report. On June 7, San Diego will host the Southern District Dharma School Teachers Mini Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The (Continued on Page 4)

4 Page 4 BTSD BUSSEI SCRIPT MAY 2014 (DHARMA SCHOOL: Continued from Page 3) theme is Changing Times Changing Minds with Kenji Sensei as the keynote speaker. We will host approximately 25 teachers. A Southern District meeting will take place following the event. The next staff meeting will be on Sunday, May 4 at 9 a.m. in the Sangha Hall. Gassho, Avis Honda, DS Superintendent Jr. YBA NEWS On April 5, Mark and Breven attended Seminar II in San Fernando. Thanks to Ralph Honda for driving! On May 11, the Junior YBA will be having their annual Mother s Day Breakfast. All juniors and dads who can come out to help with the cooking and setting up will be much appreciated! Seminar III will be June 14 at Senshin Buddhist Temple.. Mark your calendars for the next Junior YBA meeting which will be on May 18 after class! ACTIVITIES REPORT MOVIE DAY. We would like to give a grade A+ to our chairperson, Yasuko Kinoshita. for leading the troops to another successful movie day on March 30. Along with Nancy Martinez and her donation of insulated bags, and Miyo Hill s donation of homemade necklaces, plus all the donations of bakery goods and cash donations, we were able to make it profitable. Yasuko was kind enough to write this note of thanks: Because of the Wonderful and reliable volunteers and donations, another Movie Day ("Always Sunset on Third Street") was a success with net profit of 1, BIG THANKS goes to the following: Miyo Hill, Nancy Martinez, Karen and Roy Okuhara, Junko and Tim Kajita, Patty and Jake Nakamura, Gregg Yonekura, LuAnn and Harold Lee, Matsumoto family (Alice, Rick, Jenny, Clayton, Emma and Claire), Glenn Torio, Margo Spears, Quimico Hagio, Jeanie Kashima, Arlene Shimizu, Jamie Shimizu, Joyce Teague, Kimberly and Jeff Kruse, Mildred and Trace Kawasaki and Michael Kinoshita. Last but not least, thanks to all those who came to the movie day in support of the Kitchen Compliance Project. We hope you can continue to support the movie day as we plan to have another one on October 4. This one will be a double feature so part I can be seen again if some may want to see it again or missed it all together on March 30. BINGO DINNER. Thank you to everyone who supported the Spaghetti Benefit Dinner! Whether you enjoyed the yummy meal, helped prep/cook/serve, or stayed for the monthly Bingo Night, the Temple appreciates it all. More detailed information to come in the next issue. UPDATE The last Bingo on March 29 had a small turnout. The VFW served their famous Hot dogs, and Chili dogs. On the April 26, the Temple had their fundraiser Spaghetti dinner. Everyone enjoyed the yummy spaghetti, and most stayed for Bingo Night. Remember, the Temple gets 50% of all proceeds. Buy-in is with extra cards at 0.50 each. Pull tabs are available for 0.50 each, and a free raffle ticket that comes with the Buy-in. We hope to see more come out for a fun filled night! BTSD Japanese Cultural Bazaar Our Annual Cultural Bazaar is on Sunday, June 1. The theme this year is Sports and Games. We will be looking for donations towards our silent auction, bakery, snack bar, kids game prizes, etc We always welcome anyone to underwrite items that we purchase. Your bazaar opportunity drawing tickets and letter are available now. The volunteers helping solicit donations for our raffle and our silent auction welcome your donations for possible prizes. Donations can take several forms: Cash donation to underwrite the cost of the major raffle prize. Gift item or gift card or certificate you already own. A donation that you solicit from a favorite local restaurant or vendor or other business. This works especially well when you are a top customer. NOTES: Need a letter? Contact the Temple Office for a generic solicitation letter and an on-the-spot tax receipt for the donation. They are available in PDF form or ask for hard copies. Buying a Gift Card to Donate? If you purchase a gift card to donate for the silent auction or raffle under the Temple s Scrip program, the Temple benefits twice. See Miyo Hill at Sunday services for Scrip from national vendors and chains. Did the Temple already Ask? The Temple Office or Bill Teague can check for you. We have already solicited many donations. NOTE: KCP construction will be ongoing and will most likely not be completed by June 1. With this knowledge, we will need all those involved to be understanding that there will be many changes on how we prepare for this event. Please attend the next meeting on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 at 7 p.m. in Room 1 & 2 to get all the details. MEMBERSHIP REPORT Bill Teague, Acting Membership Chair Here s our Spring checkup on membership: All of the following have renewed or joined in Names in boldface are new members, joining us for the fellowship of our Sangha and the teachings of the Dharma, and the refuge of the Buddha: Masato Asakawa; Agnes Benson; Roger Coppock; Jeanette Dutton; Stephen & Lynn Fuchigami; Cynthia & Orlando Guiang; Quimico Hagio; Ruby Hara; John & Tsune Hashiguchi; Rev. Akira Hata; Hiroko Hendrix; Miyo Hill; Mikiye Honda; Jim Hornsby; Eugene & Jo Ann Hotta; Jeanne Inouye; Setsuo & Jan Iwashita; Yukio & Gail Iwashita; Masami Iwataki; Richard & Ruth Kaneko; Jeanie Kashima; Naoye Kasubuchi; David Kawamoto; Yukio & Mitsuko Kawamoto; Umeko Kawamoto; Toshiko Kawasaki; James & Katsumi Kida; Margie Kitano; Norman Kiyono; Jeffrey & Kimberly Kruse; Hiroshi Kubota; Howard Kanji & Kaneko Kuwada; Tomomi Sakatani & Setsuko Lambert; Peter & Amy Masuda; Chiyoko Masumoto; Bruce McDonald; Janis Miyoshi; Asako (Continued on Page 5)

5 MAY 2014 (MEMBERSHIP: Continued from Page 4) Morinaka; Chieko Moriyama; Roy Muraoka; Jake & Patty Nakamura; Pauline Nakamura; Fred & Nancy Nakatani; Yuko Niwa; Sumihiro & Yuriko Nogata; Kayoko Ochi; Janet Ochi-Fontanott; Arikazu Ogasawara; Ann Ohara; Fumiko Ohara; Kisae Ohara; Kiyoko Omori; Shirley Omori; Laurine & Ken Ota; Dennis & Elaine Otsuji; Kazumi Peterson; Linda Ring; Bill & Suzanne Sannwald; Brian & Lorin Sasaki; Steve & Susan Schraeder; Wilbur Shigehara; Margo Spears; Tsuruko Sueishi Stark; Yukiko Sugiyama; Floyd & Kaytee Sumida; Mary Suyenaga; Yuriko Taira; Kelvin & Lara Tanaka; Dr. Terry & Naomi Tanaka; Robert Taniguchi; Yuriko Terusaki; Sayoko Tomiyama; Betty Torio; Glenn & Janet Torio; Frederick & Masako Tsuji; Wayne Tsukamoto; Motoo & Angie Tsuneyoshi; Wendy & Mychal Walz; Kenneth & Emi Wong; Jane Yagade; Chiyeko Yagi; Mani Yamaguchi; Laura Yamaguchi; George & Ann Yamamoto; Kengo & Mae Yamamoto; Sachio Yamamoto; Miyoko Yamanishi; Tom M. & Colleen Yanagihara; Tom & Sumiko Yanagihara; Gregg Yonekura; and Roy & Susan Yonekura. Did you see your name here? These figures are correct only as of mid-april. If you think your name belongs here, let us know so we can correct the error and extend our apologies. Otherwise renew today! Reminder letters will be going out in May to those whose renewals have not yet come in. Renewals of existing membership dues help us meet our obligations today. Adding new members builds our strength for tomorrow. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE This month the Scholarship Committee will be sending out applications to potential candidates for graduating high school seniors, and continuing college students who will be continuing with their higher education at the community college or college level this Fall. Scholarship applications are also available in the Temple s office. Applications can be submitted electronically and are due July 1, Several decades back, the scholarships were renamed to honor two pillars of the Temple community. The Ben Honda Memorial Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors in their efforts. The Tets Kashima Memorial Scholarship supports students as they continue their higher education after the first year. The core funds for the scholarship are from the Tanizaki Family Memorial fund. For the Kashima continuing higher education scholarship, students must complete a brief essay. This year the requested theme will be on How Popular Culture Sees Buddhism Today. Thanks to all of you who support our scholarship program, both through donations (often via the optional donation on the BTSD membership form) and through purchases at the Obon Again resale shop at our Bon Odori. Over the years, several families have been especially generous, including the K.J. Jimmy Takashima family and the (brother and sister) Fusa and Taro Matsui family. The first large donation to an ongoing scholarship fund reflects the donors in its name, the Masami Tanizaki Family Memorial Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are announced at the Obon service in July. BTSD BUSSEI SCRIPT SCRIP NEWS Page 5 Just want to keep you updated to what retailers have been added to Great Lakes Scrip Center. You can order Papa John's, Caribou Coffee, Buckle, Dairy Queen, and Stein Mart in either 10 or 25 dollar denominations. The following retailers are no longer part of the scrip program: Brookstone, J. Jill, Carlos O'Kelly's, Quiznos, and Stoney River. Don't forget that we have some scrip on hand and that you can purchase and take with you on the first Sunday of each month, and at all major services. As we approach the summer, start making a list of all the scrip that you will need. Thank you for purchasing scrip and making it a viable way of assisting the temple! TEMPLE IMPROVEMENTS Though major renovations required for the Kitchen Compliance Project are being done by our General contractor, a number of volunteers are hard at work improving our facilities. We d like to thank Fred Nakatani for building shelving in the Taiko storage room. Fred has also added shelving for storage in the Annex kitchen, audio-visual equipment room, done some electrical repair and cleaned the annex attic space. Jeff Kruse has repaired the closers on the under-stage storage doors and replaced gaskets on the refrigerators. Michael Kinoshita, Ralph Honda and Glenn Torio painted the Minister s room next to the Onajin. Ken Muraoka relocated the temple s internet and phone equipment so that temple operations could continue while the KCP demolition work began. Michael Kinoshita replaced the keyed lock to the annex kitchen door. Mrs. Karen Akahoshi has helped us by organizing the Sangha Hall kitchen. The Jr. YBA and their advisors cleaned the basement storage room. Thanks to all for your consideration and hard work! Remembering Mr. Kazuo Kiyono, Former Temple President When the temple needed someone to be the master of ceremonies for events, and to explain the traditions of the temple in both English and Japanese, it looked to Mr. Kazuo Kiyono. Mr. Kiyono, a longtime member and former temple president, passed away on April 6 at the age of 91. Many of today s members may recall Mr. Kiyono being the MC at the annual Bon Odori. He would welcome everyone to the festival with a big smile and introduce all of the dances in both English and Japanese, providing a brief explanation of each dance. Mr. Kiyono was the MC for many of the temple celebrations as well, including the New Year s party. He served as temple president from Mr. Kiyono was a very active member of the temple, serving and leading many committees. He was very active with the Dharma School program serving on the teaching staff. During the 1960s, Mr. Kiyono was instrumental with helping start the Dharma School program at the North County Buddhist Church (known today as the Vista Buddhist Temple). (Continued on Page 6)

6 Page 6 BTSD BUSSEI SCRIPT MAY 2014 (REMEMBERING MR. KIYONO: Continued from Page 5) In the community, Mr. Kiyono was involved with the local chapter of the Japanese Coordinating Council (JCC) where he served as president. He also served with other community groups helping coordinate annual San Diego visitations by the Japanese Navy and Japan youth baseball teams. A public memorial service was conducted under the auspices of the Buddhist Temple of San Diego on April 19. Kenji Sensei served as the officiate and was assisted by Rev. Tesshi Aoyama and Rev. Akio Miyaji. Temple presidents served as honorary pallbearers. Following the service, otoki was served in the annex hall and was assisted by the BWA, ABA and friends. Please join the temple in extending its deepest condolences to Mrs. Ruth Kiyono, son Norman and the Kiyono family. Namo Amida Butsu NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE Beginning in May, the planning committee will meet regularly as the San Diego and Vista temples prepare to serve as the host site for the 2015 BCA Ministers and National Council meetings. The next meeting will be on Saturday, May 3 at the temple. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. Mother s Day Breakfast SUNDAY, MAY 11, :30-9:45 a.m. BTSD Annex Hall Mothers = FREE Others = 3.00 donation HOSTED BY THE JR. YBA United Church of Christ and Japanese Christian Church, along with the help of Asian Pacific Post 4851 will sponsor the event. Prior to the Mt. Hope service, Kenji Sensei will conduct a memorial service at El Camino Mortuary (formerly Cypress View) beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Japanese-American section of the mausoleum. In the afternoon, Kenji Sensei will conduct a service at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. The temple will be closed on Sunday, May 25. Everyone is encouraged to attend the services on Monday, May 26. HANAMATSURI CELEBRATION On Sunday, April 13, the temple celebrated Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival). The event commemorated the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha, who was born over 2,500 years ago in India. The hanamido (miniature flower altar) of the baby Buddha was decorated with colorful flowers, which included carnations, by the Sangha volunteers and Dharma School students. The hondo stage was lined with baskets and vases of colorful flowers and beautiful orchids. Wow. This is the most beautiful site I have seen for Hanamatsuri. Mrs. Karen Akahoshi said. I have never seen so many orchids used for Hanamatsuri. It is beautiful, Mrs. Karen added, who, along with Kenji-sensei, experienced their first San Diego Hanamatsuri. Prior to the service, the Sangha streamed into the hondo to burn incense and pour sweet tea over the baby Buddha. The hondo was filled with people of all ages, from the youngest Dharma School student to the young at heart. Everyone enjoyed the Dharma messages delivered by the guest speaker, Rev. Seigen Yamaoka, BCA minister emeritus, and former Bishop of the BCA. Rev. Yamaoka also shared his message at a BECsponsored lecture Saturday evening. Following the service, everyone headed to the annex hall for the traditional potluck luncheon. The luncheon was tremendous with a lot of main, side and rice dishes and desserts. There was so much food, extra tables had to be set up to accommodate the dishes. Everyone filled their stomachs with the delicious food and enjoyed the company of their friends. At the end of the luncheon, everyone was able to take home the flowers. Thank you to the YABA members for setting up for the luncheon and cleanup. Thanks to the Jr. YBA and Sangha Teens for serving tea and helping bus tables. Many thanks to the floral donors, hanamido decorators and families who shared their favorite dish for the luncheon. Outstanding! MEMORIAL WEEKEND OBSERVANCES Special services over the Memorial Day weekend will be conducted by the Buddhist Temple. Services will be held at the Calexico, El Centro and Brawley cemeteries in the Imperial Valley area on Saturday, May 24. On Monday, May 26, the temple will be hosting the annual community Memorial Day service at Mt. Hope Cemetery starting at 9:30 a.m. The Buddhist Temple, Pioneer Ocean View

7 FURNITURE plus SALE SATURDAY, MAY 3, a.m. to 12 p.m. The Temple will be having a Furniture plus Sale to make room for incoming Fall Rummage Sale items! Stop by the temple if you re looking for some furniture, linens, rugs, small appliances, luggage and more! BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SAN DIEGO 2929 Market Street, San Diego, CA (619) info@btsd.net SPRING FURNITURE PLUS SALE-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The temple will be having a Spring Furniture PLUS Sale on Saturday, May 3, and will need help with prep and set-up, as well as on the sale day itself. We need a successful Spring sale to raise funds for temple operations and to make more room for items for the August Rummage Sale We will be selling furniture, appliances, housewares, electronics and other treasures. We had a generous donation of computer equipment that will be offered for sale. Although this is a one-day event, a lot of work happens before the sale. Sorting and pricing Thursday, May 1 from 4:30-9:30 p.m. The main set-up, which includes moving furniture out the parking lot, happens Friday night from 4:30-9:30 p.m. A light dinner will be served on both nights. Help will be needed on the sale date from 6:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The sale hours are 8 a.m.-12 noon. Volunteers are needed for cashiering, security, sales, and other duties. Please call the office at (619) , info@btsd.net, or visit the temple s Facebook page. (Sorting and set-up volunteers get to preview and purchase items ahead of the sale!). A sign-up list will be posted in the annex hall. Thank you! 2014 Rummage Sale Committee HATSUMAIRI HATSUMAIRI (Infant Presentation Ceremony) is a ceremony in which your child or grandchild is presented to Amida Buddha for the first time. In Japanese it is called Shosan shiki, The First Visitation. This year, Hatsumairi will take place on SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. preceding the Gotan-E Service. If you would like to have your child and/or grandchild to participate in this ceremony, please complete the form below and return it by SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014 to either Avis Honda (Dharma School Superintendent) or to the temple s office. A small donation is requested. We ask that the participants be there at 8:30 a.m. * * * * * Hatsumairi Ceremony Participation Form May 18, 2014 Participant s Full Name: Participant s Date of Birth: Parent s Name(s): Address City/State/Zip Phone Number: Address: Registration Deadline: SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2014.

8 BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SAN DIEGO Membership Pledge for 2014 Renewal New Member* Sponsorship* Change of Address Mr. Mrs. Ms. NAME: BIRTHDATE: Mr. Mrs. SPOUSE NAME: BIRTHDATE: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: ( ) - CELL PHONE: ( ) - WORK PHONE: ( ) - OCCUPATION: Membership Pledge: The temple has an annual campaign to raise funds that go towards the Operating Budget. This budget pays for ministerial salary, part-time staff, programs, utilities, maintenance and the day-to-day expenses of running the temple. This tiered membership offers members the opportunity to choose their level of donation. Sponsorship Pledge: Individuals are invited to sponsor a new or existing member under the current membership program. Individual / Senior / Youth (All Ages) Couple / Family Optional: Senior Reduced Cost (75 years and older) Optional: Youth Reduced Cost (30 years and younger) Sustaining Dana Wisteria Bodhi Member Member Member Member (Membership Amount) Recommended Annual Donations (Optional): KITCHEN COMPLIANCE PROJECT... FLORAL OFFERING FUND (Suggested annual donation of 40)... This fund helps defray cost of regular fresh flowers for the Onaijin (Central Altar). GENERAL MAINTENANCE FUND (Suggested annual donation of 40)... The fund helps provide upkeep of the Temple properties. SCHOLARSHIP FUND (Suggested annual donation of 20)... The fund rewards members deserving high school graduates and college students. DHARMA SCHOOL (Suggested annual donation of 20)... Dharma School does not conduct fundraisers. Your annual donation helps sustain its activities. TOTAL AMOUNT AMOUNT ENCLOSED PLEASE INDICATE PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Annually Semi-annually Quarterly Monthly To use credit card: Visa MasterCard Acct# Expires (MM/YY) / Authorized signature (if charging): Billing address (if different from above): Zip Please make checks payable to the BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SAN DIEGO. A percentage of your dues support the Buddhist Churches of America and is remitted annually to the BCA via the Temple. Benefits include a year s subscription to the BCA publication, Wheel of Dharma and a printed copy of our monthly newsletter, the Bussei Script. THANK YOU! Mailing address to send your pledges: Buddhist Temple of San Diego 2929 Market Street San Diego, California For any questions about membership, please call the Temple at or send inquires to the Membership Chair at info@btsd.net. *For NEW MEMBERS and SPONSORSHIPS, proration is available.

9 仏教婦人会五月会議録 1) 花祭り英語講座 ４月１２日 土 午後７時 講師 山岡誓源師 2) 花祭り法要 ４月１３日 日 午前１０時 講師 山岡誓源師 3) 昼食用意 メインデッシュ サラダ 4) ベークセールでの収入金を 仏教 会キチン改築費に寄付 5) 降誕会法要 ５月１８日 日 婦人会は 御斎の接待をする ５月１７日 土 午前９時半から午後２時頃迄 ５月１８日 日 午前７時から用意 6) 世界仏教婦人会大会 日時 ２０１５年５月 場所 カナダ国アルバタ州カルガリにて 参加希望者は 森部スーまで連絡ください 電話 ８５８ ５６５ ６５９４ イーメール ｓｌ ｓｄ ｒｏａｄｒｕｎｎｅｒ ｃｏｍ 7) 当番 ４月 グループＣ 感謝 8) ５月 グループＤ 9) 6月には 新会員歓迎昼餐会を計画しています

10 Bussei Script BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SAN DIEGO 2929 Market Street San Diego, California / ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID San Diego, California PERMIT NO. 396 As one little candle lights another, so the light of Buddha s compassion will pass from one mind to another mind endlessly. ~The Teaching of Buddha MAY SHOTSUKI HOYO (May 4), GOTAN-E (FUJIMATSURI) & HATSUMAIRI (May 18) The May Monthly Memorial (Shotsuki Hoyo), will be observed on Sunday, May 4 in conjunction with the Family Service beginning at 10 a.m. Shotsuki is an opportunity to remember family members and friends who passed away during the month of May. On Sunday, May 11, prior to the service, the Jr. YBA will be having its annual Mother s Day breakfast from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. in the Annex Hall. Moms are free! All other guests are 3. Please join us as we observe Gotan-E on Sunday, May 18 at 10:00 a.m. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Akio Miyaji, BCA Minister, Emeritus and former resident minister for the Buddhist Temple of San Diego. Gotan-e celebrates the birth of SHINRAN SHONIN ( ), founder of Shin Buddhism. The life and teachings of Shinran Shonin constitute one of the most significant developments in the history of Buddhism, for it was Shinran who discovered a path for the lay person which ensured that the treasures of the Dharma would be accessible to all people without discrimination. This observance is also called Fujimatsuri (Wisteria Festival), after the purple flower which represents our denomination. Though the flowers grow high on intertwined branches of a tall and sturdy tree, unlike other flowers which stand up when in full blossom, the wisteria hangs down, as if in humility. The Hatsumairi, Infant Presentation Ceremony, will take place at 9 a.m., prior to the Gotan-e service. Families of young children are encouraged to have this ceremony performed by Kenji-sensei in front of Amida Buddha. Please contact the temple to sign-up and/or for more information. Deadline is May 11. An envelope is enclosed if you would like to make an offering for Gotan-E. For those who subscribe to the Bussei Script online, we invite your Gotan-E donation. As always, the Temple looks forward to your participation and is very grateful for your support.