BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box Newmark Avenue Parlier, California Phone: (559) LIVE A REAL LIFE March 2017

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1 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box Newmark Avenue Parlier, California Phone: (559) LIVE A REAL LIFE March 2017 Ocean and Shinran Shōnin (Continuation from February article) by Rinban Nakagawa Last month, I shared the story of Soldier Takashi. He experienced the process for attaining the state of Anjin (mind in peace and joy) awareness through a horrible accident during WWII, in the middle of the southern Pacific Ocean. After changing his thinking after hearing and being reminded of the Nenbutsu (Myōgō), his experience was so precious that even the dangerous and frightening ocean became a friend who embraced and supported him. Interestingly, Shinran Shōnin ( ), the founder of the Jōdo-Shinshū school, was extremely fond of the ocean imagery. He coined the original 34 Ocean-related words and those words appeared 104 times in his works, such as Ichijō-Kai (Ocean of the One-Vehicle wisdom), Shinnyo-Kai (Ocean of Such-ness), Shinjin-Kai (Ocean of true awareness), Hongan-Kai (Ocean-like original Primal Prayer), Daihoh-Kai (The great treasure Ocean of Dharma) as well as Shōji-no-Ku-Kai (Ocean of painful existence), Gunjō-Kai (Ocean-like pitiable world), Mumyō-Kai (Dark Ocean of ignorance), Bonnō-Kai (Ocean of blind passion), Aiyoku-Kai (Ocean of loves and greed) etc., etc., etc. All 34 words are key terms for reading Shinran Shōnin s interpretation of Buddha-dharma in thirteen century Japan. When Shōnin uses Ocean-related coined words, each word expresses a certain aspect of the world of Buddha or the world of sentient beings. If Buddha s world is Ocean, Our world is also Ocean likewise. There are no two Oceans. Much more, there never will be thirty-four different Oceans in Shinran Shōnin s view. The world of sentient beings could turn into the world of Buddha by the inconceivable working of the Dharma on the Nenbutsu. Looking at Shinran s life, he was exiled to Niigata Prefecture, old-time name Echigo and stayed there for about 8 years. He lived in the coastal area of the Japan Sea with his family. Shinran Shōnin was supposedly held as an intense image to an Ocean. Winter violence isn t ordinary in the Japan Sea but at the same time, same sea brings rich marine products. Shinran contacted natural rage and gentleness in each season and certainly arose an image of Ocean in depth of his consciousness. Two faces of nature, the rage and the gentleness, have produced an image of Ocean as the world of sentient beings and Ocean as the world of Buddha. Shinran Shōnin mentions in his Shoshin-ge for use in these two aspects of Ocean ; The reason why Śākya-muni was appeared in this world and became one and only Nyorai (Dynamic-Buddha), was solely to expound the Ocean-like Primal Prayer, broad and deep. In this pitiable Ocean-like world of five defilements where even a single Hotoke (Static- Buddha) could not be appeared, must rely on Buddha s natural voice (Nenbutsu) as a guide and remind his intent as the real Dynamic-Buddha. [ Shoshin-ge Chapter of Śākya-muni, (First 4 Phrases)] 1

2 MESSAGE FROM REV. MATT HAMASAKI This past week, I was able to make it to the movies where I saw the latest Walt Disney Animation movie, Moana. I had been wanting to see this movie because I love Disney movies in general and I had heard good things about it. There was quite a bit of buzz in the media as well since one of the songwriters is Lin-Manuel Miranda, the star of the hit musical Hamilton. I was especially excited because I felt like the studio was on a roll after Frozen and most recently Zootopia, both of which I really enjoyed. For those of you who have not seen the movie and plan on seeing it, perhaps you should wait to finish reading this article until after you ve viewed it as I am about to reveal potential plot spoilers. The movie is about the daughter of a chieftain of a Polynesian island and her journey to both save the people of the island and her journey to find herself. What I am concerned with in the writing of this article is the latter; how the titular character, Moana, discovers who she is. In the beginning of the movie, there is a song where Moana s father teaches her about the island and how the people utilize all of the resources to create a sustainable life. Since everything they need is on the island, there is no reason for anyone to leave. However, when Moana s grandmother begins to sing she says, You are your father s daughter Stubbornness and pride Mind what he says but remember You may hear a voice inside And if the voice starts to whisper To follow the farthest star Moana, that voice inside is Who you are Although Moana does not fully understand where this advice will lead her, she ends up leaving the island and goes on an adventure that offers its different trials and tribulations, and at her lowest point in the movie she is ready to give up the task she was given the responsibility to complete. At this time, the spirit of her grandmother visits her and, in song form, asks her now, if she knows who she is. Moana tries to answer back with, Who am I? I am the girl who loves my island I m the girl who loves the sea It calls me I am the daughter of the village chief We are descended from voyagers Who found their way across the world They call me I ve delivered us to where we are I have journeyed farther I am everything I ve learned and more Still it calls me And the call isn t out there at all It s inside me It s like the tide, always falling and rising I will carry you here in my heart You ll remind me That come what may, I know the way I am Moana! After this revelation, Moana finds her strength to carry on and if you would like to know what happens, you ll just have to see the movie! What I found compelling about these two excerpts was that Moana had a voice inside her that whispered to her when she needed guidance. It had always been inside her and when she quieted her mind, she could hear what she needed to in order to take the next step in her life. And, at the same time, there were many things outside of her that called to her: her home, the sea, her family, and her ancestors. All of these things were important to her and helped make her who she was, but her breakthrough was when she realized that this whisper from the inside and these calls from the outside were one and the same. I think all of us can relate to Moana in the sense that we all have a voice inside us that helps guide us when we are troubled. And I think that we all have calls from outside to us that drive us and push us to be who we are. Of course, these are different for each person and so everyone is unique in their personalities. But, there is a universal call to all beings, a voice within everyone that resonates together: the call of the Buddha. When we hear the Buddha calling for the happiness of all beings, it is the compassion of the heart of the Buddha reaching out to the compassion in all of our hearts. And when we quiet the ego of our minds and hear our hearts whisper to us to be compassionate, we know who we are, and we respond to the call with acts of kindness. And out of the gratitude we feel, with the spontaneous recitation of Namu Amida Butsu. 2

3 TEMPLE: Windle Family Mrs. Betty Kurisu Ms. Jan Koga Mr. & Mrs. David Ogami Mr. & Mrs. Tad Kozuki Donations Memorial for Nobuichi Kimura...$ Special...$50.00 Nirvana Day service...$25.00 Monthly memorial for Terry Ogami...$20.00 Monthly memorial for Hisaye Kozuki...$ February Sangha Gathering...$92.77 MEMBERSHIP DUES: Mr. & Mrs. James Goishi Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga Ms. Lynn Sasai Mrs. Fusa Ishimaru Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kozuki Mr & Mrs Tom Wilson DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL/NIRVANA DAY SERVICE: Mr. & Mrs. Tatsumi Arakawa...$20.00 Ms. Lynn Sasai... $20.00 Mr. Patrick Chiamori...$25.00 Dr. & Mrs. Steven Sasai... $25.00 Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta...$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Shimizu.$25.00 Mrs. Takako Kanemoto...$20.00 Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro... $20.00 Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto...$25.00 Mr & Mrs Tom Wilson... $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Shiz Kimura...$25.00 Mr. Robert Yano... $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kozuki...$25.00 Ms. Akiko Yorizane... $50.00 Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa...$30.00 M/Ms. Glenn Yoshimoto... $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Yuki Mori...$25.00 Ms. Setsuko Yotori... $20.00 Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi...$20.00 Cash donations... $84.00 HO-ONKO DONATIONS: Mr. & Mrs. Yuki Mori...$25.00 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our appreciation to the following for their generous donations 3

4 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2017 By Sho Higuchi, Co-Secretary Meeting was called to order at 7:09pm. Gassho was led by Yuki Mori. Quorum was established. Those in attendance: Sho Higuchi, Curtis Koga, Cheryl Koga, Toshie Mori, Yuki Mori, Kaye Kozuki, Clyde Yoshikawa, Joyce Sasai, Steve Sasai, Lynne Yoshimoto, Glenn Yoshimoto, Dennis Ikuta, Calvin Doi, Tad Kozuki, Jeanette Wong Sing MINUTES - Minutes from January 9, 2017 meeting read. No corrections. Minutes passed TREASURER S REPORT - Glenn gave the treasurer s report. MINISTERS ASSISTANTS - Nothing to report. COMMITTEE REPORTS Maintenance - List of things we can do: Colors for outside chosen, 2 new electrical lines in kitchen to support 4 roasters (Jay), all outlets work, each outlets could service 2 roasters. Recommend purchase of 2 new AC units (approximately $7,500 per unit), Put light in between 2 bathrooms and in the front area. Group 3 to clean fans in the kitchen, asked Jay about remotes for the thermostats, $150 per device x5. (Dennis to look into remotes), Thank you to Kimuras for donation, when rain subsides, will commence painting outside. Tad having brick work fixed in the front, still need to finish. Yuki weeded the Parsonage area. BWA - Thank you to Rhea Ikemia for refreshments, Feb 18 th, clean up by Group 3, March 25 th, next clean up led by Kaye and Gary Kozuki, Feb 19 th Nirvana Day service, starts at 9:30, luncheon and bingo, March 5 th, Food Bazaar and BWA in charge of bake sale, March 12 th, Yard Sale drop off 12:30-3pm, sale on March 18 th. No big appliances, March 26 th, BWA conference Publication - New computer! V & P - Service at the Fresno Dharma Center, will be at Terry s House April1 st, Asian Fest, Retreat OLD BUSINESS Past month s services & events Sangha Gathering good turnout. Errin in charge of discussion and refreshments. Thank you! Hoonko service went well. Leadership Training - Dennis went to Leadership Training, Number of ministers and guests. Spoke E 4 about the issues with each church as well as Buddhist training. How to make people feel welcome (greeting committee), having a glossary of terms, fundraising, If anyone has questions, please contact Dennis. General Meeting - February 18 th National Council Meeting - Calvin and Julie will be representatives. BCA is having a crisis with dues, PBC will vote on budget, Motion by Dennis to approve vote to approve budget, second by Tad, motion passes. Pod Cast - Brandon Hill is willing to set up podcast for our temple.h ttp://everydaybuddhism.libsyn. com/podcast Food Bazaar - Everything set Community Picnic - Saturday, April 8 th at Parlier Buddhist Church. Clyde is chair for picnic; Kari to take RSVPs. Hot dogs - $2, Hamburgers - $5, Chips and Potato Salad. RSVP deadline March 25 th. Need food count; for kids age and gender for prizes, Usually have 50 families attend; 125 maximum. Shade cloth Buddhist Education Committee - Jeanette heads up committee, setting up having a different minister, speaker, every month for Buddhist education, Open to suggestions about presentations, March 6 th, Fresno Betsuin, Buddhism and WWII, April 2 nd, Movie at PBC - May 7 th, Movie at Buddhist Church of Fowler, June 4 th, Movie at Reedley Buddhist Church Other Old Business NEW BUSINESS Upcoming Services February 19 th, Nirvana Day/ Keirokai 9:30am, Kikuye Hirakawa funeral 1:00pm February 20 th, Shinran Memorial Shoshinge chanting March 8 th, Dharma discussion March 12 th, Sangha Gathering March 25 th, Tanouye Memorial 11:00am February 26 th, Reverend Miyaji Retirement February 24 th, Set up small stage for BWA conference Meeting adjourned at 9:29pm. NEXT MEETING 7:00

5 BUDDHIST WOMEN S ASSOCIATION March is coming in like Gang Busters. BWA ladies have a full schedule for March starting with this year s Food Bazaar. This is the main fund raiser for our Temple so we need EVERYONE S help and support. We will start prepping on Mar 1 with washing of the tubs used for the Bazaar and many other chores. Check the work schedule in last month s newsletter for your assigned day/time. Let Karen S or Kaye K / know if you can t help at your assigned day/time. In February, Curtis & Cheryl gave a wonderful presentation at the Feb. Monthly Evening Lectures in Reedley. Their topic was Gratitude. If you were unable to attend, you missed one of the best presentations given on this topic. For the Sangha Gathering in Feb, Errin Davenport gave a talk on Nirvana. It was nice to hear from someone who did not grow up in the Buddhist religion but came to it as he matured. Sangha Gathering is very enjoyable and fun to participate in. Come out and enjoy! Group 3 headed by Setsuko Y., Joyce & Steve Sasai cleaned our Temple. Thank you every one in Group 3. All Church members were invited to come and express their ideas about how and where the future direction of our Temple could take us. Many ideas were expressed and consideration will be given to all opinions. Nirvana/Keirokai/Monthly Memorial Service The ladies who have attained the great age of 88 yrs are: Fusa Takasaki, Betty Iseki, and Mary Kubo. A nice obento lunch to honor those 70 yrs and older, was enjoyed by over 65 attendees. Bingo was entertaining and fun for all. Joyce S. & Lynne Y. organized the lunch & bingo. We are fortunate to have Matsuko S. who makes the delicious makizushi every year. Thank you to Steve S & Glenn Y for picking up the obento. It was a fun Sunday morning at our Temple. Weekly &Monthly activities held at Church: Taichi/Welcome Center provides wellness for anyone interested in attending. It is held every Thurs starting with 8a then Welcome 9:15. By Kaye Kozuki, BWA Newsletter Writer 5 Chanting with the Moris is held the 3 rd Monday of each 7p. Curtis has a lively discussion group about Buddhism the 2 nd Wed of each 7p. March Events: Mar 5 - The Annual Church Bazaar. BWA ladies are asked to bake an item for the Bake Sale. Mar 12 -Sangha Gathering Topic: Everyday Buddhism. Mar 18 - Spring Yard Sale with drop off of items on Mar 12, 12:30p to 3. Mar 18 Q&A with Rev. Tets 4p. Everyone is welcome. Mar 19 - Ohigan Service, Rev. Tets Unno will be the guest speaker. Warren Yoshimoto will prepare the luncheon. We are fortunate to have special friends who help with our luncheons. March 25 - Omigaki time!! Everyone s help is needed for this biannual cleaning of our church, especially because of the conference. Please make every effort to help. Group 1 headed by Kaye & Gary Kozuki will be the main cleaning group. March 26 Parlier BWA will host the CCBWA Conference in Parlier. Men are encouraged to attend. Continental breakfast starts 8:30am. Whew! Glad to have March, march away!! But it was a fun month! BWA dues are $10. Please remit to Carol Guerra 8484 S. Indianola, Selma or give to any Board member. Parlier Picnic Sat, April 8 10am Location: Parlier Buddhist Church Everyone is welcome! Carol & Henry Guerra are in charge of races/prizes. Sho & Kari Higuchi will take care of the food Curtis & Cheryl are in charge of general arrangements. Come to the picnic and have lots of fun!! Thank you to Taichi group for the Temple s front door lights! They have donated many items over the years.

6 It s Bazaar Time!! This Sunday, March 5, 2017 Hope you sold lots of tickets! This is the main fund raiser for our Temple!! Come out and support our Temple By selling tickets & working at the Bazaar!! M Sangha Gathering March 12, 2017 The topic will be Everyday Buddhism Cheryl will give a short talk Join in for an enjoyable morning of Fellowship, Buddhism, and good food! P BWA Yard Sale P March 18 8am to 11am Start saving your unwanted items. Please make sure everything is in running order with cords securely attached. Have clothing cleaned and appealing. Furniture in good condition. Baby items such as cribs, car seats, strollers will not be sold due to changing laws about the safety of them. No big appliances. Drop off March 12, 12:30pm to 3 Welcome Center Every Thurs from 9:15am at the Parsonage Fun card games, Food, Fellowship L Ohigan/Monthly Memorial Service March 19, 10am Guest Speaker: Rev. Tetsuo Unno Lunch prepared by Warren Yoshimoto Q&A with Rev Unno: Sat. March 18, Temple Everyone is welcome CCBWA Conference Hosted by Parlier March 26, 2017 Theme: Reconnecting & Recharging through the Nembutsu Something new this year, men are also welcome to this Conference, so invite your significant other. The morning will start at: 8:30 Registration & Continental Breakfast 9:30 Opening Service 10:30 Dr. David Pating, Keynote Speaker 11:45 Lunch, Entertainment 2 General Meeting & Closing Service It will be an interesting and fun day so plan to attend. Tobans will be contacting you. Taichi Want to get some gentle exercise? Classes every Thurs. morning 8 am for Taichi plus stretching and balancing exercises. Everyone is welcome and invite a friend. New classes are starting. 6

7 The Sangha Gathering Corner - March - Errin gave a Dharma Message on Nirvana Errin led a discussion group on Nirvana. His brother, Neil joined us. 7

8 Parlier BWA ladies work on CC Conference Project Nirvana Day Keirokai 8

9 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE The MARCH Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday, MARCH 19, Families, as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend. MARCH SHOTSUKI DECEASED MOURNER Mr. Ryo Furumoto 66 yrs. Mr. Roy Furumoto Mr. Shiemi Fujii 53 yrs. Mr. Takejiro Yagi 49 yrs. Mr. Akira Chiamori 48 yrs. Mr. Patrick Chiamori Mr. Masaki Ohara 46 yrs. Mrs. Miyo Ohara Mrs. Suye Sunada 46 yrs. Mr. Randy Sunada Mrs. Shizuko Nagare 34 yrs. Mr. Fred Nagare Mrs. Hisako Okino 25 yrs. Mr. Neil Okino Mr. Matsujoro Okada 76 yrs. Ms. Ellen Okada Mr. Sosuke Yamamoto 75 yrs. Mr. Kelvin Miyakawa Mrs. Satsu Yamamoto 76 yrs. Mr. Kelvin Miyakawa Mrs.Kiyoko Matsushima 46 yrs. Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto Mr. Isaburo Izumo Mr. Masayuki Ohara 22 yrs. Mrs. Miyo Ohara Mr. Katsuso Arifuku 22 yrs. Mr. Fred Fumio Kusunoki 15 yrs. Mrs. Denise Kusunoki Mr. Henry Tanouye 13 yrs. Mrs. Lee Osaki Mrs. Aiko Tanouye 13 yrs. Mrs. Lee Osaki Mr. Ban Yorizane 12 yrs. Ms. Akiko Yorizane Mr. Tom Kobashi 11 yrs. Ms. Kathleen Reiko Tanouye 4 yrs. Mrs. Lee Osaki 2017 is the Memorial year for those deceased in One year Memorial th year Memorial rd year Memorial th year Memorial th year Memorial th year Memorial th year Memorial th year Memorial 9

10 Scrip Program Janette Wong-Sing has established a Scrip Program for our Church. You can order gift cards from her to give away or use them to spend on your everyday purchases. As you buy the cards, a percentage of your purchase is given to the Church by the Scrip Program. Contact Bowlersr@aol.com or call her to make your orders. You can also find a complete list of all cards available at shopwithscrip.com. In 2016, the Church made almost $1000 from your purchases! Let s try to increase that amount this year and support our Temple. Church Dues for 2017 are Payable The amount is again $275 per person and $550 for couples. You can send them to: Glenn Yoshimoto th Avenue Kingsburg, CA If you do not pay your dues, the BCA dues of $114 per member is still payable by the church. BI-ANNUAL YARD SALE Saturday, March 18th 8:00am- 11:00am ***Contact Denise to sign-up for a shift: Time for Spring Cleaning so clean out those closets! DROP-OFF: SATURDAY, MARCH 12TH 12:30PM-3:00PM 10

11 DIRECTORY OF OFFICIERS Ministers Rinban Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Matt Hamasaki Church President Curtis Koga Vice-President Clyde Yoshikawa Secretary Sho/Kari Higuchi Treasurer Glenn Yoshimoto Maintenance James Goishi Fujinkai Presidents Lynne Yoshimoto Julie Doi Newletter Editors Curtis Koga Julie Doi Karen Shimizu Webmaster Glenn Nakamichi UPCOMING APRIL EVENTS 2 (Sun) Sangha Gathering...10:00am 2 (Sun) BEC Movie in Parlier...4:00pm 8 (Mon) Parlier Picnic...10:00am 10 (Mon) Board Meeting...7:00pm 12 (Wed) Buddhist Discussion...7:00pm 15 (Sat) Q & A w/ Rev Kurt Rye...4:00pm 16 (Sat) Hanamatsuri...10:00am (Fri-Sun)TechnoBuddha JSC (Sat) Asian Fest City College... Ohigan Service March Shotsuki, March 19, :00am Rev. Tets Unno NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S POSTAGE PARLIER, CA PERMIT #23 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box 547 Parlier, CA Address Service Requested

12 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Parlier Class Taichi 8:00am Parlier Food Bazaar 2:00-5:00pm NCM Eitaikyo Service Sangha Gathering 10:00am Yard Sale Drop off 12:30pm-3pm Ohigan Service, March Shotsuki Rev. Tets Unno 10:00am CCBWL Conference in Parlier Dr. David Pating 8:30am Parlier Class Taichi 8:00am BEC Lecturer Series with Karen Mukai in FDC 7:00pm Parlier Board Meeting 7:00pm Shoshinge Service w/ Mori s in Parlier 7:00pm Curtis Discussion Class 7:00pm Welcome Center 9:15am- 11:30am Parlier Class Yard Sale 18 Taichi 8:00am - 8:00am 11:00am Welcome Center 9:15am- 11:30am Parlier Class Church 25 Taichi Cleanup 8:00am Omigaki w/ Group 1 & all groups 8:00am Welcome Center 9:15am- 11:30am Parlier Class30 Taichi 8:00am (see above) C.C.D.C. in Fowler 7:00pm THEME: LIVE A REAL LIFE National Council Meeting in San Jose 31 Q & A with Rev. Tets Unno 4:00pm Tanouye Memorial Service 11:00am