HikaritheLight. Attitude of DANA. October 2014

Transcription

1 HikaritheLight October 2014 Attitude of DANA There once lived a wealthy merchant who was affectionately called Anathapindika by everyone. It means a feeder of the destitute. He was a very generous man who helped and supported those who were alone and lonely. He especially helped children who did not have parents and also elderly people who had no children. One day he happened to hear Buddha s talk while he was on a business trip. He thought it was a great teaching and immediately became a follower and invited the Buddha to come to his village to preach. The Buddha accepted the invitation. As soon as Anathapindika returned to his village, he started to look for a place for the Buddha to dwell and preach. The place needed to be quiet and not too far from the village, somewhere convenient for the many villagers to hear him preach. Soon, he found an ideal place. However, the place was in the forest which belonged to Prince Jeda. Anathapindika asked the prince to sell the forest to him. The prince, in return, asked Anathapindika why he wanted to buy it. Anathapindika said, I need your forest as a place for the Buddha to dwell and preach. Buddha s teaching is so great that I want to build a monastery for the Buddha and his disciples. Hearing this, the prince decided to tease this wealthy merchant, saying Well, if you BTSA Minister: Rev. Yasuo Izumi yasuo123@shaw.ca St S Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Z spread the forest with gold coins, I ll sell it to you. Anathapindika agreed with a smile and brought tons of gold coins by carts and started to spread them in the forest. The astonished Prince Jeda was so impressed by Anathapidika s determination and strong devotion to Buddha s teaching. So, he said, I was just teasing you. If you really want the place, let us build the garden and monastery in the forest together. We should donate the forest for the sake of the Buddha and everyone who follows the Buddha s teaching. Thus the place for the Buddha to dwell and preach was formed and ready for the wheel of one of Buddha s teachings, Amida Sutra, to revolve. This is the reason why Amida Sutra begins with Once the Buddha dwelt in the Anathapindica Garden of Jetavana (vana means a forest.) The Sanskrit term Dana means giving, generosity and caring. It is closely related with the English word donation. Dana is the first practice of six kinds of Buddhist practices, called Six Paramitas*, to cross over to the other shore of the Pure Land of enlightenment. Generally speaking, by practicing Dana we are able to reach the other shore of Enlightenment. An important thing we should know is that the attitude of Dana is born by respecting Buddha s teaching like Anathapindika and Prince Jeda have done. In other words, practicing Dana is an expression of gratitude to the Buddha and his teachings. The spirit of Dana or being away from greed is a natural consequence of appreciation of the teaching. Therefore, it is actually not I who is doing and practicing Dana but the teaching of Buddha s wisdom and compassion compels us to do so. Strictly speaking, the act of Dana and other Buddhist practices are not a means to reach enlightenment but rather a humble expression of appreciation which will naturally lead to enlightenment. This kind of understanding is important in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in particular. Then, and only then, does Dana, generosity, sharing and caring, become truly beautiful and sacred because there is no thought of I, no thought of reward in our action. We practice Dana, although limited, out of gratitude and appreciation to Buddha s teaching by which we all spiritually grow together. *Six Paramitas: Dana (giving), Sila (discipline), Ksanti (patience),virya (endeavor), Dhyana (mediation) and Prajna (wisdom). In Gassho, Yasuo Izumi, Minister Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta 初心 学生のころ柔道部に属していました 指 導してくださった先生がよく言われたこと は 君たちはやがて初段になって黒帯をも らうことになるが 決して生意気になって はいけないよ 初段というのは初発心と言 って初心に帰ることなんだ 白紙になって またやり直しと言うことだよ とよく言わ れていたことを 開教使になって 40 年以 上もたった今でも思い出します 親鸞聖人は 師 と言う言葉をご自分に つけることを嫌われた方です 勿論 ご自 分の弟子を持つというお考えもありませ んでした 周りの人々を 御同行 御同 朋 共に仏道を歩む仲間として 如来の 光の中で育てられている者として生きられ ました そこには上下の関係など無かった のです 開教使 という呼び名も 如来 ( 仏様 ) の 使い として み教えを伝えてい く という意味なのです 皆が 頭をたれて み教えを聞いていく ということです この 謙虚な態度が浄土真宗をここまで支えて きた と思うこの頃です いよいよ聴聞さ せていただきましょう 南アルバータ仏教会開教使 合掌 泉康雄

2 BTSA Notes Following a busy September, October promises no let-up with key events lined up at the temple. Mein-making is scheduled for Oct. 11 and the fall chow mein supper a couple of weeks thereafter on Oct. 25. We look to our members for their continued goodwill to see these major programs through, and to lend a helping hand in support and direction of the temple. We were acutely reminded of the transiency of human life as successive, longtime friends of the Dharma left us from late August through September: Mrs. Ayako Imahashi, Mrs. Miyoko Sunada, Mrs. Sue Koyata, Mrs. Lorraine Wolsey, Mr. Robert Hironaka and Mr. George Nakatsuru. We re grateful for their time with us and as teachers of the simple Buddhist truths of interdependence and impermanence. Thanks to everyone for their assistance in making sure everything went smoothly at all the services--the planners, those who helped in setting up, toban members who prepared reception meals, and the many others who cleaned up and restored the temple for ongoing activities. Members had their hands full of money--either counting or dispensing--as the temple took its turn looking after the casino on Sept. 4 and 5. Many thanks to Roland Ikuta for organizing our assignments for this outing which we receive every two years or so, and whose earnings underwrite certain temple expenses. It s hard to keep one s eyes open until 4 a.m., but it was fun trying to keep each other awake through the wee hours. The first Genki Desuka wellness workshop was held on Sept. 27 under the direction of Roland and the Development Committee. Please look over its report and photos in this issue. A reminder--as noted elsewhere--that we commemorate the founding of the Jodo Shinshu movement in Canada in the month of October. Please consider making a donation on behalf of the JSBTC Dana Day appeal to help in the spreading of the teaching in Canada. Several other reminders: The Calgary Buddhist Temple request of a $200,000 loan from BTSA will be a topic of a special general meeting, yet to be scheduled. Please look over the article in this Hikari and keep abreast of developments that will follow shortly; To exercise due diligence in complying with the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation, the ing of The Hikari henceforth will include an Unsubscribe message for any current recipient who wish to have his/her name excluded from the list; While still a month away, please note that we fall back to standard time on Nov. 2, so make sure you don t show up an hour earlier for the monthly memorial service on that day; and, Members are invited to attend the 30th anniversary celebration of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen on Oct. 5, 2 to 4 p.m. BTSA has volunteered regularly since its amalgamation; and many of the previous member temples had been doing so prior to amalgamation. Akira Ichikawa CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! We Need Your Help Mein-making Oct 11 Fall Chow Mein Supper Oct 25 Another mein-making session is coming up on Oct. 11, and we invite all who are able to give the temple a hand in undertaking this important task. We are making enough noodles for the fall chow mein supper which takes place two weeks later on Oct. 25. We can use all the help everyone can provide for both events. Tickets for the supper have been distributed. Please check with your toban leaders for them since, increasingly, the demand outstrips the supply. Also this time around, the chow mein supper committee decided to increase the price of the supper to $12. As in the past, it will be strictly take-out from 1 to 5 p.m. The temple looks forward to your much-appreciated assistance for both of these key programs. CHAIR SCHEDULE October & November 2014 Oct 05 (Sensei Away)* Chair: Kynan Gordon Audio: Tak Okamura Oct 12 SHOTSUKI Chair: Sheila Oishi Audio: John Dubbelboer Oct 19 Chair: Roland Ikuta Audio: Sway Nishimura Oct 26 Chair: Robert Takaguchi Audio: Akira ichikawa Nov 02 SHOTSUKI/EITAIKYO Chair: Sway Nishimura Audio: Brenda Ikuta (Daylight Time ends this Sunday) Nov 09 SHOTSUKI Chair: Val Boras Audio: Tak Okamura Nov 16 Chair: Katie Nakagawa Audio: John Dubbelboer Nov 23 Chair: John Dubbelboer Audio: Sway Nishimura Nov 30 Chair: TBA Audio: Akira Ichikawa *Note: Sensei will not be available on Oct. 5. The October Monthly Memorial (Shotsuki) is postponed until Oct

3 JSBTC DAY OCTOBER 19 BTSA will be commemorating the establishment of Jodo Shinshu in Canada on Oct. 19, the regular Sunday service designated as JSBTC Dana Day. The service memorializes the arrival of the first minister-rev. Senju Sasaki and his wife--to Vancouver on Oct. 12, This annual appeal helpw in the continued propagation of Jodo Shinshu thoughout Canada. Please look over the accompanying poster. Messages from Tatsuya Aoki sensei, JSBTC s part-time bishop, and Greg Chor, JSBTC president, are reprinted on our website. Click on the Bishop s Undate link in the menu. COMMEMORATING THE FOUNDING OF JODO SHINSHU IN CANADA Throughout October, BTSA will be seeking donations in observance of this annual event. We solicit your contribution to help the propagation goals of our national organization, the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada. Please make out cheques to BTSA and indicate it is for JSBTC; our temple then will send a single cheque for the total amount received to JSBTC, Your donation will be included in the tax receipt issued at the end of the year. Envelopes are available at the temple. receipts will be issued at the end of the year. Envelopes are available for your donation. Calgary Temple Appeal and Request The Calgary Buddhist Temple has made a formal request for a $200,000 loan from BTSA to help underwrite the renovation of its temple. Details of the request are outlined in a letter, dated Sept. 4, from the president, Lester Ikuta. This was followed up with a brief presentation after the September monthly memorial service on Sept. 7 by Laura Sugimoto who is overseeing the remodeling and Rob Burylo who is looking after its financing. Work began during the summer, with completion in time for the World Buddhist Women s Convention in Calgary at the end of May, An unexpected problem with the roof was detected and had to be resolved. The photos of the temple stripped of its stucco facade are from the website: campaign-archive1.com/?u=50c1e3be09ff443fe2fcc c7ae&id= a&e=3e5c2e3d6f BTSA will soon convene a special general meeting of the membership to consider Calgary s request. Left is a copy of the letter. HikaritheLight

4 Memberships to Sept Shotsuki Hoyo Donations September 2014 Judy Fukushima Chiduka Hamabata Shirley Higa Neil Hinatsu Rumiko Ibuki Akira & Lorita Ichikawa Hiroshi Kitagawa Mitsuko Ota Kimiko Ohno May Ohno Heidi Oishi Yumiko Osaka Carmen Tillman Joe & Sumiko Tomiyama Tak & Yoko Tsujita Total $985 Other Donations September 2014 John & Rita Aoki Richard & Valerie Boras Jamie or Travis Copp Tammy Dietrich John & Donna Dubbelboer Ayako Endo Earl & Leanne Fisher Dale & Carol Fujita Judy Fukushima Gloria Gilmore Shinako (Sheila) Higa Kaz & Yori Hiraga Marie Hirashima Rumiko Ibuki Tosh & Marian Ibuki Akira & Lorita Ichikawa Gail Ikebuchi Dr. Roland & Brenda Ikuta Teruko Ikuta Ayako Imahashi Family Yoshiko Imahashi Kenneth Ito Molly H. Ito Roy & Joyce Ito Fumi Jasiukiewicz Grant & Doris Jeffery Christopher & Yumi Johnson Mike Kado Sue S. Kado Tom & Lily Kaga John Kamitomo MK Kamitomo Roy Kamitomo Min Kanashiro Tosh & Kaz Kanashiro Sadae Kanegawa (Estate) Stanley & Audrey Kanegawa Eleanor Katakami Gene & Shannon Kawade Hiroshi Kitagawa Lido & Echi Kondo Alan Koyata Takeshi & Sue Koyata Ken & Amy Kurio June Lastuka Carolyn & Ken MacDonald Kay K. Matsuda Kinuko Matsuno Randall Matsuno Yutaka & Chiyomi Matsuno Miya & Kyle Fraser John & Jean Miyanaga Robert & Toshi Miyanaga Judy S. Miyauchi Kiyoshi & Marion Mori Ken & Sharon Moriyama Thomas & Mariko Mura Mr & Mrs. Cecil Murakami William T. & Setsuko Nagai roy & Luri Nagata Shig & Katie Nakagawa Amy Nakamura Tsutomu Stony Nakano Dick Nakatsu Nikkei Cultural Soceity of Lethbridge & Area Kei & Margo Nishida Sway & Toshiko Nishimura North & Company MItsuko Oga Sonny Ohama Kaz & Setsuko Ohno Kimiko Ohno May Ohno Lilly Oishi Sheila Oishi Jim Oka Dr. Y. Okamura and Jean Okamura Tak & Jan Okamura Ronald or Barbara Okumoto Yumiko Osaka Ayako Otsuka John & Ceryl Penrice Tod & Hollis Pickerell Naomi Plausteiner Hisae Price Barrie & Jackie-Lynn Robb May Saruwatari Tosh & Joyce Saruwatari Roy & Pat Sassa Harry & Fumi Sekiya Florence Senda Bob & Eiko Shigehiro Joe & Mary Shigehiro Tom & Mitsuko Shigehiro Emily Stitt Fumi Sugimoto June Sugimoto Laura Sugimoto Noboru & Kazuko Sugimoto Tomiko Sugimoto Guy & Joyce Sunada Jim Sunada Miyo Sunada Miyo Sunada Family Steven or Kimberly Sunada Noris & Sachiko Taguchi Tom & Tsuyako Tajiri Don & Lisa Takaguchi Harumi & Michi Takaguchi Kazuko Takaguchi Michael Takaguchi Paul & Juanita Takahashi Fugi Takeda Tosh Takeda Family Art & Nao Tamayose Alan & Margaret Tanaka David & Linda Tanaka Jim & Irene Tanaka Keith & Jane Tanaka Masaru & Ayako Taniguchi Sam & Betty Taniguchi Masae Taniwa Bill & June Terakita Bill Teshima Raymond & Sue Thibodeau Clifford & Mary Thomas Teruko Tokitsu George Tokuda Kimiye Tsuji Yukio Tsuji Fujio & Yoshiko Tsukishima Keiko Kay Tsukishima Toshiko Tsukishima Chris & Kaz Van Tuyl Gord & Sandra Zacher Total - $9,745 We try to be as thorough as possible but occasionally make errors. Please inform us if your name has been omitted from or misspelled in the donation lists. Anyone wishing his/her name not be acknowledged in print, please let us know so it won t be published. Thank you Membership Form Full Membership Student Membership* ($100 for each member) Last Name: First Names(s): Last Name: First Names(s): Home Address: City, Province, Postal Code: Telephone No.: Cellphone No.: Check to receive The Hikari newsletter by only. Please send this form and your remittance to: Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta Treasurer th Street South Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Z5 Notes *Student membership is limited to persons 18 years or older who are currently registered in a recognized educational institution. It is free of charge with a valid student ID card. Student Members are not entitled to vote at general meetings or to hold office in the BTSA and this category of membership does not include membership in the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada. LET S EXPAND THE CIRCLE OF THE DHARMA! 4

5 REGULAR EVENTS Southern Alberta Buddhist Choir Contact: Katie Nakagawa or Tonari Gumi Tuesdays, 12-3pm Taiko Class Tuesdays, 6:30 (Youth) and 7pm (Adult) Contact: David Tanaka at or The Lethbridge Karaoke Club Wednesdays, 1pm Fall concert is Sat. Oct. 4th at 1 p.m. For tickets please contact Sway Nishimura or Katie Nakagawa PROGRAMS Shakyo class copying sutras with a brush (supplies provided) Wednesdays at 10am (about an hour) from Sept. 17 to Oct. 29. Instructed by Mrs. Teruko Ikuta and Rev. Izumi. All welcome! Gentle Beginning for Seniors with Val Kunimoto Thursdays 9-10 am, Sept Nov. 20 Gentle Restorative for Seniors with Val Kunimoto Thursdays 10:30 to 11:30 am, Sept Nov. 20 Aiki Breathing (meditative movement) with Lincoln Chew Mondays am Sept Nov. 17, No class Oct. 13 Naikan ( Introspection ) Most Saturdays 1 2:30 pm starting November 1st This is a structured method of self - reflection using journaling, readings and brief meditation. Other journal approaches may be introduced, in the spirit of self-reflection. Contact Lorita at or lorita.ichikawa@gmail.com Art Expression for Seniors Six Fridays 2-4 pm November 14 December 19 Themes such as life transitions, loss, memories and physical concerns will be explored through art making. No previous art experience necessary! Contact Maya at or mayaichikawa9@gmail.com Minyo dancers will commence on Oct 7 from 4-6pm (weekly). Contact Pat Sassa ANNOUNCEMENTS Condolences The BTSA expresses heartfelt sympathy to those who have lost loved ones: Miyoko Sunada (90) Sept. 5, 2014 Sueko Koyata (91) Sept. 14, 2014 Lorraine Wolsey (58) Sept. 14, 2014 Robert Hironaka (86) Sept. 22, 2014 George Nakatsuru (91)Sept. 23, 2014 WBW Convention Raffle Ticket Return Reminder Please return the books to Donna Dubbelboer before the November 29 draw date. Bishop s Term Extended The JSBTC announced Sept. 25 that Bishop Tatsuya Aoki s term as part-time bishop has been extended to April, The board accepted the recommendation of the Bishop Affairs Committee. The board also accepted a recommendation to review alternatives to the shared bishop arrangement. 30th Anniversary Karaoke Concert A reminder goes out to all music lovers to attend our concert on Sat. Oct. 4th at 1p.m. Tickets have been pre-sold for this event. Come & enjoy the singing & dance numbers. The Lethbridge Karaoke Club Members THANK YOU Abby McMeekin and daughters, Celine and Sophie would like to thank all the BTSA members for supporting their bake sale after the Obon Service in July. The proceeds (after costs) went to both Because I m a Girl ($175) and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada ($100). BUDDHIST Q & A Q. What is Dana? ダーナとは? A. Dana (pronounced dhana )in Sanskrit (ancient language in India) means giving, sharing and caring. These actions bring peace and comfort to everyone. We are essentially social beings. As Buddha said we are all interconnected and interrelated. This awareness naturally leads us to be kind to others in deeds, words and thoughts, and to free us from selfish mind and ego-attachment. It is interesting to note that donation in English has roots in Sanskrit word Dana and also Dara in Latin means to give. Yes, the spirit of Dana is universal! (Y.I.) TOBAN UPDATE Contact lorita.ichikawa@gmail.com or Toban 2014 Schedule Oct. Toban 4 Nov. Toban 3 Dec. Toban 2 Deepest appreciation to Toban 2 and to all those members of Tobans 3 and 4 who pitched in for the busy month of September. HikaritheLight

6 Genki desuka? ARE YOU WELL? The Temple sponsored this Wellness Event, September 27 from 1-4 pm. There were 36 participants primarily from the congregation with a handful from the larger community. Thanks to the presenters who gave up their Saturday afternoon to make this a successful event: Qi Gong, Lila Takeda Massage, Ali Toly, East Meets West Acupuncture & Massage Reflexology, Susan Greer, Val Kunimoto Mindfulness Meditation, Rachel Crowder Personal Directives and Power of Attorney, Roland Ikuta Blood Pressure / Sugar Monitoring, Chelsea Smith and Peggy Gazler, AHS Healthy Snacks presentation, Louise Lacanilao, AHS Healthy Eating exhibit, Lindsey Robinson, AHS We got survey results from approximately 2/3 of the participants, which indicate that they would enjoy a similar event in the future. A big thank you to the members of the Development Committee who organized the event: Abby McMeekin, Joyce Shigehiro, Sylvia Oishi, Lila Takeda, Akira Ichikawa, Roland Ikuta, Brenda Ikuta Thank you as always to the congregation members who are so quick to lend a hand when they see there is work to be done and give so generously to defray the costs of these free events. The Temple now has its own Blood Glucose Monitor thanks to Alberta Healthy Living! For those who requested the following information: QI GONG for Beginners with Francesco Garripoli and Daisy Lee may be purchased through GAIAM.com or Amazon.ca Nirvana Calming Wellness tea and Revitalize Wellness tea can be purchased from the Jasmine Tea Room, Lethbridge, AB In Gassho, Brenda Ikuta photos: Joyce Shigehiro 6

7 THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA children & youth dharma classes September the Dharma class was invited by Roland and Brenda Ikuta to pick crab apples from their tree. In the following weeks the kids spent time in the kitchen making crab apple juice and serving it at a post-service lunch. Thank you to the Ikutas for all their contributions to a successful activity and lesson. Picking the crab apples. Measuring, sterilizing jars, boiling the apples and lots of sugar! Serving the finished product to BTSA members and guests. WBWC UPDATE October 2014 The momentum continues to grow for the 15th World Buddhist Women s Convention. This international event, for both men and women, is presently anticipating an estimated 1175 from Japan, 325 from Buddhist Churches of America, 200 from Hawaii, 100 from South America, and 200 from Canada. Panel Speakers - Each District (Canada, Japan, Buddhist Churches of America, Hawaii, and South America) have identified a representative speaker who is an active Jodo Shinshu Buddhist woman in a professional capacity/career. The intent is that the panel will reflect the diversity of the sangha since our convention theme is Embraced by the Oneness of Life. Information regarding the speakers can be found on the convention website. How can you help? Of course, without great people like you to lend a hand, the convention would not be possible. If you can help before, during, or after the convention, please go online and identify dates, times, and area(s) of interest. The Volunteer Application link is on our website step up, support the community and have a great time too! In addition, please continue to support the local temple fundraising efforts for the convention and kindly consider making a donation or In Memory donation a thoughtful way to remember loved ones. Don t forget, the final convention registration deadline is Saturday, November 29 and the Canadian spots are filling up quickly. Avoid disappointment by registering before it s too late! For detailed information on the convention or to register, please visit Canadians Attending the Convention To distinguish our district, all Canadians registered to attend the convention in 2015 are asked to wear a white collared shirt and a blue denim bottom (examples: pants, skirt, capris). There is also a Canadian pattern scarf/cravat available to complete the ensemble. A post-convention tour for Canadians is also being finalized so stay-tuned for more information to be coming out soon. HikaritheLight

8 Schedule 光 October & November 2014 Monthly Shotsuki Memorial Service 祥月法要 (service in English) Please bring Homyo (Buddhist Name) of your loved one. 法名をご持参ください OCTOBER: TOBAN 4 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday OCT Shotsuki Memorial Service am Aiki Breathing 10am Shakyo Mein Making Restorative 7pm BTSA Board Meeting am Shakyo (copying sutras with a brush) 10am Shakyo Restorative Restorative 1pm Fall Karaoke Concert Dharma discussion Explore Buddhism (JSBTC Day) 11am Aiki Breathing 10am Shakyo Restorative Correctional Centre Explore Buddhism visit Chow Mein Supper am Aiki Breathing 10am Shakyo Restorative Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday NOVEMBER: TOBAN 3 Shotsuki Memorial Service NOV am Aiki Breathing Restorative 1pm Naikan Dharma 11am Aiki Breathing discussion 2pm Art Expression Explore Buddhism 7pm BTSA Board Restorative for Seniors Meeting Mein Making Dharma discussion Explore Buddhism 1pm Naikan Dharma 11am Aiki Breathing Restorative 2pm Art Expression discussion for Seniors Explore Buddhism pm Naikan Correctional Centre visit 1-4pm 2pm Art Expression Bake Sale for Seniors HikaritheLight