BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box Newmark Avenue Parlier, California Phone: (559) Rainbow Stupa

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1 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box Newmark Avenue Parlier, California Phone: (559) LIVE A REAL LIFE February 2015 Rainbow Stupa In Mongolia, every nomad has been keeping a special relationship with one dog as their best friend, since thousands of years. ago. Immediately after a child is born, parents gave a puppy to the child as a playmate as well as a guard. Most of the time, a Tibetan Mastiff was selected. This dog s loyalty is perfect and also it is the strongest dog in the continent. A pack of three Tibetan Mastiffs could hunt the tiger. The child and a puppy grow up together. When parents were absent, the puppy attends to all of child s personal needs during its early days, becoming first best friends to each other. By the time the child becomes a responsible youth, the first best friend would have died. Nomads would never forget their first best friend with whom the sweetest childhood memories were made. They believe in this one story... In the High Ten-shan Mountains, there is one Stupa, entrance to the bridge connecting Buddha-Land and earth. It is called Rainbow Stupa and Rainbow Bridge because of their rainbow colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Stupa there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved dog dies, the dog goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes... When one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group! You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace, your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting friend. Then you cross the Bridge of Rainbow Stupa together, never again to be separated. Interestingly, we can find a similar story in Native America Folklore. Mongolians and Native Americans are both so called Mongoloids. The Fresno Betsuin will hold a Nirvana Day service on February 8th combined with a pet memorial service before the picture of the dying Buddha who was surrounded not only by his followers but also by various animals. We are reminded of the reason why the Buddha treated the lives of human and non-human with equal respect. Members, non-members, friends & family alike are invited to participate by honoring the memory of your beloved pets by bringing a precious keepsake to be commemorated (photo, favorite toy, collar, ashes, etc.) and place the item(s) on the table near the altar. 1

2 MESSAGE FROM REV. ALAN SAKAMOTO Right Speech is not Free Speech I had prepared a different newsletter article for February, but after the recent events in Paris (the shooting and murder of 12 at the magazine offices of Charlie Hebdo), I decided to change my topic to Right Speech. Before I continue this article, I would like to tell you that all action that causes the intentional and premeditated killing of others cannot be condoned! The concept of Freedom of Speech, is deeply rooted in our American way of life. Its development began as early or earlier than the landing of our founding fathers on the continent. It is so engrained in our way of life, such that it is listed prominently on the Bill of Rights. As a matter of fact, it is contained within the First Amendment. However, the right of free speech doesn t mean that you can say anything you want at anytime. This was clearly noted by the Supreme Court Justice, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., who wrote that free speech does not allow one to, and I am paraphrasing, shout fire in a crowded theater. The right of free speech also should be examined through the lens of the Buddhist Eightfold Noble Path. Right Speech is the third of the Eightfold Noble Path. Sakyamuni Buddha indicated that Right Speech is to abstain from lying, from divisive speech, from abusive speech, and from idle chatter. Or, perhaps we can look at this from a more positive perspective and say that Right Speech is spoken at the right time, contains the truth, spoken affectionately, spoken beneficially, and spoken with the mind of good will. In a nutshell, Right Speech does not hurt or harm others. The other day I spoke kiddingly to a friend who commented that I always picked on him. I apologized and thought about it long and hard in light of the definition of Right Speech. My comments were not spoken at the right time, nor did they contain the truth, they were spoken affectionately, they were not beneficial, and they were not spoken in the mind of good will. I realize now that my words were rather hurtful towards that person. I was wrong in what I said. Many times I don t think about what I m saying as my comments just seem to flow out of my mouth without thinking. They are more of a reaction. I certainly need to be much more thoughtful and mindful in my own speech. Yet, these thoughts may assume that I condemn the cartoonists and writers at Charlie Hebdo for their use of freedom of speech, and, in turn, support those on the receiving end of the satirical cartoon. This would be farther from the truth. These are both on the extreme ends of the spectrum. The Buddha famously asked us all to take the Middle Path. And, at the same time, the walking of the Middle Path could become an excuse to stand off and away from the situation. Thereby taking an unattached position and opinion. This position would also contradict that Buddhist concept of interdependence, and how we are all connected with each other. So, in order to take this middle path, we should try to understand the underlying reasons for both parties. This is where Wisdom enters the conversation, i.e. the reasons for the importance of free speech, and the reasons for the anger and frustration from making fun of one s religious figure and religion. From my chair, I can clearly feel for, and see the rationale of both sides, and here is where our Compassion enters. Our world is full of conflicting ideas and opinions. Instead of reacting to events, we all need to be compassionate to understand how disagreements arise, and to use our compassion to help to alleviate the suffering in this world. We need Right Understanding in order to have the Right View, which will lead us to the Right Thought, and use our Right Motivation to do the Right Action or Right Thing. Perhaps this can all begin with Right Speech. I go to the Buddha for guidance. I go to the Dharma for guidance. I go to the Sangha for guidance. Rev. Alan Sakamoto 2

3 TEMPLE Ms. Shari Kimoto Yoshimoto Family Mr. Tom Hayashi Mr. & Mrs. Laurence Kimura Mr. & Mrs. Royce Kimura Ms. Ellen Okada Mrs. Alice Umeda Mr. Tom Hayashi Mr. & Mrs. Donald Calhoun Mr. & Mrs. Craig Kotake Mr. & Mrs. Kimihiro Sera Mr. George Okada Mr. & Mrs. Tatsumi Arakawa Sangha Gathering ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our appreciation to the following for their generous donations Memorial for Kenichi, Shinayo, Ralph, & Akiko Kimoto...$ In memory of Kazumi Yoshimoto...$ Memorial for Jusuke Hayashi...$25.00 Special donation...$ In appreciation for the newsletter...$75.00 In appreciation for the newsletter...$25.00 Ho-onko...$25.00 Ho-onko...$25.00 Ho-onko...$25.00 Ho-onko...$10.00 Ho-onko...$ major services/shotsukis...$ New Year s service...$25.00 January offerings...$94.00 MEMBERSHIP DUES: Mr. & Mrs. Tatsumi Arakawa Mrs. Denise Kusunoki Mr. & Mrs. Nob Takasaki Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Doi Arthur Mihara/Barbara Goto Mrs. May Takata Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa Mr. Min Yamada DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE: Mrs. Flora Doi $20.00 Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro $20.00 Mr. Roy Furumoto $40.00 Mrs.Teruko Tsuji $20.00 Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto $75.00 Mr./Mrs.Darryl Wong-Sing $30.00 Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kozuki $25.00 Mr. Robert Yano $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Mits Kozuki $25.00 Ms. Akiko Yorizane $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Tad Kozuki $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Yoshimoto $20.00 Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi $20.00 Mrs. Ruby Yukawa $20.00 HO-ONKO DONATIONS: Mr. & Mrs. Tatsumi Arakawa $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kozuki $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Chiamori $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Mits Kozuki $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Doi $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Tad Kozuki $25.00 Mrs. Kimiyo Doi $20.00 Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi $20.00 Mrs. Flora Doi $20.00 Mrs. Miyo Ohara $20.00 Mrs. Sumiko Ebisuda $20.00 Ms. Lynn Sasai $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. James Goishi $25.00 Dr. & Mrs. Steven Sasai $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Steven Goss $20.00 Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro $20.00 Ms. Gail Hachiya $20.00 Mr. Fred Takata $20.00 Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta $25.00 Mrs. May Takata $20.00 Mrs. Takako Kanemoto $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Ken Tsuboi $20.00 Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto $25.00 Mrs. Teruko Tsuji $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Shiz Kimura $25.00 Ms. Akiko Yorizane $30.00 Mrs. Jean Kobashi $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Yoshimoto $20.00 Mr. Ben Koga $20.00 Ms. Setsuko Yotori $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga $25.00 Mrs. Ruby Yukawa $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Tom Koga $20.00 Cash donations $

4 THOUGHTS FROM THE SANGHA By Sensei Yuki Mori, Minister s Assistant Hoon-Ko Hoon-ko is a memorial service for Shinran Shonin which was started 650 years ago by his grandson, Kakunyo Shonin, the third abbot of Hongwanji. Traditionally it is held for 7 days straight and is the most important service in Jodo Shinshu. Per dictionary Ho-on means to repay the indebtedness, or returning the favor. If Shinran didn t exist neither would Jodo Shinshu as we know it today. Shinran taught us the way to true happiness is through the nembutsu. Therefore, the purpose of Hoon-ko is to express appreciation to Shinran Shonin. When we receive something we want we express it joyfully from our heart, but if it is something we don t want, we pretend to show it verbally but isn t heartfelt. A good example may be the difference in the degree of appreciation you experience when you receive $10 vs $1000. We are also unable to truly appreciate if we don t see the value in things we receive. There is an old phrase that states Unless you are a parent yourself you will not understand gratitude of your parents. This phrase means gratitude and appreciation for your parents cannot be felt unless you become a parent yourself and experience similar pain your parents went through raising you. When you become a parent you totally understand the magnitude of the work it took for them to raise you. When a child first realizes this magnitude and expresses deep gratitude, parents at the very moment experience tremendous joy and happiness to finally be recognized and acknowledged for their efforts. I believe, from this point, parent/child relationship will move forward more ideally. Children always have desire to please their parents. At moments of feeling gratitude and appreciation for their efforts and love, guilt and regrets may be felt at the same time, such as, not having sincere thoughts about them as parents, not meeting their expectations, understanding their efforts too late, etc. This is a prime example of gratitude/appreciation and apology felt at the same moment. Parents receiving words of heartfelt appreciation from their child would bring tears of joy, but to become a fine, trustworthy citizen is a show of appreciation by action. I believe gratitude and appreciation can be expressed two ways; one through action and other from the heart. Shinran Shonin expressed his sincere heartfelt appreciation by composing the gatha Ondokusan. Living a life of nembutsu is his appreciation in action. Renyo Shonin expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Shinran Shonin by writing Ryogemon. Action of appreciation is shown through his committed efforts in propogation of Nembutsu teaching throughout Japan. We ought to appreciate all Buddhas through the words of Ondokusan, reading of Ryogemon, which can be found in all service books, to appreciate Shinran, and the action of appreciation is to listen to the Nembutsu teaching. On January 18 th Parlier Buddhist Church held its Hoon-Ko Service. Toban group cleaned the church and as always Mrs. Suehiro and Mrs. Kimoto provided obuppan and osonaye. Red candles were lit to commemorate the special service. Recently we learned that Shinran Shonin loved pine trees, therefore, Kaye Kozuki and Toshie Mori used Sho, Chiku, Bai (pine, bamboo, ume) and various flowers to create a special bouquet for Shinran and Rennyo Shonin. Front table (maejoku) was adorned formally with five elements (Gogusoku), two bouquets, two candle sticks, and incense burner. Rev. Sakamoto as chosho, and along with Rev. Unno, everyone chanted the Shoshinge. Rev. Unno delivered a meaningful, profound Dharma message and Tad Kozuki s excellent chairing made for especially wonderful Hoonko service. Lighting of the red candles, formal gogusoku adornment of the onaijin, and chanting of the Shoshinge even though there were complaints of the length, we were able to honor Shinran s Memorial Service. I don t remember the last time Hoon-Ko service was conducted with such formality and dignity. After the service a delicious luncheon of Loco Moco prepared by the Higuchi and Kozuki family, zenzai from Sasai and Doi family were served. Along with help from many others the lunch was a delicious success. Rev. Unno was pleasantly surprised of the number of attendees for a small temple like ours. Attendees from Fresno, Fowler, and Dinuba highly praised the energy level at our temple. Our temple membership is on the decline, but with the cooperation of the remaining members our temple can be prosperous and successful. This year s Hoon-Ko Service reinforced and encouraged me that if there is a will there is a way. Thank you very much. Gokuro sama deshita. Namu Amida Butsu 4

5 報恩講におもう by Yuki Mori 報恩講は親鸞聖人の命日を偲ぶ法要であり670 年前ごろ聖人の孫にあたる本願寺第三門主覚如上人時代に始められ浄土真宗では最も伝統のある大切な法要であります 昔はどこのお寺でも一週間法要が行われ報恩講がくると私の母も一週間毎日お寺参りをしてたことをおもいだします 報恩の意味は辞書によりますと恩をかえすをすることであり親鸞聖人が生まれなかったら浄土真宗も生まれず念仏するだけで幸福にも仏にもなれる方法を教えてくれた親鸞聖人に深く感謝することが報恩講の目的だとおもってます 私達は欲しいものをもらったら嬉しい感謝の気持ちを表しますが欲しくないものをもらっても口では感謝してても心ではありがたいと思わず 10ドルもらった時と1000ドルもらった時の感謝の仕方が違ってきます ですから何をもらったのかはっきりわからないと心から感謝する気持ちはでてこないといえそうです 口では仏に感謝の念仏となえてもなにをもらったのかわからず心にその気がなかったら感謝の念仏にもなりません 子を持って初めてわかる親の恩 と心から感謝する例えがありますが親が苦労して子を育てたように育てられた子も親と同じ苦労の経験をしなければ親の有難さはわからないのような意味ですが初めて親の有難さを知らされた子が涙をこぼしながら親に感謝すると感謝された親は今まで我慢して頑張ってきた親の気持ちを子供からわかってもらった嬉しさで始めて幸福にしてもらったような気分になり親子互いに心がわかりあってそこからは理想的な親子関係がひろがっていくとおもいます 子供は親を喜ばせたい気持ちをいつも持っていて亡くなってもう目の前にいない親に対しても感謝したい気持ちがわいてるころには自分をふりかえってみて 今まで親を親ともみてなかった親が望んでた暮らしをしてなかった あるいは親の恩を感ずるのが遅すぎてすみませんなどとたくさん謝りたい気持ちもわいてきてるのであります 感謝する心と謝りたい心は一緒にでてくるものと聞いてますし感謝は謝りを感じると漢字は書かれてます 心から感謝されうれし涙までもらってる親に何も心配もない立派な大人になってくれてと親を安心させるのは親の一番望んでることでありそれは行動で表す感謝だと思うし感謝は心で表すものと行動で表すものがあるわけです 如来大悲の恩徳は身を粉にしても報ずべし師主知識の恩徳も骨をくだいても謝すべし と親鸞聖人は恩徳讃で心から仏に感謝を表し行動では念仏のくらしで感謝をあらわしてます 蓮如上人は領解文を作って親鸞聖人に心から感謝を表し浄土真宗を大きくひろめて行動での感謝を聖人に表してるようにおもいます 私達は仏には恩徳讃親鸞聖人には領解文をとなえて感謝の心を表し念仏のいわれをたくさん聴聞して感謝の行動をあらわしましょう 領解文はどの聖典にも記せられてます パレヤの報恩講は一月 18 日でしたがその日は当番のグループが寺掃除をすませいつものように紀本さん 末広さんに御仏飯 お供え物の世話をしてもらいその日だけは特別に赤い灯明をともし親鸞聖人は松の木が好きだったときいたので古月ケイさんと森俊江さんには松竹梅と菊を使って親鸞聖人蓮如上人を飾ってもらい阿弥陀仏の前机は正式な五具足で飾ってもらいました 坂本先生の調声海野先生とともに正信偈をとなえありがたい説教古月タッドさんの立派な司会ぶりどこのお寺にも劣らない立派な報恩講の法要をすることができました 赤いローソクの灯明正式な五具足で飾られたお内陣 長すぎるお経と苦情がありましたが正信偈をとなえて正式な法要ができたのは何十年ぶりだったでしょうか? 法要後は樋口 古月からロコモコ 佐々井土井家からは ぜんざい そしてたくさんの人たちからの協力でランチはもりあがり 海野先生は大勢の参拝者にびっくりしてたしダイニュウバ ファーラ フレスノからの参拝者もパレヤのお寺には勢いがあると高く評価してくれました 寺のメンバーが減っていく反面残ってるメンバーが協力しあえば寺はもっともりあがっていくようでありやろうと思えば何でも出来ることを教えられました 報恩講の法要に協力してくれた皆さんご苦労様でした ありがとうございました 南無阿弥陀仏南無阿弥陀仏南無阿弥陀仏 5

6 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING JANUARY 12, 2015 By Cheryl Koga, Co-Secretary The Buddhist Church of Parlier Board Meeting was called to order by President Steve Sasai at 7:08 p.m. Those in attendance were Steve Sasai, Glenn Yoshimoto, Dennis Ikuta, Kaye Kozuki, Toshie & Yuki Mori, Cheryl & Curtis Koga, Calvin Doi, Tad Kozuki, Kelvin Miyakawa, and Clyde Yoshikawa. A quorum was established. Yuki led in gassho. Minutes from the December Combined Board and General Meeting were read and corrected. It was moved by Dennis and seconded by Clyde to accept the minutes as corrected. Motion was carried. Treasurer Glenn Yoshimoto presented the December Income and Expense Report. There was concern about the cost of retaining the telephone landline service. Kaye will look into different communications options and also perhaps stopping service to the parsonage. Toshie moved to accept the report and was seconded by Clyde. Motion was carried. Committee Reports: Maintenance - James sent a report that Jack s Refrigeration will come out on Thursday, January 15 to check on the heaters. James and Curtis will be working on the property across the street to rid it of weeds. Tad volunteered to help them. Dennis said Pro-Chem recommended having the floors buffed out in a few months. Dennis will get a quote from them. A portion of the cost of the floor refinishing was paid by the church. Dennis paid for and donated the difference, which was a majority of the cost. James washed the dust mops so dust mopping will be more efficient. BWA - Kaye thanked Cheryl for refreshments for the meeting. The church directory will include all church members and will be available at the HoOnko Service. The Parlier BWA was represented at the V&P Leadership Retreat on January 3. Topics discussed effective leadership, how to grow our temples, sharing ministers and how churches could help each other. The V&P does a great job keeping our temples alive and well. The first Sangha Gathering of 2015 was held on January 4. Dennis gave a talk on Shinran Shonin s life. The children enjoy participating actively in various aspects of the service. Ashley Calhoun and Cheryl took care of the children s activity. Comforting refreshments were provided by Joanne and Donna Ebisuda. Joyce took care of altar preparations. Group 3 is in charge of cleanup for the month of January. Sho and Kari Higuchi will be preparing the Ho-Onko lunch. Zenzai will be prepared by the Dois and Sasais. Parlier BWA will be preparing a light lunch for the V&P Super Bowl Sunday Combined Service to be held in at our church. Publication - There was no report available. Finance - Dennis gave a year-end report ending on 1/9/15. V&P - Calvin reported that Kaye covered the V&P Leadership Retreat under BWA Committee Report. The retreat was held at Wonder Valley on January 3. There were 29 attendees from the various valley temples. There was good discussion on target areas for the Central Cal District such as growth and sharing a minister. Thanks to BCP for paying the registration fees for the 10 attendees from Parlier. Super Bowl Combined Service will be held in Parlier on Sunday, February 1. This is a CC event. DS activity for children will be provided for by CCYBA. Other temples will not be holding Dharma School in lieu of the V&P Super Bowl Combined Service to encourage attendance. Minister Feasibility - Valley temples are coming together with good cooperation regarding discussions on sharing a minister. A finance committee comprised of the CC temples are putting together a package/program for the Bishop to review. The committee would like to require an English speaking minister with good communication skills across the generations. There is a dire need for the third minister in the valley. Temples need to understand that costs will go up regardless of what ensues. Old Business: Sangha Gathering - Report was given under BWA Committee Report by Kaye. Sangha Gathering Services are going well. Positive thoughts on the participation and involvement of children in the service program. Cheryl reported that there is now a Sangha Gathering Corner column in the newsletter. Eventually it is hoped that the children will be reporting and writing the column. New Year s Eve and New Year s Day Services - Yuki and Curtis spoke at the respective services. Both services had good attendance. BCA National Council Meeting - Registration for the BCP delegates, Calvin and Julie Doi, has been submitted by Calvin. Alarm - The ADT contract with the church alarm system is soon to expire. Tad suggested looking into Quantex. Dennis will look into getting quotes from other companies and providers. Property Sale - Tad has talked to Pearson Realty for listing the property across the street from the church. Sale of the property will be contingent on the approval by the board and the church membership. New Business: Q&A, Ho-Onko/Shotsuki Service - The Q&A with guest speaker Reverend Tetsuo Unno will be held on Saturday, January 17 beginning at 4:00 with dinner to follow. Janette and Jackie Wong-Sing will be conducting an activity for the children after Reverend Unno gives a short Dharma message for the students on Sunday, January 18. CCDC Installation Dinner - The CCDC Installation Dinner will be held on Friday, January 30 at the Spike and Rail in Selma. Karen Mukai will be the guest speaker. For reservations contact either Jim Kubo or Janette Wong-Sing. Sangha Gathering - The next Sangha Gathering will be held on Sunday, February 8 beginning at 10:00. The topic will be Shakyamuni Buddha and What is Nirvana? The short message will be given by Calvin Doi. Keirokai - Will be held on Sunday, February 22. Joyce, Lynne and Matsuko will take charge of the event. Food Bazaar - The BCP Food Bazaar will be held on Sunday, March 22. Kaye and Toshie will be in charge. A bazaar prep meeting will be scheduled soon. BCA Updates - Steve reported on BCA events. Other *Kaye suggested looking into computerizing the koden lists. Kaye will look into the programs and technology to accomplish it. *Internet access for the church was brought up. It would be nice to have an address for the church. *At the V&P Retreat one of the topics discussed was how to help other churches. The thought was to set up a list of volunteers that, if available, could help other churches that are lacking in manpower perhaps in the areas of funerals, food bazaars, and clean-ups. The following who were at the board meeting offered their services: Dennis, Clyde, Steve, Curtis, Toshie, Calvin, Yuki, Cheryl, Tad, and Glenn. *It was requested to have some sort of handicap parking/accessibility. It was decided to reserve 3 stalls by the north door of the church. It will cordoned off by cones. Steve will look into finding cones. Clyde moved to adjourn the meeting. Kaye seconded the motion. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. The next Buddhist Church of Parlier Board Meeting will be held on Monday, February 9, Yuki led in gassho. Respectfully submitted In gassho, Cheryl Koga 6

7 BUDDHIST WOMEN S ASSOCIATION By Julie Doi, BWA Newsletter Writer HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015!!! We started off the New Year with our annual New Year s Day Service at 9:00am. The MA s set up the altar and the mochi used for the service was made by the Sangha Gathering teachers, parents and children in December. On Sunday, January 4th we had our Sangha Gathering with Dennis Ikuta as our main speaker. He spoke on the life of Shinran Shonin. Dennis and Curtis later lead the adult class with further discussion on Shinran s life. The children enjoyed making their Good Things Jar as part of their lesson plan on Shinran. We enjoyed a delicious lasagna lunch prepared by Donna and Joann Ebisuda. Thank you Group 3 for cleaning the church on January 17. Later that day at 4:00pm we had a Q & A Session with Rev Tetsuo Unno. Because he is such an excellent speaker attendance was very good. The Church took him to dinner at Sal s Mexican Restaurant in Selma. On Sunday, January 18, Rev. Tetsuo Unno was the guest speaker for our Hoon-ko and Shotsuki Service.What amazes me most about him is that he speaks from the heart with little or no notes! We had a Loco Moco luncheon prepared by Sho and Kari Higuchi. Those helping in the kitchen were: Joyce, Gail H., Irene, Nona and JoAnne Ebisuda (serving tea), Kara, Elyse, Claire, James, helping serve and Tats/Andrea and Janette cleaning up afterwards. Joyce and Julie made the zenzai for the dessert and again the attendance was very high. As President of CCBWL, I had our first meeting on January 22. Although it is not a conference year there is still alot of planning. It was nice to see new faces to our group. The CCBWL Conference is in Reedley and is fast approaching in March. Registration is $40.00 your toban group will be calling you for a head count. Deadline for registration is Feb. 7. We got an thank you from the Min Doi Family. A thank you from the CCYBA for the donation we gave them and a funeral donation from the Kaz Yoshimoto family. Keirokai will be Sunday, Feb 22, following the Shotsuki/Nirvana Day Services. Lunch is provided to all church members over the age of 70. Younger than 70 members will be asked to pay. District tobans will be calling for headcounts.there will be BINGO after the luncheon February Events: 2/1 Super Bowl Sunday Service (Parlier)- 10:00 am 2/2 CBE Lecturer Series - GeorgeTeroka in Fowler at 7:00pm 2/8 Sangha Gathering - 10:00am 2/9 Board Meeting -7:00pm 2/11 Buddhist Discussion Class -7:00pm 2/22 - Nirvana Day/ Shotsuki and Keirokai - 10:00am - followed by luncheon and bingo 2/23 - V & P Meeting in Visalia - 7:00pm HOON-KO LUNCHEON was enjoyed by all. Sho & Kari Higuchi 7

8 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE The FEBRUARY Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday, January 18,2015. Families, as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend. FEBUARY SHOTSUKI DECEASED MOURNER Mr. Akiko Kimoto 53 yrs. Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto Mr. Masakichi Mihara 49 yrs. Mr. Arthur Mihara Mr. Bunsuke Okino 89 yrs. Mr. Neil Okino Mr. Ruriko Masuda 48 yrs. Mrs. Ellen Tsudama Mr. Terry Ogami 49 yrs. Mr. Fred Nagare Mr. Wataro Yorizane 78 yrs. Ms. Akiko Yorizane Mr. Aido Nakamichi 43 yrs. Mrs. Toshiye Nakamichi Mrs. Miyono Furumoto 42 yrs. Mr. Roy J. Furumoto Mr. Nobuichi Kimura 39 yrs. Mr. Shizuyo Kimura Mrs. Tsuma Sasai 30 yrs. Dr. Steven Sasai Mr. Juntaro Kagawa 64 yrs. Mrs. Naomi Tamura Mrs. Shige Kagawa 39 yrs. Mrs. Naomi Tamura Mrs. Orio Yamanaka 21 yrs. Mr. Thomas Yamanaka Mr. Chiyosuke Yoshizaki 53 yrs. Mrs. Takako Kanemoto Mrs. Hisaye Kozuki 19 yrs. Mr. Tadashi Kozuki Mrs. Sen Iseki 19 yrs. Mrs. Betty Iseki Mrs. Yuki Hayashi 19 yrs. Mr. Tommy Hayashi Mrs. Toshiko Yotori 14 yrs. Ms. Setsuko Yotori Mr. Marcel Ray Takata 13 yrs. Mr. Fred Takata Mr. Ed Nakamura 10yrs. Ms. Gail Nakamura Mrs. Carol Sakamoto Mrs. Satoye Sasai 8 yrs. Dr. Steven Sasai Mr. Gerald Kenneth Kobashi 7 yrs. Mrs. Jean Kobashi Mrs. Harumi Irene Yoshimoto 4 yrs. Mr. Glenn Yoshimoto Kiyo Yagi 2yrs. Theodora Jung 2015 is the Memorial year for those deceased in One year Memorial th year Memorial rd year Memorial th year Memorial th year Memorial rd year Memorial th year Memorial th year Memorial Mori s began chanting of Shoshin Nembutsu Ge in January. If you are interested in becoming familiar with it, and chant together please join us. Ideally it should be held on the 16th, his Memorial Day, but tentatively we will meet on the third Monday of each month. 8

9 The Sangha Gathering Corner On Sunday, January 4, 2015, the Sangha Gathering learned about Shinran Shonin s life from Dr. Dennis Ikuta. Dennis told us that Shinran lost his parents at a very young age. When he was 9 years old he was sent to Mt. Hiei to study. During his 20 years there he came to the realization that he could not attain enlightenment on his own accord. After leaving Mt. Hiei, Shinran met Honen Shonin and learned that his path to Buddhahood relied on tariki or other power. Shinran s understanding of the Nembutsu path developed into the Jodo Shinshu tradition. We learned that because of Shinran, we have our sect of Buddhism called Jodo Shinshu. We commemorate his life and passing in January at our Ho-Onko Service. At the children s activity, Ashley Calhoun and Cheryl Koga showed the students a scroll with a picture of Shinran. The picture depicted Shinran s plight of having no shelter on a snowy night. In seeking warmth, an innkeeper at first turned Shinran and his disciples away, but later had a change of heart and allowed them to come in from the cold. We discussed how grateful Shinran must have been. After talking about all the good things that happen to us everyday, just like Shinran s encounter with the innkeeper, the children made a Good Things jar. Each day for the rest of the year, the children are to write one good thing that happens each day and put it in their jar. At the end of 2015, the students get to read all about the Good Things that happened to them or their family to reminisce about the Good Things in the past year. Adam Calhoun said, I got to make a grateful jar and wrote about playing air hockey with my dad. Kira Wilson said, it was interesting to learn about Shinran becoming a priest. Claire Ikemiya said, I liked looking at the scroll of Shinran showing the changing heart of the innkeeper, letting him stay at his inn to sleep and stay warm. Elise Ikemiya said, I learned that we are Jodo Shinshu Buddhists from Dr. Ikuta. Dennis Ikuta and Curtis Koga led the adult discussion on Shinran. There was good interaction. Later, Donna and Joann Ebisuda served a delicious lasagna lunch. The Sangha Gatherers had a great day! 9

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11 Yearly dues for 2015 are being accepted. The schedule for payment is again: $275 per person and $550 per couple. For 1 st year new members, dues are $ and 2 nd year new members it is $ If you would like to donate more, it would graciously be accepted BWA dues are payable for $10 per person can be sent to Carol Guerra or given to any BWA board member. A reminder when doing your grocery shopping in 2015, don t forget to use your SHARE card at any of the following grocery stories; Savemart, Lucky, or Foodmax. Our church gets a percentage of your receipt. During the last quarter the church received $190. If you would like a card to give to family members in other areas of CA, please contact any Board member. This is an easy way for our church to make some money. Next Next Sangha Sangha Gathering Gathering will be Feb. 8. Everyone is welcome!! will be on Feb. 10am Everyone is welcome. Nirvana Day Service/Monthly Memorial Service & Keirokai Luncheon will be held on Feb. 22. We will be honoring BWA ladies who have reached their kiju (77 yrs) and beiju (88 yrs) and all members over the age of 70 yrs. with a lunch. The CCBWL Conference will be held in Reedley on March 8, Tobans will be calling to find out if BWA members are interested in attending. Preregistration is due Feb. 9, Looking Forward: BWA will be having their biannual yard sale March 7, Save your gently used items. Please make sure all appliances are clean and in working order and have their connecting cord. All clothing should be in good shape and clean. Drop off will be March 1. 11

12 Includes: Sushi, Udon, Chinese Chicken Salad, Bread, Dessert, and ALL YOU CAN EAT STEAMED CRAB For tickets contact: Joy Donaldson ( ) or Gary Sakata ( ) or

13 Saturday, February 14, 2015 TREAT YOUR SWEETHEART TO A SPECIAL VALENTINE S DAY DINNER! HOURLY RAFFLE DRAWING BE A LUCKY WINNER! PURCHASE A RAFFLE TICKET TO WIN A JAPANESE FUTON BROWSE THE FBBWA COUNTRY STORE THE FBBWA THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Fresno Betsuin FAMILY DHARMA CENTER 2690 E. Alluvial, Fresno Take-out available 4:00pm to 5:30pm Dine-in seating 6:00pm PRE-SALE ONLY! Tickets : $40 each for adults $20 each for children (12 & under) Tickets may be purchased from the Fresno Betsuin Office 1340 Kern Street, Fresno (559) Make checks payable to: FRESNO BUDDHIST TEMPLE memo: FBBWA Crab Feed

14 DIRECTORY OF OFFICIERS Minister Rinban Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Alan Sakamoto Church President Steve Sasai Vice-President Toshie Mori Secretary Cheryl Koga Joyce Sasai Maintenance James Goishi Fujinkai Presidents Joyce Sasai Kaye Kozuki Newletter Editors Curtis Koga Julie Doi Karen Shimizu Webmaster Glenn Nakamichi FEBRUARY BUDDHIST RADIO BROADCAST KFIB (AM900) SATURDAY 7:20AM NOTE: The CC Buddhist Ministers Assn. will continue the Buddhist radio broadcasts (Japanese but not English). More details will follow about the program. Thank you to all who give their time to help with this program. Nirvana Day, Keirokai and February Shotsuki Service February 22nd at 10:00am Followed by Luncheon and Bingo NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S POSTAGE PARLIER, CA PERMIT #23 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box 547 Parlier, CA Address Service Requested

15 FEBRUARY Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sangha Gathering What is Nirvana 10:00am Nirvana Day, Shotsuki, Keirokai, & Luncheon 10:00am 1 V & P Super Bowl Sunday Service w/ Brian Nagata in Parlier 10:00am CBE Lecturer Series with George Teraoka in Fowler 7:00pm Parlier Board & General Meeting 7:00pm Parlier Class Taichi 8:00am Curtis Discussion Class 7:00pm Welcome Center 9:15am- 11:30am Temples 11 Parlier Class Taichi 8:00am Finance Meeting 7:00pm Welcome Center 9:15am- 11:30am Parlier Class Taichi (see above) CCDC Meeting in Fowler Temples Mtg. following 7:00pm Parlier Class Taichi 8:00am V & P Meeting in Visalia 7:00pm Welcome Center 9:15am- 11:30am BCA CALENDAR THEME; LIVE A REAL LIFE