Kelowna Buddhist Temple

Transcription

1 May 26, 2017 Kelowna Buddhist Temple The New Dharma Express PO. Box 22092, RPO Capri Centre Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9N9 phone Special points of interest: Thurs. June 1, 10am Fri. June 2, 10am Sun. June 4, Family Fun Picnic 11am Wed. June 7, 10am Thurs. June 8, 10am, Temple Exec Meeting Fri. June 9, 10am Sun. June 11, Dharma Shotsuki 1pm Tues. June 20, 27 Obon Odori Wed. June 14, 21, 28, 10am Thurs. June 15, 22, 23, 10am Fri. June 16, 23, 30, 10am Monthly Memorial Master Master Joji Terai Kentaro Kawaguchi Sutejiro Hattori Giogi Nishi Kametaro Yoshida Taju Uemoto Hikoshichi Kukita Okiku Yamaoka Kura Shishido Ine Tomiyama Minoru Hatanaka Hatsue Koyanagi Shizu Kumagai Teruo Mori Yasuko Mayeda Aya Tabuchi Hisae Uyeyama Hideo Uyeyama Toshiye Yamaoka Irene Hayashi Take Tanemura Sachiko Tanaka Dharma Door Summer Time! Clean-up Altar Toban M/M Ken Yamada M/M Isao Terai Yoshiko Ueda Anne Stack M/M Kaichi Uemoto Derek Mayeda Meiko Ewuk Tammy Nishi Naoko Nakamura Reg Tomiye M/M Jason Kouchiyama Shirley Tanemura June 3 Gary Koga June 10 Reg Tomiye June 17 Rick Suzuki June 24 Jerry Takeda Inside this issue: Sensei 2 Dharma School 3 Calendar 4 JSBTC Report 5 Editor 6 Japanese 7 Donations 8 The Dharma Door is our Temple's own Buddhist bookstore, and like the name implies it accomplishes two aims: 1) to offer excellence in curated Buddhist books for members of our Sangha as well as the broader Buddhist community; and 2) to provide a welcoming atmosphere at our Temple for people to drop in and explore Buddhism. Our staff are all volunteers from our Sangha who have a love of learning the Buddhist teachings. Although the Temple is largely closed during the summer months, the Dharma Door will be open by appointment to continue our services to the Sangha and community. During June July, and August, if you wish to access the Dharma Door, please call Genevra at We will resume regular hours again in September. In Gassho, Genevra

2 Page 2 From Sensei: Peace of Mind with Amida Buddha The Vow on which true and real practice is based is the Vow that all Buddha say the Name. The Vow on which true and real shinjin is based is the Vow of sincere mind and trust. These are the practice and shinjin of the selected Primal Vow. Its practicers are all the good and the evil, the sages of the Mahayana and the Hinayana, and the foolish This is the central purport of the Larger Sutra of the Buddha of Immeasurable Life, the genuine significance of the true essence of Other Power. (Shinran Shonin) The above quotation is from the Preface of Shoshin-ge. It describes the essence of and Shinjin, which are the central teachings of our Jodo Shinshu teachings. People often ask me questions about our Jodo Shinshu faith. One of the most common questions is about practice and shinjin. Indeed, these are the most important aspects of our religious teaching. Among all the religions of the world, you will find that most of them teach that we should strive to reach heaven. The object of worship that is common to most major religions, is the presence of a god. We human beings, who come from different backgrounds, recognize our own weaknesses in dealing with our lives, and turn to our deity, god, or spirit to help us cope. When it comes to Jodo Shinshu, D.T. Suzuki said, one of the most remarkable features of our Jodo Shinshu teachings concerns Amida s name and Vow. There are no corresponding concepts in other religions. Our Jodo Shinshu teachings, urges us human beings not to rely on our limited human power at all. Instead, our spiritual liberation is contained within the activity of Amida s Vow Power. All beings can be liberated by Vow-Power, and its promise is unconditional. Shinjin, which is a central concept of our Jodo Shinshu faith is a Japanese term which is roughly translated as entrusting heart. It is not something that we human beings can intentionally bring about through our own self-directed efforts. Instead, it is entirely due to the workings of Amida. Shinjin becomes awakened within the individual through the working of Amida s Primal Vow. Shinjin doesn t imply a special state of mind, or special thing to be felt or experienced. It is simply entrusting oneself to Amida Buddha. How is it then, one might ask, that the power of Amida Buddha s Primal Vow works for the benefit of everyone? The answer is, that it reaches into our hearts and minds through the phrase, Namo Amida Butsu. Through these words Namo Amida Butsu, Amida s power reaches into our hearts and minds, becoming like a light that shines upon us and nurtures us from within. This special name, Namo Amida Butsu contains all the essentials that we need for our spiritual liberation. It is through the compassion of Amida Buddha that we become aware that we have been endowed by shinjin. In his writings, Shinran Shonin explained how shinjin comes from the power of merit transference of Amida s Primal Vow. Amida Buddha does not promise liberation on the condition of entrusting. Instead, he assures all beings of his unconditional guarantee of liberation that the entrusting heart brings. Amida s vow to liberate exists first, and the individual s experiencing that calling voice is shinjin. No prior condition is placed on the Vow. Therefore, if you do something good or useful to someone after entrusting to Amida, this is due to Amida s influence. It is not because you have become a better person. There is a famous story about the myokonin, Shoma, who was a well-known follower of Jodo Shinshu. He was a resident from Kagawa prefecture, Shikoku - a poor laborer working for others. Despite his poverty and lack of social status, Shoma was said to have a deep philosophical mind, which was as good as any Zen master. On one occasion, when returning home, Shoma had to cross a part of the sea. While in the sailing boat with his companions, a storm arose. This storm was so fierce that the boat was in danger of sinking. At that time, his friends reverted to their old and primitive beliefs, offering prayers to the god of the sea. However, Shoma slept on without concern until his friends awakened him. They asked how could he sleep so soundly in the face of such danger. Shoma reportedly rubbed his eyes and asked, are we still in this earthly world? His friends described him as conveying peace of mind - a -typical true Nembutsu follower who lives and accepts the many stresses and crises of everyday life, and takes them in his stride. Just like Shoma in the story, when it comes to our own lives, and the realities, challenges, and sufferings that we inevitably face, relating to aging, sickness and ultimately death, we can have the comfort of our spiritual world, within which we can have peace of mind. In the midst of crisis, or great difficulty, we can still maintain our peace of mind with the confidence that our shinjin faith will help us to face any difficulty with courage, hope, and the assurance that we are completely within Amida s embrace of kindness, tenderness and safety. Let us take some time in our day to sit quietly, say Namo Amida Butsu, and listen for Amida s voice. In Gassho, Rev. Yasuhiro Miyakawa

3 Page 3 This is an article especially for the Dharma School kids and their families. As Dharma School comes to a close for another year, we extend our deep gratitude to the families and individuals who make our little Sangha a place where we are encouraged to grow and thrive as Buddhists. It is not always easy to organize family life around coming to the Temple on a Sunday morning, and yet you persist in devoting your efforts to doing just that. i wish all of you a happy, healthy, and peaceful summer. I also encourage you to continue your practice at home, around the family shrine. This can make a big difference in everyday life. In August this year, we have a very special speaker coming to the Temple. Reverend Ken Tanaka is a very well-known author and speaker, who has written several books on Shin Buddhism, including Ocean, which many in our Sangha have read. We will be sure to notify you as soon as we have a specific date for Dr. Tanaka s Dharma teaching so that you may set time aside to come and hear him. Please feel free to invite your family and friends who are interested as well. To wind up our Dharma School year, we will be celebrating with a Temple Picnic on June 4th at Beasley Park in Lake Country. It will be held from 11 AM til 4 PM, and we will have games, live music, ice cream, and cold drinks. We hope you can join us! In Gassho, GenevraIf you have thoughts and stories to share with the Kids Sangha and Dharma School, you are invited to correspond with us at KidsSanghaKelowna@gmail.com Kids Sangha Kelowna Buddhist Temple Spring Picnic Sunday, June 4 11AM-4PM Beasley Park, Woodsdale Road Lake Country, BC Please join Temple Members and Friends Bring your family for a picnic and outdoor fun by the Lake You bring your basket, we ll provide the Ice Cream and Cold Drinks! Games and Activities Live Music Fun for all Ages Obon Odori June 20th and 27th at Beginner and refresher Instruction on traditional Odon Dancing by Shoko Yamada The Collected Works of Shinran The great compassion of true enlightenment is born from supramundane roots of good refers to the great enlightenment of equality. The enlightenment of equality is termed true enlightenment because equality is the fundamental aspect of all things. Because of the equality of all things, awakening the mind (aspiring for enlightenment) is the same. Because awakening the mind is the same, the enlightenment (tao) is the same. Because the enlightenment is the same, great compassion is the same. Because great compassion is the true cause of attaining the Buddha s enlightenment, it is termed the great compassion of true enlightenment.

4 Page 4 June 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Taiko 2 3 Gary Koga 4 Family Picnic 11am 4pm 5 Taiko Taiko Temple Exec Meeting 9 10 Reg Tomiye 11 Dharma Shotsuki 1pm 12 Taiko Taiko Rick Suzuki Taiko 20 Obon Odori Taiko Jerry Takeda 25 Vernon Obon 3:30pm 26 Taiko 27 Obon Odori Taiko 30 1 David Nishi

5 Page BC Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples Federation2017 Federation Vancouver Island Obon Tour & Cumberland Memorial 50th Anniversary Date: August 11 13, 2017 Fee: $375 per person (based on double occupancy) Highlights: 50th Anniversary Banquet for Cumberland Japanese Cemetery Memorial. Special Presentation by Cumberland Museum. Visiting the Cumberland Japanese-Canadian Camp site 1 as well as the former Royston Buddhist Temple in Royston. Visiting the Japanese-Canadian cemetery sites in Cumberland, Nanaimo, Chemainus, Duncan, and at the Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria Obon Service in Nanaimo Obon festival at Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria. Enjoying fine culinary cuisines of the Island. Join us for this special journey of the heart. A trip you won t want to miss. For a detailed schedule of weekend events or for more information please contact Rev. Grant Ikuta at rev.ikuta@stevestontemple.ca, or at the Steveston Buddhist Temple (604) What s Included: - Return Ferry Fees (foot passenger. Personal Vehicles will be left at the Tsawassen Terminal) - Bus Fee (Chartered bus will pick us up at Steveston Buddhist Temple and Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for those joining from the Island) - Most meals including the Friday evening Banquet. (Friday lunch on your own). - Hotel for 1 night in Courtenay, and 1 night in Nanaimo (double occupancy). (Fee is based on 40 individuals on a 47 seat chartered bus. Price may go down slightly if we can get more people joining the tour). Trip Sponsors& Supporters: BCJSBTF, Steveston Buddhist Temple Fujinkai, BCJSBTFWF, Cumberland Township, Sands Funeral Home in Nanaimo, Comox Valley Nikkei Association, Victoria Nikkei Community Society. Registration Form also available by contacting: kbtemple@telus.net Message from our President: 2017 JSBTC AGM 2017 Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temple s of Canada s Annual General Meeting was held at the Toronto Buddhist Temple from April 21, 2017 to April 23, Sensei Miyakawa attended the AGM. Barb Yamaoka and I, Pegi Hayashi Uyeyama, were also granted the opportunity to represent the Kelowna Buddhist Temple at this event. The Toronto Buddhist Temple and Organizing Committee of the JSBTC did an admirable job of organizing this event. Friendly, reliable transportation was provided for all the attendees between the Airport, the Hotel, the Temple and the restaurant for Saturday s supper. Meetings for the JSBTC and the Womens Association started on Friday night, April 21, Larry Wakasaki, the President of Toronto Buddhist Temple, was appointed Chairperson of the JSBTC meetings. Reports had previously been presented by all the Temples, the Bishop, as well as the JSBTC and Living Dharma Centre executives. The Full-time Bishop Position Evaluation Committee recommended that, due to financial restraints, we should continue with the 2-year term part-time Bishop. Since there were no other nominees or volunteers to run for the Bishop, Aoki-Sensei was announced as Bishop through acclamation. No vote was taken. There were three persons running to fill three of the five available positions on the JSBTC board. David Ohori, Trudy Gahlinger and Laura Sugimoto ran for positions on the board. There were no other nominations from the floor and the three nominees were accepted by the Board by acclamation. The nominees were never asked to leave the room and no separate votes were taken. Continued page 7

6 Page JSBTCWF AGM Report Thursday, May 20 mid-morning Anne, Barb, Pegi & Shirley flew out to Toronto for a start to a weekend full of new information, meeting old friends and new, and an over abundance of delicious meals. We were happy to see our good friends Gord, Aura Lee & Emily Lacey, and were able to spend Thursday evening and Friday touring the sites, shopping and restaurants of Toronto. They miss Kelowna very much and sent their best regards to all. The Women s Federation celebrated 35 years with a Commendation Certificate presentation to 9 past presidents. Only the recent 4 presidents (Susan Huntley, Noriko Ikuta, Jessie Ebata & Donna Dubbelboer) were present for the occasion. From the first meeting in Montreal the WF has grown and hosted 2 very successful World Buddhist Women s Conventions in 1990 and The WF as we know it as for the last 35 years has now changed from a separate legal entity to a Committee, under the umbrella of the JSTBC. This change is required by recent changes to Canada Revenue Agency Rules. After much discussion on Friday evening the JSBTCWF Constitution and Bylaw were rescinded. The new Committee will be of minimum of 4 persons, and shall replace the Board. The Committee consists of Lori North, Chairperson; Phylliss Ohashi, Vice Chairperson; Myra Takasaki and new to the Committee is Anne Stack. Myra has graciously agreed to act as Treasurer during the transition this next year. This new Committee will have the task of coming up with Terms of Reference (TOR) for approval at the next AGM. Kelowna s nomination of Ronald McDonald House for Dana Day Charities was one of 2 selected to receive $2, for The other was Breakfast for Learning submitted by Hamilton chapter meetings will be held in Calgary. Respectfully Submitted: Shirley Tanemura & Anne Stack Message from the Editor What a soggy way to start the summer, I hope everyone is high and dry. I m sure you are excited about the upcoming events: Family Fun Picnic and Obon Odori. Both events are a must attend for those that are looking for a flavor of our vibrant Sangha - Obon on July 9th. Today we were setting up for the upcoming Asian Heritage A Piece of Japanese Heritage what a lot of work pricing and setting up displays Thanks to those that volunteered Shoko Yamada, Laurie Takeda, Linda Uemoto, Joyce Favell, Jerry Takeda, Rick Suzuki/Peggy Tanaka, Jack & Darlene Yamaoka, Alan & Barb Yamaoka and special thanks to Shirley Tanemura (I m sure I missed someone so I ll do a blanket thank you to all those involved). What a great project! Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada held their annual general meeting in Toronto, Pegi Uyeyama and Barb Yamaoka attended on behalf of the Kelowna Buddhist Temple, representing our Women s Association was Shirley Tanemura and Anne Stack, thank you ladies. Not to forget Kent MacCarl our local Director on the National Board and his lovely wife Barb on the Living Dharma Center executive, your dedication and involvement is truly a selfless generous gift to our community. Lastly, I don t want to sound like a broken record but for those who are on the Temple detail, please do your part in maintaining our beautiful Temple during the summer months. I know from personal experience that it isn t always convenient or fun, but it is important. Make every effort to work your weekend and if you cannot, find a replacement. In Gassho, Jiro Obon Potluck Dinner July 9, 2017 Please contact Shirley Tanemura or to let her know what you will be bringing to share: main dish/side dish/salad or desert. Thank-you!

7 行事案内 6 月 1 日 ( 水 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 2 日 ( 木 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 4 日 ( 日 ) 午前 11- 午後 4 時 家族でビクニック 7 日 ( 水 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 8 日 ( 木 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 午後 7 時 仏教会役員会 9 日 ( 金 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 11 日 ( 日 ) 午後 1 時 6 月祥月法要 14 日 ( 水 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 15 日 ( 木 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 16 日 ( 金 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 20 日 ( 火 ) 午後 7 時 盆踊り稽古 21 日 ( 水 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 22 日 ( 木 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 23 日 ( 金 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 25 日 ( 日 ) 午後 3 時半 バーノンお盆会 27 日 ( 火 ) 午後 7 時 盆踊り稽古 28 日 ( 水 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 29 日 ( 木 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 30 日 ( 金 ) 午前 10 ー午後 12 時半 千部経三昧 # 天候異常で各地の洪水被害が出ている様子 皆様のお宅はご無事でしょうか どうかお気を付け下さい # アジア遺産の一部としていろいろな展示に寄付やご協力下さった方々 有難うございました # 家族でピクニックは今年もビーズリイパークです 楽しい集いになりますように 又 6 月末はバーノンのお盆 それに合わせて盆踊りの稽古が始まります ご家族お揃いでご参加下さい Page 7 "Looking for a gift idea but have no idea what??? Why not give a gift certificate to THE DHARMA DOOR. Something for everyone. Just Rambling We all have our heads down and running as fast as we can through life feeling stressed and busy. But, when putting this publication together, Genevra Cavanaugh s me apologising for something and in a matter of fact way writes I was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road!. OMG, she is worried about my timeline, what a trooper. It s not just about you others are experiencing difficulties and hard times, please take a moment to help a friend, volunteer or make the effort to ask someone how they are. We don t live in a bubble - as much as you think life sucks there is always someone who is worse off and needs a friend or confidant. Slow down In Gassho, jiro Greg Chor stated that, following an audit by CRA of the JSBTC books, that the JSBTC is to take over all cheque writing and investments for various JSBTC national fund owners in order to keep their charitable organization status. Each Committee is still responsible for keeping their own accounting records, but funds must go through the JSBTC. As per CRA requirements, the JSBTC must set up a committee of trustees to look after all fund control. The Ministers Retirement Fund has sufficient resources to provide benefits of approximately $700 per month. Donations to this fund must go through the individual temples rather than direct donations to the JSBTC Ministers Retirement Fund. The Women s Association donated a sizable amount to the fund. There seems to be a general trend of loss of membership in most temples across Canada. Steveston Buddhist Temple requested help from the JSBTC in maintaining and possibly increasing membership numbers. Greg Chor and Dave Ohori replied that it is not up to the Directors of the JSBTC, but rather the individual temples, to find ways to keep their numbers up. In response to the question of how each temple counts their membership, Greg Chor stated that he didn t care how each temple reaches their membership number. The JSBTC just wants consistency in the numbers, in order to prepare their annual budget JSBTC Continued

8 With Gratitude the Temple and all of its Affiliated Organizations Acknowledge Your Generous Contribution and Apologies for any Errors or Omissions. Dharma School Mori, Min (Hanamatsuri) $ Uemoto, M/M Kaichi (Bottle Drive) $20.00 Dharma Shotsuki Uyeyama, M/M Joe (In Memory of Shuo Yamaoka) $20.00 Uyeyama, M/M Joe (In Memory of Chiyoko Yamaoka) $20.00 Uyeyama, M/M Joe (In Memory of Katsuzo Hayashi) $20.00 Uyeyama, M/M Joe (In Memory of Mitsu Hayashi) $20.00 Tanemura, Shirley (In Memory of Takeko Kimura) $20.00 Tanemura, Shirley (In Memory of Kuniyoshi Tamura) $20.00 Yamaoka, M/M Alan (In Memory of Shojiro Yamaoka) $25.00 Yamaoka, Tomoye (In Memory of Shuo & Chiyoko Yamaoka) $25.00 Yamaoka, Tomoye (In Memory of Shojiro Yamaoka) $25.00 Tamura, Ms. Haruko (In Memory of Kuniyoshi Kimura) $30.00 Tamura, Ms. Haruko (In Memory of Takeko Kimura) $30.00 P. Tanaka/R. Suzuki $30.00 Yamaoka, Ms. Carrie (In Memory of Shuo & Chiyoko Yamaoka) $40.00 Tamaki, Stan (In Memory of Masaru Tamaki) $50.00 Yamaoka, M/M Alan (In Memory of Katsuzo Hayashi) $50.00 Yamaoka, M/M Alan (In Memory of Mitsu Hayashi) $50.00 Yamaoka, M/M Jack (In Memory of Shuo & Chiyoko Yamaoka) $50.00 Tamaki, Toyoko (In Memory of Masaru Tamaki) $50.00 Tamaki, Toyoko (In Memory of Ronnie Tamaki) $50.00 Martin, Michael $50.00 Yamaoka, M/M Alan (In Memory of Chiyoko Yamaoka) $ Yamaoka, M/M Alan (In Memory of Shuo Yamaoka) $ Hanamatsuri Kitaura, Barney $ Memorial Kaminishi, Kaye (In Memory of Florence Kaminishi) $ Special Cavanaugh, Genevra $ Ikuta, Rev. Grant (Honoring Rev. Miyakawa's Mother) $50.00 McCarl, M/M Kent $ Kitaura, Barney (In Appreciation for Chow Mein) $ Dux, M/M Larry $ Dux, M/M Larry (Building Fund - Roof Repair) $1, Temple Services & Offeratory $20.00 Some questions on the JSBTC financial reports and budgets presented by delegates were not answered. Apparently, as admitted by Greg Chor, there were some errors in the reports and budgets. Despite the accountants recommendations, the Headquarters Staff s expenses were mixed with the Bishop s expenses. This made it difficult to assess the validity of the large increase in expenses. Kelowna Buddhist Temple had previously presented a resolution to have the adjustments to the JSBTC assessments to take effect on January 1 of the calendar year after the AGM approval. Prior to presenting our resolution to the AGM, the Directors of the JSBTC presented a resolution to approve the next year s temple assessments at the AGM. Following approval of this resolution by the AGM, Kelowna withdrew our resolution. It was passed to keep the temples assessment at $80.00 per member. The Calgary Buddhist Temple graciously agreed to host the 2018 JSBTC AGM. Everyone is looking forward to attending at their new temple. Dave Ohori volunteered the Vancouver Buddhist Temple as host for the 2019 JSBTC AGM. Each of the temples made a presentation at the AGM. Trudy Gahlinger of the Victoria Buddhist Temple described their start up activities. Current membership is ten, but growing. Greg Chor of the Vancouver Buddhist Temple described how they have Introduction to Buddhism lectures by various persons. Elmer Morishita listed the many activities, such as meditiation, sutra chanting, general buddhism lectures, yoga, bingo and musical concerts to attract people to the Steveston Temple. Lucy Yoshioka commended Reverand Grant Ikuta on the Buddhism discussions he conducted with school children. Doug Cruikshank gave a brief description of the trials and tribulations of bulding the new Calgary Temple. Vernon Buddhist Temple held potluck dinners and movie nights. They thanked the Living Dharma Centre for providding a large screen. Roland Ikuta described the guest speaker series they held at the BTSA Lethbridge. Hamilton/Toronto Buddhist Temple held mindfulness meditation sessions to help members relieve tension. Saturday afternoon, the Ministers took turns doing impromptu lectures on topics presented by the delegates. This resulted in quite lively and entertaining lectures, which showed how commiitted, intelligent, and wellspoken our Ministers are. We are very lucky to have them in our Temples. Sunday morning, we were once again treated to a delicious meal by the Sangha of the Toronto Buddhist Temple. They had a large, dedicated crew of people who worked long hours to prepare delicious snacks and meals throughout the weekend. We were envious of their large, professionally equipped kitchen. Kudos to the Toronto Buddhist Temple for a very well-organized event. Thank you to all who worked so hard to make all the delegates feel welcome and well-fed. In Gassho, Pegi Hayashi Uyeyama