DHARMA LIGHT September 2009

Transcription

1 LIGHT OF THE DHARMA Steveston Buddhist Temple 4360 Garry Street, Richmond, B.C. V7E 2V2 September 2009 Tel: (604) Fax: (604) Resident Minister: Rev. Grant Ikuta Editor: Hiroko Yoshihara CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER Sun 10:30 a.m. - Shotsuki Monthly Memorial Service 06 Sun 1:00 p.m. - Fujinkai Semi-Annual Meeting 08 Mon 7:30 p.m. - SBT Board Meeting 11 Fri 7:00-8:00 p.m. - Choir Practice 13 Sun - Terry Fox Run 18 Fri 7:00 8:00 p.m. - Choir Practice 20 Sun 10:00 a.m. - Dharma School Service 20 Sun 10:30 a.m. - Fall Ohigan (Autumn Equinox) OCTOBER Thurs 7:00 p.m. - Fall Lecture Series 04 Sun 10:00 a.m. - Dharma School Service 04 Sun 10:30 a.m. - JSBTC Day & Shotsuki Monthly Memorial Service 05 Mon 7:30 p.m. - SBT Board Meeting 08 Thurs 7:00 p.m. - Fall Lecture Series 09 Fri 7:00-8:00 p.m. - Choir Practice 11 Sun 10:30 a.m. - Adult Dharma Service & Discussion 15 Thurs 7:00 p.m. - Fall Lecture Series 18 Sun 12:00 noon - Fall Food Fair & Open House 22 Thurs 7:00 p.m. - Fall Lecture Series 23 Fri 7:00-8:00 p.m. - Choir Practice 25 Sun 10:00 a.m. Dharma School Service & Halloween Party 29 Thurs 7:00 p.m. - Fall Lecture Series LECTURES: Thursdays October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 7:00 p.m. Fall Lecture Series "Shinran & Shoshinge" by Rev. Grant Ikuta THE JOY OF SHARING THE NEMBUTSU The wisdom which Buddhism cultivates is not a dry, sterile, empty scholasticism. It is a pursuit of knowledge and insight for the purpose of elevating and enhancing the life of others. A major problem of education and religion today is motivation. In our troubled and complex world the appeal to self-interest and selfadvancement only arouses a competitive attitude and intensifies our social conflicts. The only sound motivation is the way of cooperation and assisting others. Through our learning we must be liberated from our egoism and the egodelusions that injure others. (From SHOSHINGE the heart of Shin Buddhism by Dr. Alfred Bloom) With the summer holidays quickly coming to an end, as we prepare our children for the start of school it also means that the church activities will soon be in full swing. Normally, following Obon, things tend to be quiet around the temple until the beginning of September when the usual activities start up again. However, this summer was an exception, immediately following the Obon service at the beginning of July; I was busy getting prepared for this year s Youth Hongwanji Japan Cultural Studies Trip. This year there were nine students in total from across Canada (3 from Toronto, 2 from Calgary, 2 from Lethbridge, and 2 from Vancouver) who went on the trip. For seventeen days, from July 10 th to the 27 th, we participated in a program prepared by the Hongwanji as well as did some site seeing on our own. We visited the cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Amagase in Oita Prefecture, Kumamoto city and Tokyo. As well, we got to see many historic sites such as Nishi Hongwanji, Mt. Hiei, Osaka Castle, Hiroshima Peace Park, Kumamoto Castle, Mt. Aso (an active volcano), Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, and Tokyo Tower, just to name a few of the places we visited. As you can imagine, the trip was truly memorable, but at the same time tiring for the person responsible for the kids, namely myself. By the end of the trip, I was anxiously looking forward to returning to Steveston. Upon my return, however, things didn t slow down any as we had the Shotsuki service the following weekend and following that I was off again to Berkeley, CA to help conduct the summer retreat for the students taking the Jodo Shinshu English Correspondence Course. The retreat was being held at the Jodo Shinshu Center where eleven students and four instructors, plus the staff of the Jodo Shinshu Center gathered for a weekend of sharing and learning more about the Nembutsu teaching. It was a very enriching experience for both students and instructors alike. If all this wasn t enough, when I returned back to Richmond, waiting for me was the Youth Dharma Retreat which we just held at our temple over this past weekend. In total 15 Youths (11 taking the retreat for the first time this year and 4 boys who completed the retreat last year) came from the Lower Mainland. One youth even came all the way from Calgary to participate. All of the kids came to enjoy one another s company, but mainly to experience the Dharma in a more focused atmosphere. Again, as with the trip to Japan and the retreat in Berkeley, the Youth Dharma Retreat weekend was also very meaningful climaxing with the Sunday service being conducted completely by the Youth Retreat Participants. It was truly a summer in which I met so many seekers of the nembutsu teaching. According to Shinran Shonin, Shinjin is seen as the core to the Jodo Shinshu teachings. Shinjin is the awakened faith of the listener who has received the mind of Amida Buddha. The sbt@shawlink.ca Page 1

2 characteristic of one who has received shinjin was further clarified by the eighth Monshu, Rennyo Shonin who stated the following, To receive shinjin is to understand the true intent of the Eighteenth Vow. To understand the true intent of the Eighteenth Vow is to understand the true meaning of Namu Amida Butsu. When one has truly taken refuge in the Vow, then at that instance the will to share the merit with others will be born. This is the heart of Amida Buddha, always working to share the Dharma with sentient beings. Putting this more simply, when we awaken to Amida Buddha s Great Compassion, we cannot but help want to spread with others the joy of receiving such wonderful teachings. This was, in essence, what I experienced over the summer. It is in this sharing of the Dharma that we begin to see a very important role for the temple. The temple is a place for sharing the Dharma experience with others. As Dr. Bloom has mentioned in the opening remarks, Buddhist wisdom is not just some cold scholastic knowledge but is indeed the sharing of the warmth of the Dharma. The temple is a place where throughout the year there are many activities going on. All of these activities are an expression of sharing in the Dharma. As a new year of temple activities are about to begin, please come out and get involved. It is truly amazing to feel the energy when we all share in the experience of receiving the Buddha Dharma together. In Gassho, Grant Ikuta FROM THE OFFICE OF BISHOP, JODO SHINSHU BUDDHIST TEMPLES OF CANADA Kimie Shibata, 2 months old Dec Hiroshi Tanino Itsuko Hamanishi Oct May 1931 Yoshiharu Teranishi, Baby Oct 1938 Hayato Maruno 1941 Ryoichi Yoshida 1960 Kazuyo Koyama 1960 The above are the markers that I found at the Nanaimo Cemetery. I have just come back from Vancouver Island Obon Services at old cemeteries such as Cumberland, Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Chemainus, Duncan, and Ross Bay in Victoria. As you see there are old gravestones in memory of many young people in the early pioneer days. It was probably because they used to live in the remote area far away from the hospitals and also because the parents were too busy to look after young ones. Whenever I visit those cemeteries, I am reminded of the hardships and challenges that those pioneers had to meet in the new country, as well as their outstanding perseverance supported by the Nembutsu, the calling from Amida Buddha. Shinran Shonin states in his main work of Kyogyoshinsho; "The great practice is to say the Name of Amida Buddha of unhindered light. This practice, embodying all good acts and possessing all roots of virtue, is perfect and most rapid in bringing them to fullness. It is the treasure ocean of virtues that is suchness or true reality. For this reason, it is called great practice." Also he explains the meaning of great because it can be practiced by each and everyone, including the ignorant, the sinners, and the weak like ourselves. It is not just for the intellectual elite. Let us continue to say the Name and meet whatever the challenge may be. In gassho, namoamidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa Coming Events: September 4-6 Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii s 120 th Anniversary 12 Interfaith Conference; Parliament of World Religions, in Surrey, BC JSBTC MA Meeting/Seminar in Richmond, BC BC Buddhist Convention in Kamloops October Visit to Manitoba Buddhist Temple Overseas Ministers and Members Seminar in Kyoto (Rev. James Martin and three members from Calgary) 31 JSBTC Board Meeting in Richmond, BC November VBC 105 th Anniversary / Alberta Buddhist Convention Apr '10 JSBTC AGM in Richmond, BC PRESIDENT S MESSAGE - Jack Kawabata With fall just around the corner, I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer. During the summer, Judo and Kendo Clubs helped with Bingo and I thank the members of both clubs. Temple members, please come back for Bingo on September 8. We would like to encourage as many members as possible to volunteer in temple activities. The more help we have at the temple, the better and brighter future we have for the temple. It is with great sadness to announce the passing of George Koyanagi. George helped with Bingo in many capacities for many years. I heard that even when he was in the hospital, he kept asking how Bingo was going. George always had a positive outlook on life. When asked to perform a task, he always did it with no monku. On behalf of the temple, may I take this opportunity to offer condolences to Susie Koyanagi. Our memories of George will always live on. It takes a lot of talent and help to keep the temple operational. Thank you everyone for all your support. In Gassho sbt@shawlink.ca Page 2

3 FUJINKAI NEWS - Hiroko Yoshihara 1. Soft Goods Drive will conclude on Monday, August 17 with pickup of approximately 160 bags and boxes by the Developmental Disabilities truck and driver. A thank you to everyone who went through their belongings and practiced "letting go". This will be the last one done by the present organizers but if anyone wants to do this for Fujinkai or another organization, information is available from Hiroko. 2. The annual convention of the British Columbia Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Churches Federation (BCJSBCF) will be held in Kamloops on Sept Registration for any Fujinkai ladies will be paid for by SBT WA as usual. Please attend and go to support Misaye Hamaura who is the head of the BC Women s League and also the Kamloops members. Information is posted on the office door. 3. Semi annual meeting for all Fujinkai members will be held on Sunday, September 6 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss matters which have arisen during the year. Please attend, meet other members and have a thorough discussion of your concerns. Something to think about: At the doctor s office I came across an article in a magazine. The writer came up to an elderly woman who was also walking. When asked where she was going, she replied that she was already there. He went back to her to ask how she lived her life. She replied Moment by moment. HIGHLIGHTS OF AUGUST BOARD MEETING - Hiroko Yoshihara 1. Autism workshop sponsored by the Mothers Drop in program was attended by 16 families which included 8 children with autism. Event was well supervised and warmly appreciated by those who attended. 2. Costs of long term projects for the temple are being investigated. These projects include roof replacement, gym acoustics, windows upgrade, handicapped wash room, parking lot improvements among others. These will be put in priority order and brought to the next board meeting. 3. Shelving and storage carts have been added by Rainer Mehl and Bud Sakamoto to the large storage room which also has been tidied up by Rainer. Thank you to both men 4. Nokotsudo Committee. Changes to by-laws, rules and regulation necessitated submission of amended forms which have been approved in July. License is now placed in the columbarium. 50 niches remain available for sale. 5. Installation of an additional parking light to improve lighting toward the classrooms was approved. Total cost: $ On his initial costing visit the tradesman fixed the two outside lights located by north entrance to the offices. 6. Policies and procedures. Members of board committees should be mindful of following proper action and pass on information. 7. Obon revenue including food sales, games, raffle, percentage from Tenku and Damien Waffle, donations amounted to $12, Expenses were $3, Profit: $8, Temple has a large deficit up to July, partly due to payment for manlift (2008 purchase), increased insurance premiums due to higher value of building and the new security system. Finance Committee is looking into other fundraising efforts. DHARMA SCHOOL NEWS TERRY FOX RUN ON SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 AT GARRY POINT Those interested should meet at Garry Point where a brief service will be held. Length of run or walk is varied so all can participate. Start time: possibly 9 a.m. or before. Dharma School students will be contacted when details are known. This will be a first for our temple, although the Taiko Club has performed. Also, don t miss the Pancake breakfast on September 20 for the Dharma School CHOIR PRACTICES - Noriko Ikuta September 11 & 18 7:00-8:00 p.m. October 9 & 23 7:00-8:00 p.m. 54 TH BRITISH COLUMBIA JODO SHINSHU BUDDHIST CHURCHES FEDERATION CONVENTION September 26-27, 2009 in Kamloops, BC Registration forms and rates are available at the Temple Office. Bishop s Cup (Golf), September 25 th Bus transportation will be arranged if there is enough interest. SPECIAL DONATIONS The Steveston Buddhist Temple sincerely appreciates and thanks the following for their generous donations: Special donations: Canadian Gateball Federation, Bingo Winner: Doris Salvail On the occasion of the 100 th birthday of Mrs. Tsuyu Yasui: Kiyo Domai In memory of the late Ms. Eleanor Kariya: Carolyn Naoe Bradley In memory of the late Mrs. Mitsuyo Nitta: Yosh & Chiz Ito In memory of the late Mr. Sosuke & Mrs. Toku Yamamoto: Yamamoto Family in Winnipeg, H. Yoshida In memory of the late brothers, Yasuo, Kazuo & Yutaka Yamamoto: Yamamoto Family in Winnipeg, H. Yoshida In memory of the late Mr. Hiroshi & Mrs. Hatsuyo Hamade: Yamamoto Family in Winnipeg, H. Yoshida On the occasion of the wedding of our son, Robert Araki to Rowena Wong : Mr. & Mrs. R. Araki In memory of 13 th year of the late Mr. Yoshiaki Kobayashi: Miyako Kobayashi In memory of 49 th day of the late Mrs. Mitsuyo Nitta: Ayako Nitta * Our apologies to Mr. Shig Kamimura for the late announcement for his Obon Raffle donation. We thank you for your contribution. ** All donations received after the 10 th of the month will be reflected on the next newsletter. sbt@shawlink.ca Page 3

4 Abe, Tomihiko Amadatsu, Toshiyuki Hamaguchi, Hana Hamanishi, Riyo Hamanishi, Tae Hamaura, Shigeru Hashimoto, Shizuo Hikida, Ito Hirose, Tashichi Inoue, Masao Ito, Tome Kariya, Sadao Kawabata, Yoneji Kimura, Kiyoko Asari,Some Asari,Yoshio Hall,Junko Hamanishi,Kiyo Hikida,Akira Hori,Masae Imai,Fusao Ikuta,Shinjo Ishida,Fumiko Kakehi,Emiko Kamachi,Shoji Kamachi,Masao Kariya,Masue Kariya,Tsuruko SEPTEMBER MEMORIAL SERVICE September 6, 10:30 a.m. (Please bring your "Homyo".) Kishi, Seiji Nishi, Yukio Kobayashi, Genshiro Nishi, Mitsue Kurahashi, Kenji Ogawa, Masao Maede, Kichitaro Oye, Yaichi Maekawa, Tokujiro Oye, Yakichi Matsuyama, Hideo Ozeki, Yosuke Mizuyabu, Shigeharu Ryomoto, Saburo Morishita, Hiroshi Sakata, Asao Morizawa, Fusa Sakata, Yoshiaki Muramatsu, Marion C. Sameshima, Fujie Murao, Shizuye Tabata, Akio Murao, Tokuichiro Tamaki, Yoshio Nariiwa, Morio Tanaka, Sakiye Nakano, Iwa Tani, Mary Yoshiko OCTOBER MEMORIAL SERVICE October 4, 10:30 a.m. (Please bring your "Homyo".) Kimura,Genjiro Nishi,Tsunezo Kishiuchi,Shigekazu Nishii,Yoshinosuke Kokubo,Nobu Nishikihama,Keizo Koyanagi,Shizu Nitta,Mitsuyoshi Miyazaki,Takaaki Niwatsukino,Tokichi Mizuguchi,Tadashi Niwatsukino,Shigeru Mizuguchi,Yukio Nomura,Fuyumi Mori,Isamu Onouye,Kazuko Mukai,Fusako Saeki,Takekichi Murao,Yoichi Sakai,Lillian Nakane,Risa Sakai,Sumi Nakatani,Masue Sakata,Haruko Natsuhara,Toyo Sameshima,Eizo Nishi,Iyoko Shiozaki,Kiyomi Tanigami, Moriji Tarumoto, Kumae Tasaka, Mitsue Teraguchi, Yurie Teramura, Takashi Toyoda, (infant) Uyeyama, Minoru Yamamoto, Masao Yamanaka, Yukio Yoshida, Harue Yoshida, Sumie Shiyoji,Noboru Suzuki,Aiko Takeuchi,Margaret Tanaka,Takao Tanigami,Moriharu Tasaka,Hatsue Teranishi,Shigeko Yamamoto,Kumano Yamamoto,Yone Yoshida,Yasuichi Yoshida,Yutaka OBITUARY We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to the family members of the following deceased: George Hiroshi Koyanagi August 12, years old June Matsushita August 15, years old Flowers for the Nokotsudo Memorial Garden are welcome. Page 4

5 2009 JSBTC/Hongwanji Japan Youth Trip From July 10 to July 27 th, Rev. Grant led a group of 9 youths from across Canada to take part in the Hongwanji Young Buddhists International Cultural Study Exchange. Over a period of seventeen days, the Youth participated in workshops at the Hongwanji, tours of sites associated with our founder Shinran Shonin, homestay with Jodo Shinshu families in the Hyogo Prefecture as well as touring and site seeing numerous cities and areas of Japan including: Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, Tokyo, Mt. Aso and so much more. The following are just a few pictures from the trip Youth Summer Retreat Weekend During the weekend of August 14 th to 16 th, a group of 15 Youths and 6 staff members gathered for a Youth Retreat Weekend at the Steveston Buddhist Temple. This year, there were 11 first year retreat participants along with the 4 boys who had completed the retreat last year assisting the instructors as leaders. The youths enjoyed a weekend immersed in fellowship and experiencing many new aspects of the Buddha Dharma. The youths stayed over at our temple from Friday to Sunday and participated in workshops on Buddhism, as well as learning about the liturgy and rituals of the Jodo Shinshu tradition. One of the highlights of the weekend was visiting the Lingyen Mountain Temple (a Taiwanese Temple) and experiencing a vegetarian lunch prepared by the nuns of the temple. It was an eye opener for many of the youths, seeing the similarities and differences between our two traditions. Page 5