the Padma BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE Our Vision A Community Where Our Spiritual Life And True Self Can Be Realized

Transcription

1 the Padma August 2011 BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE Web Edition Our Vision A Community Where Our Spiritual Life And True Self Can Be Realized Our Mission To Live A Life Of Joy In The Nembutsu And Share The Dharma With Others

2 August 2011 t h e P a d m a BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE 2121 Channing Way, Berkeley, California (510) WEB EDITION Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat NO SERVICE Crafts 10-1 Temple Board Mtg. 7:30 pm NO SERVICE Padma Newsletter 6:30 pm BBT Centennial Rummage Sale 10 am 3 pm Bay Dist. Family Conf Planning BC of San Francisco 1:00 pm 21 BBT Centennial Rummage Sale 10 am 3 pm NO SERVICE Crafts :30 am Comb Dharma Family/ Shotsuki Hoyo Svc Centennial Meeting 7:00 pm 31 NOTE: For temple matters, please contact Rev. Matsumoto at (510) , or leave a message on the temple s answering machine. Temple web: Temple info@berkeleysangha.org

3 FUTURE DATES TO REMEMBER August 7, 14 & 21 - No services August 20 & 21 - BBT Centennial Rummage Sale August 28 - DFS & Shotsuki Hoyo September 4 - No service (Labor Day holiday) September 11 - DFS; Dharma School begins September 18 - Fall O-Higan service and Keirokai Potluck lunch; Hiroshi Kashiwagi, Centennial speaker September 25 - DFS & Shotsuki Hoyo Wanted: Fun people to join a fun crew putting together the Padma We meet at the Old Temple on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 pm. After we collate the Padma, we have a delicious snack. No Experience Required: Just Show Up!

4 A Century of Gratitude and Joy The Years of Vibrant Growth to 1985 Increases in membership With the resettlement of members in Berkeley and surrounding areas and the growing number of post-war "baby boomers," the number of young families and children who came to the temple to engage in a variety of activities during the 60's and 70's increased virtually every year. Sunday School A number of dedicated adults volunteered as teachers and supporters of an ever-growing Berkeley Sunday School program. In 1969 classes were first held in the converted dormitory rooms above the social hall. Sports programs A strong athletics program for young people developed in the post-war years and, with an increase in the number of temple youth, grew into a flourishing program in the 60's and 70's. At its height, the Sangha basketball program boasted numerous teams for boys and girls. The sports teams were coached by highly dedicated adults and supported by the parents of the players. Parents provided transportation to practices and games, raised funds, furnished uniforms and chaperoned at activities. In 1968 the Fujinkai provided the financial support for a Youth Club, which helped to organize parent participation in the sports programs. Pledge System In the face of mounting costs and inflation, the Board adopted in 1969 a new pledge system for temple members. Instead of setting a fixed amount of dues across the board, the new system allowed members to make individual annual pledges. Many members responded by making substantial pledges, thereby placing the temple on a firmer financial foundation. Sunset View Columbarium In 1969 a section of niches at the Sunset View Mausoleum was purchased by the temple for its members to purchase. Today the Berkeley Temple section is completely filled or reserved. New temple properties In 1973 the Board decided to purchase the apartment building directly to the east of the temple. Later another apartment building on Fulton Street was acquired as well. Temple Board In 1976 Mrs. Nora Hataye became the first female member of the Berkeley Board of Directors. Berkeley Buddhist Temple ministers from 1970 to 1985: Rev. Masami Fujitani ( ) Rev. Hoshu Matsubayashi ( ) Rev. Toshio Murakami ( ) Rev. Haruyoshi Kusada ( ) Rev. Newton Ishiura ( ) Namu Amida Butsu Rev. D. Matsumoto August References: Berkeley Buddhist Temple, In Amida's Light, Our Legacy and Vision (90th Anniversary Celebration ); Berkeley Buddhist Women's Association, 90th Anniversary: Remembering Ninety Years with Gratitude (Oct. 10, 2004); Buddhist Churches of America, Vol. 1, 75 year History, (Chicago: Buddhist Churches of America, 1974)

5 Presidents Message We hope everyone is having a good summer thus far and has had the chance to take some time off from their otherwise busy schedules. This month, we d like to use this space to send a heartfelt thank you to all the people who made our Obon dance possible. Many Sangha members have been involved with this event for months and put in countless hours on behalf of the temple. Moreover, many of you came on the morning of the dance and stayed all day to ensure that everything for the event was done. The last time we hosted the dance was in Although we normally alternate with the Berkeley Higashi Temple, they graciously agreed to sponsor the dance for two consecutive years because of the construction at our temple last summer. Despite the three-year gap, our Obon committee led by Lena Yin, as well as Reverends David Matsumoto and Ken Yamada, Madame Hanayagi, the third quarter Toban, and a multitude of Sangha members pulled off a great community event. When we first began writing this message, we intended to thank people by name, but as we went along, we realized that so many members of our temple played important roles in allowing Obon to go on, we simply ran out of space. Therefore, what we d like to highlight is a short list of the work required to host the Obon dance: Obtaining the event permits Organizing the dance practice sessions Closing the street Preparing the event program Assembling the backdrop, stage and seating Setting up and operation of the sound system Setting up the social hall and old temple Coordinating the sale of the tenugui Designing and production of the new BBT happi coats Coordinating the sale and distribution of the happi coats Purchasing material for food service and refreshments Dressing the dancers Design, production and distribution of Obon remembrance name cards Serving refreshments and meals to dancers Preparation and serving of dinner to Madame Hanayagi, the Hanayagi dance group and guests Making makizushi, inarizushi, and spam musubi Baking cookies and other treats Preparation of somen Working the food booth Clean up We hope this partial list shows in some small way the amount of activity and planning involved in one of our events. We also hope that it indicates the level of involvement and dedication of our Sangha to our temple and its activities. At our July temple board meeting, we had an opportunity to discuss the Obon dance and get feedback in terms of how it went, what worked, and what could be improved. The key theme to emerge from this discussion was the level of admiration and gratefulness we all had to our fellow members for their dedication and effort for all temple activities. As we all know, the Sangha is one of the foundations of Jodo Shinshu. Events like the Obon dance are a regular reminder of just how important and vibrant our Sangha is. With gratitude and appreciation, in Gassho, Willie Fernandez and Art Nishimura for the Berkeley Buddhist Temple Board of Directors

6 COMBINED DHARMA FAMILY SERVICE & SHOTSUKI MEMORIAL SERVICE August 28, :30 am Shotsuki Hoyo Service August 28, 2011, 9:30 AM The following persons will be remembered during the Shotsuki Hoyo (monthly memorial service) for August. Matsu Fujii Masao Fukawa Fuyu Furukawa Hisao Furuzawa Katsujiro Furuzawa Kiroku Furuzawa Kiyoshi Furuzawa Yae Furuzawa Misao Hataye Ralph C. Honda Harry Noboru Ikeda Rev. Kanmo Imamura Arthur Akira Iwata Hiroshi Kanda Hiroshi Charles Kaneko Risuno Kaneshita Soeko Kawamoto Kazuko Long Mitsuo Maegoto Hitoshi Marumoto Stanley T. Marubayashi George Shigeru Matsuoka Saichiro Muramoto Kiyo Nakagawa Michio Andy Nishikado Yaye Oda Shizuye Okubo Asami Kawachi Oyama Takaaki Sakamoto Natsuko Nancy Shimada Tadao Shiozaki Lorraine Tokiwa Kiyono Tominaga Suematsu Uemura Hyakuzo Yamada Toshiko Yamamoto Haru Yamashita Kiuzo Yoshinaga Note: If there are any additions, corrections or deletions to the above list, please notify the Berkeley Buddhist Temple at

7 MRIs and Meditation by Diane Ames There is something rather special about an MRI. You gather this when you walk in and they hand you a form asking, Did you drink something alcoholic to steel yourself for this procedure? How much? Did you drug yourself? With what? Later the staff explains that it s actually quite easy. You lie down on your back, the staff makes you as comfortable as possible with pillows, and then they shove you into this closed coffin, er, MRI machine. All will be well if you can remain absolutely still, repeat, absolutely still, for about forty-five minutes while the machine makes a variety of staccato noises. As they wheel me into the machine, I decide that the only thing to do is to meditate. Since I ve been through this before and remember the noise, I know that anything complicated like a Tibetan-style visualization is out of the question. It will have to be simple, basic meditation, focusing on my outgoing breaths, counting them until I reach ten, and then starting over. ( Rat-tat-tat-tat-tat! goes the MRI machine.) In these circumstances, I will be doing well to get to ten without losing count. Meditation involves focusing on the breath because the process of breathing shows us that we are not separate from, or independent of, the world around us. We are, for one thing, profoundly dependent on the air we breathe. Focusing on the outward breaths turns our focus outward to the world rather than inward to ourselves. And counting the breaths keeps us focused on them. (Which is not easy in here. The machine fell silent for about thirty seconds, but now it s going, Ping-ping-ping-ping-ping! ) Of course the great question, aside from whether I can ignore the urge to scratch my neck, is, Is meditation a form of self-power? I admit that it is easy to get that impression when we see Zen monks resolutely sitting up straight and staring at the wall for days on end, but those monks would be the first to tell you that meditation does not get you enlightened. It is at best a pause in samsara, an interruption of the frantic gerbil race of life that gives rise to the endless tangle of thoughts that usually occupy our minds. It also helps you get through an MRI. ( Chuga-chuga-chuga-chuga! goes the machine.) When the technician congratulates me on not having moved, I tell her that I meditated. Lots of patients tell us that, she says. As we say here, use meditation or medication.

8 Berkeley Buddhist Temple expresses condolences and deep sympathy To the family of Emi Nakao on the passing of her mother, Mrs. Chiyeko Sasaki January 14, May 13, 2011 To the family of Mrs. Miyoshi Nakano Shaku Jun Ko June 19, May 19, 2011 Namu Amida Butsu Namu Amida Butsu Namu Amida Butsu ************************************************************************ The following is a list of special service years. If you have a dear departed relative who has passed away in any of the listed years, and would like to make arrangements for a memorial service, please contact Rev. Matsumoto at (510) ************************************************************************ 2011 MEMORIAL SERVICE SCHEDULE YEAR SERVICE st Year rd Year th Year th Year th Year th Year rd Year th Year th Year

9 THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED TAKE OUT, SET UP, TAKE DOWN & PUT AWAY THE PLATFORM, THE DECORATIONS AND THE OTHER EQUIPMENT THAT MAKES AN OBON HAPPEN. Aki Nakao Bob Akiyama Carol Akiyama Chuck Messer Craig Griffin Dii Lewis Jared Akiyama Jeff McGuire Jimmy Kihara Kai Wilmsen Karen Kato Karli Messer Kyle Messer Russell Wells Scott Takeda Stan Tamaki Vernon Kato Whitney Tamaki Everyone else who pitched in to help but whose names were not recorded (including the audience members who put away their own chairs) MORE OBON THANK YOUS Madame Michiya Hanayagi and all the members of the Michiya Hanayagi Classical Japanese Dance Group People who helped dress the dancers: Mizue and Deborah Yamasaki, Joyce Oishi, Sayaka Inaishi Food Prep and Donors: Denise Kaneshiro, Diane Yasuda, Lena Yin, Mimi Kagehiro, Nippon Foods Sushi Co-chairs: Yuki Otake, Susan Gabriel, Patty Fujiwara, Ellen Jorgenson, Makoto Takenaka July toban - Takeda Family, Jeanette Hoki, Suzanne Otani, Alinda Yamasaki August toban September toban And everyone else who assisted

10 THE IMAMURA LEGACY In paying tribute to those who contributed extraordinary service and dedication to our temple during its 100 year history, we would be remiss in not honoring Rev. Kanmo Imamura and his wife, Jane, who served our temple for 17 years during the difficult post war years and through the period of vibrant growth. With their indomitable and giving spirit, they nurtured and encouraged returning members from evacuation and were instrumental in rebuilding our temple, not only spiritually but physically as well. Rev. Imamura saw the need for a larger temple and spearheaded the drive to create a temple that would serve the new generation. It was his vision that helped create our simple and pure onaijin without the traditional adornments. Without resources, he started study classes that would eventually morph into the BCA Study Center, which was originally housed in our new temple. These classes attracted many who were seeking Buddhism on a deeper level. Mrs. Imamura became the temple mother to many YBA ers; she was like a magnet who attracted many young people seeking spiritual guidance and social outlets. She and her husband encouraged the YBA to start the Berkeley Bussei* and the bazaars (ours was probably the first of its kind in the Bay Area!), and she organized choir groups which provided new and innovative music during the 50s. We now know much of the Imamura family through her wonderful book, Kaikyoshi, in which she provides a thorough account of our temple history during their tenure. We are greatly indebted to this exceptional couple and wish to pay special tribute to them during this Centennial year. Gokurousama. *The Berkeley Bussei was a newsletter published initially by the YBA with informal articles. This later became more refined and included more sophisticated and intellectual articles and serious explorations of Buddhist thought.

11 THE CENTENNIAL IS COMING!!! A CENTURY OF GRATITUDE AND JOY Saturday, October 22, 2011 Need more information? Please call Emiko Katsumoto or Judy Kono at Thank you to the following for helping us with the Centennial Fund Yo Hiraoka Ruth and Richard Kaneko Kiyo Kato Keith and Grace Kosakura Jane and Morris Kosakura Leslie Ota Lethridge Shigeko Marumoto Gordon Oishi Phylis and Gene Takahashi Ron and Carol Tanaka Ellen Wakayama In memory of Hisako Kosakura In memory of Jiro Kato In memory of Hisako Kosakura In memory of Hisako Kosakura In honor of Emiko and Kenji Ota In memory of Hitoshi Marumoto In memory of Joe and Masako Oishi Collecting for our August CENTENNIAL RUMMAGE SALE Sundays from 10 to noon Weekdays 10 to 1 (call office first) See related article for details Please see BBT historical pictures in temple lobby beautifully framed by Irene Asao Wells ~~~~~~~ Centennial Speakers talks are now posted on our BBT website (thanks, Scott!) at CENTENNIAL TIDBITS Did you know that Mme. Hanayagi has been teaching our Bon Odori dancers for over 50 years? that Higashi was once a part of BBT until 1925? that our former minister, Rev. Masami Fujitani, was the only BCA minister serving in the Japanese armed forces who actually engaged in combat?

12 CENTENNIAL QUILT RAFFLE JAPANESE DESIGN QUILT (50 X 46 ) Raffle Date & Place: October 22, 2011 Centennial Luncheon Marriott City Center Hotel NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN Ticket Price: $1/ticket OR $5/book of 6 tickets (Proceeds to go to Temple Centennial Fund) BERKELEY BUDDHIST WOMEN S ASSOCIATION would appreciate everyone s help to sell raffle tickets. Please contact CAROLINE FERNANDEZ at (510) for tickets.

13 LAST CHANCE to start cleaning out your drawers, closets, cabinets, garages, basements, attics, tool sheds, extra bedrooms, campers, studies, kids rooms for our CENTENNIAL RUMMAGE SALE August (Saturday & Sunday) 10 am to 3 pm COLLECTION INFO Monday through Friday: 10 to 1 during office hours (call first ) Sundays until the week before the event: (please not days of event!) Week before the sale: we will be at church every day from 10 to 5 pm. We will have tables set up and would appreciate your pre sorting when you deliver. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES (If you can help, please contact Lena Yin at info@berkeleysangha.org) Week of August 15 through 19 help with sorting and setting up 10 to 5 August 20 and 21 help day of event from 8:30 to 4 SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR DONATIONS (in good condition please! Refer to July Padma for detailed listing) Japanese items Knick knacks Household goods Small appliances Small tools Accessories Children s items Small furniture Office supplies Sports equipment Please, NONE of the following: Adult clothing, TVs, computers, electronic items, printers, mattresses, large appliances

14 Exploring Jodo Shinshu Buddhism Programs at the Jodo Shinshu Center 2140 Durant Avenue (between Shattuck & Fulton) Berkeley, California Start your day with Buddha! August 1-5, 2011 Monday thru Friday 7:00 am - 8:30 am Waking Up to the Dharma Traditional early morning meditative sessions Daily Schedule: 7:00-7:30am Chanting/Interactive Dharma 7:30-7:50am Dharma Exercise 7:50-8:30am Breakfast Guest Speakers: Rev. Shingo Furusawa Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara Rev. Zuikei Taniguchi Rev. Kodo Umezu Attend for one morning, or the whole week! Free! All are welcome! Donations appreciated For more information: Phone: Fax: director@cbe-bca.org Sat., August 13, :00-3:30 pm Dr. George Tanabe The Uniqueness of Shin Buddhism Dr. George Tanabe will compare Jodo Shinshu Buddhism with other schools of Buddhism. Dr. Tanabe is Professor Emeritus, Department of Religion, University of Hawaii in Honolulu. He received his Ph.D. in Religion from Columbia University and served as Department Chair until His books include Myoe the Dreamkeeper (Harvard); Religions of Japan in Practice (Princeton); and Practically Religious: Worldly Benefits and the Common Religion of Japan. Presented in conjunction with the Jodo Shinshu Correspondence Course August Workshop F R E E P U B L I C L E C T U R E S Fri., August 19, :30-9:00 pm Dr. Kenji Akahoshi A Conspiracy of Compassion: A 21st-Century Look at the Primal Vow The diversity and pace of the Internet age makes it challenging for us to appreciate the richness of Shinran s teachings in its original form. Reframing the Primal Vow in a familiar language may engage the new or lost seeker. This presentation will offer new metaphors as an entry to the traditional teachings. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi is a graduate of the Institute of Buddhist Studies and received Tokudo ordination in Kyoto, Japan. He also has a Master s Degree in transpersonal (spiritual) psychology. Wed., September 14, :00-3:30 pm Rev. Wayne Yokoyama Confessions of a D.T. Suzuki Researcher Or how I found the skeleton of D.T. Suzuki in the attic Rev. Yokoyama describes the high point of his career as his discovery of the missing pages to D.T. Suzuki s Introduction to the Kyogyoshinsho that someone had literally hidden in the attic of the D.T. Suzuki Library. It was as if the head of the manuscript was in the file downstairs, while the rest of the body was hidden upstairs. Aspects of D.T. Suzuki s Zen life in relation to Shin Buddhist studies will also be shared, presenting evidence of a new Buddhist paradigm emerging in today s world. Rev. Yokoyama is with the Nishi Hongwanji International Center in Kyoto, Japan. Co-sponsored by the American Buddhist Study Center Presented by Buddhist Churches of America - Center for Buddhist Education

15 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES J-Sei has a strong, dedicated and enthusiastic group of over 100 volunteers providing close to 1,000 hours of service each month. J-Sei works to match individual interests with the needs of the agency, making every volunteer experience a valuable one - there is something for everyone! J-Sei Senior Center And Lunch Program Kitchen Volunteers Home-Delivered Meal Drivers Class Instructors Programs Friendly Caller Friendly Visitor For more details and contact information visit J-Sei Transportation Program ELIGIBILITY At least 60 years of age Ability to walk with minimal assistance and sit in a van for a maximum of 1 hour Complete registration form annually FEES First ride free! $8 round trip to Senior Center Costs of other destinations vary PROGRAM LOCATIONS J-Sei Senior Center 1710 Carleton Street Berkeley, CA J-Sei Administrative Office 2126 Channing Way Berkeley, CA For information and registration, contact Kazuya Morita Van Program Driver (510) kazuya@j-sei.org Our Transportation Program began in 2010 as a way to bring older adults who no longer feel comfortable driving themselves to the J-Sei Senior Center. This program was designed to address two needs apparent in the community: better nutrition and lack of social options for people who have given up driving. Monday through Thursday, our bilingual van driver brings riders to the Center for a hot, nutritious Japanese lunch followed by a shopping trip to a local market for groceries. This program has grown to include service to Senior Center classes and outings to enjoyable locales. DESTINATIONS: J-Sei Senior Center in Berkeley Japantown in San Francisco and San Jose Mitsuwa Marketplace in San Jose Napa Valley Outlet Mall

16 TELEPHONE COORDINATORS: SUSAN GABRIEL & LENA YIN AUGUST TOBAN: Chair: Maya Murashima-Yonemura Cochairs: Ellen Jorgensen, Ron Hiraga Akio & Chiyoko Fujinaga, Ron Hiraga & Gayle Nishikawa, Flemming & Ellen Jorgensen, Jon & Dawn Kawamoto, John & Irene Murashima, Ron & Carol Tanaka, Michael & Katherine Utsumi, Ann Yamoto, Paul & Maya Murashima Yonemura, Terry Mock & Craig Noble, Kevin & Renee Yasumaru, Rose Ikeda*, Richard Kurakazu*, Yasuo & Chiyoko Nakamoto*, Miyoshi Nakano*, Yoshiye Nonaka*, Gary & Kimi Toji*, Kiyoe Unoki*, Helen Kurakazu* (Arizona), Dennis & Alberta Tsuchida (Texas) SEPTEMBER TOBAN: Chair: Emiko Katsumoto Cochairs: Kathleen Yee, Russell Ware Doug & Erin Uesugi Clough, Richard & Nancy Kakigi, Dean & Denise Kaneshiro, Kiyoshi & Emiko Katsumoto, Aiko Kurokawa, Kuniko Imazumi, Mike & Pat, Art Nishimura, Doreen & Bruce Buchholz Sakamoto, Russell & Amy Ware, Dennis & Kathleen Yee, Ken Yoshii, Kiyo & Yasuko Harano*, Nora Hataye*, Arthur & Betsy Ishida*, Mary Kurokawa*, Shigeru & Michiko Kubota*, Irene Mitsuyasu*, Arthur Yamagata*, Helen Yoshimura* *Denotes disabled and/or elderly Toban duties optional. * * * * * * * * * * PADMA STAFF: Rev. Matsumoto, Susan & Al Gabriel, Lucy Hamai, Yo Hiraoka, Norman Hirose, Ellen Jorgensen, Keiko Kawakami, Emi Matsunaga, Yuki Otake, Mae Takeda, Scott Takeda, Edythe Vassall, Yasuyo Wolfe and Yae Yedlosky.

17 2011 Relay For Life of El Cerrito CA Saturday, July 23, AM at Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Ave Event Date and Time Saturday, July 23, AM Opening Ceremony: 10:00AM Saturday Survivors Lap: 10:30AM Saturday Luminaria Ceremony: 9:00PM Saturday Fight Back / Closing Ceremony: 9:30AM Sunday Performance Schedule 12:00-1:00 En Vivo 1:00-1:30 Zumba 4:30-6:30 The Vibe Project There will also be activities and themed laps throughout the event! One day. One night. One community. One Fight. Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer; remember loved ones lost to the disease; and fight back against a disease that takes too much. Event Location Cerrito Vista Park, 950 Pomona Ave, El Cerrito Follow event

18 Services And Information Services Our regular Sunday program begins with a Family Service at 9:30am. A Dharma talk is available after the Family Service while Dharma School classes are convened for students. Special Services January 1 Shusho-e New Year's Day Service February 6 Nehan-e Nirvana Day March 20 Ohigan Spring Equinox April 3 Hanamatsuri Flower Festival May 8 Gotan-e Parent's Day July 10 Kangi-e Obon September 18 Ohigan Autumn Equinox November 13 Hoonko Shinran Shonin Memorial December 4 Jodo-e Bodhi Day December 31 Joya-e Year End Service A Shotsuki Hoyo (Monthly Memorial) Service is held the last Sunday of each month. Berkeley Buddhist Temple Visitor Information Please feel free to ask any of our greeters for information. We are here to assist you with whatever level of participation you may be seeking. Whether you are here to satisfy a slight interest or to make a more personal connection, we wish you well and hope that you will be visiting us again soon. Membership Information Membership is open to all who view our Temple as their religious home and seek the Buddha-Dharma. To join, complete a membership form, have your name entered on the membership roll and support the Temple through a pledge and participation. To inquire about becoming a member, please speak with our Membership Chair or Minister. Dharma School Our Dharma School (Sunday School) has classes from preschool through high school. Our teachers are happy to discuss the appropriate level of spiritual enrichment for your child. Monthly Discussions In our discussions, we strive to experience the Buddha- Dharma with our entire selves with our bodies (quiet sitting and other forms of meditation), voices (chanting and other liturgy) and minds (study and discussion). Our sessions focus on ways in which Buddhist teaching and practice can impact our everyday lives. Each session will take up a different topic and so you are welcome to attend any or all sessions. All interested persons are welcome to attend. Please invite your friends! We hope to see you! Berkeley Buddhist Temple 2121 Channing Way Berkeley, CA Office Hours Monday Friday 10:00am 1:00pm Phone: Fax: info@berkeleysangha.org web:

19 BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE Board of Directors Meeting Tuesday, June 14, 2011 Attendance: Art Nishimura, Judy Fujimoto, Susan Gabriel, Lucy Hamai, Don Hamasaki, Kiyoshi Katsumoto, Emiko Katsumoto, Judy Kono, Dii Lewis, Emi Nakao, Yosh Tokiwa, Marrie Yamashita, Yuki Otake. Proxies: Willie Fernandez, Ron Hiraga, Lena Yin. President Art Nishimura called the meeting to order at 7:37 PM with opening Gassho led by Lucy Hamai. Minutes: Reviewed the May 10 minutes and corrected spelling of Eshinni. Motion by Judy Kono to accept the May minutes as corrected; seconded by Kiyoshi Katsumoto and passed. MINISTER S REPORT: Rev. Matsumoto submitted a written report for 5/10 6/14/11, which included 5 meetings; 2 consultations; 4 family memorial services; 5/13 BBT Chanting practice; 5/14 Set up Gotanye BBT; 5/15 BBT Gotanye Service; 5/21 5/22 Satsuki Bazaar; 5/24 Bazaar Clean up; 5/29 BBT DFS, Shotsuki service & Centennial Lecture w/ Brian Nagata on Rev. Dr. Yehan Numata and the BBT; 6/5 BBT DFS & DS Graduation Service; 6/5 Vesak JSC; 6/12 6/23 teaching at the Hawaii Buddhist Study Center Summer Session; 6/12 DFS@BBT Minister s Assistants officiate & Gatha Practice. Upcoming events: Bon Odori practices 6/21,6/23, 6/28,6/30/7/5, 6/24 26 Pacific JSC; 6/26 Shotsuki Memorial Service & Late Bishops Memorial BBT and Colma Ohakamairi; 7/1 7/5 family vacation; 7/9 Bon BBT; 7/10 BBT Obon & Hatsubon Service with Guest Speaker and Centennial Lecturer Rev. Tetsuo Unno. TREASURER S REPORT: Satoshi Steimetz issued a written report for the period 51 5/31/11. CORRESPONDENCE: Correspondence binder passed among the Board, which included invitation to the J SEI 40 th anniversary on 9/10; BCA Debt Relief Appeal Letter; notice that Rev. Taniguchi has retired from SACBC and the BCA active ministry; Rev. Dean Koyama becoming the supervising SACBC minister; thank you from the DS for the Bazaar donation. Board discussed honoring Rev. Taniguchi with a retirement gift. Motion made by Emiko Katsumoto to give Rev. Taniguchi a retirement gift; seconded by Judy Kono and passed. President Nishimura will Rev. Matsumoto to inform him of this gift. REPORTS BY AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS BBWA: Yuki Otake reported on the Centennial Quilt Raffle with tickets at $1 each or a book of six for $5; checks should be made payable to the BBWA; tickets will be sold at the Bon Odori. BBWA will take part in the Colma Ohakamairi and then attend the San Mateo Bazaar after the service.

20 DHARMA SCHOOL: Judy Kono reported that 6/5 was the DS Graduation Service; 6/12 Gatha practice to be lead by Dii Lewis and Emiko Katsumoto; staff meeting scheduled for August. JR. YBA: Don Hamasaki reported that the BD Jr. YBA retreat will take place in San Luis Obispo from July1 3; Helen Tagawa said that the BD Jr. YBA Volleyball Tournament Dance went well; noted that Robin McGuire and Joann Okano created the wonderful decorations for the dance. J SEI: Yosh Tokiwa reported the following 6/25 Open House at the Hayward J SEI home, a preview for supporting members; Hayward home awaiting licensing as a residential facility; J SEI continues to host monthly Saturday seminars (August session on saving for college). President Nishimura has received a request for the BBT to be a sponsor of the J SEI 40 th anniversary celebration on Sept.10, Kiyoshi Katsumoto made a motion to make a $500 donation to the J SEI 40 th anniversary celebration; seconded by Lucy Hamai and passed. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS RELIGIOUS COMMITTEE: Art Nishimura reported that Rev. Furuzawa officiates at the 6/19 DS with Edythe Vassall as the speaker. {Art will ask Rev. M if Rev. Furuzawa should receive an orei.} He also asked the Board to make suggestions to Rev. Matsumoto for 2012 guest speakers. PLEDGE/MEMBERSHIP : Mimi Kagehiro submitted a written report listing 199 pledged members from 141 family units to date. BUILDING MAINTENANCE: Kiyoshi Katsumoto gave an updated estimate of $ from Mike Nolan Painting to paint the upstairs kitchen, including the cabinets, and to seal the outside walls of the Hondo. Kiyoshi moved that the Board increase the allocation for the kitchen and hondo painting to $3000; seconded by Marrie Yamashita and passed. GARDEN MAINTENANCE: no report. APARTMENTS: Ron Hiraga submitted a written report that all apts. are occupied. The Temple received two re imbursement checks for May from Fulton St. and from Channing Way. OTHER REPORTS SATSUKI BAZAAR: Kiyoshi Katsumoto reported that the Bazaar was favored with nice weather and the net income is on a par with 2010 earnings. The final accounting is not yet complete, but discontinuing BBQ chicken did not appear to have a negative effect. Also, 850 steaks were sold. The Berkeley Food & Housing Project is the 2011 recipient of the Bazaar community donation. At the evaluation meeting, the Bazaar committee decided that there will be no BBQ chicken for Kiyoshi thanked everyone for all the hard work and effort put forth for the Bazaar BCA DEBT PAYMENT REQUEST: President Nishimura noted that all members should have received a letter from the BCA requesting a donation of $199 per member towards retiring the BCA debt and that an explanatory notice also appeared in the Padma.

21 BD COUNCIL MEETING & NATIONAL BOARD MEETING: Lucy Hamai presented a report on the BD Council meeting where the future of the Center for Buddhist Education was discussed. George Thow, the BD Council chair, will call a meeting about the purpose and mission of the CBE, now that most Temples organize their own workshops and lecture series, since the demise of the Dept. of Buddhist Education. Lucy asked for input from the Board on the viability of the CBE and on the direction of Buddhist Education for adult, youth, and children. Judy Kono reported on the National Board Mtg. as follows, Susan Bottari is the lay representative for the Bishop s Selection Committee with Steven Terusaki as the alternate; the Zaidan fund is able to allocate funds in 2011, since its account now totals more than the required $1 million minimum; Gail Noguchi is the interim manager of the BCA Bookstore. OBON: Susan Gabriel reported that the practice schedule is set, toban groups notified, and Bon Odori day duties assigned. Kiyoshi Katsumoto has applied for the necessary city permits and placed an ad in the Nichi Bei Times. {Emiko Katsumoto asked that Mme. Hanayagi be given special recognition at the Bon Odori for her long service as a dance instructor for the Temple. Pres. Nishimura will Rev. Matsumoto about this idea. Judy Kono will Satoshi Steimetz about Mme. Hanayagi s orei.} TEMPLE SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA: President Nishimura stated that there were no applicants this year by the deadline. TEMPLE SECURITY: no report. CENTENNIAL: Emiko Katsumoto reported that invitation wording is complete; a plaque is being designed for the Founder s Rock; the Shinran statue has arrived from Japan and is stored in the upstairs rectory; Dr. Frank Kami built the stand for the statue; 9/16 special dedication service for the statue. PADMA PRINTING & DELIVERY: As of August, Scott Takeda cannot help with the printing and delivery of the Padma but will continue producing the e newsletter. Lucy Hamai stated that the Padma will need a new editor and a volunteer to print and deliver copies to the post office and that training is available. NEW BUSINESS BBT & BCA: Judy Kono reminded the Board that the MOU between the BBT and the BCA needs to be reviewed and resigned every five years. President Nishimura will send copies of the MOU to the Board. Yuki Otake was thanked for providing the refreshments for the meeting. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 12, Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM with closing Gassho led by Lucy Hamai. Respectfully submitted with Gassho, Judy Fujimoto Please contact a Board member if further clarification of these minutes is required.