TORONTO BUDDHIST CHURCH a Jodo Shinshu Temple

Transcription

1 TORONTO BUDDHIST CHURCH a Jodo Shinshu Temple This year the TBC is proudly displaying the beautiful artwork by our Kid s Sangha on the cover of our Guiding Light! 1011 Sheppard Ave West, Toronto, ON M3H 2T tbc@tbc.on.ca

2 FEBRUARY 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SVC & FOODFEST 10:30 am Kid s Sangha 11 am English Service 12 noon Dana Mtg Eko 3 10:30 am Sr. Karaoke am Tai Chi 2:30 pm Buyo pm Japanese Service 7:30 pm Taiko 8:00 pm Buyo 9 REGULAR SERVICE am English Service 12:30 pm Sangha Mtg Eko 12:30 pm Shin Fujinkai Mtg KSR 10:30 am Sr. Karaoke 7:00 pm TBC Management Committee and Board of Directors Mtgs 7:30 pm Taiko 10 am Tai Chi 2 pm Momiji Service 2:30 pm Buyo 4 pm Yee Hong Service * 7:30 pm Lecture by Rev. Yanko 8:00 pm Buyo 16 NIRVANA DAY SERVICE & SANGHA DAY 10:30 am Kid s Sangha 11 am English Service 17 OFFICE CLOSED FAMILY DAY OFFICE CLOSED am Macassa Lodge 7:30 pm Taiko am Tai Chi 2 pm Castleview 2:30 pm Buyo * 7:30 pm Lecture by Rev. Yanko 21 8:00 pm Buyo REGULAR SERVICE 11 am English Service 12:30 pm JSBTCWF Workshop SH 24 10:30 am Sr. Karaoke :30 pm Taiko am Tai Chi 2:30 pm Buyo * 7:30 pm Lecture by Rev. Yanko 28 8:00 pm Buyo Morning Services are held on the weekdays on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am 10:30 am, when a minister is available. As emergencies do come up, last minute cancellations may occur. Thank You

3 MARCH 2014 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY * Events marked with an asterisk are PRIVATE and not open to the outside public 1 2 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SVC SHIN FUJINKAI WINTER WARMUP 10:30 am Kid s Sangha 11am English Service 12 noon Dana Mtg Eko 1 pm Japanese Service 3 10:30 am Sr. Karaoke 4 Fujinotomo pm Ohara School 7 pm Taiko 6 10 am Tai Chi 2:30 pm Buyo * 7:30 pm Lecture by Rev. Yanko 7 8 pm Buyo 8 * 1:30 pm Kumamoto Kenjinkai Memorial Service 9 REGULAR SERVICE 11am English Service 12:30 pm Sangha Mtg Eko 10 10:30 am Sr. Karaoke 11 7:00 pm TBC Management Committee and Board of Directors Mtgs pm Ohara School 7 pm Taiko am Tai Chi 2:00 pm Momiji 2:30 pm Buyo 4:00 pm Yee Hong 14 8 pm Buyo HIGAN & KEIRO KAI 10:30 am Kid s Sangha 11 am English Service 17 10:30 am Sr. Karaoke pm Ohara School 7 pm Taiko am Tai Chi 2:00 pm Castleview 2:30 PM Buyo 21 8 pm Buyo 22 * 1:00 pm Wakayama Kenjinkai Memorial Service 23 REGULAR SERVICE 11 am English Service 24 10:30 am Sr. Karaoke pm Ohara School 7 pm Taiko am Tai Chi 2:30 pm Buyo 7:30 pm Lecture on Buddhism with Wilson Sensei 28 8 pm Buyo 29 * 1:00 pm Shiga Kenjinkai Memorial Service 30 REGULAR SERVICE 11 am English Service 31 10:30 am Sr. Karaoke Morning Services are held on the weekdays on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00am 10:30 am when a minister is available. As emergencies do come up, last minute cancellations may occur. Thank You

4 Regarding Rev. Fujii s Absence... Every day brings stories of turmoil and celebration. At the end of December, 2013 the media was filled with stories about the devastating effects of the ice storm. However, the New Year was greeted with joy and optimism when around 150 visitors came to the Temple on New Year s Day to welcome the arrival of The New Year has already brought us some sad news. In late December Rev. Tomofumi Fujii s father had to cut his holiday in Canada short due to health issues. Upon his return to Japan he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and we have recently received word that Rev. Fujii Senior has passed away. Many of us have our own experiences with family illness and loss and know how crushing it is. We must now rally around Rev. Tomo and his family and offer them the support and understanding that has become one of the trademarks of Jodo Shinshu Buddhists. Rev. Tomo is currently in Japan looking after family matters. While he will return to Toronto in the near future, his stay here will be temporary as it is necessary for him to move back to Japan reasonably soon on a permanent basis and care for his family Temple. We have also been consulting with Bishop Aoki about recruiting a suitable replacement minister to team effectively with Reverend Christina. In light of the circumstances some adjustments will have to be made. In Rev. Tomo s absence Rev. Christina will shoulder the bulk of the ministerial duties in Toronto. We have every confidence in her ability, energy and courage to discharge this heavy responsibility. However, it will be inevitable in the near future that services, especially to the cities outside of Toronto, may have to be rescheduled or re-arranged. Let s commit to work together to support our ministers in any way we can. We ask you all to pitch in and help. If you are able to assist with translations, writing articles and working on the Guiding Light, or some of the multitude of tasks that ministers perform, please contact Pamela or Dianne at the Office. We will continue to monitor developments closely and we will report them as soon as possible at services, in the Guiding Light, and on the Temple Website. In Gassho, Susan Ebisuzaki Director Religious and Education Page 4

5 Ring-Around-the-Rosy The other day I was feeling miserable. It was one of those days when nothing seems to go as planned and responsibilities seemed to be piling up around me. You know these days. I am sure everybody has them. I went home and walked in the door and my husband greeted me cheerily Hello sweetheart! How was your day? I immediately felt my bottom lip jut out and start to quiver before I burst into a fountain of tears. My own self-pity was so strong you could almost taste it. My husband came rushing over to me to find out what was wrong, but it was too late. The dam had burst. I glanced down at my feet and saw my 1.5 year old Atticus sitting there looking up at me and I realized I needed to pull myself together. I sat down on the floor in front of him and reached out to give him a hello cuddle and he pushed me back a little. At first I was hurt but then I noticed he kept grabbing for my hand. Then he took my husband s hand also and started to demand that we play Ring-Around-The-Rosy. There was no changing his mind. So we stood up and my husband sang and we danced around until we all fell down. This continued for a little while...until I didn t even realize I was crying or even upset anymore. I was singing too and as I looked at my little family as we sang and danced I was reminded about how precious these moments are. How precious and impermanent. It reminded me that I needed to really cherish and focus on THESE special moments and not the negative ones. Negative moments come and go as quickly as the positive ones, and why was I wasting my time thinking about what did happen when right then something very special was happening. In Buddhism we recognize that everything is impermanent. It s funny, isn t it how much of our time we spend worrying, complaining and feeling frustrated about things that have happened when instead we could simply stand up and do something else. As Atticus suggests...forget about that. Just stand up and play Ring-Around- The-Rosy. Namo Amida Butsu Rev. Christina When the waters of the mind entrusting to Other Power enter The ocean waters of Amida s Vow of wisdom, Then in accord with the nature of the true and real fulfilled land, Blind passions and enlightenment come to be of one taste. -Shinran Shonin, Hymns of the Dharma Ages Page 5

6 MY THIRD MAP EXPERIENCE On Wednesday, December 11, 2013, I flew to Berkeley, California for my third Minister Assistant Program MAP. Because of the distance, I flew out one day earlier and returned day later. There were 23 MAP attendees ranging in age from the mid 20 s to the 80 s. One, Mr. Shigeki Sugiyama, a retired US Army Lt. Colonel, enabled the BCA to receive official recognition as Chaplain in the US Armed Forces. Then there was Blake Honda, a charismatic young man who worked with youth in crisis. Because of this broad range the in the ages and life experiences of the attendees, this MAP session was for me the best one yet. The highlight of the five lectures was one presented by Dr. Daijaku Kinst, a Soto Zen nun. She was a tower of knowledge and empathy on her topic Chaplaincy. She established a wonderful rapport with us by listening to each of the 23 of us give a capsule summary of our roles at our Temples. Listening is the key for good pastoral care was one nugget. The key ingredients to a Chaplaincy are: Be grounded in your Faith; be less anxious than the person to whom you are giving care was another. One of the things that a Chaplain does is to provide companionship when the problem is unsolvable was her last memorable statements. It goes without saying I was totally in awe of Dr. Daijaku Kinst. I am grateful. A big part of the MAP schedule was the morning and afternoon services. On Friday, December 13 th, we started with a 7AM service and ended the day with a 9:30 PM Dharmathon. More particulars will follow. I was fortunate to be Choso = Chanting leader twice, once for the first service, and then for the final service. We chanted Shoshinge and 6 Wasans. For those of you who attended the LDC weekend last November, you know what a wonderful experience it is to hear the Kodo Hall booming with full voices bouncing off the walls. Rev. Kusunoki, a Chanting expert, kept us in tune with his pitch pipes and his timing strap, tap tap tap he wanted 70 to 90 beats per minute. With regard to the Dharmathon I mentioned, each of the 23 attendees prepared a 5- to 7-minute Dharma talk. Two talks were given at each service leaving 13 to give their talks on Friday, December 13 th from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. There is no time off at MAP! My talk emphasized our Canadian experience, Christmas, snow tires, CBC Radio, and our own Dr. Jeff Wilson s book, Buddhism of the Heart. During all the meals, I made it a point to chat with as many of the other 22 attendees as I could. All in all, it was a fantastic experience, for which I am so grateful to the TBC. Thank you, Namo Amida Butsu. Page13

7 Introduction to Buddhism In February we will begin a four-part Introduction to Buddhism series on Thursday evenings. It will include: Pre-Buddhism and how Buddhism came to be, the growth/spread/change of Buddhism from culture to culture and Jodo Shinshu Buddhism Any and all questions are always welcome and nobody knows to little or too much, so please come down and join us if you have the time! Thursday February 13th, 20th and 27th and March 6th at 7:30 pm. Gassho, Rev. Christina Lets Talk Dharma Hello Dharma friends! Good news! We are going to begin another series of discussions on the fourth Sunday of every month from January to April. It will begin about 15 minutes after the Sunday service which ends at noon and be approximately 30 to 45 minutes long. Please attend if you have the time and inclination. Thank you, Namo Amida Butsu. Dennis Madokoro Special Lecture Series by Jeff Wilson Sensei We will be resuming our special lecture series with Jeff Wilson Sensei starting Wednesday February 26th at 7:30 pm in the Temple Hondo! This will be a continuation of previous discussions, focusing on the relationship between Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and other schools of Buddhism. Please note that these lectures are moving from the 4th Thursday of every month to the 4th WEDNESDAY. February 26 March 26 April 23 7:30pm Page 6

8 Nirvana Day Service February 16th One of the main holidays in the Buddhist tradition is Nirvana Day. The word nirvana translates as the cessation or end of suffering, and it is on this occasion that we commemorate the Historical Buddha s final enlightenment. Right before the historical Buddha died at the age of 80 he stated: All conditioned things are subject to decay. Strive for you liberation with diligence. This is a perfect occasion to reflect on the Buddhist teachings of impermanence and how you are actively working in your life to end suffering. Please join us on this day to share the light of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. At the Toronto Temple, the Sunday of the Nirvana Day Service has traditionally become paired with Sangha Day, a day when this group pays respect to any people who have become honorary members in the last year and any formally welcomes any new members. Luckily, we all benefit in that the TBC Sangha provides a delicious lunch after the service and this year there is some talk about some special entertainment! Five Walls There are five things which no one is able to accomplish in this world: First, to cease growing old when he is growing old; Second, to cease being sick; Third, to cease dying; Fourth, to deny extinction when there is extinction; Fifth, to deny exhaustion. Ordinary people in the world sooner or later run into these facts, and most people suffer consequently, but those who have heard the Buddha s teaching do not suffer because they understand these are unavoidable. Anguttara Nikaya OBITUARIES The Toronto Buddhist Church wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the following individuals who have passed away during the past month. Mrs. Sadano Ono 97 yrs January10, 2014 Mr. George Uchida Hamilton 86 yrs January 11, 2014 Mr. Hisakazu Henry Nishizeki 83 yrs January 29, 2014 Page 7

9 Toronto Buddhist Church Keirokai and Spring Higan Sunday, March 16, 2014 Following a long tradition at Toronto Buddhist Church, our seniors who will reach 77 years KIJU, 88 years BEIJU, and 99 years HAKUJU or more during this calendar year will be honored during the Joint Higan Service starting at 11.00am. During the service, each honouree will be recognized and presented with a gift from the Temple. In order to participate in the service, each honoree must submit the below application form to the Temple before March 8, After the service, a special luncheon will be held for our honorees. All honorees and all other seniors who have given their support to the Temple and are 77 years old or more this year will receive a complimentary bento. Everyone else may purchase a bento for $ Bento tickets will be available for purchase in the lobby prior to the morning service. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. We regret that the number of bentos will be limited. Following lunch in the Social Hall, there will be a most enjoyable entertainment programme. We will look forward to seeing everyone there. Thank you, Special Projects Committee KEIRO KAI MILESTONE BIRTHDAY APPLICATION FORM Name: English Mr / Mrs / Miss If you know the Japanese characters for your name, please write below Address: City: Prov: Postal Code Date of Birth: Please Circle To ensure that preparations for the special honourees is completed on a timely basis Please return this form to the Temple office by the March 8th, 2014 deadline. Page 8

10 DANA SCHOLARSHIP FUND INVITES APPLICATIONS The Toronto Dana Scholarship Committee invites all qualified, graduating students to apply for a Scholarship. Eligibility: Students who are members or who are children or grandchildren of members of a temple/church in the Eastern District of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada and who are planning to attend an institution beyond high school such as universities, institutes of technology, and colleges are eligible. Application forms will be available by contacting the office staff. All applications shall be submitted in writing and accompanied with a Letter of Reference. Amount of scholarship is dependent on monies available each year and is at the discretion of the Committee. The selection criteria will be as follows: Academic results 50 Church activities 30 School and Community Involvement 10 Essay min 300 words 10 Total 100 If you wish to apply for the Dana scholarship, please contact the office at tbc@tbc.on.ca or and an application form will be forwarded to you as soon as possible. * * DEADLINE for scholarship applications is SUNDAY, April 13, 2014 * * All scholarship award winners will be honoured at the scholarship luncheon and presentation which takes place on Sunday, June 1, 2014 at the Monthly Memorial/Shotsuki Service at 11:00 am. TORONTO DANA 2014 Membership Dues Reminder This is a reminder that the 2014 Dana membership fee of $15 per member is now due. The assessment has been increased to defray some of the costs of the upcoming 2015 World Buddhist Women's Convention in Calgary. Please send a cheque to the Temple for $15 payable to the Toronto Buddhist Church Dana, or give it to any of the Dana executive, or insert your membership fee in the Dana mail slot in the Temple office. Page 9

11 JSBTC WOMEN S FEDERATION CALL FOR VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELLERY A new fundraising initiative this year for the Temple ladies in support of the Women s Federation will be a Vintage Costume Jewellery Sale and Tea. You have all heard the saying, everything old is new. Well, lately there is interest in old costume jewellery. So we thought it would be worthwhile to host a Vintage Costume Jewellery Sale and Tea. Many of you might have old pieces of jewellery packed away that have not seen the light of day in years. If you have any vintage pre-1990 items even broken pieces such as broaches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets or evening bags that can be donated for our Women s Federation 2015 Conference fundraising it would be greatly appreciated. As soon as we have enough inventory for the sale, we will set a date and start advertising. We intend to invite the greater community to come enjoy our Vintage Costume Jewellery Sale. Bring a friend and relax over a cup of tea with delicious scones and home baked goodies in the Cafe. Please give items to Aja Shimizu or June Asano or leave them in the office addressed to either Aja or June. WF WORKSHOP FOURTH SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH There is much work to be done toward the making of craft items that will be sold in the Marketplace at the 2015 Women s Federation Convention in Calgary. We will be holding a workshop downstairs, on the fourth Sunday of each month immediately after the service to learn various beautiful crafts. Together we can accomplish more. Please join us. No experience necessary - just the will to help. Bring a brown bag lunch; tea will be served. We hope to see you all on February 23rd for our next monthly workshop. The 15 th World Buddhist Women s Convention Registration Now Open The 15 th World Buddhist Women s Convention in Calgary Registration Is Now Open! The Convention is an opportunity for Jodo Shinshu followers of all ages to come together on an international scale; meet new people from Japan, the United States, Hawaii and Brazil; learn together, share experiences and spread the circle of Dharma. The convention now includes both men and women joined together in the Jodo Shinshu Sangha or spiritual community. Go to the Convention website: Page 10

12 The depth of the Buddha s benevolence is such that even with birth in the realm of indolence and pride, the borderland, the city of doubt or the womb-palace, which is brought about only through the compassion revealed in Amida s Nineteenth and Twentieth Vows, we meet with a happiness that surpasses understanding. Thus the depth of the Buddha s benevolence is without bound. But how much more should we realize the benevolence of the Buddha with birth into the true and real fulfilled land and attainment of the enlightenment of the supreme nirvana. This is not a matter that Shoshin-bo or I have decided ourselves. Not in any way at all. Letter written by Shinran at the age of 83. Winter Warm-up Sunday, March 2, 2014 get a little warmth this winter! Shin-Fujinkai will be holding its sixth annual Winter Warm-up luncheon on Sunday, March 2, 2014 after the morning service. On the menu is Sukiyaki Donburi. We look forward to seeing you! **for those wishing to take out, please bring two 2 containers with you * * Thank you! Shin Fujin-kai JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING CLASSES OHARA SCHOOL CLASSES STARTING NEXT MONTH The Ohara Ikebana Classes will begin on Wednesday, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, April 9th 16th, 30th and May 7th. All 8 sessions will take place from1:00-3:00 pm in the basement of the Church. For information, please call the instructor of the class Michiko Mizoguchi at Please note that dates are tentative and are subject to change without notice. For any changes, please see events calendar on TBC website * there will be a charge for materials * Page 11

13 Hoonko and New Year s Social On the January weekend, the Temple welcomed 2014 by having a vegetarian potluck dinner followed by a special candlelight reading of Shinran s Life Godensho by Rev. Fujii and Rev. Yanko for the Hoonko Eve service. The next day s Hoonko service included the special candlelight installation ceremony for the 2014 Temple Board of Directors and the presentation of the Executive Boards of the Sangha and Dana. This is a lovely tradition that dates back to our Temple s founders who also held a similar candlelight installation ceremony. The service was followed by the New Year s Social. The luncheon after the service was a joint collaboration of Shin Fujinkai, Dana and Sangha members. An enormous THANK YOU! to all those involved in the preparation of the oishi lunch. The afternoon program kicked off with Dennis Madokoro leading the table games, getting everyone into a festive mood. The Master of Ceremonies, Kunio Suyama, took over for the entertainment portion and we were treated to a spell-binding magic act by the Great Horini George Horii; elegant Buyo dances by Rachel Kataoka, Amy and Lori Okada; and rousing Karaoke performances from Paul Nakagawa, Setsuko Koyata, Kim Nakagawa and Kunio Suyama accompanied on taiko by Lori Okada respectively. After the entertainment, there were bingo games led by Sangha President, Cary Kataoka as well as never-ending draws for great door prizes. This year again, there were 2 winners of the Jackpot Bingo Dave Azuma and Rev. Tomo. Congratulations to both lucky winners! The Special Projects and Culture Committee wishes to thank everyone for the generous donations but also those people who it seems always give their time, hard work and support. With sincere apologies to those we have missed, listed below are just some of those people who come to mind. It is by no means a complete list or in any particular order: Toke Suyama, Darlene Rieger, Marie Baba, Nobby Shiraishi, Amy & Larry Wakisaka, Cary & Joanne Kataoka and Family, Yosh & Kunio Suyama, Harry & Margaret Yamada, Donna Winterick-Wilson, Miyo Nakamura, Yuki Kondo, Akio Ikebata & Joyce Matsumoto, Rick & June Asano, Tomo & Naoko Fujii, Yasuko Kawahara, Jessie Ebata, Reiko Mizuyabu, Hedy Iwata, Hamako Yoshida, Judy Nishii, Kathy Wani, Jean Furukawa, Lily Motomura, Pauline & Toivo Knude, Linda Wakabayashi, Mas Matsuyama, Susan Ebisuzaki, Roy Kusano, Tomo Yoshida, Joanne Uyede, Dawn Anzai, Diane Mark, Gayle Hayashi and family, Joanne Omori, Shaly Iwashita, Akiko Nishimura, Hisaye Allen. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU! Page 12

14 TORONTO SHIGA KENJINKAI You are invited to attend the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & MEMORIAL SERVICE SATURDAY, March 29, 2014 at 1:00 PM At Toronto Buddhist Church Membership can be renewed at the Annual General Meeting Bento tickets are available at $15.00 each Please contact one of the following for tickets: Mrs. Kathy Wani Mrs. Joanne Nishikawa For further information, please contact: Bob Nishikawa, President at SUNDAY SPECIAL SPEAKER SERIES March 30, 2014, 12:30 pm WILLS, ESTATE PLANNING AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY Let s face it - not only are our parents or loved ones getting on, we re slowing down too. At the same time, with the explosion in house prices and financial markets over the past few decades, many are shocked to realize how valuable their net worth has become. And yet so many have paid too little attention to looking out for themselves and their families in the event of an unforeseen calamity or misfortune. We invite all of you to come to the Temple on March 30, 2014 at 12:30 pm to hear Eduardo Eddie Lam speak on the topic of Wills, Estate Planning and Powers of Attorney. Eddie is a straighttalking, down-to-earth lawyer and Partner of the distinguished Markham law firm of Poon & Ho. He has represented many members of the Nikkei community including many referred to him by our President. Please save March 30 for an interesting and necessary talk. Further details will be published in the March Guiding Light. Page 14

15 報恩講一月十八 十九日新年会!!! ダーナ サンガ 新婦人会ボランティアの皆様ありがとうございました! 二〇一四年報恩講法要と新年会今年一月十八 十九日の週末には 二〇一四年を迎えてベジテリアン ポットラック夕食会を開催 その後 特別な夜の報恩講法要が行われました 翌日の朝の報恩講法要には二〇一四年の新任理事の就任式やサンガ ダーナの理事役員の発表も行われました そして法要の後 ソーシャルホールで新年会が開催されました 新年会のお昼は新婦人会 サンガ ダーナの合同でご提供いただきました 立派なお食事の準備や片付けに感謝! ありがとうございました! そして午後のプログラムをうまく行って下さったボランティアの皆様 ありがとうございました! 6

16 5 毎月第 1 3 日曜日はお寺に行こう!! 10 時半からのキッズサービスに引き続き楽しいクラスやアクティビティを通して仏さまの慈悲の心を学びましょう クラス予定表 2 月 2 日 日 2 月 16 日 日 3 月 2 日 日 敬老会のリハーサル 3 月 16 日 日 敬老会キンダーガーテン 小学生のお子さんをお持ちの方はぜひ一度ご参加下さい喜寿 米寿 白寿を迎えられる方々に 長年にわたってお寺のために貢献していただいた感謝の気持ちを込めて 表彰状を送らせていただきます 該当されます方は 3 月 4 日までにお寺までご連絡下さい なお数え年 満年齢のどちらでも結構です 3 月 16 日 日 午後 12 時半より最近お寺の設備使用の不注意による故障や安全上の問題が増えています これからはそれぞれ必要に応じて対策を実施行って参りますのでご了承下さい 即座 指摘しなければならない幾つかの注意点は台所の設備および食器食料の手扱いに関する衛生且安全上の点です 最近 食器洗い機 ガス ストーブのご使用に関する使い方の不注意が相次いでいます 不適切な使用 間違った扱い方 または電源やガスを切らないで置いてしまったり いろいろな問題が起きています 修理の高い故障や危ない事件が実際に起きていることが事実です 修理のコスト 修理や掃除に失う時間のみならず ガスが流されたままのストーブを見つけた方の安全性を考えなくてはなりませんので 皆様一人ひとりの最大なるご注意が不可欠です まず お寺においてあるほとんどの設備は 我々自宅にあるような家電製品などとは違って商業工業並みのものを設置しておりますこと第一に覚えていただきたいのです ちゃんとお寺の理事関係の方にしっかりとお使いに当たる正しい扱い方を身につけていないで 勝手にこれらの設備を使うと大変危ない可能性がございますので まずは例の方にご相談いただきたい また 台所は食品を取り扱う場所でございますので なんらかの料理や食事仕度が行われている時に台所にいる方例外なく 髪の毛をかぶせるヘアネットや帽子そして手袋を必ず着用するようお願い申し上げます お寺の台所は個人用の施設ではないので これから特定のお断りのない出入りの禁止を示すサインを冷蔵庫や台所の扉に表示して このルールを実施させていただきます 皆様の安全のためにも ご協力をお願い申し上げたいと思います トロント仏教会理事会安全第一お寺の設備使用新しい規則実施

17 2014 年ダーナ会員会費のお知らせ 2014 年度のダーナ会員費を納めていただく時期が来ました 来年のカルガリー市で行われる第 15 回世界仏教婦人会大会の一部の費用を担うために 今年の会費を 15$ までに引き上げることにしました 会費のお支払い方法は Toronto Buddhist Church Dana まで 15$ の小切手を郵送 ダーナの理事役員へ手渡し またはトロント仏教会の事務所までお持ちいただくようよろしくお願いを申し上げます ただし 八十歳を超えている方は名誉会員 となり 会費が無料となっておりますので ご了承ください 3 月 2 日 日 英語祥月法要後すぐ 新婦人会が寒い冬に暖かくて美味しいすき焼どんぶりの販売を行います テイクアウトの方は容器をご用意下さい JSBTCWF ビンテージ宝飾セールの呼びかけ 毎月第四日曜日 2015 年の第 15 回世界仏教婦人会大会のマーケットプレースで販売されるクラフト品の作成に向けて大変多くの仕事が残っています そのため 毎月の第 4 週の日曜日には 法要直後 地下にてクラフト作成のワークショップが開かれます 経験無用 皆様のご協力をお願い申し上げます お茶の用意はいたしますが お昼は各自にご持参ください 1 月 26 日の最初のワークショップでお会いすることを楽しみにしております 2015 年に行われる第 15 回世界仏教婦人会大会に向けての資金集めとして 皆様の不要となったビンテージ宝飾類のセールとお茶の集まりを開催します 不要となった 1990 年以前のもの 宝飾類品 : ブローチ ネックレス イヤリング 指輪 ブレスレットなど 壊れたものでも を清水エイジャさん または浅野ジューンさん宛てに事務所までにご寄付いただければ幸いです 数がある程度まで達しましたらセールの日時をお知らせいたしますので どうぞご協力をよろしくお願い申し上げます 4

18 3 敬弔次の方々が御往生されました生前のご苦労を偲び 謹んで敬弔の意を表します 大野さだの様九十七歳一月十日往生内田ジョージ様八十七歳一月十一日往生西関久一様八十三歳一月二十九日往生年忌 年回 法要次の年にご往生された方は年忌法要が回ってまいります個別での法事をご希望の場合はお寺までご連絡下さい一周忌 二〇一三年 三回忌 二〇一二年 七回忌 二〇〇八年 十三回忌 二〇〇二年 十七回忌 一九九八年 二十三回忌 一九九二年 二十五回忌 一九九〇年 二十七回忌 一九八八年 三十三回忌 一九八二年 五十回忌 一九六五年 第 15 回世界仏教婦人会大会 2015 年カルガリーでの第 15 回世界仏教婦人会大会の参加申し込みが始まりました本大会は年齢によらず 国際的な規模で浄土真宗仏教徒の交流を深める機会となります 北米 日本 南米の仏教徒が一緒になって 経験を共有しあって ともに学び 仏様のみ教えの輪を拡大できる素晴らしいイベントになるに違いありません 男女ともに出席ができるようになりました 出席ご希望の方は : までにお早めに申し込みください お釈迦様が入滅された日 2 月 16 日 日 午前 11 時より 法要後にランチがございます

19 2 過ぎてゆく一日一日 めでたきことがあれば うれしくないこともあります 去年十二月の末 この周りに流されたニュース メディアの情報のほとんどはあのアイスストームや長く続いた停電のことでしょう しかしながらも 停電や木々の枝が落下する危険性にもかかわらず お正月のお参りにはおおよそ百五十名ほどの礼拝者のご来訪をいただくなど 前向きな喜びを迎えました 年が明けて間もなくですが 残念な報告をしなければなりません 昨年十二月 藤井先生のお父様がカナダ来訪の途中 急に体調が悪化し やむを得ず予定より早く日本へ帰国しなければなりませんでした 帰国後の診断結果により 末期がんであることが発見されました また それからまもなく日本での一月二十四日 木曜 に藤井先生のお父様が急に御往生なされたとの連絡がありました 我々の多くも身内の難病の苦しみや愛する人の御往生のお別れの辛さもご存知のことでしょう 藤井家の今の悲しみを共感し 浄土真宗の仏教徒ふさわしく阿弥陀様の御慈悲を届けるかのように応援しましょう 藤井先生は帰国されており 今はそのまま滞在を延ばしてご家族と一緒に大事な時期を過ごす予定でいらっしゃるそうです お葬式の後 藤井先生はトロントのお寺に戻ってくれるそうですが 残念ながらこれはあくまでも短期的な滞在としかなりません 藤井先生は お父様の後を継ぐべく ご家族のお寺の面倒を見に なるべく早く日本へ帰国しなければなりません 大きなトロント仏教会に たった一人の開教使として残されるヤンコ先生の苦労をなんとか助けようと 理事会はすでにカナダ開教総長の青木先生と相談して 藤井先生の代わりの候補者を緊急に探すよう申し込みいれています 日々変わる事情を受けて 臨機応変に対応しなければなりません 藤井先生の不在の間 お寺の行事などは主にヤンコ先生が一人で対応してくれます トロント仏教会の日々の仕事を一人で背負ってゆくのは大変な事ではあるが 我々はヤンコ先生の力を信じ 応援しています しかし 残念ながら普通なら行われているトロント周辺のそれぞれのお寺の訪問は しばらくは停止又は延期になることは止むを得なくなっております 引き続き皆様のご理解とご協力をいただければと存じます この時期に先生たちを支えて 力を貸して上げましょう お手伝いできる方 日々の仕事 翻訳 佛心記事作成出版など 事務所の Dianne さんか Pamela さんまでお声をかけてください 日々変わる状況を引き続き監視して 礼拝後のアナウンスや 佛心 オンラインによる記事などでなるべく早くご報告できるように全力尽くします 合掌理事恵比須崎スーザン藤井先生の不在に関するお知らせ

20 佛心 1 二〇一四年二月号浄土真トロン宗ト本願寺 寒さ と 暖かさ 去る 1 月 2 4 日午前 2 時 1 3 分に藤井朋文開教使のお父さん 藤井正文先生が滋賀にてご往生されました 享年 6 3 歳 あまりにも突然で早すぎるお別れとなりました ご葬儀等で 藤井開教使のお戻りが延期されましたので トロント仏教会の今月のニュースレターを代筆させていただきます 私は昨年 4 月末のカナダ教団総会にて 開教総長へ選任されました まだまだ若輩の私ですが 皆様とともにお念仏のみ教えをいただき カナダの地へ根付いていくようお手伝いさせていただく所存です 私は開教使として日本から着任してからはバンクーバー仏教会に 1 0 年おります バンクーバーの冬はとても雨が多く 青空が見えること事態も稀なところです またトロント同様に 朝晩には寒さの厳しい日々もあります 私は日本で高校を卒業した後に アルバータ州に留学で来ました 最初の二年間は北に位置するエドモントンで英語学校へ通い 大学はレスブリッジという南に位置する町に 4 年間住んでいました アルバータ州は バンクーバーのように四季がはっきりしておらず どちらかというと 夏 冬 の二季が印象に残っています 私は北海道 札幌 出身です レスブリッジ 正確にはテーバー辺りでしょう 同様に 北海道はジャガイモが特産品の一つとして知られています 以前 農家の方に美味しいジャガイモが育つ条件はなんですか? と聞いてみましたら 土壌や環境も勿論ですが 美味しいジャガイモが育つには 寒暖の差 が必要であると言うのです その時私は まるで人生のようだなー と思いました 一日に 昼 と 夜 があるように この世は相対的なことが多くあります 人生において何もかもが満たされている 暖か な時ばかりは長く続きません 時として厳しく苦しい 寒い 時が人生には必ずおこります 仏教は 苦 をなくする教えではありません いかにその 苦 を転じて 受け止めて生きていくかを教えてくれます また どのように転じるかは 仏様ではなく 親鸞様でもなく 先生 親でもなく 自分 です 全てが整えられている温室の中の花よりも 厳しい自然環境で育つ花のほうが強いものです 私達の人生も 厳しさがあっても逆境を勝縁として受け止められる強さを持ちたいものですね カナダ教団を代表して 藤井開教使とご遺族には 衷心よりお悔やみ申し上げます 南無阿弥陀仏釈龍也