Kelowna Buddhist Temple

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1 May 30, 2014 Kelowna Buddhist Temple The New Dharma Express PO. Box 22092, RPO Capri Centre Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9N9 phone Clean-up Altar Toban Monthly Memorial Inside this issue: Special points of interest: Sun. June 1, Dharma School 10am Tue. June 3, Intro to Buddhism 4:30pm Wed. June 4, TSS Thurs. June 5, TSS, Temple Exec Meeting Fri. June 6, Sun. June 8, Dharma Shotsuki 1pm Group #1 Rick Suzuki M/M Alec Pelletier Ms. Peggy Tanaka Jack Ueda Carol Koga Florence Terada Ms. Karen Stewart Harry Tonn Janice Richardson M/M Rob Eikenaar Julie Johnson M/M Minoru Mori M/M Morio Tahara Terry Hikida Brad Diduck Ms. Naoko Nakamura Alex Sen Special points of interest: 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 Sensei 2 Rambling 3 Calendar 4 JSBTC 5 Japanese 6 Report 7 Kid s Sangha 8 Fujinkai 9 Donations 10 Tue. June 10, Intro to Buddhism 4:30pm Wed. June 11, TSS Thurs. June 12, TSS Fri. June 13, TSS Tues. June 17, Intro to Buddhism 4:30pm Wed. June 18, TSS Thurs. June 19, TSS, Obon Odori Practice Fri. June 20, TSS Special points of interest: Sun. June 22, Vernon Obon 3:30pm Tue. June 24, Intro to Buddhism 4:30pm Wed. June 25, TSS Thurs. June 26, TSS Special points of interest: Thurs. June 26, Obon Odori Practice Fri. June 27, TSS

2 From Sensei The Tragedy Within the Contemplation Sutra Many people do not understand the content of the Pure Land sutras, since they are written in classical Chinese and Japanese. However, translations by Jodo Shinshu scholars from Hongwangi, into English, have allowed us to directly experience the words of Shakyamuni Buddha. The sutras have a direct (explicit) and indirect (implicit) meaning, and with increasing familiarity we can experience a gradual understanding of the Sutras complexities. Within the Larger Sutra, we learn about Amida Buddha, as the Bodhisattva Dharmakara, his 48 vows, and his attainment of Buddhahood. In the Amida Sutra, the glorious features of the land of Amida are explained, and the Dharma through which he saves beings is praised by the other Buddhas. In the hymn, Shoshinge, Shinran Shonin explains about the virtues of Amida Buddha, and the Seven Great Masters from India, China and Japan, who contributed to the Pure Land teachings. One of the most popular sutras is the Contemplation Sutra, which documents the historical tragedy of Queen Vaidehi, her husband, King Bimbisara, her son, Ajatasatru, and his wicked friend Devadatta. The background to this story is described in the Nirvana Sutra, and quoted by Shinran Shonin in Kyogyoshinsho. The story begins with an ancient prophecy that the royal couple would eventually bear a son and heir to the throne. This child would be the reincarnation of an elderly hermit. However, the royal couple could not wait for the old hermit to die, and ordered that he be killed. They were later warned that a child born from such circumstances would bring much chaos to the royal family. Frightened by this prediction, Queen Vaidehi decided to kill her newborn son, Ajatasatru. She carried the infant to a high tower in the palace, and dropped him to the ground. Somehow he survived with only a broken little finger, and became the crown prince. As you can see, there is much selfish calculation among the central characters of this story. The tragedy is further described in the Contemplation Sutra. As a young man, Ajatasatru was easily influenced by the urgings of his wicked friend, Devadatta, to kill his father, the king, and seize the throne himself. Page 2 Devadatta also told Ajatasatru how his parents had tried to kill him as an infant, and that was the reason why he, Ajatasatru, had been given the nickname Broken Finger. Enraged by all of this, Ajatasatru imprisoned his father within the castle, ordering that he be starved to death. Contrary to his expectations, his mother, Queen Vaidehi, secretly visited Bimbisara in jail, bringing him food and drink. When Ajatasatru learned of this, he became angry, and ordered his mother confined in an inner room of the palace. In desperation, she appealed to Shakyamuni Buddha, and cried what evils did I commit in the past that I should have such a wicked son. Within this tragic set of family relationships, Vaidehi was not simply the victim of her son s wickedness. She had created a complex web of negative karmic relationships through the death of the hermit, and her attempt to kill her infant son. Despite all of this, Shakyamuni treated her with compassion, and taught her how to radically change her ways. The sutra s message is that the most foolish and the lowest of evil people are brought to realize the compassion of Amida s Vow. The need to entrust oneself to Amida s working with a mind that is single, is the implicit meaning of the Contemplation Sutra. When we hear this story, it is hard to identify with the characters, because of their extreme evildoings. However, we may be surprised to know that Shinran Shonin fully identified with the characters and their evil doings as depicted in the sutra. Shinran said ---hell is decidedly my abode whatever I do. The human mind, tends to be blind to its own inner flaws and the ways in which its own self -centredness impacts on others. This is an ongoing reality throughout our lives. The characteristics of true Nembutsu followers are those of modesty, humility, the courage to be honest with oneself, and an awareness to look deeply within ourselves. Through studying the sutras, we can deepen our insights about who we truly are. Let us all learn together. In Gassho, Rev. Y. Miyakawa

3 Just Rambling... Page 3 My basement suite has only one window on the east side and two windows facing north. What little sunlight I get is from a small Vitamin D tablet and a walk through the neighbourhood park on a sunny day. Being a dreamer, I think of the condo in Kelowna which has several windows facing east and south bringing in lots of bright Okanagan sunshine. I look back in time with a feeling of nostalgia relating to the farm that we owned and operated for over sixty years. At the age of 22, I remember hauling the first load of apples to the KGA packing house on Sexsmith road in Rutland. My final load was delivered to the same plant when I was 80 years old. Until the farm was sold five years later, I was still operating the tractor. For the last several weeks, I have been so busy watching the sporting events on TV or on line. My favorite baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays have good power hitters but at present are woefully weak in their relief pitching. In football, the Seattle Sea Hawks winning the Super Bowl was certainly exciting. The horse that I liked won the Kentucky Derby. Of course he was rated as being the favorite to win. I enjoyed the crowd singing "My Old Kentucky Home" almost as much as the race itself. In basketball, the Toronto Raptors after playing so well and then losing out in the playoffs was rather disappointing. Regarding the NHL playoffs, I am really pulling for Montreal to beat Boston in the seventh game tonight, May 14. Ex Canuck coach Alain Vigneault deserves a lot of credit for the tremendous job he is doing as the coach of the Rangers. The powerful Black Hawks will probably eliminate one of the two California teams still playing to go on to the Stanley Cup finals. The Kelowna Rockets had a very good season but unfortunately lost to Portland. I am now hoping that Edmonton wins the Memorial Cup. There I go again rambling on and on about my favorite pastimes. I should read more and write about Buddhism but I realize that there are others who are so much more capable and knowledgeable that these matters are best left up to them, however, reciting the Nembutsu is something that I do every morning. Namo Amida Butsu. Hope to see you at Obon time. In Gassho, Suey Message from the Editor As most members know, I like to golf now and again. I golf to have fun, and relieve stress so why when I hit the ball I want to hit it as hard as I can and as far as I can, but the usual end result is far from my imagination can imagine. Not to mention the little 2 foot putts that hang on the lip or just don t fall in for one reason or other. I m constantly reminding myself it is just a game, and that I m having fun well maybe someone has heard me say shucks or darn once or twice a hole. I have had to reinvent my golf swing from when I was younger, back then, I was able to watch the ball sail straight down the middle of the fairway. This is more about what Buddhists call impermanence of life and the constant changes that we face (or challenges). Or better yet, maybe this is what suffering is all about, you suffer the bad shots to only truly appreciate the good ones I will have to talk with Sensei about my golf theories. I m even having trouble counting my strokes oh, maybe that s on purpose but even so, if the body could only do what you imagine it could, wouldn t life be grand. Here is hoping any changes you experience, won t affect your golf swing. My nickname is C.W. which unfortunately isn t my corporate initials but short for Chicken Wing lol - In Gassho, jiro Buddhism of the Heart Perhaps it would be helpful to think of Shin as a kind of artistic endeavor, an art of living with wisdom, humility, and gratitude through the heart that has been opened and the mind that has been filled with sacred stories, passed down, elaborated and reshaped generation after generation. Indeed, this is a helpful description of Shin Buddhism for it is not a monastic path but welcomes all people, making no distinction between genders, social classes, educational backgrounds, wise or foolish.. In the Shin view awakening isn t something to strive desperately for and obtain through our own effort at study and meditation; it s something we settle into and receive. So You think you can Dance? Come out and practice with Shoko check the Calendar for dates & times

4 Page 4 June 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Dharma School 10am 2 Taiko Practice 3 Intro to Buddhism 4:30pm 4 5, Temple Exec Meeting 6 Taiko Practice 7 Lawn Cutting Gary Koga 8 Dharma Shotsuki 1pm 9 Taiko Practice 10 Intro to Buddhism 4:30pm Taiko Practice 14 Lawn Cutting Reg Tomiye Taiko Practice 17 Intro to Buddhism 4:30pm Obon Odori Practice 20 Taiko Practice 21 Lawn Cutting Rick Suzuki 22 Vernon Obon 3:30pm 23 Taiko Practice 24 Intro to Buddhism 4:30pm Obon Odori Practice 27 Taiko Practice 28 Lawn Cutting Alan Yamaoka Taiko Practice

5 Page 5 Annual General Meeting Vancouver Buddhist Temple, April 26, 2014 President's Report The 2013/2014 year was a year of learning and accomplishment for the JSBTC. Thank-you to the many dedicated volunteers including Board members, temple boards and members. On behalf of the Board, thank-you for your patience and understanding and for the generous donations and countless hours of volunteer time you have devoted to your own temples and to the JSBTC. The year began with a flurry of activity including the election of 4 brand new board members and the election of a new Bishop Tatsuya Aoki. The weekend of May 31st started with the International Shin Buddhist Conference at the University of British Columbia. This was followed by the World Women s Buddhist Meeting held in concert with the World Coordinating Council June 1st and 2nd in Calgary Alberta where Kyodan leaders from South America, Buddhist Churches of America and Hawaii Hongwanji Mission and Nishi Hongwanji Governor General Tachibana and International Department leader, Rev. Kiribayashi were hosted by the JSBTC. I was impressed with how the newly elected Bishop Aoki and Rev. Fujii facilitated the sharing meetings. The week ended at Vancouver Buddhist Temple where the delegates from Hongwanji joined temple members for a casual dinner with honoured Chef and Past JSBTC President Dave Ohori. The other groups supported Canada s recent implementation of the Shared Bishop program citing that each Kyodan (Region) has to adapt to its own situation. During the month of May and June, the JSBTC worked with Bishop Aoki, Toronto Buddhist Church and Manitoba Buddhist Temple to welcome newly ordained Kaikyoshi Rev. Christina Yanko at TBC and to transition Rev Michael Hayashi as the Assistant Minister in MBT working with Resident Minister Rev. Fred Ulrich. The JSBTC provided financial assistance and human resource consulting to MBT and Rev. Hayashi during the transition. Thank you to Kelowna member Karen Stewart who offers countless hours of consulting to the JSBTC, Bishop Aoki and Rev. Hayashi. We will be honouring Rev. Fred Ulrich at the AGM dinner since he retired on Dec 31, Thank you to past Bishop Grant Ikuta for the vision and initial work with TBC and MBT. On October 3-6, 2013, the JSBTC Board of Directors and Bishop Aoki and Ministerial Association Chair Rev. Fujii participated in the Fall Directors meeting at the Headquarters building in Steveston, BC. Trudy Gahlinger, a Calgary Temple member facilitated a workshop to help new directors capture the mandate of the JSBTC. Trudy volunteered her professional skills in creating a successful day of a team building workshop and lead an evening of communication and sharing with twenty board members from three local temples including Vancouver Buddhist Temple, Steveston Buddhist Temple and Fraser Valley Buddhist Temple. On October 9th, members of the JSBTC Executive, Vice President Larry Wakisaka, Treasurer Itoko Akune, Past President Dave Ohori and I met with VBT Executive President Dr Bob Akune Sensei, Vice President Frank Hamanishi and Secretary Joanne Yuasa to ensure communication regarding the Shared Bishop arrangement. Many issues were discussed and clarified and the team committed to work together in a flexible, constructive manner. We all share in sincere condolences to Rev. Fujii and his family for the loss of their beloved father who visited the Vancouver Buddhist Temple only a few months before his passing in January. It is with regret that after 8 years of service, we accept the news that Rev. Fujii is making arrangements to return to Japan. The JSBTC approved plans for Bishop Aoki to immediately travel to Japan and to consult with the BCA and Hawaii for available replacement ministers. February 27th to March 2nd, I attended the BCA Annual General Meeting in Bellevue Washington hosted by newly installed President Dr. Kent Matsuda, Bishop Kodo Umezu, retiring President Ron Murakami and others in their leadership team. There, it was confirmed that there is an extreme shortage of qualified Jodo Shinshu Ministers in the United States and Hawaii. There are over 60 temples served by just over 30 ministers. This is despite the fact that the BCA has a well developed minister development and scholarship program. We are grateful for the work of the leaders before us to have the vision to assist Rev. Yanko in her quest to become a Canadian Jodo Shinshu minister. For our future, the JSBTC must consider a more formal ministerial candidate development program for Canada. Over the course of the year there have been a number of other JSBTC projects for our cast of Directors. Secretary Arnie Hayashi dove into his new role leading the Bylaw Committee to prepare the bylaws for the mandatory continuance under the new Canada Not for Profit Act. New Director Amy Wakisaka has been taking her roll seriously as LivingDharmaCentre.ca liaison assisting Bishop Aoki in administering the Project Zero dharma activities. Director Susan Huntley serves triple duty as President of the Women s Federation and as Project Manager for the 2015 World Buddhist Women s Convention. With Director Sylvia Oishi at her side, Susan has been working with travel agents and insurance companies to ensure that the World Buddhist Women s Convention 2015 is insured against catastrophic

6 Page 6 events. Returning Director and Treasurer Itoko Akune has spent the year mentoring our new bookkeeper Joanne Yuasa, Sensei in addition to learning the ropes as Treasurer including clarifying tax rules with the Minister s Benefits plans. Itoko has hired a gardener and a new handyman to take care of some of the headquarters building maintenance and tenant s repair concerns that Directors and volunteers can t keep up with. This Spring, the headquarters building is due for a facelift with some badly needed painting. The Ministers Retirement Fund trustees under the leadership of Lester Ikuta and with the input of new Trustee, past President Dave Ohori spent the year preparing for the successful launch of the plan you will hear more about at the AGM. Last year, we were advised that our investments returns would be modest in While the portfolio has recovered well in the beginning of 2014, the portfolio produced a slight loss for Now that we have have moved the funds to one investment professional, we are starting to evaluate alternatives to our very conservative investment policy. In 2014, this will be an important key to optimizing our sustaining funds. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the JSBTC Directors, the temple boards and members, the ministers, the MRF trustees, Bishop Aoki, Ministerial Chair Rev. Fujii, Trudy Gahlinger, Karen Stewart, webmaster Robert Miyai, The Buddhist Churches of America and all those who preceded us for your contribution, your support and for what we are today. It has truly been an honour to serve with the JSBTC. -Greg Chor, President, JSBTC 行 事 案 内 6 月 3 日 ( 火 ) 午後 4 時半 仏教案内 4 日 ( 水 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 5 日 ( 木 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 午後 7 時 仏教会役員会 6 日 ( 金 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 8 日 ( 日 ) 午後 1 時 祥月法要 10 日 ( 火 ) 午後 4 時半 仏教案内 11 日 ( 水 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 12 日 ( 木 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 13 日 ( 金 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 17 日 ( 火 ) 午後 4 時半 仏教案内 18 日 ( 水 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 19 日 ( 木 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 午後 7 時 盆踊り稽古 20 日 ( 金 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 22 日 ( 日 ) 午後 3 時半 バーノンお盆会 24 日 ( 火 ) 午後 4 時半 仏教案内 25 日 ( 水 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 26 日 ( 木 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 午後 7 時 盆踊り稽古 27 日 ( 金 ) 午前 9 時半 千部経三昧 寒さもようやく薄れ 日差しが心地よくなって参りました 6 月末になれば もうバーノンのお盆 盆踊りの稽古も始まります どなたでもご参加下さい 先生の事務所もヶローナのお盆迄には一新の見込みです JSBTC AGM Report: JSBTC AGM Vancouver 2014 Report, this AGM had several important topics to discuss and resolutions put forth by the Directors and Temples across Canada, so many, that it was important to have ears at this convention from Kelowna. It was very apparent that the new Directors had made communication with the delegates and local Temples a priority. Even so, at times in the discussions, one could still get the sense that there was underlining conflict and history that tended to make the meeting seem like "watching grass grow". I got the real sense also, that the Directors are looking to the member Temples for input and representation. Policies with respect to the Bishop selection, new Bylaws and changes to the Minister Benefit Program are just a couple of the key topics resolved. Due to rising costs and decreasing membership it was decided to increase the assessment from the current $65 to $70 per member. The Directors are looking at new ways to increase income through investment op-

7 Page 7 In Memory of Reverend Susumu Kyojo Ikuta (Nov Apr 24, 2014) It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Reverend Sus Ikuta. We are all benefactors of the great passion he committed to sharing the Dharma. He gave selflessly to develop Buddhism and the Jodo Shinshu tradition in Canada. As a leader of great vision, he taught lessons that leave lasting impressions. Highlights of his career are contained in the Calgary Herald obituary obituaries/calgaryherald/obituary.aspx?pid= Reverend Sus Ikuta, as he was affectionately called by many friends, spent much of his tenure at Calgary Buddhist Temple. The temple is rebuilding and the Ikuta family has expressed a desire to provide an avenue of donation to the building fund (New Calgary Temple Campaign) as an option for remembrance. 1. Koden gifts can be sent directly to: Teruko Ikuta Suite #109, 110 Scenic Drive North Lethbridge, AB T1H 5L9 2. To donate to Calgary New Temple Campaign : Options are available at Calgary Buddhist Temple website or: Cheques can be made to: Capital Campaign (Please note In memory of Reverend Susumu Kyojo Ikuta ) Mailing address: Calgary Buddhist Temple 207, 6th Streeet N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 3Y1 It is with great honour that we follow in the footsteps of the path Reverend Sus Ikuta paved. JSBTC AGM Report: continued portunities and are working hard to stay on budget even with the rising costs of goods and services. I support the Directors in their efforts, as I personally feel that working with the national board will do nothing but benefit our local Temples. We approved over 7 resolutions and made several changes to policies that in some cases were mandatory to comply with new government regulations and others, that as I mentioned, should give us inclusion in the decisions that come up in the future. Here is where we will need people to let their names stand as nominees to the JSBTC By-law committee and Bishops Affairs Committee from our local Temple. Please consider helping the JSBTC shape our future. The morning session was painful, it is palpably apparent that past decisions and financial concerns make moving forward very trying for some Temples. However, from the morning session I also got the impression that our Jodo Shinshu Temples across Canada are active and could unite as a national Sangha. Our Temples support of the JSBTC from the members is very apparent as Kelowna Temple reported only $50 of the total $9565 donated on JSBTC Day last year, is this amount an indication of our faith in them? Calgary Temple has raised over a million dollars, yet needing to raise thousands more to totally rebuild their Temple starting this year (estimated cost just under 2m for 110 members). Our challenges are not the same as previous generations, they are new challenges. My obvious point is we are all facing these new issues.. we need to start to think outside the box, old solutions won t work, we need a fresh view or perspective of our challenges. People like Kent MacCarl, and his wife Barb are trying to open our eyes, planting the seeds to our future and ensuring the success and future of our Temple. I saw people like them at this convention, that support forward thinking and this again, like last year renewing my faith in a tradition based religion that is struggling to create a place in our daily lives. As a side note, I was nominated, but respectfully declined to sit on the JSBTC board of Directors as I m sure everyone is aware, my time serving at the local level is considerable, to the point that taking on more challenges, even as honorable as representing Kelowna at the National level is more than one person can be asked to do. In Gassho, jiro

8 Page 8 This is an article especially for the Dharma School kids and their families. Kids Sangha As we have been learning in Dharma School, there are six qualities, or ways we think, feel, and behave when we follow the Eightfold Path, called The Six Paramitas. These are the qualities of a bodhisattva, and they are: 1) Generosity; 2) Ethics; 3) Patience; 4) Joyous Effort; 5) Concentration; and 6) Wisdom. This article will talk about the third Paramita, Ksanti, or Patience. Another word that is used for this is forbearance. It means that you can withstand difficulties and challenges with a calm and caring attitude. We all want our lives to be easy; it s human nature. We are rarely happy about difficulties and challenges when they show up. However, if we never experience difficulties and challenges, we will not have much opportunity to learn patience. The Dalai Lama says, Our enemies are our teachers in the practice of patience. This wise saying can help us to see how we can learn and patience when other people annoy us. We might feel mad at first, but if we put Right View, Right Thought, Right Speech, or Right Effort to work in the situation, we receive learning and practice in walking the Eightfold Path and it creates Patience in our hearts and minds. Another way we can learn patience is when we can t have what we want, when we want it. Sometimes, this means that we have to wait for what we want. Imagine waiting in line for ice cream. There are six people ahead of you, and you can hardly wait for that sweet, creamy treat! It s hard to be patient in a situation like that. How do you choose to think, feel, and behave patiently while you wait? What do you think will be the benefit of being patient? Sometimes, we have to work for what we want. If we approach working for what we want with patience, it helps us to be persistent and we can stick to our work until our goals are achieved. Think of other examples of patience in your own life. When do you need to grow in patience? Who helps you to understand patience, or become more patient? Chat with your friends and family about patience and see what they have to say. Patience in friendships and family life builds happiness and peace. In Gassho, Genevra If you have thoughts and stories to share with the Kids Sangha and Dharma School, you are invited to correspond with us at kbtemple@telus.net Temple Executive Report It's May and it is finally warming up. Hopefully April showers are over and we will have our famous Okanagan sunshine. The lawn has been fertilized and is growing really well. The lawn mowing crews will certainly be busy. Jerry Takeda and Alan Yamaoka attended the JSBTC Annual General Meeting in Vancouver in late April. The Vancouver Temple's 110th anniversary was celebrated in conjunction with the meeting. Long hours were spent discussing the many issues facing the national organization. Many thanks to Jerry and Alan for taking time from their busy schedules to represent Kelowna Buddhist Temple. Kent MacCarl has volunteered to embark on an extensive review of the Temple's operations with the goal of presenting a long term plan which will position us to be able to meet the many challenges which we will be facing. Kent will be meeting with many of our Temple members to understand the issues and solicit ideas and suggestions. Our appreciation to Kent for undertaking this important project. We have been approached by the owners of both of the new office buildings across the street about leasing of parking spaces for their overflow parking. We are in the midst of negotiations to ensure that if we proceed, we receive fair value and do not disrupt the operations of the Temple. We will be painting the Temple Hondo this month with prep nights on May 22nd & 23rd at 6:30 pm and painting on May 30 at 6:30 pm and May 31 at 8:00 am. We can use all the help we can get in order to accomplish this major project. Our condolences to the Ikuta family on the recent passing of Reverend Susumu Kyojo Ikuta. Reverend Ikuta had a long standing connection with Kelowna Temple and will be missed by his many friends here. Reverend Miyakawa attended the funeral on behalf of the Temple. The Jodo Shinshu community in Canada has lost a very dear and devoted leader. In Gassho, Derek

9 From Fujinkai: Special thank you to Alan & Kent for spending the last couple of days down at the Temple, getting a head start on the prep and painting. Thank you Isao for purchasing the supplies, and a huge thank you to all those that have come out to paint. Sensei s office, Hondo and Social Hall have gotten a much needed coat of paint it is truly a wonderful change. Everything done under the watchful eye of Shirley everyone seems to turn to her for the nod of approval. The Taiko Group also worked around us and volunteered their practice night to help paint as well, thank you. Just a quick reminder about those that are interested in attending the World Women s Conference in Calgary (May 2015), registrations are underway, fundraising projects are Page 9 going to be needed to raise funds to help those interested in attending and support advertising our Temple. We look forward to your support watch for details. Fujinkai has also decided to redecorate Sensei s Office with a new office desk, chair and sofa, plus we should have new light installed sometime in June, come out and take a look at all the refreshing changes. Another thank you to Shirley and Joyce for making the lunch for the Saturday painting group, always a treat for those who make the effort to come out to these work parties. See you at Obon, In Gassho Laurie Kelowna Obon Guest Minister is Rev. Seigen Yamaoka former BCA bishop. He is presently at IBS (Institute of Buddhist Studies). Obon Service - July at 3.00pm. The Kamloops guest speaker is Rev. Dennis Fujimoto from Idaho, Oregon Buddhist Temple. Dates are July 19-20, 2014, at 3.30 pm New Denver Obon July 27, 2014 at 2.00 pm. Midway Obon July 28, 2014, at 2.00pm. More News from The Temple Executive: Boy time sure does fly by and with the weather starting warm up quickly, means that summer should be just around the corner. Now that everyone has all their flowers and vegetables planted, all it takes is water, weeding and care. Wish it is that easy. The Temple also is still a place with many activities going on. In April Shirley Tanemura, Jerry Takeda and I went to the JSBTC AGM hosted by the Vancouver Buddhist Temple. Shirley took in the Women s Federation Meeting and Jerry and I took in the AGM. Great food. There were many topics covered, discussed and resolutions passed. Due to the declining membership of the JSBTC across Canada, over a 100, the assessment of the members of the JSBTC has been increased to $70 from $65. I heard that the membership in the USA is over a $100 per member. The Introduction of Buddhism under the guidance of Barb Mc Carl, Michael Martin and Genevera Cavanaugh held every Tuesday and Thursdays at 4:30 PM is going great with last week s session was over flowing. Thank you to these dedicated members for enlightening a lot of people,answer a lot of questions, passing along the Dharma to many people and to show our wonderful Temple that we have. To the many members of our temple, please feel free to drop in to learn more about our Pure Land Buddhism. These 3 people have a tremendous amount of knowledge of our faith. The Dharma school is winding down with a few trips for the last few weeks under the guidance of Herb, Genevera, and Shirley. By the time you will have read this issue, the main Hondo should be painted along with Sensei s office and I think the Fujinkai is purchasing some new furniture for Sensei with the guidance of Shirley and Laurie. Please try to make sure to mow the lawn if it is your turn or if you cannot make it,trade with someone else. Isao has fertilized and the sprinklers put on so the grass does grow in a week and if left longer,it is very difficult for the person to mow. There are 2 lawn mowers that are working, oil has been changed and the blades sharpened. Bring along a family member/friend and 2 will take less time. There will be a Gotanye service May 25 at 1 PM.The Chanting with Sensei leading is on going Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 AM. It isn t all about chanting as they do have discussion also. Please come, let the mind and body relax and clear. Lastly, our sympathy goes out to the Ikuta Family for the loss of Sensei Sus Ikuta in Lethbridge in April. The Ikuta family has had a long tie with Kelowna with Sensei s father who was our first minister for our temple in Kelowna. Sensei Sus was also the Bishop for the JSBTC for many years and was the resident Minister for Calgary until his retirement. Arigatou Sensei,Namu Amida Bustu. In Gassho, Alan

10 With Gratitude the Temple and all of its Affiliated Organizations Acknowledge Your Generous Contribution and Apologies for any Errors or Omissions. Dharma Shotsuki Tamaki, Toyoko (In Memory of Masaru Tamaki) $20.00 Tamura, Haruko (In Memory of Kuniyoshi Tamura) $25.00 Tamura, Haruko (In Memory of Takeko Tamura) $25.00 Tanemura, Shirley (In Memory of Takeko Kimura) $25.00 Tanemura, Shirley (In Memory of Kuniyoshi Tamura) $25.00 Yamaoka, M/M Nobuo (In Memory of Shojiro Yamaoka) $25.00 Uemoto, M/M Kaichi (In Memory of Takeko Kimura) $30.00 Terai, M/M Isao $40.00 MacCarl, M/M Kent $50.00 Yamaoka, M/M Alan (In Memory of Katsuzo Hayashi) $50.00 Yamaoka, Chiyoko (In Memory of Katsuzo Hayashi) $50.00 Martin, Michael $50.00 Yamaoka, M/M Alan (In Memory of Mitsu Hayashi) $50.00 Hayashi, Shizue (In Memory of Kaz Hayashi) $50.00 Yamaoka, M/M Alan (In Memory of Shuo Yamaoka) $ Yamaoka, Chiyoko (In Memory of Shuo Yamaoka) $ Yamaoka, Chiyoko (In Memory of Mitsu Hayashi) $ Hanamatsuri Omae, Shizue $50.00 Memorial Brown, Gail (In Memory of Katsuzo Hayashi) $30.00 Brown, Gail (In Memory of Shuo Yamaoka) $30.00 MacCarl, M/M Kent $50.00 Tanemura, M/M Melvyn (In Memory of Roy Tanemura) $50.00 Buss, Sharon (In Memory of Kanaye Matsuo) $ Miyo Mori/Mason, Karen (In Memory of Douglas Mori) $ Newsletter Tahara, M/M Jack $25.00 Tamura, Haruko $25.00 Kitaura, Joan $30.00 MacCarl, M/M Kent $50.00 Miyo Mori/Mason Karen $50.00 Special Mori, M/M Min (Hanamatsuri Dharma School) $20.00 Gilbert, M/M Mark (Family Day) $25.00 MacCarl, M/M Kent $50.00 Omae, Shizue (Newsletter) $50.00 Tanaka, M/M Herb $ Yamaoka, M/M Alan (JSBTC AGM) $ Kitnara, Barney $ Sustaining JSBTC Ueda, M/M Scott $ Tahara, M/M Jack $ Kitaura, Joan $ Hanamatsuri Tanaka, M/M Herb $30.00 Parents Day Tanemura, Shirley $20.00 Recent legislation enacted by the Provincial Government restricts organizations from divulging personal information without the approval of the individuals affected. The donations generously made by Temple members and friends fall under the realm of personal information. Therefore, if you object to your donations being published in the Temple Newsletter, please let us know and we will cease doing so (Mail or your wish to be omitted from the published list). In Gassho, Temple Board of Directors