K A R M A publication of the BUDDHIST CHURCH OF STOCKTON

Transcription

1 K A R M A A publication of the BUDDHIST CHURCH OF STOCKTON 2820 Shimizu Drive, Stockton CA Telephone (209) FAX (209) Visit our website at April, 2019 Volume 79, No. 4 Hanamatsuri Service Sunday, April 14 th, 10:00am One of the most important Buddhist holidays is Hanamatsuri, the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha, born on April 8, 566 B.C. We will be observing this special day on April 14 th, with guest speaker Reverend Harry Bridge from the Buddhist Church of Oakland. A potluck luncheon will follow the service. Please bring your favorite dish according to the following assignments: Stockton & Linden... Main Dish French Camp, Manteca & Tracy... Salad Cortez & All Other Areas... Dessert The Dharma School Hanamatsuri program will follow the luncheon, so we hope you will all stay to enjoy the entertainment. Door prize drawings will be held during the program (you must be present to win). Dharma School teachers & friends will be providing the door prizes. We welcome others to donate prizes if they wish. EVERYONE is encouraged to attend this special service to listen to the Dharma and enjoy the fellowship. KARMA is a monthly publication of the BUDDHIST CHURCH OF STOCKTON, 2820 Shimizu Dr., Stockton, CA There is no subscription charge to members & friends of the temple, but donations are welcome and appreciated. Photo by: Cathy Fujimori Hanamido (Flower Shrine) Kimi Ishihara and helpers will be decorating the beautiful Hanamido on Saturday, April 13 th, at 1:00pm. Flower donations for the Hanamido will be gladly accepted & appreciated on Saturday morning. Temple Home & Hospital Visitation - April 13, 2019 The Buddhist Church of Stockton s Annual Home & Hospital Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 th. A delicious sushi obento, prepared by the SBWA and cookies from the YBA, will be delivered to those who are ill or homebound. If you know of an individual who would appreciate a visit, please contact the temple office at (209) by April 1 st. Minister s Corner By: Reverend Yukiko Motoyoshi On April 8, we celebrate the birth of our founder, Sakyamuni Buddha. It is said that when he was born in the Lumbini Garden, he was surrounded by an abundance of flowers. How appropriate it was to symbolize the joy of the birth of our founder. It is spring here in Stockton, too. It is filled with beautiful flowers and new green leaves. With the abundance of plants, many insects emerge. One insect that emerges out from the ground is the periodical cicada. The periodical cicada spends 99% of its life underground as a nymph. The nymph of the cicada lives about 2 feet under the ground feeding on the juice of plant roots. The nymph does not stay underground doing nothing. The nymph must undergo 5 instar stages of its development. The nymph finally emerges out of the ground in late April or May. It crawls up a tree and transforms itself to an adult cicada. Because so many cicadas emerge out at the same time and they take some time to transform into adult form, many become prey to other animals like birds and other insects. Those that survive only live for few weeks, and by the summer they parish. How fragile the life of cicada is, you may say. How pitiful and short the life of cicada, you may say, too. We only look at the life of cicada after it becomes an adult cicada, and label it

2 April 2019 KARMA pg. 2 as the short and fragile life. However, for the cicada, living as a nymph underground is also important part of life. Without a sufficient supply of juice from plants roots, the nymph cannot undergo the 5 instar stages. And, there is always a possibility of being eaten by moles. I am certain that every day, every moment of the cicada s life is a battle to survive. In other words, the cicada lives every moment of its life in fullness. Our lives should be likewise. Some of us live long and some don t. Some of us live in luxury and fame, but some don t. However, the value of life is not determined by those. How we live this moment truly as we are is the most important thing. Upon his birth, Sakyamuni Buddha said, Above and below Heaven, I am the only Honored One. It means that every being is equally precious and should be honored. We are all different, however we are all precious, worthy and valuable. As we celebrate the birth of our founder, Sakyamuni Buddha, we should reflect on our lives through the Nembutsu. Because we reflect on our own existences through the Wisdom Light of Amida Buddha (that is absolutely absent of selfcenteredness), we understand and respect the value of ours. And because we reflect our own existences through Wisdom and Compassion of Amida Buddha, we also value the lives of others. In other words, not only do we celebrate our own lives but also that of others. Happy Birthday, Buddha! President s Message By: Darlene Bagshaw Welcome Spring! I hope everyone is enjoying the change in the weather and our ability to entertain all those favorite outdoor activities. Although only a couple of weeks have passed since the 2019 National Council Meeting, it seems much longer! Charlie and I traveled from a rainy San Francisco to 85 degrees in Phoenix. We truly experienced a change in season! In the beautiful gifted BDK America calendar, one of the quotes reads Even brushing against the sleeve of a stranger can be a cause for a future relationship. Charlie and I renewed many friendships we have made along our journey to National Council meetings. We are certainly blessed with many, many dedicated and hardworking individuals at our National Board level. All attending enjoyed not only camaraderie but well thought out reports, comments and constructive criticisms. As with our own temple, the BCA budget is very tight so if you so desire, there are several ways to donate to our sustaining structure. You may join the 1000x1000x4, Dana program, direct donations to the Institute of Buddhist Studies or the Center for Buddhist Education, all which support our infrastructure and spreading of the Dharma. One topic of micro-scrutiny was the poor condition of the BCA headquarters in San Francisco and the need to repair the BCA parsonage in Belmont (Bishop s residence). A committee comprised of representatives from every district as well as the National Board is overseeing both items. We may enter into negotiations to lease or sell the BCA HQ to interested BCA related organizations. Two new BCA campaigns were born, both which will take much time and planning before implementation. One campaign will be to raise one million dollars to complete very needed repairs to all BCA properties. This includes the BCA HQ, BCA parsonage and Jodo Shinshu Center. The second campaign will be directed to raise funds to pay off the debt on the Jodo Shinshu Center. Although we may think another campaign? Just like our own home or properties, repairs are needed with time. As for the Jodo Shinshu Center, it has developed into the hub of education hosting not only the Institute of Buddhist Studies but programs for all ages of our membership. I encourage you to take advantage of any of the many wonderful programs offered at the JSC. You are most welcome to contact me through the temple office if you have any questions about the National Council Meeting or have a concern you would like addressed by our board or passed on to our district or BCA. As always, I truly appreciate every little or large gift of time, effort or finances you afford to our wonderful temple! In Gassho, Darlene Bagshaw Buddhist Church of Stockton Scholarship Applications Scholarship applications are now available from the church office. We are very grateful to the many scholarship sponsors (individuals and organizations) for their generous support in making our temple s scholarship program possible. We encourage all eligible students (high school & college) to submit an application along with the requested paperwork by Sunday, May 12, 2019 Scholarships will be awarded at the Annual Graduation & Awards Service, Sunday, June 9, 2019.

3 April 2019 KARMA pg. 3 Hatsumairi May 19, 2019 Each year, the temple and Dharma School co-sponsors the Hatsumairi Service. This is a special ceremony in which one s child is presented to the Buddha and to the Sangha for the first time. It is also known as Infant Presentation Ceremony. If you have (or know of a family who has) an infant or young toddler who has not yet participated in a Hatsumairi Service, please contact the temple office as soon as possible so a registration form can be mailed to you or the participant s family. Each child will receive a nenju and okesa, as well as a certificate for participating in this brief ceremony. SBWA News Stockton Buddhist Women s Assn. SBWA gratefully acknowledges a donation of handmade woven paper hot pads from Michiko Higashi. Thank you very much! To date, 111 SBWA cookbooks have been sold. Cookbooks are still available for purchase for $25.00 from Sachi Yenokida or the church office. SBWA was one of twelve groups who participated in the Interfaith Tea at Temple Israel on February 14 th. Sincere appreciation is extended to June Shiba and all of the other volunteers who helped in the food preparation that morning and in serving refreshments during the event. Thank you to Izumi Assauw for providing the beautiful floral arrangement for our tea table and to Aiko Yagi for getting to Temple Israel early to reserve a table near the kitchen. Our table was one of the most popular tables. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets for our Spring Ohigan Sushi Sale on March 17 th. Heartfelt appreciation goes to the co-chairs, Ruby Kato, Joyce Tsutsumi, and Aiko Yagi, and all other volunteers who helped in the preparation of the sushi ingredients and assembly for this fundraiser. Everyone, not just women, is invited to attend the 16 th World BWA Convention at the Marriott Grand Marquis Hotel in San Francisco on August 30 to September 1, Rev. Yukiko Motoyoshi is one of the keynote speakers. Fourteen people from the Buddhist Church of Stockton have already sent in their registration forms. Registration is ongoing, but the earlier your registration is sent in, the better chance of getting your workshop choices. Please contact Vivian Fujii or the temple office for more information and registration forms. SBWA will be preparing sushi obento for the temple s Annual Home and Hospital visitation on Saturday, April 13 th. Members are asked to help from 8:00am. Sincere appreciation is extended to the temple and the affiliated organizations and individuals who donated funds toward a full-page ad for the 16 th World BWA Convention booklet. Sincere Condolences We extend our sincere condolences to the families & relatives of the late: MRS. MISAKO TANAKA SUMIDA, formerly of French Camp & San Francisco, who passed away on February 8, An inurnment service was held at the temple s Nokotsudo on March 2, 2019; MRS. KAY FUJII, who passed away on March 7, A memorial service was held at the temple on March 23, May wonderful memories of your loved one and the support of your family and friends bring you much comfort and peace in the days ahead. Namo Amida Butsu Seeking Old Photo Submitted by: Mike Shibata Since the old pine tree between the mini-chapel and the gymnasium was decaying and posed a safety issue, it was removed last year. When the present temple was built, the pine tree was transplanted from the old temple site on Washington Street. It was located near the Nisei War Memorial. If anyone has an old photograph of the memorial with the nearby tree, please contact the temple office. We would like to consider using a copy of it, along with a recent photo of the tree on an engraved plaque. The plaque will be placed on a slab of the tree trunk to memorialize its importance to the temple as we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the present facilities. Thank you very much!

4 April 2019 KARMA pg. 4 ABA News Adult Buddhist Association ABA held its annual membership dinner on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at China Palace Restaurant. Members enjoyed a delicious Chinese dinner with entertainment by the vocal group Class of 72. Thank you to Frank and Hiro Yagi for making the arrangements for this fun event. We are very grateful for the monetary donations received from Carl Yamada and Sid Yamada. Thank you for your generosity! Our next ABA dinner meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at 6:00pm in the Mini-Chapel. Dharma School April birthdays will be celebrated on April 7 th followed by the April Shotsuki Service. The cupcakes will be provided by Class 7-8. Class 3-4 is also scheduled for a presentation on April 7 th. The temple s annual Hanamatsuri Service will be held on April 14 th. There will be a potluck luncheon, so please be sure to stay for some delicious food followed by the Dharma School program and door prizes! Happy Easter on April 21 st to all those who celebrate! Dharma School Cultural Day will be on April 28 th. A short service will start at 10:00am, followed by a silent breakfast of delicious miso soup and Japanese cultural activities. This month s Coffee Hour and refreshments will be on April 7 th and 21 st. Please join us for coffee, treats, and conversation while you wait for your students to be dismissed from their Dharma School classes. Tomo No Kai Japanese Community Senior Citizens Our latest Tomo No Kai gathering was held on Saturday, March 9 th. It was a fun event, as usual, with lots of good food prepared by Motoe Takahashi and her wonderful kitchen helpers. Thank you to Delores Matsumura for providing the table decorations with a festive St. Patrick s Day theme, and birthday gifts. We would also like to acknowledge John Takahashi for always picking up the birthday cakes each month. We are continuing to collect annual membership dues of $ Tomo No Kai would like to extend a warm welcome to 3 new members: Irene Chau, and Dale & Sandy Francisco. We would also like to acknowledge Hanae Watanabe for her kindness and generosity in paying the membership dues for 4 individuals. Thank you to the following members and friends for their monetary donations: Bingo Donations: Katsuko Murakami, Bob Otani, and Hanae Watanabe, Birthday Donations: Anonymous Mike Shibata Helen Hori Jim Tanaka JoAnn Otani Special Donations: Nagata family In memory of Grace Nagata, who was a long-time, active member of Tomo No kai. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity! KARMA deadline for the May 2019 issue is: Monday, April 15 th Please all articles and/or information to: rubykato@yahoo.com YABA News Young Adult Buddhist Association ABA held its annual Membership Luncheon and meeting on Sunday, March 24, The delicious lunch was catered by Angelina s Spaghetti House and included: Tri-Tip, Chicken Marsala, Ravioli and Ciabatta Bread. Salad & dessert was provided by members. The next YABA fundraiser will be a DeVinci s pickup dinner. Tickets will be $12 and will allow you to pick up your dinner at any of the DeVinci s locations. Tickets will be available starting March 31 st for the May 4 th pickup. (See flyer attached to Karma). Pizza Game Night, a YABA tradition, will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019, so please save the date! Pizza, salads, desserts and many games (with Bingo topping the list) will be available to all who attend. In gassho, Fred Pocoroba, V.P. Kenjin Kai The Buddhist Church of Stockton is proud to carry on the long-tradition of kenjin-kai or Japan prefecture organizations, which were organized by the Issei to provide fellowship & assistance with illness, death or misfortune. Currently, we have four active kenjin-kai organizations: Aichi Shinboku Kai Clark Mizuno Fukuoka Nikkeijin Kai Tad Shibata Hiroshima Doshi Kai Cathy Fujimori Kumamoto Kyoyu Kai Peggy Martin We encourage you to participate by joining your respective organization to carry on the legacy set forth by our ancestors. If you have any questions, you may contact any one of the organization s representatives. Memorial Services are generally held each year by the organizations.

5 April 2019 KARMA pg. 5 Dana Acknowledgements Our sincere appreciation to the following for their help or donation of goods to the church: Bev Hotta, Ruby Kato and May Saiki helped prepare the March Karma for mailing; May Saiki and Frank & Hiro Yagi helped prepare the Hanamatsuri invitation letters for mailing; and Frank folded the Spring Ohigan Service programs; Frank & Hiro Yagi for their donation of fruits and/or vegetables each week for the Friday lunches; Jim Yasuda donated a can of coffee for the Friday Crew and also donated 2 cases of copy paper for the office. And we truly appreciate. Tad Shibata for his help in so many ways; Frank & Hiro Yagi and May Saiki for their help in the office, and to Mary Itaya for her help as needed; Ruby Kato for typing the last issue of the Karma; George Kitagawa, Jim Yasuda, Calvin Matsumoto, Ken Yamashita, Brian Yenokida & George Yonemura for their weekly garden work, taking out the trash & other assistance; Tad Shibata & Cathy Fujimori for gardening work on the weekends; Dorothy Uyeda, Michiko Higashi, Kimiko Ishihara, Sandra Kano, Akiko Payne, Fumiko Wakabayashi, Helen Hori, Kay Freeman and Vivian Fujii for weekly altar beautification; Jean Terashita for her help in cleaning the office; June Shiba & Sachi Yenokida for preparing lunch for the Friday volunteers; and June Peters, Peggy Martin & Aiko Yagi for helping out in the kitchen as needed; and Darlene Bagshaw for playing the organ for temple services and occasions as requested; Cathy Fujimori for playing piano for temple services as requested; and Alex Sakata for playing the organ when available/home from college. Affirmation Ceremony Sunday, June 23, 2019 Applications are still being accepted for the Sarana Affirmation Ceremony to be held in conjunction with the 50 th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, June 23, This special ceremony will be officiated by the Rev. Kodo Umezu, Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America. Members and friends of our Sangha and/or their children are welcome to apply and participate in this special ceremony to receive their Buddhist name. Application fee is $50 per person. Please contact Rev. Motoyoshi by April 30, 2019 Buddhist Church of Stockton Golf Tournament & Prime Rib Dinner Saturday, June 22, 2019 Registration & Sponsorship forms are attached to this KARMA. Dinner only is $ Kimekomi Doll Making Classes The Spring Mataro Kimekomi Doll Making Classes are held on the 2 nd Saturday of each month. If you would like to register or get more information, please contact the Church Office. Walnut Meat for Sale Mabel & Kiyoshi Morodomi have picked and cracked walnuts to sell for the church for $7.00/lb. If you would like to purchase some, please contact the Church Office. Proceeds will go toward the 50 th Anniversary Fundraiser. Donation of Dog Grooming Services Temple member, Catalina Estrada (who is a certified pet groomer) is offering limited dog grooming services at your home for $20. Services include trimming nails; cleaning ears, eyes and glands; teeth brushing; & minor trimming (no bath). All proceeds will be donated to the 50 th Anniversary fundraiser. You may contact the Church Office. Movie Night is Coming Mark your calendar for the next Movie Night on: Saturday, May 4, pm (Kids Show); and 5pm (Japanese Movie) Flyer will be in the May Karma. Lost & Found Items Did you forget your sweatshirt or jacket at church? Please check the lost & found box in the gym area for any items you may have left. You may also check the office for other valuable items.

6 April 2019 KARMA pg. 6 Many thanks to our sponsors GARY SAKAI, D.D.S., INC. GENERAL DENTISTRY 3031 W. March Lane, Suite 130-S Stockton, CA (209) GENERAL DENTISTRY ROBERT K. FUJII, D.D.S. ROBERT FONG, D.D.S W. March Lane Stockton, CA (209) DR. JOHN K. FUJII DR. CRAIG HISAKA DR. JOSEPHINE VO-LAUREL BROOKSIDE OPTOMETRIC GROUP 3133 W. March Lane, Ste 2020 (209) IACOPI, LENZ & COMPANY ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION TAMI HORITA LOUIE, CPA 3031 West March Lane Suite 300-E Stockton, CA (209) , Ext. 314 FAX (209) tlouie@iacopi.com Support the Buddhist Church of Stockton by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the Buddhist Church of Stockton.