LAS VEGAS BUDDHIST SANGHA BULLETIN

Transcription

1 LAS VEGAS BUDDHIST SANGHA BULLETIN 4110 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., N. Las Vegas, NV FEBRUARY / lvsangha.info@gmail.com VOLUME 14 Message from the President Gene Nakamura Our new president, President Trump did not waste any time issuing an executive order banning the entry of Muslims into the U.S. Please read Bishop Imezu response in this newsletter. I will stress again the need for all Sangha members to stay in-touch with our elders to make sure they are OK. If you know of anyone that needs help and you are able to assist, please contact a board member. In gassho Gene From the book of Joyful Thoughts: Joy is being happy Loving one another. Living in peace and harmony, This is what joy is. Joy is praying to Amida Buddha Respecing the rightful name. Living in compassion, living in his name, This is what joy is. Chelsea Tamashiro & Kelli Sakado Hilo Betsuin Emergency Sangha...(702) Center Rental Info...(619) Dharma Education...(702) Illness or Death... (702) (Info: pg 2) Sangha Crafts...(818) Editor, Tilda Silao...(619) FEBRUARY 2017 SERVICE service will be held on Sunday February12th at 10 am Presiding Minister Rev. George Matsubayashi STATEMENT ON THE EXECUTIVE ORDER BY BISHOP KODO UMEZU The Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump on January 27, 2017 has been causing serious concerns and suffering for many people, especially Muslims and immigrants. It has brought back memories of the unlawful mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Even if the intent of the Executive Order is to protect our citizens from terrorist attacks, we strongly oppose any actions that lead to discrimination against certain groups just because of their ethnicity or faith. We should remind ourselves that all people deserve to be respected and treated equally under the law. Each faith group should encourage and promote peace and harmony based on its beliefs and principles, and help create a better nation that we can be proud of. Gassho, Reverend Kodo Umezu Bishop, Buddhist Churches of America Message from the Vice-President Kyle Morishita The recent presidential election and inauguration have been the most dividing ones of my life. Regardless of your political stance, however, we must embrace the Buddhist philosophy of oneness. Hatred towards anyone hurts everyone. Empathy, understanding, and collaboration, on the other hand, help everyone. So, instead of fearing what tomorrow may bring, let us work together to build for a better tomorrow.

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3 2017 Schedule of Service Ministers January 8 Rev. Jon Turner Orange County Buddhist Church Host David Hopper & Eileen Castle February 12 Rev. George Matsubayashi Orange County Buddhist Church Host David Hopper & Eileen Castle Education in Buddhism What is Shin Buddhism? By Dr. David Hopper (LVBS) Buddhism may be categorized into two main branches, Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada means school of the elder monks and focuses more on monastic practices whereas the lay person utilizes a somewhat different set of practices. Mahayanan Buddhism involves reliance on the compassion of the Buddha thus, a lay person can achieve enlightenment during their lifetime. Shin Buddhism, or Jodo Shinshu (The True Essence of Pure Land Buddhist Teaching), is a form of Mahayana Pure Land Buddhism. It was founded by Shinran ( ), a former Japanese monk, and is geared towards the layperson. Shin Buddhism is the most widely practiced branch of Buddhism in Japan. It is a great form of Buddhism for the everyday working person since it allows us to follow a spiritual path and still work, raise a family, and pursue various careers. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone had to be a monk in order to seek enlightenment! Many people think that the goal of Buddhism is simply to be a good person. It is more than that. It is even more important to be humble. We must be able to recognize our faults and limitations. The purpose of the Buddha Dharma is to improve wisdom and attain enlightenment. Shinran chose the Larger Sutra as the true teaching because it expresses the Buddha s aspiration for all sentient (those with awareness) beings. In this sutra, Buddha tells of Amida s Vow. Shinran advocated relying on the power of Amida Buddha made clear in his Primal Vow which, in simple terms, states that when I become a true buddha, if all beings everywhere, who have faith in me and sincerely and joyfully trust in me, desire to be reborn in the pure land, should not be born there, then may I not attain perfect enlightenment. Amida Buddha is the ultimate expression and symbol of compassion and wisdom. The opposites, or polarities, that exist among humans do not exist with Amida Buddha. Amida s Vow is an unconditional promise of compassion and liberation. There are no specific acts that must be performed in order to attain enlightenment. Shin Buddhism expresses devotion through chanting the nembutsu which means I take refuge in Amida Buddha. It is basically an affirmation of one s thanksgiving and gratitude. Rebirth in the Pure Land is The LV Sangha would like to invite and encourage everyone to stay immediately following service for refreshments before leaving. This is the time for fellowship, meet members of the Sangha, and get to know our community. Refreshments provided by the Kitchen Committee but any donations of refreshments would be welcomed. Hot tea and bottled water served along with the monthly "goodies". Contact for Illness or Death Due to many recent illnesses and/or deaths, we would like members of the Sangha to know we respect your privacy and if there is anything anyone of us can help you with please always feel free to contact Michael Tanaka at (702) or When ing or calling just tell us how you would like us to help you. Person we should contact: Do you wish this to be kept private? Yes No Is it okay for a representative to contact or visit? Yes No Do you allow announcement in newsletter? Yes No page 2

4 assured once we entrust ourselves to Amida Buddha. Nirvana and the Pure Land are synonymous. Although Shin Buddists recognize the assistance of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, they value the working of Amida Buddha s Compassionate Vow. Salvation may be obtained through faith and gratitude to Amida Buddha. We will attain enlightenment (ultimate wisdom and compassion) after our death and rebirth in the Pure Land. The Pure Land, Nirvana, and Heaven are essentially the same however, it is important to realize that there are many varied descriptions although nobody has returned from the afterlife to describe or explain it to us in this life. Sometimes descriptions of this paradise describe physical objects to try and convey a feeling or attribute that would go with it. In general, all religions believe it to be a type of paradise where we are free from all suffering and fully enlightened. The Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha is affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) and belongs to the Nishi Hongwanji sect of Shin Buddhism. REFERENCES 1. Jodo Shinshu: A Guide. Hongwanji Center International. Reprint Edition by Buddhist Churches of America What is Shin Buddhism by Rev. Nobuo Haneda. Seattle Betsuin Additional information obtained from and websites. 4. Well, Almost Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Jodo-Shinshu but Were Afraid To Ask by Shoki; Umezu, Kodo, Hamada Russell, and Oda, Harold. Southern District Dharma School League The Teaching and Practice of Jodo Shinshu. Buddhist Churches of America RECOMMENDED READING The following books may be ordered through the Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha Bookstore. The Three Pure Land Sutras, Volume I. The Collected Works of Shinran, Volume I and II. January Service Photos Special Date Reminders FEBRUARY: 12th - SUNDAY SERVICE 14th - HAPPY VALENTINE S DAY 14th - No Meditation Class ADULT DHARMA CLASSES ADULT DHARMA CLASSES HELD AFTER MONTHLY SERVICES Adult Dharma Class is led by the hosting minister of the month. The class are about the teachings of the Buddha Dharma. Each visiting minister will give a short talk about a Dharma subject, followed by a discussion by all who attend. If you have any suggestions about a subject, please submit to Dr. David Hopper, so the visiting ministers may prepare for the class. page 3

5 ANNOUNCEMENT: Your information may be out of date. Please update your information on the membership form in this newsletter. Scan and or hand it in at the next service. Thank you November ( ) Service Donations Cathy Arakaki, Shioji Fukawa, Sally Hanagami, James & Harriet Huber, Hedy Ito, Garret & Jennifer Kakita, Kumiko Kashiwada, Albert & Marge Kayatani, Jim & Gay Kurashige, Jimi & Barbara Mitsunaga, Kyle & Derek Morishita, Cliff & Cathy Moses, William & Nanette Muraoka, Gene Nakamura & Tilda Silao, Dennis & Margaret Nakata, Takako Ogata, Eleanor Oshiro, Roy & Caryl Suzuki, Mike Becky Suyeyasu, Wayne & Sadie Tanaka, Masaichi Yamada, Fred & Patty Yamano Attendance: 51 Total Donation: $600 (Including $158 Anonymous Cash & PayPal Website Donations $105) Donations December ( ) Service Donations Sharleen Aoki, Cathy Arakaki, Dennis & Brenda Creed, Shioji Fukawa, Miyuki Googins, Sally Hanagami, Sandi Hiyane, James & Harriet Huber, Hedy Ito, Garret & Jennifer Kakita, Kumiko Kashiwada, Albert & Marge Kayatani, Albert & Georgiana Kobayashi, Jim & Gay Kurashige, Daniel Lee, June Maruyama in Memory of Husband Hank and Father Kojiro Hamada, Jimi & Barbara Mitsunaga, Kyle & Derek Morishita, Cliff & Cathu Moses, William & Nanette Muraoka, William & Ann Murphy, Gene Nakamura & Tilda Silao, Dennis & Margaret Nakata in Memory of Brothers Jimmy & Frankie Takemoto, Rodney & Crystal Okano, Takako Ogata, Eleanor Oshiro, Bob & Chizuyo Reynierse, Roy & Caryl Suzuki in Memory of Father Minoru Suzuki, Mike & Becky Suyeyasu, Wayne & Sadie Tanaka, Masaichi Yamada, Fred & Patty Yamano Attendance: 78 Total Donation: $600(Including $173 Anonymous Cash & PayPal Website Donations $185) January ( ) Service Donations Cathy Arakaki, Shioji Fukawa, Sally Hanagami, Norm Hirata, Harriet & James Huber, Stan & Nancy Isa, Hedy Ito, Garret & Jennifer Kakita, Rosie Kakuuchi, Al & Marge Kayatani, John Kosora, Jim & Gay Kurashige, June Maruyama, Charlie & Ulirika Miyashiro, Bill & Nanette Muraoka, Gene Nakamura, Margaret & Dennis Nakata, Mits Nakayama, Takako Ogata, Bob & Chizuyo Reynierse, Meya Stout, Mike & Becky Suyeyasu, Roy & Caryl Suzuki, Masaichi Yamada Attendance: 47 Total Donations: $884 (Including: $134 Anonymous Cash, $190 Dharma School Calendar, & $50 PayPal Website Donations) Membership Dues Received 2016 End-of-Year Event Results 2017 Membership Dues Sharleen Aoki, Cathy Arakaki, Dennis & Brenda Creed, Jamie Esprecion, Sandi Hiyane, Harriet & James Huber, Stan & Nancy Isa, Rosie Kakuuchi, Chelsea Kurashige, Jim & Gay Kurashige, Charlie & Ulrika Miyashiro, Derek Morishita, Kyle Morishita, Bill & Nanette Muraoka, Dennis & Margaret Nakata, Mits Nakayama, Eleanor Oshiro, Bob & Chizuyo Reynierse, Roy & Caryl Suzuki, Grace Wertz, Patty & Fred Yamano Sangha Craft Fair $419 Food $207 Raffle Tickets $158 Bake Sale $ 85 Admissions $ 655 Vendors $600 Sangha Crafts Donation $1000 Sangha Crafts Donation from Obon Total donation (Profit) of = $ Mochitsuki & Sangha Bake Sale Overall Profit = $ If your name was not included, please notify: Sangha Treasurer Jim Kurashige, 7528 Lassen Peak Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89149, and please report any mistakes at or by at lasvegasbuddhistsangha@aol.com. page 4

6 1 Roy Matsuda 3 Daewon Kim 5 Russell Suzuki 7 Robert Hopper 9 Shirley Yoshioka 11 Deborah Harlig 12 Erika Masaki 13 Nam'e Dukes February Birthdays 15 Garrett Kakita 16 Ron Tsutomu Soeda 20 Dennis Creed 22 Emiko Aoki 23 Margaret Nakata 28 Ellie Shibata 28 Chizuyo Reynierse 29 Michael Arakaki February Memorials Ernestine Moses Mother of Cathy Moses 1 Richard Izumi Father of Brenda Creed 5 Jack Kakuuchi Husband of Rosie Kakuuchi 6 Henry Tsuchiyama Husband of Agnes Tsuchiyama & father of Marlo Sando 6 Jintaro Fukawa Father of Sho Fukawa 10 Takeko Suzuki Mother of Roy Suzuki 11 Rana Teresa Branton Daughter of Alice Branton 13 Shoji Tsuma Husband of Flora Tsuma 22 Noboru Muraoka Father of Bill Muraoka 22 Tadashi Fukumoto brother in law of Hana Fukumoto 23 Misuye Takemoto Mother of Margaret Nakata 25 Kura Fukawa Mother of Shoiji Fukawa 28 Fred Fukumoto Husband of Hana Fukumoto 28 Chizuko Nii Mother of May Soeda Mabel Fukumoto passed away December 29th. Our sincere condolences to her family. MEMORIAL SERVICE for Sueno Migaki Tuesday February 7pm Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha FLOWERS & TOBAN Thank you Welcome to all our guests in January! Thank you from the Kitchen Thank you Ullie Miyashiro, for the delicious butter mocha, and Hedy Ito for the jello dish. Sharleen Aoki, Takako Ogata, Patty Yamano, and Gene, our President for helping to serve and clean up. Have a Happy New Year, hope to see you all at our next service. Margaret Reverend Marvin Harada, presiding FLOWER GOSSIP PINE Stand in Alcohol 10 minutes, then in water with preservative. Sensei Muriel page 5

7 Upcoming the Sangha: Dharma School February 18th - CANCELLED 9th Island Cultural Club is hosting a BINGO NIGHT. Look for details in February s bulletin! We are excited to welcome 3 new members to our Dharma School. We also had a visiting friend of the Kakita family that hopefully will join in the future. The Dharma students are continuing work on their wheel of Dharma and will complete it soon. Please practice along with out Dharma students the Eight Fold Path that compromise the wheel: Right View Right Thoughts Right Speech Right Conduct Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Meditation (Veronica the Spider Can Like Even Mickey Mouse) - a way to remember the 8 different aspects of the Wheel of Dharma. Sangha Class Reminder Have an idea & want to share with others? Need a place to teach? Contact Tilda Silao at NO CLASS this month. HAPPY VALENTINE S DAY! Health Wellness & Meditation Classes - 2nd Tuesday of every 7pm Need to de-stress at the end of a hectic day? Want to sit relaxed and in quiet serenity? Learn how to de-stress through meditation? Meditation classes held by Dr. David Hopper Meditation followed by brief talk & discussion of current affairs & health topics Classes are FREE to eveyone! (Donations welcomed) Classes held 2nd Tuesday of each month at Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha Center 4110 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV SIGN-UP by ing OR Call: Eileen page 6

8 Meditation Corner Meditation class in January was not held due to lack of advertisement and notice which lead to considerable confusion after the holidays. The second Tuesday was mistaken by many to be the following week because New Years Day fell on a Monday this year. The class was disastrous in many ways. First, I forgot the keys to the sangha center. Everyone who was to bring things for this special class forgot them. As with the saying The best flowers grow around the backyard outhouse I realized that there needs to be a much better method of advertising the class and I have begun to make the needed changes. We have been learning QiGong. When we return, the class will do the full meditation with all steps reviewed so, those who have not attended or missed some classes can learn this powerful form of meditation. QiGong is a powerful form of meditation that increases energy flow throughout your body creating improved mental and physical health. It does not require any strenuous activity so it is good for all ages. Meditation is a very powerful tool to improve health. By reducing stress, it helps prevent and heal many diseases because stress is responsible for at least 80% of all illness. Energy, or Chi, is necessary for proper health and healing. The various meditation techniques taught in this class are important ways of increasing Chi flow. We always start with mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is one of the Eightfold Paths taught by the Buddha. Even though meditation is not necessary to achieve enlightenment, we are expected to live a mindful life. We should be mindful in all of our activities. Meditation is a tool to help us learn to be mindful as we go through life. Even though meditation class is monthly at this time, it s important to practice mindfulness daily whenever possible. Mindfulness is always where you want to go like center court in tennis. After each play, the tennis player returns to center court. This gives the player the best position for the next play. Mindfulness is like center court. It s the best position to make your next play in life from. It also helps keep you in the moment which is your most powerful place to be. Being in the moment is being at center court mentally. Thinking in the past and future are unavoidable but, you need to return to now or you will suffer from anxiety, depression, guilt and other undesirable feelings and emotions. While you do not need to lie down for this class or wear special clothes, you are welcome to bring more comfortable clothes to change into if you wish or bring a mat to lie on. Whatever helps you gain maximum benefit from the classes is fine. With practice, you should be able to meditate in all types of environments. I have started bringing pads to lie down on to class and am looking to find more for use in class here. If anyone knows of a good, inexpensive source for yoga or exercise mats, or has any to donate, please let me know. They are used for yoga, exercise, meditation and other uses so, we will be able to use them for a variety of future classes we hope to start up later as well. Any donations of mats is for the sangha. There is no fee for the classes but donations to the sangha are welcome. Any and all donations to the church or individuals may be in various forms and are out of gratitude and not as payment for services. As always, we mix some question and answers along with discussion and sharing of the experience. The class is ongoing so, please feel free to start attending at any time. There is always a packet of information for new participants so, don t be afraid to start attending at any time. If you come a few minutes early, you can get caught up easily. The first part of meditation practice is the same and the second part involves introducing new forms of meditation. Participants are encouraged to let me know if there is a particular form of meditation they want to learn about or repeat. You can always go the sangha website at lasvegasbuddhist.org or mine at hopperinstitute.com and make comments, requests, or ask any questions you may have. You may request meditation information before class so that you have time to review information and techniques in advance. It is easy and simple to catch up with the class so do not worry about missing or starting late. Please join us for our March 14 class at 7 pm. Please note that, since February class is scheduled for Valentine s Day, we will NOT hold class. In Gossho, Dr. Dave page 7

9 A N N O U N C E M E N T S! Sangha Board Meeting Buddhist Sangha. Amazon Smile Program: You can now donate to the Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha by shopping Amazon! It does not cost you extra. Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase you make to the Las Vegas TBD for the Sangha Open to ALL MEMBERS To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. Select Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha as the charitable organization you wish Amazon to donate to. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. You can bookmark Amazon Smile directly to your mobile device to make it easy to use. Your existing account can be set up as a Smile account. Amazon will then always remember to donate to the Sangha every time you buy from Amazon. CANCELED February 18th Sponsored by the 9th Island Cultural Club at the Las Vega Buddhist Sangha. FUN! FOOD! and LOTS OF BINGO GAMES! Look for details in February s bulletin! PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS, CLUBS, EVENTS, ANNOUNCMENTS, ETC. HERE! Advertisement space available lvsangha.info@gmail.com business card = $100 annually 1/4 page = $140 annually Special Announcements: $25 per month page 10

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