BODHI DAY - THE DAY SHAKYAMUNI ATTAINED ENLIGHTENMENT Rev. Sensho Inouye

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1 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box Newmark Avenue Parlier, Californiaf93648 Phone: (559) DIVERSITY IN ONESNESS, ONENESS IN DIVERSITY December 2012 BODHI DAY - THE DAY SHAKYAMUNI ATTAINED ENLIGHTENMENT Rev. Sensho Inouye Shakyamuni Buddha was a historical person, born a prince in ancient India. In order to transcend the contradictions he found between life and the world, and the resulting anxiety that he sensed, Shakyamuni abandoned his life of luxury as a prince and became a monk. He attained enlightenment after undergoing severe ascetic practices. From then on, until his death at the age of 80, he spread the contents of that enlightenment. When we examine that blessed life of Shakyamuni Buddha, we see that what made Shakyamuni the Buddha is his attainment of Enlightenment. That is what Buddha means, He who has become enlightened. The historical individual, Shakyamuni Buddha, is enlightement itself, and the fact that he truly awakened to the reality of things allowed him to transcend history. What this means is that this person who existed historically, in other words a person a limited as you or I, experienced or came in contact with, that which is without limit, that which is limit-less. This limitless world is referred to as a (non) mita (limited). Stated in still other words, Amida Buddha is the contents of Shakyamuni Buddha s Enlightenment. In the sutras, it states: This dharma is true and unchanging; it will not change nor disappear whether (Shakyamuni) Buddha appeared in this world or not. Shakyamuni Buddha s great accomplishment for which we honor him, is that he discovered the secret of becoming enlightened. This secret is none other than Amida Buddha s Vow and the Teaching of Nembustu. Parlier Buddhist Church will observe Bodhi Day Service on Sunday, December 9, In order to give our appreciation to Shakyamuni Buddha who showed Amida Buddha s great vow, let us attend this Bodhi Day Service. 1

2 TEMPLE Mr. Tom Hayashi Mrs. Alice Umeda Hon. Mikio Uchiyama Okubo Family BWA Dr. & Mrs. Larry Kebo Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our appreciation to the following for their generous donations Memorial for Shizue Nemoto...$25.00 Orei for newsletter...$25.00 Eshin-ni/Kakushin-ni memorial service...$50.00 Memorial for Mary Okubo...$ Orei...$ year memorial for Robert Kusunoki...$ Sangha gathering...$25.00 Eshin-ni/Kakushin-ni memorial service...$25.00 DONATIONS by ISSEI MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND MEMBERS: Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kozuki...$ Mr. & Mrs. Tad Kozuki... $ Mr. & Mrs. Mits Kozuki...$ DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE: Mr. & Mrs. Min Doi...$20.00 Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi... $20.00 Mrs. Takako Kanemoto...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Shimizu... $20.00 Mrs. Jean Kobashi...$20.00 Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro... $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Tom Koga...$50.00 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Tsuji... $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa...$20.00 Mr. Min Yamada... $40.00 Arthur Mihara/Barbara Goto...$20.00 Ms. Akiko Yorizane... $30.00 New Year s Greetings Message Fill out form and send to Julie Doi 3607 Gaynor, Selma, CA ($5.00 donation to Buddhist Church of Parlier) Return form by: Dec. 21, 2012 or to: joshindoi@sbcglobal.net Name Message Here: Create your own greetings here 2

3 THOUGHTS FROM THE SANGHA By Calvin Doi This time of year...the Holiday Season, the end of the year 2012 and the begining of a New Year 2013 is a good time to reflect on our teachings of Graditude and Compassion. We have many reasons to be grateful. Graditude for family, friends, health and financial stability are usually first to come to mind. Often times we take too many things for granted. The food we eat, the roof over our heads, the moderate weather of the valley and the clothing we wear are but a few. We as Shin Buddhist should be thankful for everything and everybody. As Buddhist we have compassion for all living things. Just think of the people affected by the Super Storm Sandy, the people living in the Middle East, the families being helped by the Food Bank and the Poverello House. We should do our best to understand and help them. Please join us on New Year s Eve and New Year s Day at the church to say good-bye to the old year and to welcome in the New Year. PARLIER BWA FOOD DRIVE Please bring your cans and packages of food (non-perishable) that we can share with people in our community. Give back to those who have supported our yard sales and obon. DROP-OFF DATES: Parlier Buddhist Church Dec. 2 - Sangha Gathering Dec. 3 - CBE lecture with Rev. Harada Dec. 9 - Bodhi Day Service 3

4 BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 2012 The Parlier Buddhist Church Board meeting was called to order by Dennis Ikuta on Nov 12, Gassho was led by Rev. Inouye. Those in attendance were: Dennis Ikuta, James Goishi, Curtis & Cheryl Koga, Gail Hachiya, Glenn Yoshimoto, Rev. Inouye, Neil Okino, Calvin Doi, James Goishi., Clyde Yoshikawa., and Kaye Kozuki. The Oct. 8, 2012 minutes were read and approved. Clyde/ Curtis motioned and seconded. Treasurer s Report: Glenn went over the Treasurer s report for Oct. Clyde made a motion to accept the report and James seconded. Motion carried. Minister s Report: 11/17 First year memorial service for Peggy Okada at11am 3pm Q&A with Reverend John Iwohara of Venice, dinner following 11/18 Eshinni/Kakushinni Service and Memorial Service with guest Reverend John Iwohara followed by Tofu Fest and games. 11/24 Yonsei Forum at 9am. Memorial Service for Harry Kubo at 11am. 12/2 10am Sangha Gathering 12/3 7pm Reverend Harada will conduct a lecture on Buddhist Views of Life and Death at Parlier 12/9 10am Bodhi Day and Memorial Service 12/31 Joye-E Service The guest Reverend s schedule for 2013: 1/27 Reverend Kiyonobu Kuwahara 3/17 Reverend Jo-Ren MacDonald 4/21 Reverend Ron Kubata 7/14 Reverend Seigan Yamaoka 9/15 Reverend Jay Shinseki 11/17 Reverend Hidehito Sakamoto Publication Report: Duplicator was fixed Finance After the national elections, the fall of the stock market caused our investments to go down a little. BWA Report: Kaye reported that the Yard Sale was a success and thanked Denise K. and Barbara G. and everyone who spent Sat. morning helping make sales. Thank you to Matsuko for the nigiri she made. On 11/17 the bi-annual Omigaki with a BWA meeting following. Nov 18 will be the date for the Eshinni/Kakushinni Service sponsored by the BWA with the Tofu Fest luncheon following. The Dec church cleaning will be on Dec. 8 with Group 1 in charge. Thank you to Irene K. for making the delicious fruit pies for the board meeting. V&P Report: Calvin reported that on 11/19 there will be a meeting in Parlier to plan new activities. 11/20 Caregiver meeting in Fowler. Speaker will be Joyce Yamaguchi on healthy diets. 12/2 CCYBA Deep Pit Lunch Fundraiser from 11a-2p at the Fresno Dharma Center (see last month s newsletter for details). 12/6 CCYBA meeting in Parlier /04-06 Retreat in Los Osos. Contact Calvin if you are interested in going. Old Business: Meeting to discuss the planning for the Dec. 2 Sangha Gathering will be on 11/26. Ray Arifuku will be able to make wooden obutsudans for new members. A year end meeting with Reverend Inouye will be on Dec. 17. The tree trimming day has been moved from Nov. 17 to Dec. 8 because of conflict with scheduling. New Business: Burglar Alarm System: After much researching it was reported to the board that a burglar alarm system be installed throughout the church and parsonage as soon as possible. Calvin made the motion and Clyde seconded. Motion carried. A call list of members who could help check and turn off the alarm should it go off, was started. If any member could help, please let a board member know. We need your help. It would be on a rotating basis. Reverend Rye s going away party will be held on Dec. 9 at the Fresno Dharma Center from 12-3:30pm Elections: We have a new board member, Clyde Yoshikawa. Welcome aboard!! A motion to have Kaye K. become the new board secretary was made and seconded by Calvin/Clyde. Motion passed. A motion to have Glenn stay in his position of treasurer was made and seconded by Curtis/Calvin. Motion passed. Calvin volunteered to be the CCDC President in 2014 and Vice President in Curtis is the funeral chairman. Dennis consented to stay on as Board President another year. A motion to accept his offer was made by Kaye and seconded by Clyde. Motions passed. Since Toshie Mori was absent, it was proposed to extend her the offer to stay on as Vice President. Curtis/James made and seconded by motion. Motion passed. Next Board meeting will be on Dec. 10. This is also the General Meeting for the year. Everyone is invited. Meeting Adjourned at 9:30pm Gassho was led by Reverend Inouye. 4

5 buddhist women s association By Irene Kozuki, BWA Newsletter Writer Year-end activities dot our calendars now. BWA members kept busy all year with energy supplied by valuable leadership and the willing cooperation of many. November started with a very successful yard sale. Thank you to all who donated items that were sold and to the people who prepared for and worked at the sale especially Barbara Goto and Denise Kusunoki. We decided that a notice in the classified ads of the newspaper and some new pricing and display methods all contributed to adding a healthy chunk of change to our treasury. On Nov. 17 Group 3 cleaned the church and other people helped to polish the altar pieces and then attend a BWA general meeting. We appreciate the help we get from the men who handle the jobs that require more lifting and special equipment. The floors sparkled from the scrubbing and polishing done by Kelvin Miyakawa with the help of Clyde Yoshihara and Yuki Mori. That afternoon we had a Q & A session with our guest speaker for the November Eshinni and Kakushinni and Parlier BWA members memorial service, Rev. John Iwohara of the Venice Hongwanji. Dinner followed with an opportunity to get to know our guest better. He spoke at the next day s service and stayed for the enjoyable Tofu Potluck lunch after the service. Thank you to all that prepared innovative and delicious ways to use tofu. We enjoyed the bingo games that followed and Rev. John Iwohara thank Karen Shimizu and Charlene Miyakawa for buying the prizes. Gail Hachiya, Yuki Goishi, Fusa Ishimaru, and Miyo Ohara were in charge of the luncheon. Karen S. and Flo Doi were kind to take home the tablecloths to launder them. There will be several events held at the church in December and we hope many of you will be there. On Dec. 2 there will be a Sangha gathering; on Dec. 3 Rev. Harada will be speaking from 7 PM about Buddhist Views of Life and Death. Clean up for Group 1 will be on Dec. 8 and the Bodhi Day Service will be on Dec. 9. At all these events we will have a large barrel where you can donate non-perishable foods that we will be passing on to Parlier families in need. Please bring your cans and packages of food that we can share with people in our community which has supported us at our yard sales, the Bon Odori, etc. It was decided at our recent meeting to reserve some of the money we allocated to various causes (radio broadcast, CBE, Rev. Rye s transfer) for local projects. Other business at the meeting included Kaye s report of the Federation conference in October, creating a committee to review and revise the BWA By-Laws, and plans for dividing our toban groups so they are more balanced and similar in size. The election results were announced and the board that was chosen divided the responsibilities as follows: Co-Presidents Julie Doi and Cheryl Koga, Secretary Joyce Sasai, Treasurer Carol Guerra, Religious Chair Hiroko Kimoto, Social Chair Advisor Matsuko Suehiro, Social Chairwomen Karen Shimizu, Gail Hachiya, Lynne Yoshimoto, and Newsletter contributor Kaye Kozuki. Thank you, thank you. I realize that I ve come to the end of the year and haven t been able to adequately describe or reveal the many, many ways our members have worked hard and helped without complaint to keep our church actively serving the members. Julie Doi works on the layout of the monthly newsletter, all our posters and print needs. She takes pictures so we have a record of events. Karen Shimizu is ready to do the actual printing, collating, and assembling the newsletter. Karen has cleaned the church herself when she couldn t make it to the scheduled clean up. She seems to always be making more tea or setting out refreshments. I didn t get around to thanking the loyal bunch who come to help compile the newsletter, often on short notice. Kaye has done a super job as president of the BWA with her efficiency and attention to details and her artful way of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our major services and numerous social gatherings before and after events held at the church. I guess it s a good sign when have more people to acknowledge for their special contributions than time/space. We have some very good people in our church community and we do appreciate the big and little things they do. I m happy to be in their midst, hoping some of that humble willingness to pitch in and help will encourage me to be less concerned about my own interests and lead me to live with kindness and gratitude as they do. 5

6 Sangha Gathering and Youth Forum November 2012 actives were enjoyed by all age groups. 6

7 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE The December Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday, December 9, Families, as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend. DECEMBER SHOTSUKI DECEASED MOURNER Mrs. Kinuyo Doi 71 yrs. Ms. Eleanor Doi Mr. Douglas L. Kobashi 67 yrs. Mrs. Jean Kobashi Mr. Ishisuke Takano 65 yrs. Miss Karen Doi 51 yrs. Mrs. Kimiyo Doi Mr. Yonetaro Masuda 48 yrs. Mrs. Ellen Tsudama Mr. Masaru Nishimura 47 yrs. Mrs. Kuni Nishimura Mr. Torazo Tsuji 44 yrs. Mr. Bill Tsuji Mrs. Aiko Ikuta 34 yrs. Dr. Dennis Ikuta Baby Brook Y. Yano 28 yrs. Dr. Randel Yano Mrs. Toyoko Chiamori 22 yrs. Mr. Patrick Chiamori Mrs. Doris Y. Furumoto 22 yrs. Mr. Roy Furumoto Mr. Masanosuke Okubo 60 yrs. Mr. Warren Okubo Mr. Katsuzo Handa 62 yrs. Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto Mrs. Shizuye Kubo 14 yrs. Mr. Larry Kubo Mr. Koji Kay Yoshimoto 14 yrs. Mr. Glenn Yoshimoto Mr. Junkichi Kagawa 13 yrs. Mrs. Naomi Tamura Miss Lily Yamamoto 14 yrs. Mr. Tadashi Kozuki Mr. Tom Takata 10 yrs. Mrs. May Takata Mr. Shinji Sasai 8 yrs. Dr. Steven Sasai Mr. Harry Teiichi Kubo 7 yrs. Mr. Larry Kubo Mrs. Shizuye Kubo 14 yrs. Mrs. Flora Doi 7

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9 DIRECTORY OF OFFICIERS Minister Rev. Sensho Inouye Church President Dennis Ikuta Vice-President Toshie Mori Secretary Wes Kubo Treasurer Glenn Yoshimoto Maintenance James Goishi Fujinkai Presidents Kaye Kozuki Gail Hachiya Newletter Editors Curtis Koga Julie Doi Karen Shimizu Webmaster Glenn Nakamichi NOVEMber Buddhist radio broadcast kfib (am900) Saturday 7:20am DECEMBER Japanese English 1 Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto Dr. Gary Mukai 8 Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto Rev. Kurt Rye 15 Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Kurt Rye 22 Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Mr. George Teraoka 29 Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto Rev. Kurt Rye upcoming JANUARY events 14 (Mon) Board Meeting...7:00pm 26 (Sat) Church Cleanup...8:00am 27 (Sun) HoOnko...10:00am Bodhi Day & Shotsuki Service Sunday, December :00 A.M. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S POSTAGE PARLIER, CA PERMIT #23 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box 547 Parlier, CA Address Service Requested