Birthday of the Buddha - Hanamatsuri - Rev. Sensho Inouye

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1 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box Newmark Avenue Parlier, Californiaf93648 Phone: (559) TAKE REFUGE IN THE TRUE AND REAL LIGHT April 2013 Birthday of the Buddha - Hanamatsuri - Rev. Sensho Inouye Parlier Buddhist Church will hold the birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha - Hanamatsuri on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 10:00am. Hanamatsuri is a service of rejoicing in which we commemorate the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha with the decorating of a flower pavilion and the rites of Bathing the Body of the Buddha. The Buddha was the only child of King Suddhodana Gautama and Queen Maya of Sakya Kingdom near the frontier between India proper and Nepal. Legend tells us that for twenty years the Queen had no children. Then after dreaming a strange dream of a white elephant entering her side, she became pregnant. According to the custom of the time, the queen was returning to her parent s home for the birth. When on the way, in the beautiful spring sunshine, she rested in the flower garden of Lumbini Park. As the queen reached up to touch the blossom of the Asoka Tree, the baby was born. The earth shook in six directions and a sweet rain fell from the sky to bathe the body of the baby. Flowers bloomed every-where and fell from the sky. The newborn took seven steps, pointed his right hand to the sky and his left hand to the earth and spoke the following words: Above and below the heavens, I alone, am the World-Honored One. The joy of the King was extreme as he named the child Siddhartha which means every wish fulfilled. This memorable day was the eighth day of April, 565 B.C. 35 years later, this Siddhartha Gautama experienced the Universal compassion by which he himself attained Enlightenment, and was called Shakyamuni Buddha. The Universal Compassion is expressed as Amida Buddha s Vow Power in the Jodo Shinshu tradition. During the last 45 years of his life, Shakyamuni Buddha propagated what he experienced - Universal Compassion - to the people in India. Eventually, His teaching was transmitted to China, Korea, Japan and even to United States. And now we are given to opportunity to listen to the teaching of Nembutsu here at the Parlier Buddhist Church. Please encourage yourself, your family, and your friends to participate Hanamatsuri Service to listen to Rev. Ron Kobata s Dharma messages. 1

2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our appreciation to the following for their generous donations TEMPLE Mr. Alan Nakadachi Memorial for Yashichiro, Umeno, Don,...$ & Barbara Nakadachi Ms. Kathi Tanouye Memorial for Henry & Aiko Tanouye...$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kubo...$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Osaki...$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kubo Memorial for Sadako Kubo...$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Fred Nagare 30th year memorial for Shizuko Nagare...$ Mr. & Mrs. Tim Kozuki Memorial for grandma, Hisaye Kozuki...$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Wes Kubo Sangha Gathering...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. James Goishi Ohigan...$20.00 Sangha Gathering donations...$21.00 MEMBERSHIP DUES: Mrs. Takako Kanemoto Mrs. Denise Kusunoki BWA Donations Yagi Family (Leung s, Clarke s, Halveron s) Keiko Kimura Natsuko Kimura Matsuko Suehiro Teruko Tsuji Mr. Glenn Nakamichi Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi In memory of Kyoichi Yagi...$ th Birthday...$ th Birthday...$ th Birthday...$ th Birthday...$75.00 DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE: Mr. Patrick Chiamori...$20.00 Mrs. Denise Kusunoki... $40.00 Mr. Roy Furumoto...$30.00 Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa $45.00 Mr. & Mrs. Henry Guerra...$20.00 Mrs. Miyo Ohara... $40.00 Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto...$25.00 Okino Family... $20.00 Mrs. Jean Kobashi...$25.00 Ms. Akiko Yorizane... $

3 THOUGHTS FROM THE SANGHA By Toshie Mori, Vice-President What s Really Behind the Word Thanks? Holidays have come and gone and the daily routine is finally restored. Thank you letters have been sent for the many well wishes and gifts we received. As I recall the feeling of each letters I penned I noticed there were significant difference in the sincerity that was evoked with each gift. For the gifts I truly adored and loved, words that I wrote were very sincere and heartfelt, but for some, I just wanted to say what sounded sincere and appropriate. I began to question, how is showing appreciation to Amida Buddha any different? We have been told time and time again by ministers that we should show our appreciation to Amida Buddha by reciting the nembutsu, since it is an expression of gratitude and appreciation, but what am I really grateful for? And how can I say the nembutsu in true gratitude if I don t know, or really understand what I am appreciating? None-the-less, I tried hard to muster up a heartfelt nembutsu, but I couldn t do it. So I thought, maybe if I tried harder or with more emotions or if I thought about Amida more seriously I d be able to. No matter how I tried, I knew it was just empty words. In fact it is easier for me to express thankfulness in the concrete world of tangible things. Recently we had the opportunity to attend the Winter Pacific Seminar at the LA Hompa Hongwanji Temple. There we heard the most wonderful, heartfelt Dharma message from the guest speaker, Dr Takamaro Shigaraki. The topic was The Path of the Nembutsu, a very big, broad topic indeed and I d like to share with you a very small part of it that truly touched me. He said we can learn to hear Amida s calling voice, but like anything else we have to be taught how to do that. He used the analogy of a new mother and her newborn child and I think most parents can identify with this scenario. From the moment of the birth of a child, a mother would hold her tight, look into her face lovingly and whisper hi there, I m your mommy and I love you so much. As the child grows a mother would encourage her to call her mama by telling her I m your mama, can you say ma, ma? over and over and finally, one day, the child says mama. Mother is simply overjoyed and responds with an enthusiastic yes, yes, good job you said mama. The child has finally made the connection of the word mama to her caring, love, support and the very basic desire for her child, which is All I want for you is to be happy! Hearing the calling voice of Amida Buddha works the same way. We have to be taught what it is and what that sounds like. From the moment of my birth, like many of you, I have continuously been taught the sound of the Nembutsu by my parents, jiichan, baachan, and countless people and conditions. They have all along said, listen to the Dharma, say the Nembutsu nice and loud anywhere, at anytime and listen to the sound of the Nembutsu that comes out of your mouth. That Nembutsu is one and the same as Amida. I saying the Nembutsu and simultaneously hearing it is like having a constant dialogue between me and Amida. As I reflect on the analogy of a mother I feel as if Amida is that mother trying to teach me the all embracing mother s love, all shoved tightly into one perfect package the word mama or the Namu Amida Butsu. It s as if Amida is asking me, can you not understand what I want for you? Can you not feel the love I have for you? Do you see that I want you to be eternally happy? Because I so want you to be. All I can say to respond to those questions is yes, yes, I do, I really do. Namo Amida Butsu, naman-dan-bu... This was not the Nembutsu I tried hard to muster up. I joyfully and sincerely called out Amida s name. It was one of those rare moments when I honestly felt the warmth and compassion and was totally in sync with Amida who has so much concern for my eternal well being. How can you not say thank you from the bottom of your heart when you truly understand the love that your parents have given you and the sacrifices they made for you. In the same token how can we not repeat Buddha s name with the same heartfelt appreciation when we truly find out his wish for us. Being awakened to the heart of the Amida Buddha made me aware of his basic core desire for me. How mottainai not to become aware of it, accept this treasure, be delivered to the Pure Land and become a Buddha when this life is over. To become a Buddha is the only way I can returnmy gratitude and show appreciation to Amida for giving me the way to eternal peace, and freedom from samsara. For me this is what Jodo Shinshu is all about and the reason behind the word thanks and Namu Amida Butsu. It is my hope that everyone will take sincere interest in your own eternal well being and seek to hear the calling voice of Amida Buddha, say the Nembutsu sincerely and earnestly from the bottom of your heart. Na-man-da-bu. 3

4 BOARD MEETING MARCH 11, 2013 The Parlier Buddhist Church Board meeting was called to order by President Dennis Ikuta on Mar. 11, Gassho was led by Rev. Inouye. Those in attendance were: Dennis Ikuta, James Goishi, Curtis Koga, Cheryl Koga, Glenn Yoshimoto, Rev. Inouye, Calvin Doi, Julie Doi, Clyde Yoshikawa, Steve Sasai, Yuki Mori, and Kaye Kozuki. A quorum was established. Minutes were read and a correction of Spring Ohigan Service on 3/17 instead of Nirvana Day Service was made. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Clyde and was seconded by Julie. Motion passed. Treasurer s Report: After reviewing the treasurer s report for the month of Feb., Steve S. made a motion to accept the report with Clyde seconding. Motion passed. Minister s Report: 3/13 Curtis s monthly discussion group at 7p. 3/16 Q&A with Rev. Joren MacDonald at 3p. 3/17 Spring Ohigan/Monthly Memorial Service with guest Rev. Joren MacDonald at 10a 3/19 V&P meeting in Fowler 3/20 Central Calif. Ministerial Meeting 3/24 Parlier Food Bazaar 2p-5p 3/26 Caregivers Meeting in Fowler at Starbucks 7p 3/28 BCA Retired Minister meeting 4/1 Rev. Harada lecture series at Fresno Dharma Center 7p 4/7 Sangha Gathering in Parlier 10a 4/10 Curtis s monthly discussion group at 7p 4/20 Q&A with Rev. Kobata at 3p 4/21 Hanamatsuri/Monthly Memorial Service 10a Rev. Koyama who was at Mountain View Buddhist Church is newly assigned to Palo Alto Buddhist Church. Committee Reports: Maintenance: James reported that the winter check up warranty with Jack s Refrigeration covers: summer of 2012 and winter/summer of 2013 and BWA: Julie D. reported on the recent CCBWL Conference held in Fowler, which 19 of our members attended. Rev. Patti Oshita was the dynamic keynote speaker. The attendees received okesa holders as a gift. The Fowler ladies made them from kimonos and obis. Our March yard sale was very successful. Thank you to everyone who donated items. The Spring Ohigan Service will be followed by a ham/yam/pilaf luncheon. Thank you to Flo Doi who made the delicious banana cream pies for the Board meeting. Publication: Everything is running smoothly Finances: Finaces will be reported quarterly. Everything is doing fine. V&P: 1. 3/26 Caregivers meeting in Fowler at Starbucks 7p. 2. 4/27 Asian Fest at Fresno City College from 10a- 2p. There will be Obon dancing and a kimono fashion show among many activities planned. 3. Starting on Fri. 5/3 and every Fri in May until 5/24, V&P is having Rev. Harada and Rev. Turner of Orange County Buddhist Church and Rev. Kubose and George Teraoka present Buddhist topics for discussion. It will be held at the Fowler library at 7p. Rev. Harada will be the first presenter on 5/3. He will not be giving a lecture on 5/6. 4. Many from the CCYBA attended the Techno Buddhist Conference held at Jodo Shinshu Center 3/8-3/ /19 Chicken Luncheon to benefit CCYBA will be held at the Fresno Dharma Center. Tickets can be purchases through Calvin D. Curtis made a motion to accept the reports and Clyde seconded, motion passed. Old Business: 1. Keiro Kai/Nirvana Day/Monthly Memorial Service went nicely followed by a delicious luncheon of salmon, hikiji, rice, tsukemono, sushi, and desserts. 2. Sangha Gathering in Feb. was attended by about 30 members. Topic discussed was interdependence. 3. Calvin asked if it would be all right for the CCYBA to hold meeting at our church. James made a motion to allow them to meet and Clyde seconded, motion passed. 4. Cheryl reported that recordings of gathas on a CD to be played when an organist is not available is almost ready. 5. The next introduction of a new family joining our church will be made within the next month. New Business: 1. Food Bazaar is in the final stages of planning. We need everyones help. 2. Curtis reported on the National Counsel Meeting which was held Mar 1-3 in San Mateo. The topics voted upon were: - Proxy vote will continue as is. - The vote to allow extra delegates from the bigger congregations at 500 member intervals was not passed. - It was decided to pay down BCA s $1.5 million debt by $.5 million. - Dues to BCA is now $106 per member. - Next National Counsel Meeting will be held in Seattle the last weekend of Feb Curtis also reported that the Buddhist Techno Conference for young adults 21yrs - 35yrs. had good attendance. It was held 3/8-3/10 at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley. Some came from as far away as Canada. Peter Inokoji of Sacramento. Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Clyde and seconded by James, motion passed. Gassho was lead by Rev. Inouye. The next Board meeting will be held on April 8 at 7p at the Parlier Buddhist Church. 4

5 buddhist women s association By Kaye Kozuki, BWA Newsletter Writer April Showers bring May flowers, but where are the showers this year? Our Bi-Annual Yard Sale on Mar 2 was a very successful one. Thank you to all who donated items and especially Rich/Krissy Ishimura for all the furniture. Kudos to Denise K. and Barb G. who where in charge of this years event. They are veterans at how to run our yard sales. Thank you to all the ladies of our BWA and men who helped on drop off day and at the sale. We couldn t do this event without all of you. Our monthly Sangha Gathering, held on the first Sunday of each month, was about interdependence as it relates to Buddhism. Kaye K. read a story The Ugly Vegetables and then Steve S. planted flowers and vegetable seeds with the children. Cheryl discussed how Buddhist interprets interdependence in their every day life. Rev. Inouye talked about what Rev. Hozen Seki wrote in the preface of D.T. Suzuki s book Shin Buddhism. About 30 members were in attendance and enjoyed ramen with asian vegetables and desserts. The CCBWL Conference in Fowler had a wonderful keynote speaker, Reverend Patti Oshita from Sacramento. She is originally from Fowler. Her Dharma talk was relevant, well organized, and very interesting. She spoke on Live Each Moment Fully through the Teaching of the Buddha which was the theme of the conference. What was a 45 minute talk seemed like 15 minutes. We were fortunate to hear Patti Oshita speak. There were about 128 women in attendance of which 19 were from Parlier. The next CCBWL Conference will be in Fresno in Thank you Flo D. for providing the delicious banana cream pies served at the monthly Board meeting. It was very much appreciated. Our church was cleaned this month by Group 1 headed by Gail H. Cheryl K. made a check off sheet for each cleaning station which reminds us what needs to be cleaned in that area. This makes for an efficient way to make sure everything is cleaned. Thank you members of Group I for cleaning our church and to Gail H. and Toshie M. for providing the snacks. We will be doing a heavy duty cleaning next month, Apr 20 at our biannual Omigaki cleaning. Retired Reverend Joren MacDonald held a Q&A on Sat. Mar. 16. Her topics were Why we Chant and the naijin and what the items symbolize. Then she answered questions about What is Buddhism and the reply we can give in a few sentences. Another was How Buddhists can accept death and not fear it and What Namu Amida Butsu means. She presented everything in such a way that anyone could understand. Afterwards, a nice meal was enjoyed with Rev. MacDonald at China Gardens. At the Spring Ohigan/Monthly memorial service, Rev. MacDonald spoke about how the robes of the Buddhist monks came about. Shakyamuni Buddha started the tradition. It was a very interesting bit of history. The service was followed by a seasonal favorite of ham, yam, and pilaf for lunch prepared by Julie D., Lynne Y., Karen S. Many ladies helped with the serving and cleaning up. Scrumptious desserts were made by the North district tobans. Thank you everyone. It was enjoyed by about 50 members. Thank you Carol G., for laundering all the table cloths. The bazaar was a lot of work for many of our members but there was a lot of camaraderie and fun. Thank you ladies of BWA and the men folk who worked so hard. Special thanks to Toshie M., Karen S., for over seeing all the details and the scheduling. The success of the bazaar relies on everyone working together. Thank you to the women who made those delicious desserts such as crème puffs, strawberry desserts, cookies, cakes, pies, mochi and many other yummy items. Thank you Erin Takemoto and Irene K. for making some playful and useful items for the BWA Country Store. Carol G. reported that the bake sale/country store did very well this year. This was a busy, busy month as March always is, but an abundance of satisfaction was also felt. Our temple provides many activities for all age groups. Everyone is welcome to any and all activities. The taichi class on Thurs at 8a and the Welcome Center which follows are both well attended and energizing. Everyone is welcome. Looking Ahead 4/1 - Rev. Harada in Fresno 7p 4/7 - Sangha Gathering topic will be symbolism and purpose of items in the naijin or altar area 10a 4/10 Curtis Discussion Group 7p 4/14 - Community Picnic Woodward Park 4/20 - Omigaki, Group 2 and Q&A with Rev. Kobata 4/21 - Hanamatsuri guest speaker Rev. Kobata of San Francisco Buddhist Church 10a 5/3 - V&P Rev. Harada in Fowler 7p 5/5 - Sangha Gathering 10a. Board Refreshments April Carol Guerra May May Takata June Denise Kusunoki Cleaning Schedule April 18 Group 2 headed by Irene & Tad Kozuki May 18 Group 3 headed by Joyce & Steve Sasai June 8 Group 1 headed by Gail Hachiya 5

6 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE The April Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday, April 24, Families, as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend. april SHOTSUKI DECEASED MOURNER Mr. Torao Kanemoto 64 yrs Mrs. Takako Kanemoto Mr. Yoshitaro Kaneichi Mrs. Ellen Tsudama Mrs. Umeno Nakadachi 48 yrs Mr. Alan Nakadachi Mr. Ayano Nakamura 42 yrs Ms. Gail Nakamura Mr. Mitsuyoshi Yamamoto 30 yrs Mr. Alan Yamamoto Mr. Kanichi Takata 52 yrs Mrs. May Takata Mr. Akiyuki G. Yoshizaki 50 yrs Mrs. Takako Kanemoto Mrs. Yuki Yoshizaki 33 yrs Mrs. Takako Kanemoto Mrs. Tome Kobashi 32 yrs Mr. Kiyomi Kobashi Mr. Thomas Nishimura Jr. 32 yrs Mrs. Kuni Nishimura Mrs. Teru Watanabe 27 yrs Mrs. Josie Tsuboi Mr. Sadao Kakutani 23 yrs Mr. Johnson Kakutani Mrs. Suye Tsuji 23 yrs Mr. Bill Tsuji Mr. Akira Kurokawa Ms. Arlene Kurokawa Mrs. Chisato Chiamori 32 yrs Mr. Patrick Chiamori Mrs. Haruo Nishimura 18 yrs Mrs. Kuni Nishimura Mr. Akira Donald Nakadachi 12 yrs Mr. Alan Nakadachi Mrs. Helen Nakamura 9 yrs Ms. Gail Nakamura Mrs. Carol Sakamoto Mr. Tom Okubo 6 yrs Mr. Warren Yoshimoto Mr Kazutami Ohara 2 yrs Mrs. Miyo Ohara BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER COMMUNTY PICNIC Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 10:00am **Races will begin at 10:30am** $10.00 Donation per family is requested Woodward Park Park Entry Fee: $5.00 per vehicle or $3.00 if senior citizen if passenger or driver. (Cars with handicap placard free) Valley View Shelter (Go left after toll booth. Valley View Shelter parking is on the right. Look for the Parlier Picnic Sign. - LUNCH - Steak, rice, salad, roll, and drink: $6.00 Hot Dogs: $1.00 (Bring your own tableware) Please make reservations by April 2, Please provide ages and gender of Children Call: Curtis Koga at

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8 DIRECTORY OF OFFICIERS Minister Rev. Sensho Inouye Church President Dennis Ikuta Vice-President Toshie Mori Secretary Kay Kozuki Treasurer Glenn Yoshimoto Maintenance James Goishi Fujinkai Presidents Julie Doi Cheryl Koga Newletter Editors Curtis Koga Julie Doi Karen Shimizu Webmaster Glenn Nakamichi APRIL Buddhist radio broadcast kfib (am900) Saturday 7:20am APRIL Japanese English 6 Mr. Yuki Mori Dr. Gary Mukai 13 Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Judge Mikio Uchiyama 20 Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Dr. Michael Maruyama 27 Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto Dr. Gene Tsukamoto MAY Japanese English 4 Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto Mr. Rod Hata 11 Mr. Yuki Mori Mr. Garrett Sano 18 Mr. Yuki Mori Mr. George Teraoka 25 Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Mrs. Paula Kanagawa upcoming MAY events 3 5 (Fri) (Sun) CBE Rev. Harada lecture Fowler Dharma Gathering...10:00am 10 (Fri) Fowler Lecture Series (Mon) Parlier Board Meeting (Fri) Fowler Lecture Series (Sat) Church Cleanup Group 3...8:00am 19 (Sun) Gotan-E Service & Shotsuki...10:00am 19 (Sun) YBA Chicken Lunch - FDC after service 24 (Fri) Fowler Lecture Series (Sun) Memorial Day flower setup...9:00am 27 (Mon) Memorial Day cemetry..8:30am HANAMATURI SERVICE & April Monthly Memorial Service Sunday, April 21, 2013, 10:00 a.m. Luncheon to follow NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S POSTAGE PARLIER, CA PERMIT #23 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box 547 Parlier, CA Address Service Requested

9 april Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Dharma Gathering 10:00am Parlier Community Picnic at Woodward Park 10:00am Hanamatsuri and Shotsuki Service w/ Rev. Ron Kobata 10:00am 1 Fowler 2 3 Parlier Class CBE sponsored Classes: Taichi Rev. Harada s Dharma Class: Welcome Center 1:00pm Fowler (see below) Fresno Sumi: 3:00pm Class: CCYBA Meeting Dharma Center Calligraphy Mah Jong 5:00pm 9:00am in Parlier 7 8 Fowler 9 Fowler 10 Parlier Class Classes: Class: Taichi Dharma Class: Mah Jong (Parlier Church) Parlier 1:00pm 9:00am 8:00am Board Meeting Sumi: 3:00pm Curtis Welcome Center Calligraphy Discussion Class 9:15am- 5:00pm 11:30am Fowler 16 Mah Jong 17 Parlier Class Church 20 Classes: Taichi (see above) (Parlier Church) 8:00am CCDC in Fowler Fowler Parlier Class Classes: Taichi (see above) (Parlier Church) 8:00am V & P in Reedley Fowler 30 Classes: Dharma Class: 1:00pm Sumi: 3:00pm Calligraphy 5:00pm 9:00am CCMA Mtg at Fowler 10:00am Baby Boomers & Talent Show Mtg. at Fowler Fowler Class: Mah Jong 9:00am Welcome Center 9:15am- 11:30am Welcome Center 9:15am- 11:30am TAKE REFUGE IN THE TRUE AND REAL LIGHT Cleanup Omigaki/Group 2 8:00am Q&A with Rev. Ron Kobata 3:00pm Asian Fest at Fresno City College 10am-3pm DONATIONS FOR THE BUDDHIST RADIO BROADCAST EACH BROADCAST IS $50.00 If you wish to donate contact Rev. Sakamoto at the Reedley Church: (559)