NIRVĀNA DAY By Rev. Kakei Nakagawa, Rinban

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1 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box Newmark Avenue Parlier, California Phone: (559) TAKE REFUGE IN THE LIGHT OF JOY February 2014 NIRVĀNA DAY By Rev. Kakei Nakagawa, Rinban February 15 is Nirvāna Day. On this day Śākya-muni Buddha, lying between two sāla trees and surrounded by many followers and friends, passed on, peacefully at the age of 80 years. His final words to those gathered around him were, After I am gone, the Dharma will be your guide. First, be true and real to yourself. Those who practice the Dharma and live in the Dharma are always by me, close to me. But even though one is beside me, if he/she does not practice the Dharma, he/she is not near me. All things and all lives are constantly changing, passing from one state to another. All are subject to this universal law of change. I am no exception; my final day is here. Since all things change it does not make any difference if my physical body passes away. This body is not the Buddha; the truth-reality is the Buddha itself. This is the important point. Do not concern yourselves with my passing away but concern yourselves with your own truth-reality. We are all one in the Dharma. Make yourselves your own light. Those were the last words he spoke. Around 15th day of February, all Buddhists throughout the world have a memorial service. Our Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple observes the Nirvāna Day Service on February 9th. We rededicate ourselves to follow his footsteps and to remind his true intent for sharing the Dharma to all living beings. The phrase to transcend birth and death often appears in Buddhist scriptures. This means that life and death are different phases of the same process. A continuous birth of life takes place at the same time a continuous dying. Living and dying is the same thing. It is the same life, just different phases of the same existence. Just as one phrase from Gassho with Amida, flowers bloom and flowers fall, scatters seeds and seeds sprout new flowers, in the same process of life. Budding is not the beginning and flowering the end. The end is the beginning. The beginning is the end. However, we are so attached to the sadness of separation that we feel birth is fine and death is bad. In the last analysis, we should not be surprised or afraid of death. The Buddha said, Sickness and death are unavoidable in life because we are one with the nature. The continuous changing of things is natural. Why do we think that death is only a sad event? Death is not something to fear. As we are courageous in living and creating, so we should be about death. Transcending life and death is not to become disinterested in or detached from life. Everything has meaning and fulfillment. We should always be ready to die, able to say thank you for everything and quietly, naturally, and peacefully say goodbye. Even at the last moment of life this undisturbed mind is a beautiful thing. I think this was the Buddha s last teaching. We should learn and have this understanding and attitude in all things in our everyday lives. Again this year, I have placed the picture of Nirvāna. When we receive a message of life s equality from the scene of Nirvāna, we should think on the origin of Mahāyāna Buddhism. One of the three most significant moments of Buddhism is that Buddha made the first action for sharing the Dharma. All sentient beings are suffering at present. I simply cannot ignore this reality. (And I solely may be possible to remedy them all), said the Buddha. Buddha treated the lives of human and non-human with equal respect. All sentient beings means not only human but also all other vital forms at least. (Cont. on page 2) 1

2 (Cont d. from page 1) In our daily life, we Dharma-practitioners (Buddhists) see human and non-human animals as closely related. Buddha teaches that both have Buddha-nature, both have the potentiality of becoming perfectly awakened. That s why we are encouraged to live harmoniously with all forms of life. I think many of you are enjoying your life with your pets, such as dog, cat, bird, fish or other unique animals. I am sure that they are a part of your family. And most of us have personal memories of our pets who had given us wonderful love and happiness. We are reminded about the importance of life through their existence. It is natural for Buddhists to honor of our beloved pets who were our family members, best friends and sometimes a good Dharma-teacher. This is the reason why Fresno Betsuin will conduct a pet memorial service combined with Nirvana Day service on February 9th. Buddhism requires us to treat animals kindly: Buddhists try to do no harm (or as little harm as possible) to animals Buddhists try to show loving-kindness to all beings, including animals The doctrine of karma teaches that any wrong behaviour will have to be paid for someday in the future - so cruel acts to animals should be avoided. Buddhists treat the lives of human and non-human animals with equal respect. Buddhists see human and non-human animals as closely related: both have Buddha-nature both have the possibility of becoming perfectly enlightened. Some Buddhists believe that a soul may be reborn either in a human body or in the body of a non-human animal. Buddhists believe that is wrong to hurt or kill animals except through unavoidable circumstances, because all beings are equally afraid of injury and death. If it could be possible, we d better not to hurt or kill animals. All living things fear being beaten with clubs. All living things fear being put to death. Putting oneself in the place of the other, Let no one neither kill nor cause another to kill. -Dhammapāda 129-2

3 Come On Out! Someone suggested to me that I should write an article, and call it Come Out of the Closet. However, when we hear this phrase in the current cultural context, we immediately relate it to a figure of speech for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and their self-disclosure of their sexual orientation. Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, Buddhist Churches of America and the Buddhist Churches of America Ministers Association are adamantly against sexual discrimination. However, I would like to emphasize a different point in this newsletter article. That of CHANGE! We need to embrace change! I would like to point out that many of us, yes, including myself, think that we embrace change. However, we probably don t, at least not as much as we think. Change or impermanence is one of the 3 Marks of Existence in Buddhism, and is a fundamental Buddhist concept that surrounds everything in life. All we have to do is look at a picture of ourselves from only 5 years ago. What do you see? Perhaps, you were skinnier? Perhaps, heavier. Maybe, you had more hair, or maybe your hair was longer or darker. Oh! Did you see the style of clothes you were wearing? But, this kind of change is easy to embrace because we have NO choice as we see ourselves in the mirror every day. But sometimes we don t change our opinions even though the world around us has changed.. Recently, the States of Colorado and Washington have legalized the selling of Marijuana. President Obama is even on record saying that he believes that smoking pot is no worse than drinking liquor. In 1936, there was a movie produced by the name, Reefer Madness, which showed the viewer the melodramatic events that occur when high school students smoked Marijuana. Our current society has changed its view as we have seen by the current legalization. But, what do you think? Are you currently for the legalization or against? Are you dead set against the legalization? Or are you encouraged for change? Hmmm? In the current Central Valley, we are facing a crisis. Our Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temples are drastically shrinking, and many temples are on the verge of extinction. We are in SURVIVAL mode. At the Fresno Betsuin, there are still old wounds and factions from the decision to move to a new location, and even further division from the decision to build the Family Dharma Center before the temple Hondo. There are others in outlying areas that are dead set against combining and working together with other temples. Isn t it time for us to forgive and forget and move forward for the betterment of the Central Valley Jodo Shinshu? Isn t it time to put our differences aside and work together? Come On Out and let s work together! Or maybe, you feel that you don t need to come to church, or you only need to go to the large special or mass services, and not the weekly Dharma Family Services or Dharma School Service. Perhaps, you think you know enough about Buddhism because you grew up in Dharma School. Or maybe, you don t see the value of the Buddhist teachings. Come on out and see how you can apply Buddhism to make your life better and happier. There are now weekly meditation classes, a new series of Buddhist classes, Come On Out! Come and visit with friends, make new friends, socialize, be a part of a special community, and make our temple a special place. Do you already come almost every Sunday? Bring a new friend each Sunday. Introduce them to the Sangha and your friends. We can learn all about Buddhism. Come On Out! This requires you to make a change in the way that you think and view the temple. Are you going to hold your grudges and opinions till the day you die? This is certainly NOT a way to life a healthy and happy life! Forgive! Forget! Move On! As my dear friend always says, LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH! This is all possible if you give the temple a chance and if you change the way you think. Come On Out! Rev. Alan Sakamoto Namu Amida Butsu MESSAGE FROM rev. alan sakamoto 3

4 TEMPLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our appreciation to the following for their generous donations Ms. Shari Kimoto Memorial for Kenichi, Shinayo, Ralph, & Akiko Kimoto...$ Mr. & Mrs. Darryl Wong-Sing Memorial for Kenichi & Shinayo Kimoto...$50.00 Mr. & Mrs. Darryl Wong-Sing Ho-onko...$30.00 Mr. & Mrs. Tim Kozuki In appreciation of M.A. s New Year s service...$50.00 Mrs. Bessie Kurisu Memorial for Sohei Nakamura...$ Mr. Tom Hayashi Memorial for Jusuke Hayashi...$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Laurence Kimura Special donation...$ Mr. & Mrs. Royce Kimura In appreciation for the newsletter...$ Mrs. Alice Umeda Ho-onko...$25.00 Mr. Tom Hayashi Ho-onko...$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Donald Calhoun Ho-onko...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Craig Kotake Ho-onko...$10.00 Kings River Women s Golf Assn. In memory of Min Doi...$15.00 Mrs. Teruko Tsuji 49th day memorial for Bill Tsuji...$ Lyle, Gordon, & Gary Tsuji and families 49th day memorial for Bill Tsuji...$ Mrs. Flora Doi and family 49th day memorial for Min Doi...$ Mrs. Kimiyo Doi...$20.00 Mrs. Chiz Kubo...$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hirata...$30.00 Mr. & Mrs. Steve Hirata...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Doi...$20.00 Mr. Rod Kubo...$50.00 Ms. Leslie Kubo...$25.00 Mr. Jim Sakamoto Special donation...$20.00 Arthur Mihara/Barbara Goto Joya-e service...$25.00 Mr. George Okada donation for 2013 major services/shotsukis...$ Mr. & Mrs. Wes Kubo Sangha Gathering...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Donald Calhoun Sangha Gathering...$20.00 Sangha Gathering Cash donations...$57.00 MEMBERSHIP DUES: (Issei Endowment Fund Members) Mr. & Mrs. Fred Nagare Mrs. May Takata MEMBERSHIP DUES: Mr. & Mrs. Tatsumi Arakawa Mr. & Mrs. Wes Kubo Mr. Marvin Okino Mr. Patrick Chiamori Mrs. Denise Kusunoki Mr. Neil Okino Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Doi Arthur Mihara/Barbara Goto Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Shimizu Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto Ms. Lynda Okino Mr. Robert Yano DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE: Flora Doi...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Yuki Mori... $25.00 Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto...$25.00 Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi... $20.00 Mrs. Natsuko Kimura...$20.00 Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro... $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kozuki...$25.00 Mrs. Teruko Tsuji... $20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Mits Kozuki...$20.00 Ms. Akiko Yorizane... $50.00 Mr. & Mrs. Tad Kozuki...$25.00 Mrs. Ruby Yukawa... $20.00 (Cont. on page 7) 4

5 THOUGHTS FROM THE SANGHA By Toshie Mori, Church Vice President - Message from Radio Broadcast No Practice Practice of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism Good Morning. I m Toshie Mori. Today I d like to touch on the subject of Buddhist practices. We all know the purpose of practice in Buddhism is to attain the ultimate enlightenment and depart from the world of Samsara, the world of the unenlightened to the enlightened world of Nirvana. Type of practice depends on a particular branch of Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism, for example, as in Zen, has a very strict regiment and discipline of meditating, chanting, being mindful, practicing daily with pure thoughts and performs deeds that are meritorious, plus a whole lot more. It s a path for self perfection, to eliminate the human s greed that is so deeply rooted. For them it is the path to become enlightened, to become a Buddha, through their own efforts and practices. However, Jodo Shinshu has no set practice and some people have a conflict with it. Many feel there has to be something they have to do. I ve heard some say they would feel a lot more productive if there s a guide that can be used. In my search to write for this broadcast I came across notes I had taken during a retreat at Maida Center of Buddhism with Dr. Haneda, who is one of my most important zenchishiki (teacher). This is my understanding of what practice is and what Jodo Shinshu is about. If we call our self a true Jodo Shinshuist, a branch of Buddhism founded by Shinran Shonin, then isn t it most important to know and understand HOW Shinran studied and learned. It is not about WHAT he learned or studied, nor is it about getting something or making discoveries. He studied and reflected to understand what life is about, what he is about and how he fit in the picture of life. He studied, reflected and listened to deepen this process, to find answers. It was an endless quest. To him this was the practice. Unlike other branches of Buddhism, I feel Jodo Shinshu takes a different approach. The approach is to realize the Buddha Nature that already exists within us, like a seed that has been planted without our knowledge. This seed is the Nembutsu, the 18th vow, the most basic Buddha s wish for our happiness, and to become a true human being. Make no mistake about it. A true human is not the self who exists here and the now. That self is deluded, who gets upset and reacts to the world based on the ego. True human being is the self that is seen through the eyes of the Buddha, in its own likeness, pure wise and compassionate. I believe to realize this true self is the ultimate life s process. Seeds need perfect condition to germinate and flower. It must have external force or power for it to realize its potential as it can t become a flower by itself. Just as a seed needing water, sun and nurturing, we can t learn or study Buddhism by our self. A line in the Sankie Mon states Shujo to tomo ni, which means together with Dharma friends, teachers of Nembutsu, who will turn our heads toward Amida Buddha. Dr. Haneda said, if tomo, or together in English, is missing, studying is no longer a true learning. It becomes mine, the very dangerous self created understanding. Shujo or Dharma friends/teachers of the Nembutsu are the external force or power, like water, and sun for the seeds. It is the external force that will warm and nurture the seed, the deep wish of the Buddha to germinate, perfectly. Unfortunately not all seeds germinate due to lack of conditions. What if the seeds of our Buddha Nature fails to sprout due to lack of conditions? It is a grave question that we should all be concerned about and search for answer. Shinran Shonin had multitude of questions and the search for answers became a life long process. I experienced this idea of Shujo to tomo ni at a seminar lead by Dr. Shigaraki earlier in the year Until then I didn t think I was hungry to hear a sermon by anyone in particular. It wasn t as if I had nobody to share the Dharma or talk about Buddhism. I had Dharma friends, family and my husband. We talked and shared our ideas and opinions often. However, when I listened to the profoundly deep and meaningful talk by Dr. Shigaraki I realized what a narrow minded fool I had been. I realized I had created my own religious cocoon and made the wonderful, vast ocean of treasure into a tiny pond. How did that happen? Why wasn t I aware of it? I was filled with shame and remorse and without intention, Nembutsu of apology flowed out of my mouth. I know now how important it is to take steps to listen, study, and learn together with teachers who can set you straight. I look forward to the next seminar to help me open my heart and mind wider, to keep my learning fresh and exciting. Buddha s wisdom and compassion is everywhere, so alive, warm and vibrant. (Cont. on page 7) 5

6 General & Monthly BOARD MEETING jan. 6, 2014 The Parlier Buddhist Church Board meeting was called to order by Dennis Ikuta on Jan. 6, Those in attendance were; Curtis & Cheryl Koga, Glenn Yoshimoto, Tad Kozuki, Steve Sasai, Calvin Doi, James Goishi, Clyde Yoshikawa, Kelvin Miyakawa, Kaye Kozuki. A quorum was established. It was nice to see a new face on the board and hope the other new board members will attend next month. Everyone is always welcome to attend any Board Meeting. Minutes were read and corrections were made. Motion to accept the minutes as corrected was made by Clyde Y. and seconded by James. Motion passed. Treasurer s Report: After reviewing the treasurer s report for the month of Dec, there was a marked increase in the expenses for Dec. which wasn t off set by the December income. So as to not have a problem with a shortage of income, it was suggested that members who have not paid their 2013 dues be encouraged to do so. Dues are $275 per person or $550 per couple per year. Please get your dues into Glenn Y. Steve made a motion to accept the report and Clyde seconded. Motion passed. Minister Assistant s Report: 1/17-18 V&P retreat at Bass Lake 1/19 HoOnko/ Monthly Memorial Service 10a. Guest Reverend will be Alan Sakamoto from the Fresno Betsuin. 2/2 V&P Super Bowl Seminar in Reedley at 10a. Dr. Michael Maruyama will be the main speaker and the Fresno Betsuin Choir will sing. 2/9 Sangha Gathering 10a. Topic: Demonstrate how to meditate so we can receive the Dharma message more clearly. Dennis I. will give a brief 10 minute talk, the Arakawas will work with the children, Dennis I. and Cheryl will conduct a round table for the adults, and the Kogas will provide refreshments. Everyone is welcome and bring a friend. 2/23 Nirvana Day/Monthly Memorial Service & luncheon, 10a. Committee Reports: Maintenance: Nothing to report BWA: The count for the HoOnko luncheon is 62. Sho and Kari Higuchi will prepare a loco moco lunch. On 3/9/14, there will be a CCBWL Conference in Fresno. Not many ladies have signed up to attend. Finance: For the calendar year 2013, the percentage of gains for both accounts was 13.55%. The Issei Fund is more conservative while the other fund is more aggressive. It was suggested that a committee review how to proceed next year with both funds. V&P: There is a retreat scheduled for 1/17-18 at Bass Lake. There will be no Baby Boomer seminar this year in our area. Calvin reported that the CCYBA elected Megan Mori as its new president. Their first activity in 2014 is ice skating at the Fulton Mall. Funeral Information: Contact Curtis K. or Dennis I. if you need advice on how to get a hold of a minister or to make funeral arrangements. If the need arises during the day/week for a minister, you can call the Fresno Betsuin. All phone numbers are listed in the new BWA Directory which will be out soon. Clyde made a motion to accept the reports and Kelvin M. seconded. Motion passed. Old Business: There will be some changes to the Bodhi Day Service starting this year. We will also include Bonenkai (year end party or luncheon) and installation of new officers for both BWA and Church Board. We are planning to have Bodhi Day Service on Dec. 7, Rinban Nakagawa from Fresno Betsuin will conduct our service. Because of the earlier date of installations, both BWA and Church Board elections will be conducted early in November. FYI - The February Sangha Gathering will be held on the second Sunday, Feb. 9 because of the V&P Seminar on Feb. 2 in Reedley at 10a. New Business: 1.Preparations are in progress for the HoOnko/Monthly Memorial Service. Curtis K. will be the chairman and the Guest Reverend will be Reverend Alan Sakamoto from the Fresno Betsuin. There will be a luncheon prepared by Sho/Kari Higuchi with help from the BWA. 2. BCA dues have increased another $1 for 2014, making the total contribution for each church member $107 per year. This increase is because there are less BCA members. This amount is part of your yearly dues so please, if you haven t paid for 2013, do so. Dues are $275 per person or $550 per couple per year. 3. The Minister Assistants class is held twice a month. For January, they are being held in Fowler/Parlier. 4. A proposal was accepted by the Fresno Betsuin for the monthly cost of providing a minister to Parlier. 5. A proposed list of Guest Reverends for 2015 was suggested and will be given to Rinban Nakagawa so he can request the Reverends for us. 6. We are going to ask Reverend William Masuda, who is already scheduled to speak at our Obon Service for 2014 to have a Q&A the day before. Meeting adjourned. 6

7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (Cont d. from page 4) HO-ONKO DONATIONS: Mr. & Mrs. Tatsumi Arakawa...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Tad Kozuki...$25.00 Mr. Patrick Chiamori...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Wes Kubo...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Doi...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Yuki Mori...$25.00 Mrs. Kimiyo Doi...$20.00 Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi...$20.00 Mrs. Flora Doi...$20.00 Mrs. Miyo Ohara...$20.00 Mrs. Sumiko Ebisuda...$20.00 Ms. Lynn Sasai...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. James Goishi...$25.00 Dr. & Mrs. Steven Sasai...$25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Henry Guerra...$25.00 Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro...$20.00 Ms. Gail Hachiya...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Nob Takasaki...$20.00 Mrs. Kikuye Hirakawa...$20.00 Mr. Fred Takata...$20.00 Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta...$25.00 Mrs. May Takata...$20.00 Mrs. Takako Kanemoto...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Ken Tsuboi...$25.00 Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto...$25.00 Mrs. Teruko Tsuji...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Shiz Kimura...$20.00 Ms. Akiko Yorizane...$50.00 Mrs. Jean Kobashi...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Yoshimoto...$25.00 Mr. Kay Kobashi...$20.00 Mr. Kaz Yoshimoto...$20.00 Mr. Ben Kog...$25.00 Ms. Setsuko Yotori...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga...$25.00 Mrs. Ruby Yukawa...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kozuki...$25.00 Cash donations...$22.00 Mr. & Mrs. Mits Kozuki...$ THOUGHTS FROM THE SANGHA (Cont d. from page 5) If there s any particular practice in Jodo Shinshu, aside from living each day mindfully and meaningfully, I d say listening and reflecting would fall at the top of my list. What do I listen to? The words of the Buddha left the7 partiarchs. What do I reflect on? Me, how these words affect me, what is it trying to convey to me. It s about me, for myself, and you, for you. It must become a personal matter to have any kind of impact. My father often said to me after I had complained about boring sermons. He said firmly: Always listen as if you were listening for the very first time. Always listen as if the message is for you alone. Always listen as if this is the last sermon you will ever hear. I learned these words were left by Rennyo Shonin. He said, this is listening with the ears of the heart. Rev. Tetsu Unno once said, one should listen to the Dharma as if a doctor is giving you a biopsy result life or death situation. Dad said he never got sleepy or bored at a church or other places of Nembutsu. He took these words to heart. I feel this is the true practice in Jodo Shinshu. I d like to close with these thoughts: We are immersed in the world of the Buddha, but we don t know it. We have the seed to be awakened to become a Buddha, but we don t know it. We were born and meant to hear the calling voice of the Buddha, the Nembutsu. If we don t, the worth of our life has not been lived. End of 2013 is fast approaching. Let us reflect and determine if we lived the life we were meant to live. Happy New Year. May 2014 be a year that is spiritually fruitful and may we attain the ultimate joy of the Nembutsu. Nan-man-da.. 7

8 buddhist women s association By Julie Doi, BWA Newsletter Writer The New Year 2014 will be a year of Change. We ended 2013 with the Joya-E Service and Rev. Sensho and Fumie Inouye s last service before his retirement. Fumie served us soba noodles after the service with all the trimmings! We want to thank them for 14 years of service and wish them well on their new journey! We started the year with the Sangha Gathering on Jan. 5th with a short talk on Gratitude, Shogatsu - Looking Forward Looking Back by Kay Kozuki. Kaye, Curtis, Cheryl, Toshie and Matsuko then displayed samples of traditional New Year s foods and explained their different meanings and representations. It was a very educational as well as yummy day! The church was cleaned by Group 2 headed by Denise Kusunoki for January. Thank you, Denise and your crew for making the church sparkle! On Jan. 19th we had our Hoonko/ Monthly Memorial Service with Guest Rev. Alan Sakamoto of the Fresno Betsuin. This was our first service under the direction of the Fresno Reverends. As Rev. Alan s article explains Change is a fundamental Buddhist concept that surrounds everything in life. Thank you Sho, Kari, Irene, Kaye, Matsuko, Joyce, Cheryl and Curtis for preparing the delicious Hawaiian Loco Moco and traditional Zenzai dessert. Thank you also, Matsuko for the manju which is always a treat for us. Reminder: 2014 BWA dues are payable to any Board member or send it to Carol Guerra. The dues are $ The 58th CCBWL Conference will be held in Fresno March 9, The theme of the Conference is Okagesama de - Continuing the Legacy. Fresno will be acknowledging BWA members 80 and older. Parlier BWA has 11 members attending the event. Take advantage of all the Buddhist Education lectures and classes available in our valley (see attached flyers). We are very fortunate to have the support of CBE and local leaders to provide classes for us. Not only are the classes educational but it is a good chance to get out and meet new people and re-kindle old friendships! The V & P Committee works very diligently to provide educational classes, lectures, seminars and trips thoughout the year so please take advantage of all that is offered. V & P recently had a retreat at Bass Lake with 18 leaders represented from five of the churches. It was an intense but a very productive session. The speakers included: Calvin, Gary Mukai, Curtis and Cheryl. It was a step in the right direction to get the churches together and talk about similar problems and possibly try to resolve some of their issues. Janet Wong-Sing has joined our church so please take the time and welcome her and her family with open arms. Janet will be a great asset to our group because she has great leadership qualities and gets the job accomplished! February Events: 2/2 V&P Super Bowl Combined Service in Reedley 10am. 2/3 Rev. Harada s monthly class will be led by MAs Karen Mukai & Craig Honda substituting for Rev. Harada. It will be held at Fowler temple at 7pm. 2/9 Sangha Gathering 10am 2/10 Board Meeting, Fusa Ishimaru in charge of refreshments. 2/12 Curtis Discussion Group 7pm. 2/22 Church Cleanup, Group 3 headed by Lynn/Glenn 2/23 Nirvana Day/Monthly Memorial Service and Keirokai at 10am. followed with the annual luncheon and fun activities (Bingo) When we are truly able to see and understand life its reality, its value and beauty as well as its troubles, we are able to accept life dynamically and walk its path with appreciation and gratitude. This way if life is Buddhism - Gyomay M. Kubose 8

9 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE The February Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday, February 23, Families, as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend. FEBRUARY SHOTSUKI DECEASED MOURNER Mr. Akiko Kimoto 52 yrs Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto Mr. Masakichi Mihara 48 yrs Mr. Arthur Mihara Mr. Bunsuke Okino 88 yrs Mr. Neil Okino Mr. Ruriko Masuda 47 yrs Mrs. Ellen Tsudama Mr. Terry Ogami 48 yrs Mr. Fred Nagare Mr. Wataro Yorizane 77 yrs Ms. Akiko Yorizane Mr. Aido Nakamichi 42 yrs Mrs. Toshiye Nakamichi Mrs. Miyono Furumoto 41 yrs Mr. Roy J. Furumoto Mr. Nobuichi Kimura 38 yrs Mr. Shizuyo Kimura Mrs. Tsuma Sasai 29 yrs Dr. Steven Sasai Mr. Juntaro Kagawa 63 yrs Mrs. Naomi Tamura Mrs. Shige Kagawa 38 yrs Mrs. Naomi Tamura Mrs. Orio Yamanaka 20 yrs Mr. Thomas Yamanaka Mr. Chiyosuke Yoshizaki 52 yrs Mrs. Takako Kanemoto Mrs. Hisaye Kozuki 18 yrs Mr. Tadashi Kozuki Mrs. Sen Iseki 18 yrs Mrs. Betty Iseki Mrs. Yuki Hayashi 18 yrs Mr. Tommy Hayashi Mrs. Toshiko Yotori 13 yrs Ms. Setsuko Yotori Mr. Marcel Ray Takata 12 yrs Mr. Fred Takata Mr. Ed Nakamura 9 yrs Ms. Gail Nakamura Mrs. Carol Sakamoto Mrs. Satoye Sasai 7 yrs Dr. Steven Sasai Mr. Gerald Kenneth Kobashi 6 yrs Mrs. Jean Kobashi Mrs. Harumi Irene Yoshimoto 2 yrs Mr. Glenn Yoshimoto Kiyo Yagi 2/8/13 1yr Theodora Jung 2014 is the Memorial year for those deceased in One year Memorial th year Memorial rd year Memorial th year Memorial th year Memorial rd year Memorial th year Memorial th year Memorial th year Memorial 9

10 DIRECTORY OF OFFICIERS Minister Rinban Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Alan Sakamoto Church President Dennis Ikuta Vice-President Toshie Mori Secretary Wes Kubo Treasurer Glenn Yoshimoto Maintenance James Goishi Fujinkai Presidents Joyce Sasai Cheryl Koga Newletter Editors Curtis Koga Julie Doi Karen Shimizu Webmaster Glenn Nakamichi upcoming MARCH events 2 (Sun) Sangha Gathering...10:00am 3 (Mon) Rev. Harada s Class, Parlier...7:00pm 10 (Mon) Board Meeting...7:00pm 12 (Wed) Curtis Discussion Group...7:00pm 15 (Sat) Q&A w/ Rev. Shoyo Taniguchi..4:00pm 16 (Sun) Ohigan & Monthly Shotsuki...10:00am 23 (Sun) Parlier Food Baazar... FEBRUARY Buddhist radio broadcast kfib (am900) Saturday 7:20am FEBRUARY Japanese English 1 Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Matthew Miyake 8 Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Gordon Misaki 15 Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Michael Maruyama 22 Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Alan Sakamoto 涅槃会並びに二月先亡者法要 2014 年二月二十三日午前十時 NEHAN-E NIRVANA DAY SERVICE and February Monthly Memorial Service Sunday, February 23, 2014, at 10:00 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

11 FEBRUARY Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday DONATIONS FOR THE BUDDHIST RADIO BROADCAST EACH BROADCAST IS $50.00 If you wish to donate contact Lee Osaki at the Fresno Buddhist Church Fowler 4 5 Parlier Class Super Bowl Classes: Taichi Sunday Seminar Dharma Class: (Parlier Church) Rev. Harada s 1:00pm 8:00am Combined Fowler Service in Lecture at Sumi: 3:00pm Class: Welcome Center Reedley Fowler BC Calligraphy Mah Jong 9:15am- 10:00am 7:00pm 5:00pm 9:00am 11:30am Sangha Gathering 10:00am 9 10 Fowler 11 Fowler 12 Parlier Class Classes: Class: Taichi (See above) Mah Jong (Parlier Church) 9:00am 8:00am Parlier Board Meeting 7:00pm V & P Mtg. Visalia 7:00pm Curtis Discussion Class 7:00pm Fowler 18 Fowler 19 Parlier Class Church Class: 22 Classes: Taichi Cleanup Mah Jong Dharma Class: (Parlier Church) Group 3 9:00am 8:00am 1:00pm 8:00am Sumi: 3:00pm CCDC Mtg. Welcome Center CCDSTL Calligraphy Fowler 9:15am- Conference 5:00pm 7:00pm 11:30am Fresno Dharma Ctr Fowler 25 Nirvana Day, Classes: Keirokai and Dharma Class: Shotsuki 1:00pm Service10:00am Sumi: 3:00pm Luncheon to Calligraphy follow 5:00pm Fowler Class: Mah Jong 9:00am 26 Welcome Center 9:15am- 11:30am TAKE REFUGE IN THE LIGHT OF JOY NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON Feb March 1