BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box Newmark Avenue Parlier, California Phone: (559)

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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 December 2014 BODHI DAY December 8th is Bodhi Day, the day Gautama Siddhartha attained buddhahood over 2,500 years ago. It is said that when Siddhartha saw the Morning Star early on that morning, he awoke to the truth-reality of the universe and the truth-reality of himself; Siddartha became Buddha-Awakened one. (Some ask, what is the contents of his Awakening?) I think that, in essence, he awoke to the middle way. In other words, he found a way of living his life without any stresses that gave him a state of perfect peace and ultimate relaxation in his life. He realized that neither living his life of extreme pleasure, which he had done as Prince Siddhartha, nor living a life of extreme asceticism, which he did for 6 years prior to his awakening, could lead him to find peace of mind. As Siddhartha, his life in the castle was a life of extreme pleasure; he lived in a world of real comfort and pleasure before he renounced his life in the castle as the crown prince. In a similar way, we are living in a world today that puts emphasis on comfort and pleasure. Therefore, I think we are also living in a world of pleasure. This is due to our own desires and values. We think that materialistically fulfilled life is a life of comfort without anxiety. But is this really true? Buddha renounced his life of pleasure when he we 29 years old, then he lived a life of asceticism, traditional Indian way for the truth-seekers and dedicated himself to extreme practices such as fasting for extended periods of time. However, he found he could not attain awakening by these practices of asceticism even after six years of effort. This life of asceticism was the other side of his extreme life of pleasure. This extreme lifestyle almost kiled him. After attaining awakening, he said that people who want to live in peace should avoid these two kinds of extreme lifestyles. he found the lifestyle of the middle way and he started to live this way. The teaching of the middle way were taught by the Buddha in every occasions. From the beginning of the sharing Dharma, all teachings were delivered by this stand point. This idea of the middle path is very important in our lives. For example, we take aspirin for headache. Aspirin or other pain-relief medicines are beneficial for us, but if we take them too much, what will happen? We might develop another problem such as a stomach ulcer. We have to take proper amount of medicne. If we don t take enough, the medicine will not work, but if we take too much, the medicne becomes a poison and causes other problems. In the worst case scenario, it could even kill us. Therefore, just taking the right amount of medicine is like living the middle way of Buddhism. Just as we want medicine to help us feel better, we want a good result in our lives as well. Right Viewing, occupying the first seat of not only Eightfold Noble Path but also any other teachings, makes our religion just contrary to blind faith. Right Viewing is always accompanied by our critical attitude. In reading Buddhist literature, we are surprised at sentences refering to doubt as the mother of True-Faith. One Zen master once said, If a Bodhisattva is to have a fatal disease, it would be the absence of doubt. The original Buddhist word vicikitsa which corresponds to English doubt means sincere wish to understand. Furthermore, we should know that in Buddhist Vocabulary there is no word equivalent to the Judeo-Christian idea of heresy. The noun heresy which comes from a Greek and meaning if free thinkers with critical attitude. Buddhism s name for other religons, Ge-Do stands for just other way or other path leading to the same goal, but its implication is not so condemnable like heresy or pagan.from this critical standpoint, Sakyamuni Buddha advised his disciples to test everything by logic and not to accept anything out of regard for their authors, He did not make an exception of himself either. One Sutra says, This I have said to you, Kalama, but you may accept, not for the sake of discussion not because if appears to be suitable but if you, yourself understand that this is so meritorious and blameless, and when it is for benefit and happiness, then you may accept it. Another Sutra amplifies the above saying. As the wise test gold by burning, cutting and rubbing it (on a piece of touchstone), so are you to accept my words after examing them and not merely out of regard for me. This Right Viewing according to most religions. He who believes is saved, while he who doubts is forsaken. Otherwise the Buddha-dharma, particularly our Jodo Shinshu opposed this statement. Shinran mentioned in his Wasan poem, Obstructions of serious stored doubts turn into virtures It is like the relation of ice and water The more the ice, the more the water The more the karmic doubt, the more the potentiality to be saved by The Amida, the Buddha-as-words. Revenend Kakei Nakagawa, from the notebook ef. Thus I hear by Reverend Masami Fujitani 1

2 MESSAGE FROM REV. ALAN SAKAMOTO Wishing You Lots of Laughter It s December! Where did the year go? It sure has passed by quickly. It seems just the other day I was eating ozoni for New Year s Day, then we were dancing at the Obon, then wondering when the weather was going to cool off, and now we are in the holiday season, and preparing for the next New Year s Day celebration. Yet, through those annual events, we observe many milestones, i.e. birthdays, graduations, and, of course, the passing on many of our good friends and family. Through it all, the good and the sad, I hope you remember the smiles and laughter. I think we all know that a little laughter can make us feel better, and the other day I read a medical study that looked at 20 healthy older adults in their 60s and 70s, measuring their stress levels and short-term memory. One group was asked to sit silently, not talking, reading, or using their cell phones, while the other group watched funny videos. After 20 minutes, the participants gave saliva samples and took a short memory test, While both groups performed better after the break than before, the humor group performed significantly better when it came to memory recall. Participants who viewed the funny videos had much higher improvements in recall abilities, 43.6 percent, compared with 20.3 percent in the non-humor group. The humor group also showed lower levles of cortisol, the stress hormone. There are other studies that have also shown the wide-ranging health benefits of laughter. One study estimates that just minutes of laughter a day can burn up to 40 calories. Gee, I think I need to laugh all day to lose more weight. Meanwhile, a different study found out that laughing can protect against heart disease. Other stated benefits of laughter include: boosting immunity, decreasing pain, prevents heart disease, strengthens relationships, enhances teamwork, and adds a joy and zest to life. Why do I mention the benefits of Laughter? Well, I was speaking with one of the IMOP ministers who came to visit us for the Nembutsu Seminar. He noted that the Dharma message in Japan usually don t have humor. People don t usually laugh during the Dharma talks. He liked the difference here in America. Many of you know that I like to use humor in my Dharma messages. Many times I laugh at myself, and you all know that there is quite a bit of me to laugh at! Humor and laugher allows us to develop better relationships with everyone. Laugher gets us out of our funk, and allows us to feel better. We all have moments of difficulties and sadness, and laughter can help us forget, even for just a moment. The holiday season is one of my favorite times to watch television. I love to watch all those old holiday shows. like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and one of my favorites, Scrooge. All these shows make me smile and laugh. These shows allow me to forget the problems of the day, and to recall the good times and innocence of a time past. These shows also remind me what values are truly important not just during the holiday season, but for the entire year. This is just lke the lessons we learn from the teachings of the Buddha. The importance and value extends way beyond the hour or two you spend at the temple on Sunday. These are lessons that the Buddha taught to help all of us. These are the lessons that allow us to all become Buddhas! Yes, we can all become a Buddha! Renka ad I would like to thank each and every one of you for sharing your friendship, kindness and laugher throughout the past year. It s been great, and we are very fortunate. We are looking forward to another year sharing more good times and more laughter with all of our Sangha friends. Together with your smiles, humor and laughter we can all have a wonderful Dharma filled year. I go to the Buddha for guidance. I go to the Dharma for guidance. I go to the Sangha for guidance. Rev. Alan Sakamoto 2

3 TEMPLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our appreciation to the following for their generous donations Mrs. Joanne Kimura In memory of Natsuko Kimura...$ Anonymous In memory of Natsuko Kimura...$ Mrs. Teruko Tsuji & Family 1st year memorial for Bill Tsuji...$ Mrs. Flora Doi & Family 1st year memorial for Min Doi...$ Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hirata...$ Mrs. Kimiyo Doi...$ Mr. & Mrs. George Kubo...$ Mrs. Chiz Kubo...$ Ms. Leslie Kubo...$ Mr. & Mrs. Steven Hirata...$ Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Doi...$ Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Hirata...$ Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kubo...$ Mr. & Mrs. John Middleton...$ Mr. Art Hirata...$ Mr. Rod Kubo...$ Mr. & Mrs. Wes Kubo...$ Mr. & Mrs. Clement Lew...$ Mr. & Mrs. Clinton Mukai Memorial for Robert Kusunoki...$ Mr. & Mrs. Royce Kimura Memorial for Mas Kimura...$ Offerings November Sangha gathering...$ Offerings Monthly/Eshin-ni/Kakushin-ni memorial services...$ DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE: Mr. & Mrs. Tatsumi Arakawa $20.00 Mrs. Denise Kusunoki...$50.00 Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Chiamori $20.00 Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi...$20.00 Mr. Roy Furumoto $30.00 Mrs. Teruko Tsuji...$20.00 Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Ikuta $25.00 Mr. & Mrs. Darryl Wong-Sing...$70.00 Mrs. Takako Kanemoto $20.00 Miss Jacqueline Wongsing...$20.00 Ms. Varlene Kimura $25.00 Mr. Greg Wongsing...$20.00 Mrs. Jean Kobashi $20.00 Mr. Min Yamada...$20.00 Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga $75.00 DONATIONS for MINISTER S ASSISTANTS FUND: Ebisuda Family Mr. & Mrs. Darryl Wong-Sing 3

4 THOUGHTS FROM THE SANGHA By Calvin Doi, Board Member and MA - Radio Broadcast Message It seems that the world we live in today is a very troubled place. We often wonder, what will the future be like. When we read the paper or watch the news on TV or the internet it seems we are surrounded by nothing but bad news. Today, I would like to give you some good news. The BCA, the Buddhist Churches of America has granted the Poverello House in Fresno, CA and The Community Food Bank also in Fresno $25,000 each from the BCA Social Welfare Fund. The Social Welfare Fund has been in operation for 33 years. More $1.5 million dollars have been disbursed to worthy recipients. Any non-profit organization whose chief aim is to reduce or eliminate the suffering of people who are deprived of basic human needs is qualified to receive consideration for a grant. These grants are made possible through the generous donations from the members of the Buddhist Churches of America. The Poverello House is located just three blocks south of the Fresno Betsuin meals are prepared daily and served at 5 locations located in the immediate Fresno area. The Fresno Community Food Bank is located on the N/W corner of Central and Willow. The Food Bank is distributing food throughout Fresno County to more than 225,000 people monthly. Every dollar donated to the Food Bank can buy 6 to 8 dollars worth of food. So, the money donated to the Food Bank bought between $150,000 to $200,000 worth of food. What a deal! Money well spent. Here is a list of recent recipients of the Social Welfare Grant: 2005 Hurricane Katrina 2007 UNICEF (Children in the Sudan, Darfur area) 2007 RLP, Rebuilding Lives Project (following the 2005 Southeast Asian Tsunami in Sri Lanka) 2007 Niigata Earthquake Fund, Niigata Japan 2008 Poverello House, Fresno, Ca Community Food Bank, Fresno, Ca Project Dana, Fresno Betsuin 2008 Asian Community Nursing Home, Sacramento, Ca Hospital to Home, San Jose, Ca IHELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program), Salinas, Ca ACRS, Asian Food Bank Program, Seattle, Wa RAKTRUL Foundation, School supplies for children in Tibet 2010 Haiti Relief Fund, (Doctors Without Borders), Haiti 2010 Haiti Relief Fund, (UNIICEF, the children of Haiti) 2013 A special request was made by the BCA to donate to Japan for the 7.1 earthquake off the Fukushima Coast that caused the tsunami and nuclear reactor disaster On July 20, 2014 the Poverello House and the Community Food Bank were presented with checks, $25,000 each, following the Obon service at the Fresno Dharma Center. As you can see the BCA Social Welfare Fund is worldwide. Distribution is approximately 60% domestic and 40% foreign. The BCA is making a wonderful, positive impact. In late October or early November, BCA members will be receiving the BCA Annual Thanksgiving Offering envelope. I know that times are tough. When times are tough the problems for the needy are greatly magnified. Please donate what you feel is appropriate. Thank you for your generous dana. Namu Amida Butsu In Gassho, Calvin Doi 4

5 MONTHLY BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 10, 2014 By Joyce Sasai, BWA Co-President The meeting was called to order by Dennis Ikuta at 7:30 p.m. Gassho was led by Calvin. Those in attendance were: James Goishi, Curtis & Cheryl Koga, Glenn Yoshimoto, Calvin Doi, Clyde Yoshikawa, and Steve & Joyce Sasai. A quorum was established. Minutes were reviewed. Correction to minutes New Business #2 Reverends would be considered CC ministers as opposed to reverends being based out of Fresno. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Clyde and seconded by Steve. Motion carried. Treasurer s Report for October was reviewed. Clyde moved to accept the report. Seconded by James. Motion carried. Committee Reports: 1. Maintenance James reported that the hood fan in the kitchen has been repaired. 2. BWA - Thank you to Cheryl for meeting refreshments. Group 2 cleaned church in October. Group 3 will clean this Saturday (the 15 th ). There will also be omigaki. Yard sale on Nov 1 was very successful. Thanks to all who helped. Sangha Gathering on Nov 2 was very well attended. CBE with Rev Harada was on Nov 3. Looking forward: Nov 16 - Tofu Festival after Eshinni/ Kakushinni Memorial and Shotsuki Dec 7 Shotsuki/Bodhi Day Service with installation of new church and BWA boards followed by Bonenkai Dec 14 Sangha Gathering mochitsuki day 3. Publications Everything going well. 4. Finances Accounts are fine. 5. V & P Retreat planned for Jan 24, It will be local. Trip to Las Vegas is planned for Aug, 2015 Las Vegas Obon. Clyde moved to accept the committee reports. Glenn seconded. Passed. New Business: 1. Eshinni/Kakushinni Service and Tofu Festival Nov 16, 2014 BWA sponsored service. Bodhi Day/Shotsuki/Installation/Bonenkai Dec 7, 2104 (Dennis will touch bases with Lee to make sure minister knows there will also be installation.) 2. Next Sangha Gathering Dec 14, 2014 mochi day. Let Cheryl know if you have a mochi maker. Planning meeting for upcoming Sangha Gatherings will be Wednesday, Dec 3, 2014 at 7: Meetings with other temples Next meeting Nov 17, 7:00 p.m. in Fowler. Steve will be the representative from Parlier on the financial committee for exploring the possibility of a third minister. 4. Election Results Officers: Pres Steven Sasai, VP Toshie Mori (?), Secretary Cheryl Koga/Joyce Sasai, Treasurer Glenn Yoshimoto Board of Directors: Tats Arakawa, Calvin Doi, James Goishi, Dennis Ikuta, Curtis Koga, Tad Kozuki, Wes Kubo, Kelvin Miyakawa, Yuki Mori, Neil Okino, Steve Sasai, Randy Yano, Clyde Yoshikawa, Glenn Yoshimoto. 5. Other New Business a. Thank you note from the Moris b. Steve will look into cost of projector screen Clyde made motion to adjourn meeting at 8:53 p.m. Seconded by James. Motion passed. Gassho was led by Calvin. Next Board Meeting Dec 8, 7:00 p.m. Old Business: 1. Review of October services everything going well 2. Property Sale Update No discussion as Tad was not in attendance 5

6 BUDDHIST WOMEN S ASSOCIATION By Julie Doi, BWA Newsletter Writer Winter is almost here! Time to bundle up by the fireplace and drink a cup of hot chocolate! The holidays are fast approaching! The Parlier BWA will be meeting on Dec. 6th after the monthly church clean-up at 9am. Everyone is encouraged to attend. BWA dues for 2015 are $10 and may be paid to any board member or sent to Carol Guerra our treasurer. Carol volunteered to continue in the post of Treasurer for the coming year. Thank you Carol. Your work is much appreciated. We had a very successful yard sale this fall!! Denise and Barbara always do a wonderful job arranging the Yardsale. Thank you to all the BWA members and husbands who help make this another successful event. Thank you to all who contributed to the Food Drive in October, November and December (ends Dec 6th). Thank you, also to Group 3 headed by Lynn and all members for cleaning the church. We had our annual Tofu Festival after Eshinni/Kakushinni Memorial and Shotsuki Service. I am always amazed at how many delicious dishes can be made with tofu! Members also enjoyed Bingo after the luncheon. Hats off to the members who have stepped up to be cabinet members and those continuing on with their positions. We have decided to combine the BWA Directory List to include the men as well. I also see a trend of ladies stepping up to be board members. The Sangha Gathering has played an important roll in our church activities. Young families have been coming out and taking part in the chanting, classes, discussions and enjoy cooking as well. The Higuchi family made a delicous curry and coconut noodle soup which everyone enjoyed! December Events: 12/1 CBE Lecture Series in Fowler with speaker, Blake Honda from Fowler. He will be speaking on Buddhism pertaining to youth. 12/3 Sangha Gathering Meeting in Parlier at 7pm. 12/6 Church Cleanup, Group 1 & BWA Mtg. 12/7 Bodhi Day/Shotsuki, Bonenkai, Installation of Officers and luncheon. 12/8 Board Meeting and General Meeting at 7pm 12/10 Buddhist Discussion Group at 7:00pm 12/14 Sangha Gathering at 10:00am 12/14 YBA BBQ Pulled Pork Fundraiser at the Dharma Center. Food will be delivered to Parlier. 12/20 YBA Dance Nite at the Dharma Center at 7:00pm. $5.00 charge. 12/31 Joya-E Service (New Years Eve Service) at 7:30pm Board Refreshments: December Lynda Okino NOVEMBER SANGHA GATHERING Dharma School children show their masterpieces they created at the Nembustu Seminar. Dharma Gathering Adult Class lead by Janette & Calvin was well attended. Dharma School Children are not afraid to lead the chanting and hit the gong. 6

7 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE The DECEMBER Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday, DECEMBER 7,2014. Families, as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend. DECEMBER SHOTSUKI DECEASED MOURNER Mrs. Kinuyo Doi 73 yrs. Ms. Eleanor Doi Mr. Douglas L. Kobashi 69 yrs. Mrs. Jean Kobashi Mr. Ishisuke Takano 67 yrs. Miss Karen Doi 53 yrs. Mrs. Kimiyo Doi Mr. Yonetaro Masuda 50 yrs. Mrs. Ellen Tsudama Mr. Masaru Nishimura 49 yrs. Mrs. Kuni Nishimura Mr. Torazo Tsuji 46 yrs. Mrs. Teruko Tsuji Mrs. Aiko Ikuta 36 yrs. Dr. Dennis Ikuta Baby Brook Y. Yano 30 yrs. Dr. Randy Yano Mrs. Toyoko Chiamori 24 yrs. Mr. Patrick Chiamori Mrs. Doris Y. Furumoto 24 yrs. Mr. Roy Furumoto Mr. MasanosukeOkubo 62 yrs. Mr. Warren Okubo Mr. Katsuzo Handa 64 yrs. Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto Mrs. Shizuye Kubo 16 yrs. Mr. Larry Kubo Mr. Koji Kay Yoshimoto 16 yrs. Mr. Glenn Yoshimoto Mr. Junkichi Kagawa 15 yrs. Mrs. Naomi Tamura Miss Lily Yamamoto 16 yrs. Mr. Tadashi Kozuki Mr. Tom Takata 12 yrs. Mrs. May Takata Mr. Shinji Sasai 10 yrs. Dr. Steven Sasai Mr. Harry Teiichi Kubo 9 yrs. Mr. Larry Kubo Mrs. Shizuye Kubo 16 yrs. Mrs. Flora Doi Haru Okuma 1 yr 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 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, 18, or to: joshindoi@sbcglobal.net Name Message Here: Create your own greetings here 7

8 The Fall lecture series will end with Blake Honda speaking in Reedley on Dec. 1 at 7pm. His topic will be Buddhism and Youth. It will be an interesting perspective from a young speaker. On Dec. 7th, the Bodhi Day/ Monthly Memorial Service will be held at 10am. Please plan to attend. It will be a morning filled with Japanese food and friendship. There will be installation of the new Board and BWA officiers. Our monthly Sangha Gathering is scheduled for Dec. 14 at 10am. Everyone is welcome! The main activity will be Mochi Making and lessons on its traditions. It will be a fun morning. Come out and Celebrate Joya-E with the ringing of the bell on Dec. 31 at 7:30pm. Support our new Tokudos, Yuki & Toshie Mori and our MAs Curtis & Cheryl Koga and Calvin & Julie Doi 8

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10 DIRECTORY OF OFFICIERS Minister Rinban Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Alan Sakamoto Church President Dennis Ikuta Vice-President Toshie Mori Secretary Kay Kozuki Maintenance James Goishi Fujinkai Presidents Joyce Sasai Cheryl Koga Newletter Editors Curtis Koga Julie Doi Karen Shimizu Webmaster Glenn Nakamichi DECEMBER BUDDHIST RADIO BROADCAST KFIB (AM900) SATURDAY 7:20AM DECEMBER English Japanese 6 Rev. Alan Sakamoto Rev. Nakakawa 13 Toshie Mori Rev. Nakakawa 20 George Teraoka Midori Nakakawa 27 Garrett Sano Midori Nakakawa NOTE: The CC Buddhist Ministers Assn. is terminating the Buddhist radio broadcasts (Japanese and English) effective December 31st. This is due to the cost involved and the inability to find volunteers to speak (mainly Japanese), as well as the time & weekly commitment by Rev. Okazaki to run the program. Thank you to all who gave their time to help with this program. Bodhi Day, Shotsuki, Bonenkai & Installation Service December 7th 10:00 am Followed by Luncheon NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S POSTAGE PARLIER, CA PERMIT #23 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER P.O. Box 547 Parlier, CA Address Service Requested

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