GEDATSU COMPANION OCTOBER 2015 INSIDE THIS ISSUE NOVEMBER 2015 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. Sun 22 9:30 am Sunday Service & Ajikan Meditation

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1 October 2015 Vol. 66 No. 10 GEDATSU COMPANION GEDATSU CHURCH USA INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 News and Announcements 3 Dear Reverend: My ex-wife is against my raising our children in the Gedatsu Church. 4 Our Inner God Sermon by Bishop Okano 5 Saying Thank You Joy Sebe 6 Gedatsu Kongo s Post-War Sermons 7 and 8 and Commentary 9 Offerings and Upcoming Events Gedatsu Kongo s Thought for the Month A single word, expressed with sincerity, means more than hundreds of empty words. Modern society has lost trust in the spoken word. That is because many people today lie or verbally deceive others without hesitation. In many ancient civilizations, however, people strongly believed that one s words contained spiritual power and had the ability to create the world. When we recite the Hannya Shingyo prayer, we say, gyatei gyatei. These words, or mantra, are holy words containing mystic power. Ancient people believed that reciting mantras would make the words come true. We need to rebuild confidence in the spoken word. By consistently speaking with sincerity and thoughtfulness to everyone, we can gradually create a world filled with love and trust. Then, our words will truly have the ability to change the world. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Sun 11 Sun 25 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OCTOBER :30 am Sunday Service & Ajikan Meditation 9:30 am Sunday Service & Ajikan Meditation Sat Autumn Moon Festival Sun Autumn Moon Festival Sun 11 Church Open (until noon) Tue 13 Church Closed (in lieu of Columbus Day) Sun 18 10:00 am Japanese & English Kanshakai Service Ujigami Service / Regional Board Meeting Sun 25 10:00 am English Kanshakai Service Ajikan Meditation / Life in Your 20s Gedatsu 101 / Event Meeting NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NOVEMBER 2015 Sun 8 9:30 am Sunday Service & Ajikan Meditation Gedatsu Kongo Birthday Sun 22 9:30 am Sunday Service & Ajikan Meditation SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Sun 1 10:00 am Japanese & English Kanshakai Service Gedatsu Kongo Memorial Service Sun 8 Church Open (until noon) Sat 14 7:00 am Stateline Casino Turnaround Sun 15 10:00 am Japanese & English Kanshakai Service Chldren s Celebration Gedatsu Kongo Birthday Service Regional Board Meeting Sun 22 10:00 am English Kanshakai Service Ajikan Meditation / Life in Your 20s Gedatsu 101 Thu-Fri 26 & 27 Church Closed (Thanksgiving Holiday) Sun 29 Church Closed

2 NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Autumn Moon Festival October 3 and 4 The L.A. Church s annual celebration and fundraiser will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open to the public, the event features ethnic foods including the church s famous huli-huli teriyaki chicken, chow mein, sushi, fried won ton and other delights as well as a plants, farmers market, games and cultural demonstrations and entertainment. Order Your Kuyo Plaques by November 1 Amacha Kuyo plaques should be replaced the beginning of each year. Therefore, in order for you to have new plaques by New Year 2016, please complete the order form inserted in this newsletter and mail it by November 1 st to your local church, along with your check for payment. The Church recommends that members perform Amacha Kuyo with at least five basic plaques: Ancestral souls Unrested souls connected to the family and ancestors Unrested souls connected to negative thoughts Unrested spirit of wasted entities Spirit of all living things Show your appreciation for your old Kuyo plaques, then wash, dry and return them to your local church. They will be burned in a plaque-burning service in Sacramento in the spring. Poster design by John Hayashi Please support the event through your donations, volunteering your time and encouraging family and friends to attend. Raffle tickets for drawing prizes are now on sale Gedatsu Memorial Tower Enshrinements The following spirits were enshrined in the Memorial Tower in Sacramento on the occasion of the 132 nd Grand Fall Festival: Donald Mar, Kiyoshi Katako, Izumi Yokota, Fumiko Yokota Blackburn, Joyce Blackburn, Betty Hiroko Ozaki, Peggy Mitome Ogawa, Jonny Kazuhiko Numata, Fumio Ishida, Tomiko Tomita, Aiko Tomita, Nagao John Tomita, Hitoshi Matsumoto, Roy S. Shiba, Kofuku Makishi, and the Ancestral Spirits of the Nakamura Family, Ueshima Family and Masuda Family. Casino Bus Turnaround L.A. members and friends will travel by bus to Stateline, NV, for fun and games on Saturday, November 14. The bus leaves the L.A. Church at 7 a.m. If you re interested in going, sign up at the church. Cost is $35 per person. Renew Your Church Membership for 2016 Gedatsu Church USA is supported entirely through pledges, donations and membership dues. As a member, your annual dues help pay for everything from building maintenance and utilities to member programs. Please renew your membership dues now. Mail or deliver your check made payable to Gedatsu Church USA to your nearest church branch. Payment envelopes are available at the church. Individual $45 Family $70 Additional Fees Women s Club (Toban) $5 Year-End Membership Roster Any Changes? The 2016 annual Seasons Greetings roster of members is currently being updated. Please check the 2015 roster, and advise Rev. Naoya Okano at the L.A. Church if you have any changes to your mailing address, phone number and/or address. All changes must be received by December 1. Note new mail address for Rev. Okano: northbook-g@hotmail.com. 2 P a g e

3 DEAR REVEREND Q A As a divorced father, I would like to raise my young children in the Gedatsu Church, but my ex-wife is against that. What can I do? First of all, as difficult and worrisome as your problem may be, please embrace your situation completely and give your sincere thanks to God and ancestors for allowing you to face it. This may seem incomprehensible to you, but without your total acceptance and sincere appreciation, you will not be able to resolve this situation. Let me explain. When a couple become parents, they assume huge responsibilities. Not only must they provide their children with the necessities of life such as food, shelter and clothing but also a stable, loving home life and proper education. Many parents also want to raise their children in the faith in which they themselves were raised. Parents work hard to provide all these things, but material desires are secondary to their wish for the happiness of their children. Beyond all material and moral responsibilities that parents have to their children is their commitment to the care of their souls. Gedatsu Kongo taught us that true happiness is realized only through a deep sense of appreciation to God for the life we have been given and for all the blessings we receive that make our life possible. Therefore, beyond all material and moral responsibilities that parents have to their children is their commitment to the care of their souls, which can only be accomplished through the daily expression of sincere gratitude. This, then, is the essential lesson we, as parents, need to teach our children so they can lead happy lives. Yes, it would be nice if your children could attend the Gedatsu Church regularly, but attendance alone even instruction in Gedatsu principles doesn t guarantee their happiness. You can best resolve this conflict by demonstrating to your children the Gedatsu way of life in your own daily attitude, behavior, speech and, most of all, in your sincere expression of gratitude for life s blessings. Your children, then, learn naturally through your example, which makes a deeper impression than any verbal lesson. In this way, your home becomes your children s religious study, and they can learn to live lives of appreciation and gratitude. Rev. Akira Sebe OUR GEDATSU STUDY Sermon at Fall Grand Festival Tapping the Strength of Our Inner God By Bishop Teruo Okano Translation by Uzuko and Allen Shiroishi Welcome everyone! I m very happy to be here to share and enjoy this Fall Festival with you. We also must remember to thank God for our lives and good fortune. Today, I would like to talk about our inner God. No matter who you are, where you live, or what religion you practice, you possess an inner God. It is important to remember to always reach for your inner God, who is also your Creator and who possesses perfect love and wisdom. In times of difficulty, this inner God with love and wisdom will help and guide you. In Buddhism, the inner Buddha asks us to look inside our heart and soul for help. Buddha s help and guidance cannot be found outside of us. Each human being must dig deep in his/her heart and soul to reach the spirit of this inner Buddha, which is the same as finding the inner God who possesses the truth of the universe. Each human being must dig deep in his/her heart and soul to reach this... inner God who possesses the truth of the universe. In Shintoism, it is called the divine spirit, and in the Christian religions, it is called the inner God. Jesus said that it is important for people to discover who they are by reaching sincerely for their inner God. Jesus said that just as he knew who he was, it is important for people to recognize who they are spiritually. Meditation can bring your spirit and the universe together into one. Many people have difficulty practicing meditation, but if you make an attempt to practice as often as possible---everyday practice is ideal---you will discover the benefits of meditation. You will gain serenity and an ability to focus on your inner God. The most important thing that you can learn through meditation is to experience a oneness --- everything is one and everything is God. If you Continued on page 4 3 P a g e

4 Our Inner God Continued from page 3 understand that everything is God and can feel the inner God in your heart and soul, you will be happy. Remember, everything is one with God. You are me, and I am you. In addition, if you realize that you are me, then we are truly united as brothers and sisters. Consequently, there is no need to argue, fight, or engage in warfare. A few years ago, I shared the story of Helen Adams Keller, the first deaf and blind college graduate. Helen recognized the inner God in her heart, soul, and spirit. She also recognized that her responsibility was to help mankind attain harmony and peace in the world. In spite of her handicaps, she worked toward helping people. God gives us the ability to love people and forgive one another. However, He did not want us to judge people. Buddhism stresses the same thing. If you refrain from saying or thinking negative things about people, your spirit will be pure and will rest peacefully in the spiritual world. And, in the physical world, if you refrain from criticizing and belittling your fellow man, you will have positive life energy and empowerment. The other day, a young lady asked me, If I am struggling, is God looking over me? My answer was, Yes, God is always with you. God never leaves or abandons you during difficult or good times. He tries to encourage you all the time. He is guiding you all the time, so it is important to be yourself and allow Him to help you. You are never alone. You are fine, so don t worry. God wants you to be happy and to realize your true self. In your lifetime, you will have various experiences---some good and some bad. Remember to always reach down deep to your inner God for guidance and support. If you can do this, you will live a happy life according to God s plan for you. God is always there to help you, both in good times and those challenging bad times. We mature as we survive those trying and difficult experiences that life often presents. But, remember that those challenging experiences often help you to mature into a stronger and better person. Consequently, we should appreciate both the good and bad experiences that occur during our lifetime and above all, remember to always thank God and never forget to reach for your inner God. I wish you all much happiness. AROUND OUR CHURCH Two Simple Words: Thank You Sumiko was the wife of Rev. Akira Sebe and mother to Joy and her sister, Delphine. She passed away three years ago from pancreatic cancer. Today, as Joy and her husband, Jason Detwiler, raise their young sons, Nathan (8) and Noah (5), she recalls her mother s words and the simple, yet deeply affecting, lesson she learned from her. Endless Thank You s Joy Sebe, member from Seattle, Wa., served as program MC for the Grand Fall Festival at the Sacramento Church on September 6. At the request of her young son, she spoke of her late mother, Sumiko Sebe. My mother would always thank me every time I did anything with her, said Joy. This was especially true when I was a teenager and could have done other things. When we went shopping together, when we all came to help at the Bazaar or Festivals, when we took her to the doctor, when we all took a family vacation to Hawaii. During the trip to Hawaii, my mother cooked our meals, watched the kids and took care of everything for us so that we could relax. But every day, she still thanked us. Sumiko Sebe was affectionately called Baba by her grandsons. She is shown here with one-year-old Noah in 2008, when she accompanied Joy s family on a trip to New Zealand. Regardless of the activity, my mother always thanked me, Jason and the boys. I would often think, Of course. There s no need to thank us. But looking back, I realize that it made us all feel appreciated. We knew that she treasured the time we spent together. Continued on page 5 4 P a g e

5 Thank You Continued from page 4 Remembering and giving thanks: Joy Sebe and Jason Detwiler, with Rev. Akira Sebe, and sons Nathan (8) and Noah (5). Thank You Our Sunday School Teachers The congregation also formally acknowledged and thanked two outstanding women Jo Ann Shiroishi in Los Angeles and June Tanaka in Sacramento for their many years of dedicated service as Sunday School teachers. We appreciate their devotion (countless hours of planning and preparation and often personal finances) to the care and instruction of our youngest members, many of whom have grown to be parent-members themselves. Thank you! Thank You Unsung Heroines Applying the lesson of appreciation, Joy led the congregation in formally acknowledging the dozens of Gedatsu ministers wives, who have worked tirelessly through the years to support the church. We in the Gedatsu community, appreciate their work and dedication. We thank the following U.S. ministers wives: Shigeko Kishida, Reiko Kishida, Helen Shiroishi, Seiko Yamadera, Mrs. Noda, Sumiko Sebe, Mrs. Ohtsuka, Mrs. Shinchi, Mrs. Shimizu, Mrs. Suigita, Mrs. Kisaburo Ito, Mrs. Takenori Okano, Hisae Sakamoto, Eiko Ishida, Mrs. Kondo, Mrs. Tonogi, Mrs. Miki, Mrs. Inouye, Mrs. Aoyama, Mrs. Inako, Tokiko Okano, Kiku Nakamura, Chiemi Okano, Yuko Taki, Yoko Yamada, Tomoko Kamiya, Hitomi Matsuhashi, Yuko Okano. [To the extent possible, the names are listed chronologically. We apologize for the lack of some first names. Editor] Thank You Our Volunteers Sunday School Teachers, Jo Ann Shiroishi (left) and June Tanaka have taught and inspired generations of young Gedatsu members. No area of the Gedatsu Church operations would be possible without the hard work and dedication of volunteers and it would be impossible to acknowledge all of them by name. At the Fall Festival, Joy Sebe called on our church s youngest volunteers to come forward to be thanked for their service at the Festivals, bazaars and other functions. To all our volunteers thank you! Below, from left, Leslie Tanaka, Vivian McSwain, Everett McSwain (behind Vivian), Courtney Ide, James Akashi, Avalon Akashi, Mia Tsujimura, Gavin Tsujimura, Andrew Shaklan, Cameron Kuritani, Caden Kuritani, Carson Kuritani, Ryann Young, Tyler Young and Suzuna Matsuhashi. In front, from left, Noah Sebe, Nathan Sebe, Conner Kuritani. 5 P a g e

6 OUR GEDATSU STUDY Gedatsu Kongo s Post-War Sermons Translations and commentary by Rev. Hisakazu Taki The following sermons were transcribed from recorded notes of the Founder s teachings in the years immediately following World War II, a time of material shortages and great hardship for the Japanese people in post-war Japan. Sermon 7: Kanshakai Service on March 1, 1947 Today is March 1, the day of Kanshakai Service. All mankind, practice Gedatsu! When you seek happiness, you cannot achieve it. When you have no selfish thoughts and leave everything to God, happiness comes to you. Live each day with appreciation and gratitude. Try to make your home a place of peace and harmony. Without peace and harmony in your home, you won t be able to achieve true happiness. Now is the time of a big change. Those who have lived in accordance with Gedatsu must be filled with joy and peace each day. I dedicated the Sun Spirit Monument in Goreichi. I ve devoted myself to the spiritual improvement of people. You can learn Gedatsu from everything in the universe. Wheat is budding under the snow now. Are you ready to start a new life? Wheat was sown in October or November last year and is budding under the snow now. In the spring, wheat will have strong stalks, because farmers step on young wheat many times during the winter. It will then be mature in the summer. How great the work of Nature is! We should bring up our children as we grow wheat. People who cannot practice Gedatsu will always suffer. You should fill the entire society with Gedatsu. Do you have the courage to do that? When you practice Gedatsu, you can definitely enjoy a good life with no suffering. If you don t have the courage to practice Gedatsu, it is as if you were causing other people to suffer. Let s do our best! Do your best in your duties without using your foolish brain, and wait for the blessings from Nature. You will then be blessed by God. Trees in the universe have grown vigorously. It is spring now. Are you truly aware of the coming of spring in your life? It is said that man is the lord of creation. Do you really deserve it? Please closely examine yourself. When you follow the path of Nature, you can fulfill your duties just as trees and flowers in the universe do. Please be aware that rain makes flowers fall and also makes flowers bloom. If you practice Gedatsu, you can appreciate rain, wind, heat and coldness. Appreciation and gratitude is all that is necessary for us. As long as you have worries and troubles, you remain a long way from Gedatsu. Flowers bloom according to Nature. We humans should have joy in the realities of life. I remember that people in the business world became morally corrupt after the Great Earthquake Disaster in That is why I decided to retire from the business world and started a new life of religion. Only those who have worked diligently since then must be happy today. Put the past out of your mind, and have joy in the present moment. Be hopeful for tomorrow s life. Now is the time of a big challenge. Continued on page 7 6 P a g e

7 Post-war Sermons Continued from page 6 If you practice Gedatsu, you will be able to stand as firm as a rock in whatever situation you may be confronted with. No matter how many things might have been burned in the war, your heart will never be burned. Be always second to none. Do not complain. Do not envy. Do not bear a grudge against others. Do not fight. Be humble. This is the natural providence, the voice from heaven. Comments on Sermon 7: In this sermon, Gedatsu Kongo explained what the Gedatsu life is. We human beings usually live according to our thoughts and feelings, and are strongly influenced by them. But, our thoughts and feelings differ from one another. Human beings have repeated conflicts among them because of the difference of their thoughts and values. You should be clearly aware of this. How can we move the ego out of the way then? Gedatsu Kongo explains the way for that in this sermon. Closely observing how you live every day, you can be aware that you are allowed to live by someone beyond you. You may call it God, the Universal Life Force, Natural Law, etc. The name doesn t matter, but actually we are allowed to exist by it. Please closely observe how you live each day. You breathe the air, eat various foods, drink water, live in a house, and drive cars.. You can be aware that all of these things are provided by many people and things in the universe. You do not create anything. You only use or consume these things. Your heart keeps beating even while you are sleeping. The food you eat is automatically digested while you are chatting with your friends. Warm blood is always circulating throughout your body. This is your life, which does not function by your will. The universe allows you to exist. When you become aware of this fact of your life, you will be thankful for everything. You will then do your best in your daily duties to benefit the world as a token of appreciation. This is the meaning of the Gedatsu Kongo s statement: Do your best in your duties without using your foolish brain, and wait for the blessings from Nature. You will then be blessed by God. Sermon 8: Kanshakai Service on March 15, 1947 Today is March 15, the day of Kanshakai Service. I have repeatedly stated that all mankind should practice Gedatsu. It is good for you to live each day joyfully with gratitude. Those who have always appreciated and followed my thoughts must be happy today. Those who have felt against my thoughts and used their selfish brains must be unhappy now. I have dedicated the Three Monuments in Goreichi, which are Sun Spirit Monument, All Souls Monument, and Monument of Encomium, and have strongly advocated Gedatsu. I believe that the Gedatsu teaching is good and acceptable for everyone. I wonder why it has not spread widely. One day I heard a voice from Heaven. In this divine land of Japan, snow has melted now, and it is the time for plum blossoms to fall and cherry blossoms to bloom. Continued on page 8 7 P a g e

8 Post-war Sermons Continued from page 7 Now is the time for all of us to grow. Only when we advance in the Gedatsu practice, can we live each day in happiness. This is God s message that we should save beleaguered populations without further delay. Although there are a lot of people who are apprehensive about the world, few of them know how to resolve the situation. It is only Gedatsu that will truly provide the answer. Hold up your head and do your best. Everything is just getting started. I am contented. Does your heart measure up to the greatness of the sun? Please examine yourself deeply. Comments on Sermon 8: In this sermon Gedatsu Kongo encourages us to practice Gedatsu again. God s blessing is always available before us. But usually our selfish thoughts and desires block the divine blessing. That s why we have worries and troubles in our life. When you stop using your selfish brain and do your best in your daily duties with appreciation and humbleness, you will be guided to the most appropriate way. This is Gedatsu, the path of happiness for everyone. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE The Founder s Devotion to Social Service In his speeches and sermons after World War II, the Founder time and again implored church members to work hard, be resourceful, help others and accept difficult circumstances with courage and gratitude. These were not empty words. Gedatsu Kongo was a true social reformer and activist for the public good. Following is an account by Japanese member, Mitsuo Yuge, who joined Gedatsu in 1936 and was appointed a teacher by Gedatsu Kongo, holding various important posts in the Gedatsu Church in Japan. After the war, Gedatsu Kongo stared a variety of service activities to benefit society and the country. One of his important activities was to provide people with tokoroten, or seaweed jelly, at a time of extreme food shortage. Another important activity was to provide needy people with jobs to produce clothes. I participated in those activities. We started to provide tokoroten for people mainly in the Tokyo area in July of We prepared tokoroten the previous night. We made big barrels of tokoroten without sleep. We asked the authorities for permission to provide tokoroten beforehand, and distributed coupons among people in that area. tokoroten was distributed mainly on the school yards of elementary schools. When the truck with barrels of tokoroten arrived, there was a long line of people waiting for us. We set up in a hurry and worked hard to provide them tokoroten. People were very happy to receive a bowl of tokoroten. They all thanked us. We were very glad to see their happy faces, too. Their words of thanks dispelled our fatigue. Observing everyone s happy faces, I felt gratified for being able to work for them. I didn t feel tired at all. I was very happy working there. Through this experience I learned that by benefiting other people, you create happiness for yourself. I believe that Gedatsu Kongo taught us the joy of working for other people by having us serve tokoroten to people. It was beyond normal thinking to help others at a time of extreme food shortage when everybody only thought of obtaining his own daily bread. I was very fortunate to be taught the importance working for other people s happiness by Gedatsu Kongo during that difficult time. 8 P a g e

9 AUGUST 2015 OFFERINGS 2015 / 2016 UPCOMING EVENTS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA $5 $49: M/M B. Ide, K. Gibson, S. Tanaka, M/M A. Akashi, F. Mills, K. Tsukamoto, N. Johnston, M/M R. Nakatani $50 $99: S. Taketa, S. Nishino, M/M D. Ide $100+: M/M S. Sekikawa, M/M C. Tanaka, T. Wakabayashi, A. Sebe $200+: M/M J. Davies, Rancho Cordova Kendo Dojo Special Acknowledgment * Mary Harada 91 st Birthday ($100) S. Matsuda Bazaar Raffle Appreciation ($250) S. Simizu Bazaar Raffle Appreciation ($500) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA $5 $49: H. Kumashiro, T. Okazaki, S. Saijo, T. Toyama, M/M P. Young, M/M K. Chinen, M/M M. Hamada, G. Hirami, M/M M. Mizokami, M/M V. Mizokami, M. Nakamura, F. Sueyoshi $50 $99: M/M T. Hirami, L. Inouye, M/M K. Kuritani, M/M T. Matsumoto, M/M B. MIzokami, M. Mizokami, M/M S. Mukai, M/M M. Murakami, T. Murakami, T. Naito, Y. Oishi, M/M M. Okada, A. Reifslager, M/M H. Tsujimura, M/M R. Tsujimura, Ms. Tiffany, C. Tomari $100+: K. Fujii, T. Ishida, M/M K. Kimura, M. Michiuye, F. Miyamura, T. Mizokami, T. Nakamura, M. Numata, T. Okimura, M/M M. Palelek, M/M K. Yamada $200+: M/M M. Ishida, M/M N. Okano, S. Okimura, J. Peck, D. Shiroishi $400+: J. Ito Special Acknowledgment * M/M V. Mizokami Appreciation Ancestor Blessing ($200) M. Michiuye/T. Okimura Offering for Benzaiten ($100) Hass Family Appreciation Ancestor Blessing ($150) Dorothy Tomita Ancestor Blessing for Tomita & Katako Families ($200) Alice Yokota and Ancestor Blessing for Tomita & Yokota Family Katako Families ($200) Naoya & Yuko Okano Appreciation for Move to New Home ($200) Dec 6 (Sun) Dec 13 (Sun) Dec 20 (Sun) Dec Jan 1 (Fri) Jan 2 (Sat) Jan 17 (Sun) Jan 19 (Tue) Feb 16 (Tue) Feb 21 (Sun) L.A. Archbishop Kishida Memorial Service (Japanese & English) Sacramento Last Service of the Year, All Souls Service, Archbishop Kishida Memorial Service, Church Clean-up L.A. Church Clean-up (10:00 am) L.A. Christmas Service / Last Kanshakai Of the Year (Japanese & English) Church Closed New Year Homage Church Closed L.A. New Year Service Church Closed (in lieu of Martin Luther King Jr. Day) Church Closed (in lieu of Presidents Day) L.A. Sun Spirit Service Mar 11 (Fri) Propagation Meeting 10:00 am Mar 12 (Sat) Board of Directors Meeting 10:00 am March 13 (Sun) L.A. Higan Service (Japanese & English) Mar 19 (Sat) L.A. Stateline Turnaround (TBD) 7:00 am Mar 27 (Sun) Sacramento Higan Service Apr 10 (Sun) May 8 (Sun) May 15 (Sun) May 31 (Tue) Spring Grand Festival 10:00 am Sacramento Joen-no-gi (Plaque Burning) L.A. Mother s Day Service Church Closed (in lieu of Memorial Day) Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of the trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved. Helen Keller, American author, political activist and lecturer * Special Acknowledgment lists donations of $100 and more. Correction: In last month s issue of the Gedatsu Companion, the first name of Noah Muronaka s grandparent was misspelled. The correct spelling is Tamotsu Matsuura. Editor 9 P a g e

10 10 月度教会行事予定 ロサンゼルス教会 3 日 ( 土 )4 日 ( 日 ) オータム ムーン フェスティバル 11 日 ( 日 ) 教会正午まで開館 13 日 ( 火 ) 振替休日 ( コロンバスデイ ) 18 日 ( 日 )10:00A 日英感謝会 氏神祭 リージョナル委員会 25 日 ( 日 )10:00A 英語感謝会 阿字観法 ゲダツ 101/ イベント委員会 サクラメント教会 11( 日 ) 9:30A 感謝会 阿字観法 25( 日 ) 9:30A 感謝会 阿字観法 10 月度みさとし 一つの言葉でもまごころから出たら 百の空念仏に数等まさります 言葉の力に対する信頼感を 現代人は失いつつあるように思われます だから 嘘をついたり 人をだますようなことが平気で行なわれる世の中になってきたのではないでしょうか 日本人を含めて 古代の人々は言葉に対して 現代人とはずいぶん異なった感覚をもっていました 昔の日本人には言霊信仰というものがあり 言葉には魂がこもっていると信じられていました 古代インド人もそれとよく似た 言葉が世界を創造する という感覚をもっていたといわれます 般若心経の最後の部分に出てくる ギャーテーギャーテー は呪 ( マントラ = 真言 ) といわれ この言葉を唱え祈ることによってその言葉通りのことが成就すると 古代インド人は深く信じていたのです このような言葉に対する信頼感を われわれ現代人は取り戻す必要があります 日常生活のなかで相手に対して 思いやりのこもった言葉 まごころからの真実の言葉を掛けるよう心がけることによって この世は確実に 愛と信頼に満ちた世界へと変貌していくことでしょう 世界を変革するのは われわれ自身なのです 秋季大祭講話 内なる神に気づくこと 総長 : 岡野英夫 皆さま ようこそおいでくださいました 皆さまと共に 生かされている喜びと感謝の誠心を神に捧げるこの秋季大祭を挙行できますことを心からうれしく思っています 本日は 内なる神についてお話をさせていただきます いつの時代でも どんな場所でも 宗教宗派が違っても 真理を悟った人はみな同じことを申されます 内在の神を探すことが一番大切なことである 自分の内にいる神が 自分を救ってくれる 内在の神は創造主と同じだから 完全な愛と知恵を持っている その愛と知恵が私達を救ってくれるのだ と 仏教には 内在の仏 ( ほとけ ) という言葉があります 外に仏を求めず 己の内に仏を求めよ 内在の仏を顕現せよ と教えます 私たちの魂の一番奥底に横たわる 仏性 すべての人が本来的に持っている仏性は宇宙の本源 本質であり神と同じものです これがお釈迦様の 本来の教え であり お釈迦様が一番言いたかったことなのです 神道には 分け御霊 ( わけみたま ) という言葉がありますし 西洋では 内なる神 といいます みんな同じ意味なのです イエスも同じことを説かれています 私は自分が何者であるかを知っているが あなた達はそれを知らない 私とあなたの違いはこれだけである と 宇宙の本源 本体と自分が一つになるのが座禅です 座禅 内観 瞑想というと難しく聞こえますが 簡単に言えば 心を鎮め 意識を統一し 内在する神に意識を集中する方法です 先ほど行いました 阿字観メディテーション も同じです 一番重要なことは 瞑想を通して すべてがひとつ すべては神だと知ることです すべては創造主 ( 父なる神 ) の分霊だから 皆同一のものであり ひとつであり神そのものであるということです この すべてはひとつ という体験をすれば あなたと私 ではなく あなたである私 だと分かってきます 自分と他人が一つであることが分かります それが分かれば この地上に争いや戦争はなくなるはずです 数年前の大祭でご紹介したヘレン アダムス ケラーも内なる神を認識されました そして神の子として遣わされた者として 全てが調和する世界の実現のために奉仕することが神から授かった使命であることを自覚し 生涯を世界の人々の幸せの為に捧げられました 神仏は 人に 人を愛する権利と 人を許す権利を与えたが 人を裁く権利は与えていない と言われます 仏教でも 一切 人を評価するな と教えています 人を悪く言わない 心の中で人を悪く思わないこと これを徹底すると 飛躍的に魂は進化すると云います 実際 悪口や非難 また人を見下したりすると その人の生命エネルギーはひどく衰弱し落ちていきます

11 私が つらい思いをしているときも 神は見てくれていますか? と質問されたうら若き女性への回答です 神はあなたから一瞬でも離れているときはありません だからつらいときも楽しいときもいつもいっしょです そしてつらいときはあなたを励ますために いろんな方法で語りかけています いつも見ていてくださいます だから思い切って生きなさい あなたはひとりじゃないんです 安心してください 大丈夫です 心配はいりません あなたが自由に生きることが神の願いなのです あなたが様々な経験を積み重ねながら 自由に活き活きと生きることは 神の願いをあなたがかなえてくれていることになります 神もそのためにあなたに手を貸そうとなさっています これからあなたの人生に起こることすべてを楽しんでください いろんなことが準備されています あなたがどんどん経験を積めば 神はさらにあなたが成長するように どんどん準備をしてくださいます 楽しいこと うれしいこと ドキドキすること ワクワクすること すべて準備ができています あとはあなたが選ぶだけです 楽しいことから選んでください 嬉しいことから始めてください それがあなたの人生を豊かにしてくれます 神はあなたといつも一緒にいます だから いつも神といっしょにあなたの人生を楽しんでください 皆さまの人生に幸多からんこと祈ります 解脱人生相談 さして努力もしない人たちが私より多くを得ています < 質問 > 私は自分と家族を養うのに一生懸命に働いていますが さして努力もしない人たちが私より多くを得るのを見ると憤慨してしまいます 公正さは どこにあるのでしょうか? 回答者 : 松橋伸次 ご安心ください 神はご照覧されています あなたが一生懸命に努力しているのなら 必ずあなたの努力に相応しく恵まれるでしょう! まずあなたは働ける自分を産みなしてくれた両親 先祖 神に対して感謝することです あらゆる事情により 働くことが出来ない人が多い中で あなたは働くことができるのですから ますはその喜びに気付いていただきたいと思います 私はこの質問に対して次の二つの事柄が浮かびましたので申し上げます 1 あなたは他の人より自分の方が得ているものが少ないと感じているのなら それは一時的なことと受け止めることはできないでしょうか? 今 あなたは長い人生の一場面しか見えていないのかも知れません イソップ寓話の 兎と亀 の話はご存知だと思います この兎と亀が競争する話にあるように たゆまぬ努力を重ねて一歩一歩確実に歩みを進めた亀の方が 最終的に早くゴールするのです 兎は足が速いが故に努力を怠って途中で休んでしまう この話を人生に例えて 果たしてどちらの生き方が良いいのかは 推して知るべしだと思います 先人はこのような教訓として我々に教えてくださっております 2 不平等が平等だよ という勉強があります 私が解脱会に入会して間もない頃 色々と困難が私や家族を襲う中 モチベーションのためにいただいた勉強の一端です 一流ブランド等 その業界のトップ企業はほんの少しの努力でその地位を確立したでしょうか? それは一朝一夕になるものではない 何年もまた何代も掛けて創意工夫や努力を重ねてきたからその様になっているのです 当然自分だけのことに捉われないで社会貢献や徳を積んできた賜物です 努力しないものより 努力したものが恵まれる 神から見たら それが平等です 純然たる努力にはそうした神に通じるものがあるから 努力が維持されるのです 家柄もまた同じ 君もしっかりと解脱の勉強をして 良い伝統を積み上げて行けるように と この様に励ましていただきました これらの教訓や教えの中で得ることは 解脱の勉強は 自分自身の気持ちや行動を如何に神の御心に合わせていくが 神とどう向き合うかが肝心なことなのです 足元をしっかりと見て 希望を胸に感謝の気持ちで歩んでいけば 必ずや幸せになります あなたがこれからの人生をしっかりと解脱と共に歩んで行けるようにと願っております お互いさまに精進して参りましょう 2015 年度 解脱霊廟祭祀精霊 Donald Mar Kiyoshi Katako Izumi Yokota Fumiko Y. Blackburn Joyce Blackburn 尾崎ベティ洋子 Peggy Ogawa 沼田ジョニー一彦 石田文夫 Tomiko Tomita Aiko Tomita Nagao J. Tomita 松本濟 Roy S. Shiba 真喜志康福中村家祖先代々之霊植島家祖先代々之霊増田家祖先代々之霊

12 GEDATSU COMPANION Vol. 66 No. 10 October 2015 The Gedatsu Companion is published monthly for members like Victor Mizokami of Los Angeles. Victor, who serves as chairman of Gedatsu Church USA, has never missed a Spring or Fall Festival in Sacramento in the 63 years he has been a member. He and his wife, Marian, attend the festivals to show appreciate to God and ancestors. Says Victor: Gedatsu has always been there for us through good times and tough times, so we have a lot to be thankful for. We are blessed with two daughters, a son, and four wonderful grandchildren. As full-time babysitters for our two youngest grandchildren hours a day, five days a week they really do their best to keep us young! Gedatsu Church USA Los Angeles Branch 7850 Hill Drive South San Gabriel, CA NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID EL MONTE, CA PERMIT NO. 110 Rev. Kazuo Yamada, Editor Joyce Reid, Editor-in-Chief Editorial contributors to this issue: John Hayashi, Victor Mizokami, Rev. Naoya Okano, Joy Sebe, Rev. Akira Sebe, Jo Ann Shiroishi, Scott Shiroishi, Rev. Hisakazu Taki, Calvin Tanaka, June Tanaka, Hisato Tsujimura, Rev. Kazuo Yamada, Yoko Yamada A Welcoming New Sign L.A. Gedatsu Church s sleek new eight-foot sign, installed at the church entrance, offers a big, bold welcome to visitors. And with its large message-display area, the sign promises to draw community attention to church programs and activities. Planning for the new sign was led by the L.A. Regional Board (composed of Cookie Barthel, Janet Hirayama, Tetsuya Matsumoto, Donna Shiroishi, Cindy Tsujimura and Hisato Tsujimura. Rev. Yamada serves as advisor). Hisato points to three additional members who were instrumental in the project: John Hayashi, who provided the design and collaboration with the sign company, and Kenny Kuritani and Scott Shiroishi, who were responsible for preparation and installation of the sign. The Gedatsu Church owes these three gentlemen a great deal of gratitude for the effort, time and hard work they put forth to bring this project to a successful conclusion. Top photo, from left, Scott Shiroishi, Kenny Kuritani, Hisato Tsujimura and Rev. Yamada pose with the newly installed sign. Bottom, the inaugural message acknowledges the Monterey Mustangs organization for its financial support of the project. In addition, the Church thanks the Monterey Mustangs organization and Cookie Barthel for their generous financial donations toward the sign.