GEDATSU COMPANION MARCH 2017 INSIDE THIS ISSUE APRIL 2017 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. Sun 5 10:00 am Never Forgotten Memorial Service

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1 March 2017 Vol. 68 No. 3 GEDATSU COMPANION GEDATSU CHURCH USA INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 News and Announcements 3 Dear Reverend: How should I set up our home altar? 4 Significance of the Festivals 5 The Sanctity of Goreichi 6 The Sacred Rite of Manbu Kuyo 7 You Can Predict Your Future 8 Amacha Kuyo and Kuyo Plaques 9 Offerings and Upcoming Events Gedatsu Kongo s Thought for the Month Our existence is the crystallization of immeasurable blessings. By closely observing how you live each day, you become aware that your existence is possible only because of the immeasurable blessings you receive from everyone and everything in the universe. Your life is not man-made, but rather, it is due to the blessings of God, or the Universal Life Force, and made possible by your parents and ancestors. Everything you require to live as a citizen of this world knowledge, language, manners is what you ve learned from your parents, teachers and many others. Further, you cannot live for even a single day without air, water, sunlight and all living things. Everything is produced and provided by other people and all things in the universe. When you become aware of the true source of your existence, you cannot help but feel grateful and desire to benefit the world in appreciation. This is the path to true happiness, prosperity and world peace. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MARCH 2017 Sun 5 10:00 am Never Forgotten Memorial Service Sun 12 9:30 pm Sunday Service / Ajikan Meditation Sun 26 9:30 am Sunday Service / Ajikan Meditation SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Sun 5 10:00 am Japanese Kanshakai Service Sat 11 8:00 am Morongo Casino Bus Turnaround Sun 12 10:00 am Never Forgotten Memorial Service Fri 17 10:00 am Propagation Meeting Sat 18 10:00 am Board of Directors Meeting Sun 19 10:00 am Japanese and English Kanshakai Service Higan Service Sun 26 10:00 am English Kanshakia Service / Ajikan Meditation L.A. Regional Board Mtg. / Life in Your 20s NORTHERN CALIFORNIA APRIL 2017 Sat 1 10:00 am Clean-up for Spring Grand Festival Sun 2 10:00 am Never Forgotten Memorial Service Sun 9 9:30 am Spring Grand Festival Saito Goma Service Sun 16 1:00 pm San Jose Branch Kanshakai Service Sun 23 9:30 am Sunday Service / Ajikan Meditation SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Sun 2 10:00 am Japanese Kanshakai Service Sun 9 Spring Grand Festival (in Sacramento) Sun 16 10:00 am Japanese and English Kanshakai Service Sun 23 10:00 am English Kanshakia Service / Ajikan Meditation L.A. Regional Board Mtg. / Life in Your 20s Sun 30 Church Closed

2 NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Spring Grand Festival Sunday, April 9 at 9:30 (Earlier Start Time) The Spring Grand Festival will be held at the Sacramento Church on Sunday, April 9, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The earlier start time (instead of 10 a.m.) will allow the Festival to end earlier, benefiting longdistance drivers and airline passengers. The chartered bus from Los Angeles will leave the L.A. Church at 10 p.m. on Saturday night, April 8. Once again, through the generosity of Senior Deacon Jackson Ito, bus riders will be able to ride to Sacramento free of charge. Festival, including kid-friendly lunches. And a raffle for delightful gifts will be held for adults. Encourage the entire family to attend. Saito Goma and Manbu Kuyo Applications Due Please submit your prayer applications for Sato Goma and Manbu Kuyo services by March 19. Saito Goma application forms were mailed in the February Companion. An application form for Manbu Kuyo is inserted in this issue. Additional forms are available at your local church. Obituaries Special Easter-related activities and treats are planned for children and teens during the Shouji Kato of Gedatsu-kai Japan passed away on January 13 in Tokyo at the age of 89. Mr. Kato was a long-time director of Gedatsu-kai and president of the Edogawa branch, which publishes the monthly Gedatsu magazine. He is best known to U.S. members as the generous donor of the sakura cherry trees that bloom on the Sacramento Goreichi grounds each spring. Long-time L.A. Church member, Yoshihiko Kitagawa, passed away peacefully at home on January 19 at the age of 97. He is survived by his daughter, Haruko; son Robert; son Steve and his wife, Cheryl; and two grandsons. L.A. members also mourn the passing of Dennis Koichi Toguchi, who passed away on January 25 at the age of 58. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Tina and Mike Hamada. Never Forgotten Memorial Services Never Forgotten Memorial Services will be held at the Sacramento and Los Angeles Churches in March. Sacramento Church: Sunday, March 5 at 10 a.m. The memorial service will honor the souls of Tamimasa Tsuboi, Mary (Mitsue) Tsuboi, Kotsuru Noritake, Toyota Kino, Rin Ide, Muneo John Hatae, Fred Shigeru Tanaka, Takeo Sekikawa, Eleanor Ikesaki, John Chin, Sumiko Sebe, Arata Baba, Ray Genko Bishiki, Kimiyo Ichiba, Gloria Bartos, Richard Shinichiro Kitasoe, Kenichi Matsuura, Masako Nagao, Junichi Oto, Kiyoko Oto, Edward Uyesugi. Los Angeles Church: Sunday, March 12 at 10 a.m. The memorial service will honor the souls who passed in March: Vincent Giroux, Ernest Hirayama, Naoye Kimura, Bill Long, Norma Long, Hisano Miyashita, Masao Mori, Chisato Naito, Shigeru Nakamura, Kazuyoshi Okazaki, Masao John Onishi, Antonio Palumbo, Giulia Palumbo, Joe Sanchez, Joseph Sanchez, Jr., Sumiko Sebe, Terry Fumio Shiroishi, Shigeru Fred Tanaka, Yoshio Wakasa. Note: Because of the Spring Festival, the Never Forgotten service will not be held in L.A. in April. Therefore, the March service will also honor the following souls who passed in April: John Macias Castillo, Maria Lechuga Covos, Sameko Hamaoka, Ted Tadashi Hayashi, Will Karger, Fumiko Kawamura, Karen Mineko Kawamura, William Masami Kawamura, Yoshimi Richard Kikuchi, Masaichi Richard Kikuta, Mokubei Kumashiro, Shikazo Kumashiro, Thomas Mahoney, Matsuko Yamashita Miyasako, Clifton Hideki Mizokami, Haruko Nagura, Yoshinobu Nakamura, Harry Odama, Otomatsu Odama, Tomoyo Ogura, Akiko Okazaki, Emiko Okimura, Michael O'Leary, Helen Konoye Shiroishi, Hidemi Pat Shiroishi, Dayna Slotnik, Tsutako Sherrie Takimoto, Alice Tsukamaki, Joseph Harold Wessman, Jr., Enes S. Sarvello Zeto. Morongo Casino Bus Turn-around L.A. members and friends will travel by bus to the Morongo Casino Resort in San Bernardino on Saturday, March 11. The bus will leave the church at 8 a.m., leave Morongo at 4 p.m., and return to the church at 6 p.m. Bus fare is $25 per person (plus tip for driver). Other attractions include an outlet mall near the casino. Meals are on your own. If you are interested in joining this fun excursion, sign up in the church lobby. 2 P a g e

3 NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS DEAR REVEREND Gedatsu Kongo Appreciation Fund (Hosankai) The Gedatsu Kongo Appreciation Fund was established to allow members to show their appreciation to Gedatsu Kongo and demonstrate a higher level of commitment and support for the church. Participation in the Fund requires an annual pledge of $50 per month, or $600 a year, which is in addition to the general membership dues. Special green envelopes for Fund donations are available at the churches Donors Fred/Cookie Barthel Katsuo/Kazumi Chinen Dan/Mary Harada Tadao Ishida Jackson Ito/Cathleen Godzik Mary Kimura Mariko Michiuye Tetsuya/Sachiyo Matsumoto Victor/Marian Mizokami Teruko Nakamura Minae Okada Tom Okimura Paul/Joyce Reid Sam/Harriet Sakikawa Sadae Tanaka Dennis/Judy Tsuboi Cindy Tsujimura Howard/Carole Tsujimura Kazuo Yamada Yoko Yamada Farewell to Trees Toppled in Storms Strong winds and heavy rains in January, combined with years of drought conditions, toppled several large trees on the Goreichi grounds in Sacramento. Fortunately, no structures were damaged in their fall. Member John Horner, with chainsaw buzzing, has been busy clearing away the trees one of which was a stately pine that stood for 50 years next to the Tenjinchigi Shrine. Q We are new to Gedatsu. Can you instruct me on how to set up our home altar? I welcome you as a new Gedatsu member and am pleased that you will be setting up an altar A in your home. The home altar allows you and your family members a special place where you can give your prayers of appreciation each day and cultivate a stronger spiritual connection to the Universal Life Force, or God. Your altar can be very simple a tabletop, bookshelf or countertop anywhere that you can sit peacefully, reflect on your divine relationship to the Universal Life Force and become aware of the countless blessings you are receiving each day. The home altar is a special place where you can cultivate a stronger spiritual connection to the Universal Life Force. Appreciation should be central to your daily prayers. In keeping with this feeling, you may want to offer a clean glass of water each day, or fresh-cut flowers. If you have children in the home, they may have their own expressions of thanks a toy or a picture they ve drawn, for example. The essentials for the Gedatsu altar are three sacred tablets that signify the Universal Life Force (Tenjinchigi), Creative life Force (Gochi Nyorai) and Founder Gedatsu Kongo. Each tablet is inscribed with the sacred Goho, embodying dynamic cosmic forces imbued with the spiritual power of the Founder. You may obtain these tablets from your local church and enshrine them as the central image of your altar. You may also offer Amacha blessing, which, for Gedatsu followers, is the most powerful form of offering thanks and dedicating our sincere prayers and gratitude to God and all living things. Pouring Amacha tea over kuyo plaques, which are also printed with the holy Goho, brings peaceful repose to your deceased ancestors and unrested spirits. When you enshrine the Universal Life Force in your home, and pay respect to God in your daily life, you will begin to cultivate a deep sense of appreciation and joy within you. You will find that your daily prayers will find greater power and purpose in your life. Senior Rev. Akira Sebe 3 P a g e

4 OUR GEDATSU STUDY Significance of the Gedatsu Festivals Excerpt from Makoto, or Truth, published in 1981 By Archbishop Eizan Kishida Translated by Rev. Hisakazu Taki Our founder, Gedatsu Kongo, often stated, Even when your parent or child dies, you must attend the Gedatsu Festivals by any means possible. While death, of course, is a serious matter, Gedatsu Kongo nonetheless urged us to attend the Festivals despite the circumstance. We must understand why Gedatsu Kongo placed such significance on the Gedatsu Festivals. This Is Your Festival At each festival, Gedatsu Kongo always began his sermon with the following words: Everyone, from all parts of the country, good morning! I cannot say thank you for coming to attend this festival, because this festival is not mine. Rather, this is your festival, which you conduct for your happiness. We must understand why Gedatsu Kongo stated these words. Gedatsu festivals are held twice a year for the purpose of thanking God and all spirits for allowing us to live in peace and happiness because of the immeasurable blessings we receive from them. Therefore, Gedatsu Festivals should be performed by each member as a gesture of appreciation. We will then be blessed with happiness. Improve Our Character, Deepen Our Spirituality We human beings are more or less selfish. Gedatsu Kongo warned us that egoism will destroy everything. Being deeply concerned that we would take a wrong path in life if we neglected to attend the festivals for selfish reasons, Gedatsu Kongo strongly urged us to faithfully attend the festivals. Furthermore, Goreichi [ in Japan] is the birthplace of Gedatsu. The Goreichi grounds [in both Japan and America] are filled with the divine will and all sacred spirits. By visiting the Goreichi grounds, we can feel the sacred spirits, and our spirituality and character will be deepened and developed. Worshippers attend the Spring and Fall Grand Festivals on the Goreichi grounds in Kitamoto, Japan. Your Ancestors and Other Spirits Attend with You We must remember another important aspect of the festivals. When you attend a festival, your ancestors and other spirits connected to you are also on the Goreichi grounds together with you. You cannot see them, but they are very grateful to be there. Your ancestors wish to attend the festivals together with you to give thanks for God s immeasurable blessings. Your happiness is your ancestors happiness. Therefore, before you go to Goreichi to attend the festivals, pray to your ancestors and other spirits, saying, Let us go to Goreichi together for the festival. Of course, if the death of your parent or child actually occurred on the day of a festival, it would be difficult to attend. I don t believe Gedatsu Kongo meant to place unreasonable demands on us. However, by urging us sternly, he simply wished us to understand the importance of the festivals. Therefore, if circumstances prevent you from attending, you should pray to God and apologize for your absence. 4 P a g e

5 OUR GEDATSU STUDY The Sanctity of Goreichi Goreichi as Symbol of Universal Laws Excerpt from Gedatsu Companion, 1979 By Archbishop Eizan Kishida Translated by Shoji Takimoto The name Goreichi, in conformity with the Goreichi in Japan, was given to the 20-acre grounds of the Sacramento Church and have been consecrated as the spiritual sanctuary of the Gedatsu Church of America. It is where the Spirit of the Supreme Creator is enshrined and the resting place for all spirits. The entire Goreichi grounds overflow with the spiritual power of the great Universal Life Force, or God. Consequently, by just visiting the Goreichi, one receives a cleansing of evil and malicious thoughts. Feelings of appreciation and gratitude are experienced by everyone in early visits to Goreichi. However, after a while, as members grow accustomed to visiting Goreichi, they may continue to visit simply from force of habit. Then, when they become further accustomed to visiting, they may start to think that even if they don t pay homage so frequently, as long as they show their respects in their minds, it should be all right. There is no difference as far as the sacred spiritual atmosphere of the Goreichi, which welcomes everyone equally. However, there is a vast difference in the amount of virtue each worshipper s mind is capable of receiving. In the final analysis, the sacred spiritual power deeply penetrates the hearts of those worshippers who believe in paying homage with good grace, abiding from their original intentions to the last. Spiritual Power Penetrates the Mind, Heart Those who have paid homage to Goreichi have experienced feelings of being refreshed having a sense of relief, as if a heavy load were taken off their shoulders. After completing ohyakudo (hundred penance) on the Goreichi grounds, illnesses have taken favorable turns. When worshippers come in contact with the purified spirits that fill the Goreichi, they temporarily attain such state of mind and body. The Grand Festivals in Sacramento are celebrations of appreciation and joy that strengthen relationships among members. The member-built main hall (shown above) was dedicated in April 1952, coinciding with Spring Festival. Volunteers Offer Service to God In August 1950, the Fall Grand Festival was held for the first time in the U.S. The central object of worship was the small shrine of the Supreme Spirit of the Universe (Tenjinchigi), which was built at a corner of the Sacramento farmland now our U.S. Goreichi. The Grand Festivals at Goreichi would not be possible without the voluntary services and efforts of the Gedatsu members. Rendering service is no easy task because a few days prior to and after these events, to help one another, they have to find time to give free services over and above their own family needs. Since this voluntary service is not a business service but an offering of service to God, it may involve some physical hardships, but over a lifetime, this will result in blessings of good fortune. (Continued on back page) 5 P a g e

6 OUR GEDATSU PRACTICE Gedatsu Kongo urged members to request Manbu Kuyo for their departed ancestors and other souls. At the same time, he stressed the sacredness and power of this prayer, and instructed members to take great care and consideration when undertaking this practice. Making a Personal Commitment The Sacred Rite of Manbu Kuyo Twice a year, as part of the Gedatsu Spring and Fall Grand Festivals in Japan, a memorial rite for spirits is conducted on the Goreichi holy grounds. Called Manbu Kuyo literally meaning ten thousand expressions of respect the ceremony is performed to liberate all spirits from suffering and to transform them into protective spirits who can benefit the living. The Plea of a Buddhist Monk The origin of Manbu Kuyo dates back to the summer of 1934, when the soul of a deceased Buddhist monk appeared during a member s Goho Shugyo session, imploring that Manbu Kuyo be conducted for his peaceful repose in the spirit world. Unfamiliar with the practice, the member consulted Gedatsu Kongo, who, through his spiritual insight, had anticipated this moment, saying that he awaited this request to initiate the practice. After this, Gedatsu Kongo immediately prepared for the first Manbu Kuyo ceremony, which was conducted at the 1934 Fall Festival and has been performed twice a year since then. Elevating Souls Deceased and Living Alike The rite of Manbu Kuyo purifies and pacifies souls and spirits through the sacred power of Gedatsu Kongo and the holy Goho. This enables those spirits to free themselves from negative aspects that hinder them from working effectively in the spiritual realm, ushering them into a peaceful state that enhances their ability to aid the living and guide souls. The rite also renders a positive effect on those who are living, focusing the power of Manbu Kuyo for self-cultivation and developing one s character. According to the Founder, by requesting this Kuyo, you are taking a sacred oath that you will live purposefully fully performing your duties in life and working for the betterment of society and mankind. Therefore, think seriously when requesting Manbu Kuyo. Reflect deeply on the state of your mind and will, and convey your thoughts and intentions about the Kuyo with your family members and relatives. Members who would like to apply for Manbu Kuyo, should complete the application form that is included in this Companion newsletter, or request a form from your nearest branch church. It is recommended that you consult with one of the church ministers, who can explain the significance of the service and the various categories on the form, as well as guide you on the appropriate Kuyo for which you should apply. Formal Certificates Issued Following the Manbu Kuyo ceremony in Japan, applicants will be sent certificates signifying the completion of this sacred prayer. Enclosed with each certificate is a note containing the same brief statement that was printed with the first certificates in 1934: Please have all your family members understand the significance of this Manbu Kuyo, and keep this certificate as your family treasure forever. This certificate will be preserved in the All Souls Monument in Goreichi as long as the earth exists. Thus, these certificates should be reverently and permanently displayed on your home altar as a family treasure. 6 P a g e

7 OUR GEDATSU STUDY You Can Predict Your Own Future Sermon by Rev. Kazuo Yamada January 22, 2017 According to the Chinese zodiac, 2017 is the Year of the Rooster. However, because oriental astrology combines positive and negative forces corresponding to the five elements wood, fire earth, metal and water this year is more precisely identified as the Year of the Fire Rooster. Fire and rooster are entities that do not harmonize. Fire represents "growing, and rooster represents a "mature state. Therefore, this year means that things that have matured up to now will confront new movements. In other words, new forces will collide against conventional forces. For example, on the international scene, there will be a greater trend toward separation and divergence. The movements of integration and convergence, which have been progressing slowly, will decline. So, from this, one can predict that conflicts between globalization and nationalism will emerge. However, from the perspective of God, even those movements are just a small part of the process in the evolution of humanity. It all depends on our attitudes as to whether this will be a great year or not. Gedatsu Kongo stated: Because you are a reflection of your thoughts and consciousness, never forget that whether you thrive or suffer is entirely due to your state of mind. He also said: Just like our physical bodies exist in accordance with the universal phenomena, our minds also must exist in harmony with the mind of God. The Law of the Universe is the mind of God. It governs all the phenomena of the world. If you sincerely believe this, you are blessed, because you will be less likely to make mistakes. You will strive to live your life in harmony with the Law of the Universe. For example, we are taught that you sow seeds and reap what you sow. No one can escape from this law. We as humans are incorporated into the Law of the Universe. Gedatsu Kongo said that human life is like an echo in the hills. These simple words teach us that whatever we think or do will ultimately return to us. In other words, we get what we gave. This is a simple but very profound law. Life is always functioning according to the law. If we believe this, we should trust the law more and apply it to our lives to take advantage of it. According to the law, our present realities were created by our past thoughts and actions. If that is true, then we can take advantage of this law. We can improve our reality by improving the quality of our current thinking and behavior. Start working now to transform your present situation into the reality you want. However, if you go through life just reacting to events, you cannot create a better reality for yourself. Your passive or negative energy will be projected into the process where reality is produced. Your aimless way of living will result in an aimless reality. Therefore, step one: Be clear about what you really want to do, what you really want to be. Step two: Start working now to transform your present situation into the reality you want. The degree of energy and sincerity you put into working toward your goal will be shown to the degree in which your personal world will be created. Input equals output. You will get what you give, regardless of good or bad. Your life itself will prove that everything is functioning according to the law. If you are convinced of this truth and as long as you put forth the right energy you will be able to create a better reality for yourself. At the beginning of the year, Gedats Kongo would say, There are 365 days in a year, yet a same day never comes around again. Don t spend life aimlessly. What he meant by don t spend life aimlessly is: live your life with a clear sense of purpose. So, as you progress through this year, recognize your true value and mission, and clarify what you aim for. Then, sincerely work toward achieving your goal. 7 P a g e

8 OUR GEDATSU PRACTICE Amacha Kuyo and Kuyo Plaques One of the unique, sacred practices of our Gedatsu Church is the performance of Amacha blessing, in which we dedicate our sincere prayers and gratitude to God and all living things, and pray for the peaceful repose of our deceased ancestors and unrested spirits. We accomplish this by pouring Amacha sweet nectar tea over memorial tablets or stupa on which souls are invited to receive the blessing. Meaning of Amacha Kuyo While Amacha blessing is the particular method of performing prayer to one s ancestors and other related spirits, the performance of kuyo also effects the purification of the performer s own spirit. Amacha kuyo is therefore the holiest of the holy practices. When one performs the Amacha kuyo very sincerely, it has the power to release all spirits of their suffering. This power is derived from the Holy Goho, bequeathed by Gedatsu Kongo, which is printed in red on the kuyo plaques and stupa. The Goho contains the infinite and inexhaustible power of the Universal Life Force, or God, and the representation of its activities. Receiving Amacha Kuyo Plaques When an Amacha kuyo plaque is received, the following words should be expressed to Gedatsu Kongo: I gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the plaque, which has been blessed by the power of the Holy Goho. On behalf of the spirits concerned, I sincerely wish to express my most humble gratitude. Periodic Change of Kuyo Plaques The kuyo of the plaque containing the spirit of one s ancestors and the basic plaques of other spirits should be perpetually performed. These basic kuyo plaques should be exchanged once a year, like the changing to fresh clothing. Generally speaking, the kuyo for a particular spirit contained in a special plaque should be continued for a hundred days, although in some cases, they may be performed in excess of this period. Consult one of the ministers to determine if a spirit has received sufficient kuyo for its repose. Amacha blessing may be performed at home by pouring Amacha tea over kuyo plaques (above) or over a kuyo stupa (below), as in the churches. Completion of Kuyo When kuyo of a particular spirit has been performed for a designated period of time, the following words should be addressed to the spirit concerned: Your kuyo is hereby completed. Please come to rest in your memorial tablet (or other designed place of rest). Disposition of Old Kuyo Plaques When a kuyo plaque has been replaced with a new one, or kuyo has been consummated on a particular plaque, give prayers of appreciation to your old plaques, wash and dry them thoroughly, then return them to your local church. They will be burned in a plaque-burning service in Sacramento in the spring, undergoing a fiery decomposition back into the cosmos. 8 P a g e

9 JANUARY 2017 OFFERINGS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA $5 $49: P. Harada, M/M R. Nakatani, S. Taketa, K. Gibson, M/M D. Ide, Scott Family $50 $99: S. Tanaka, M/M D. Tsuboi, M/M B. Ide, M. Fukushima, J. Tanaka, Reano Family, Horner Family $100+: S. Bush, J. Detwiler / J. Sebe, M/M A. Akashi, Rev/Mrs. S. Matsuhashi $200+: S. Nishino, M/M C. Tanaka, A. Sebe, M/M S. Sekikawa, Yoshihiro / Noriko Noguchi Special Acknowledgment J. Sakamoto In memory of Bernard Sakamoto ($100) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA $5 $49: M/M K. Chinen, M/M N. Chodor, M/M V. Mizokami, T. Okazaki, T. Toyama, M/M R. Tsujimura $50 $99: M/M M. Hamada, A. Okimura, D. Karaoke Club, H. Kumashiro, K. Kuritani, M/M K. Kuritani, M/M S. Mukai, T. Murakami, M/M L. Muronaka, M. Nakamura, R. Nakamura, Y. Oishi, M. Okada, T. Okkimura, L. Sanchez, M/M A. Shiroishi, C. Tsujimura, M/M Ho. Tsujimura, M/M P. Young $100+: M/M T. Fukushima, M/M M. Ishida, T. Ishida, J. Kaku, M. Kimura, M/M T. Matsumoto, T. Matsuura, M. Michiuye, F. Miyamura, M/M C. Morioka, M/M M. Murakami, T. Nakamura, M/M S. Shaklan, M/M Hi. Tsujimura, M/M G. Wood, M/M K. Yamada $200+: M/M R. Allu, K. Fujii, M/M K. Kuritani, D. Shiroishi $300+: J. Ito $600+: T. O Leary Special Acknowledgment T&A Okimura Never Forgotten Service for Chika and Motoishi Okimura ($150) J. Peck Special Donation for Tomiko Mizokami ($1,000) L. Sanchez New Year Appreciation ($100) J. Shiroishi ($100) M. Okada ($100) Mukai Family ($100) M/M Ho. Tsujimura Memorial Service for Ancestors ($100) M/M R. Tsujimura ($100) Additional Donations to Flagpole Tribute Dr./Mrs. Norio Kishida ($1,000) H. Takahashi ($200) 2017 UPCOMING EVENTS May 14 (Sun) May 21 (Sun) May 30 (Tue) Sacramento Joen-no-gi (plaque burning) L.A. Mother s Day Service Church Closed (in lieu of Memorial Day) Jun 11 (Sun) Sacramento Mother s Day Service Jun 18 (Sun) L.A. Mother Kiyota s Memorial Service Jun (Sat-Sun) Rokujizo Bazaar Sac to 11.m. Jul 4 (Tue) Jul 16 (Sun) Jul 23 (Sun) Jul 29 (Sat) Aug 20 (Sun) Church Closed (Independence Day) L.A. Obon Service / Graduates Honored Sacramento Obon Service Lake Tahoe Benzaiten Service (TBD) L.A. Benzaiten Service Sep 3 (Sun) Fall Grand Festival 9:30 a.m. Sep 5 (Tue) Church Closed (in lieu of Labor Day) Sep 16 (Sat) L.A. Rummage Sale (TBD) Sep 17 (Sun) L.A. Higan Service Sep 24 (Sun) Sacramento Higan Service Sep 30- Oct 1 (Sat-Sun) L.A. Autumn Moon Festival Oct 10 (Tue) Oct 15 (Sun) Church Closed (in lieu of Columbus Day) L.A. Ujigami Service Nov 5 (Sun) L.A. Gedatsu Kongo Memorial Service Nov 12 (Sun) Sacramento Gedatsu Kongo Birthday Nov 18 (Sat) L.A. Casino Bus Trip (TBD) Nov 19 (Sun) L.A Year Children s Celebration / Gedatsu Kongo Birthday Nov Church Closed (Thanksgiving Holiday) Dec 3 (Sun) Dec. 10 (Sun) Dec 10 (Sun) Dec 17 (Sun) Dec L.A. Archbishop Kishida Memorial Service Sacramento Last Service of Year, All Souls Service, Archbishop Kishida Memorial Service L.A. Church Clean-up L.A. Christmas Service, Last Kanshakai Church Closed Correction: In the photo on the back page of the February 2017 Companion, the child held by Reiko Kishida was misidentified as her son Norio. In fact, the child is her grandchild, Eiko, the daughter of Norio Kishida. Editor 9 P a g e

10 3 月度教会行事予定 ロサンゼルス教会 5 日 ( 日 ) 10:00A 日本語感謝会 11 日 ( 土 ) 8:00A モロンゴ バス ツアー 12 日 ( 日 ) 10:00A 祥月追善法要 17 日 ( 金 ) 10:00A 布教会議 18 日 ( 土 ) 10:00A 理事会 19 日 ( 日 ) 10:00A 日英感謝会 彼岸法要 26 日 ( 日 ) 10:00A 英語感謝会 阿字観法 サクラメント教会 5 日 ( 日 ) 10:00A 祥月追善法要 12 日 ( 日 ) 9:30A 感謝会 阿字観法 26 日 ( 日 ) 9:30A 感謝会 彼岸法要 3 月度みさとし この身は無量の恩の結晶である 今日一日の生活を静かに見つめてみましょう そうすれば 平凡に見える今日という一日が そして自分という存在が 実に多くの人やもののおかげによって成り立っているということに気づくでしょう 何よりも生命自体 自分の力で生み出したものではありません われわれはみんな 宇宙大生命によってこの世に生みなされ 今日もこうして生かされているのです また 両親をはじめ無数の先祖なくして自分の存在はありえません 一人前の人間として 日本人として 生きていくために必要な常識もマナーも言葉もさまざまな知識も そのすべては先人たちによって伝えられ教えられたものです そして今日一日の生活をふり返ってみるだけでも 空気や水や太陽光線をはじめ衣食住の一切が宇宙万物や多くの人々によって与えられたものであることがわかります 自分の力で生み出したものなど 何もないのです すべては他から与えられたものであり われわれはいわば 無量の恩の結晶 と呼ぶべき存在であることがわかります この事実に深く気づいたとき 人は誰でもかぎりない感謝の念に満たされ 少しでも世のため人のためにお使いいただきたいと心から願うようになるものです この 感謝報恩という生き方こそ 人間の幸福と共存共栄の道であることはいうまでもありません 解脱人生相談 行なき信仰は水の泡である < 質問 > 私はいつも人生で恵まれたもののすべて を神 先祖に感謝していますが それだけでは足りな いのでしょうか なぜ教会にかよい 天茶供養をささ げたり祈ったりしなければならないのですか? 回答者 : 瀧久和現代人は 思考や観念というものを強く信じています つまり 心に思ったことはそのまま実際にそうなっていると考えがちだということです これがわれわれの通常の考え方であって それが問題なのです あなたは神 先祖に十分感謝していると思っているようですが あなたが実際にその通りであるかどうか どうしてわかるのでしょうか たとえばダイエットのことを考えてみてください 太り過ぎは健康によくないということは 誰でも知っています しかし 実際にダイエットをして体重を減らすことは容易なことではありません ヘビースモーカーや酒飲みにも同じことがいえるでしょう 自分が思ったことを実際に行うことが いったいなぜそれほどむずかしいのか それは われわれの中には先祖代々かけてつくられてきた業 ( 習慣エネルギー ) が根深く存在しているからです その習慣エネルギーを変えるためには そのための訓練を実際に行わなければなりません だからこそあらゆる宗教において 祈りや瞑想など 行 の大切さが強調されているのです トーマス エジソンが 天才とは 1 パーセントのひらめきと 99 パーセントの汗である と述べています あれほどの天才的発明家にしてこの言葉を述べていることを しっかり受け止めるべきです オリンピック選手はみんな天性の才能に恵まれた人たちばかりであるに違いありません しかし同時に そんな彼らがみな 毎日練習に余念のない大変な努力家であることはよく知られています 実際 われわれのような普通の人間の方が 練習や訓練を軽く見ているのではないでしょうか 開教師の先生がおっしゃることを 言い訳をせず とにかくそのまま実践するよう心がけてください そうすればきっと 真に感謝の念に満ちた人間に生まれ変わることができるでしょう Lecture by Sr. Deacon Jackson Ito 2 与えて求めぬ 太神の御心首席開教師補佐 ジャクソン伊藤私たち家族が最初に解脱会に入会した際に 母は他の会員さんが感謝と呼ばれるお金を封筒に入れて教会に寄付していることに気づきました そこで 私の母は清田先生にいくらくらい感謝を出せばよいのか尋ねました すると清田先生は 各家庭によっ

11 て経済状況がまったく違うため いくらですと決めたものはないんですよ そうおっしゃった後 ただし あなたが神様に出させていただいた感謝は 必ず何倍にもなってご自身に返ってきますよ と 教えてくださいました 私はその時 9 歳か10 歳で その時すでに私は疑い深くなっており 清田先生がそう言ったのは結局 教会はお金が必要だからだと思っていました その後今に至るまで 私は自分にできるだけの感謝をさせていただいてきました もちろん その感謝の見返りを求めたことはありません しかし 2014 年の1 月 私が投資をしていた株式の1つが予想外にたった1 日で 90% 以上も値上がりしました 本当にありがたかったのと同時に 私がロサンゼルスの大学生でお金もあまりなかった頃 ロサンゼルス周辺の会員さんが色々と親切にしてくれたことを思い出しました これは そういった今までにいただいてきたことに対してお返しをする良い機会だと思い 数か月後に控えていた春季大祭参加のためにロサンゼルスから出ているチャーターバスの費用を出させていただこうと考えました 私のその提案に対し 当時の理事長であるルディ辻村さんは 次の秋の大祭が米国解脱教会 65 周年の周年行事であるため 春の大祭ではなく 秋の大祭の際にバスの費用を寄付してほしいと提案してきました 私は では 春と秋 どちらもさせていただきます と真心よりお伝えしました すると 2015 年の 1 月から 3 月にかけて 同じ株式がさらに倍に値上がりしました この時初めて 65 年前 清田先生が私の母に感謝金の額について質問した際に言っていた言葉の意味が分かりました その後すぐに 太神さまの前で今後私が生きている限り 春と秋の大祭両方のバスの費用を寄付させていただくことをお誓いしました この誓いは私の今後も株式で利益をあげられることを前提とした条件的なものではなく これまでに株式でいただいてきた利益に対する感謝の気持ちでさせていただいたものです 例え今度の株式投資でまったく利益をあげられなかったとしても関係なく続けさせていただきます 正直に言うと この内容に関して 私はあまり声を高々にして皆様にお伝えするべきではありません なぜなら私は米国解脱教会の会計担当理事であり 清田先生のおっしゃったことを繰り返すことによっ て会員さんに感謝をもっと請求しているように思わ れたくないからです ただ純粋に私の体験を述べさせ ていただいていることをご理解ください もし もっとお金を儲けたいから 利益をあげたい からという思いで感謝を出していたのであればこの ような結果にはならなかったと思います これは 努 力して要求せず 与えて求めぬ という気持ちで感 謝をさせていただいたからこそ頂けたものだと思い ます ( 翻訳 岡野尚也 ) ( 原文は解脱教会ホームページに ) 掲示板 柴燈護摩および萬部供養の申込受け付け中ですなるべく 3 月 19 日までにお申し込みください 岡野総長布教会 理事会出席のため来訪されます岡野英夫総長は 3 月 16 日にロサンゼルス入りし 22 日に帰国されます LA 教会から春季大祭の無料バスが出ますサクラメントの春季大祭に向けロサンゼルス教会からバスが 4 月 8 日 ( 土 ) 夜 10 時に出発します バス代は ジャクソン伊藤さんが寄付くださいますので 無料です この機会にぜひ多くの方をお誘いし参加ください バス利用希望者は 教会のサインシートにお名前を記入ください 本年から大祭の開始時間が 30 分早まりますサクラメント今春の大祭から式典開始時刻が午前 9 時 30 分からの開始となります LA 教会モロンゴ カジノ バスツアーバスは 3 月 11 日土曜 朝 8 時に教会を出発します 帰りは教会に午後 6 時頃に戻る予定です バス料金は一人 25 ドル 昼食は各自でお取りいただきます アウトレット モールに隣接していますのでショッピングもできます ぜひ友人をお誘いしご参加ください 希望者は 教会ロビーのサインシートにお名前をご記入ください 霊廟祭祀の申込料が一霊 $300 となりました本年度より秋の大祭で行われる解脱霊廟への祭祀申込料が 一霊につき $300 となりました 本年の祭祀申し込みの締め切りは 6 月 18 日となります 申込書は各教会事務所にあります 訃報 ロサンゼルス教会会員 北川嘉彦さん (97 歳 ) におかれましては 1 月 19 日に逝去されました ロサンゼルス教会会員 デニス 渡口さん (58 歳 ) におかれましては 1 月 25 日に逝去されましたここに謹んで哀悼の意を表します

12 GEDATSU COMPANION Vol. 68 No. 3 March 2017 The Gedatsu Companion is published monthly for members like Marian Mizokami of the L.A. Church. Marian and her husband, Victor, reside in Culver City, where they raised three children: Staci, Karen and Steve. After years of working as an administrative assistant, Marian retired in 2010 to help care for their grandkids, who now number five and range in age from two months to 13 years. The newest grandson was born in December, a great Christmas present! Marian and Victor currently care for two grandsons, Mason and Ethan, and love interacting with them. In her spare time, Marian enjoys cooking, baking and crocheting. 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 Yoko Yamada, Photographer Editorial contributors to this issue: Rev. George Matsuhashi, Marian Mizokami, Rev. Naoya Okano, Sr. Rev. Akira Sebe, Rev. Hisakazu Taki, Calvin Tanaka, Rev. Kazuo Yamada (Sanctity of Goreichi Continued from page 5) Worshippers express their prayers of appreciation in the Gochi Sanctuary during the Spring and Fall Grand Festivals. The reason is that in rendering free services at Goreichi, you are not only serving God, but you are engaged in purifying your own soul. Therefore, when you visit Goreichi your primary intention must be to express gratitude for being given the chance to visit Goreichi. When you render your free services for the Grand Festivals and other events, you must possess a sense of absolute appreciation for being given a chance a to serve. But when you get too accustomed to these events, you are apt to think that you attended enough events and offered enough appreciation and free services. Such thoughts arise from the viewpoint of social service, and do not align with true pious feeling. Consequently, in certain cases, impiety or disrespect to God may occur. Gedatsu Kongo s gave these words of advice concerning the attitude of those who pay homage to Goreichi: If you attempt to get yourself on the true path, repent your shortcomings and pray with all sincerity. You will then purify yourself, and your prayers will be answered. Goreichi in Sacramento was acquired through Gedatsu Kongo s guidance. Gedatsu Kongo expounded a doctrine of self-reflection, piety, respect for ancestors and absolute gratitude and appreciation. If you can truly deepen your understanding of the spirit of Gedatsu Kongo s teachings and can practice this in your daily life, you will be able to receive unlimited virtues whenever you pay homage at Goreichi.