THE GEPPO A publication of the Ogden Buddhist Temple 155 North Street Ogden, UT 84404 801/392-7132 P.O. Box 3248 Ogden, UT 84409 Temple President: Thomas F. Supervising Reverend: Rev. Jerry Hirano Minister s Assistant: Geoffrey R. Rev. Hirano contact info: Office 801-363-4742 Minister s Assistant: James A. Home 801-299-8727 Junior Minister s Assistant: Charles A. Emergency 801-819-2648 Web Site: ogdenbuddhistchurch.org Temple E-mail: ogdenbuddhisttemple@gmail.com From Boo to Namo Amida Butsu By Reverend Hirano (Originally published in the November 2016 Buddhist Thoughts) Dear, dear! How queer everything is to-day! And yesterday things went on just as usual. I wonder if I ve been changed in the night. Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I m not the same, the next question is Who in the world am I? ~Alice s Adventures in Wonderland T here s a new television series that I m really enjoying. It s called Westworld, loosely based on the science fiction movie written and directed by Michael Crichton. The original movie starred Yul Brynner, and although I primarily like him in The Magnificent Seven, he was still cool in Westworld. The series and movie are about an adult type of Disneyland called Westworld, but I don t want to focus on the series or movie. In the current series, there is a segment when an android is asked to read from Alice s Adventures in Wonderland, one of my favorite novels. The android reads the quote I began with. This reminded me of one of my favorite Disney cartoons the 1951 Alice and Wonderland. In the movie, Alice meets Absolem the caterpillar. Caterpillar: Who... are... you? Alice: I- I hardly know, sir. I've changed so many times since this morning, you see... Caterpillar: No, I do not 'C.' Explain yourself. Alice: I'm afraid I can't explain myself sir, because I'm not myself, you know. Caterpillar: I do not know. Alice: Well, I can't put it any more clearly, sir, for it isn't clear to me. Caterpillar: You? Who ARE you? Rev. Hirano s article continued on next page.
In the Disney version Richard Haydn is the voice of Absolem, and in the Tim Burton version it is Alan Rickman. I know it s geeking out a bit, but Alan Rickman also played Prof. Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies, another favorite. So many favorites, new favorite T.V. show, favorite novel, favorite Disney cartoon, favorite character in Harry Potter, etc. etc., so many favorites flashed through my mind at this android sequence, but I knew I had to focus my November article on this question. Although in the book, Absolem the blue caterpillar never asks the question, it is a question Alice asks of herself. This question asked by Absolem in the Disney cartoon is the central question of Buddhism. Who are you? Since it is in October when I am writing this article, it is also a great time for each of us to ask ourselves Who am I? I think it is important to always question our lives. I have found that the most important concept that Buddhism has taught me is that all things are in constant flux. There is a vibration within our lives, even shinjin (faith mind) is a dynamic vibration within our lives. It is not an unchanging constant but a movement within the question of Who am I? When we are able to answer the question of Who am I? we move into the realm of gratitude. Very appropriate for Halloween moving into Thanksgiving. Happy Halloween leads to the question of Who am I? Naturally moving us to Namo Amida Butsu. Trick or Treat, what did you get or give? PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Happy New Year!!! I hope everyone s Holiday season was safe and enjoyable. I d like to thank everyone for the support you ve provided me over the past two years. I know it will continue for the New 2017 church officers and board members. BCA announcement that Rev. Donald Castro, Rinban of the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple we retire on December 31, 2016. In March, temple representatives will attend the National Council meeting in San Jose, California to learn about the Buddhist Churches of America budget and other topics impacting the our church. Thank you again and see you at the temple. In Gassho, Thomas F. GEPPO Page 2
BWA NEWS Greetings from the Ogden BWA Another year has come and gone. Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season! The last few months of 2016 were busy for the BWA. November 6 th we had the Eshinni Ko/BWA Memorial Service where we honor Eshinni Ko and past members of the BWA. Thanks to the toban there was a wonderful lunch before the service, it was very good. We had a guest speaker, she was such a great speaker and added so much to this special service. Her sermon was very touching. Thank you to Reverend Hirano for arranging the guest speaker. November 20 nd we held our annual general meeting. The new officers for 2017 voted in are: President Tami H., 1 st VP Lorraine S., 2 nd VP Ruth S., 3 rd VP Annette K., recording secretary Linda R., corresponding secretary Christy F., treasurer Ellen K., and co auditors Suzan Y. and Julia F.. Thank you ladies for graciously accepting to continue as officers for 2017. December 11 th we celebrated Bodhi Day. Thank you again to the BWA ladies for a wonderful lunch of ham and potatoes before service. The lunch was very tasty. The next meeting will be Sunday, February 5 th, 2016 at 11:00am. Save the date, we will be having the BWA Membership Party March 5 th. We will be sending out a letter with more information for this event. I look forward to another great year and as always thank you everyone for supporting the BWA. In Gassho, Tami H. BWA DONATIONS Removed for Online Version GEPPO Page 3
DHARMA SCHOOL NEWS Superintendent Message December was a busy month for the Dharma School. The Dharma School students, parents and a bunch of great temple member volunteers made and sold manju and mochi bites at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple Holiday Boutique on November 19 th and 20 th. Again, our appreciation to all the temple members who donated both their time and supplies to help out. The Dharma School also would like to extend their appreciation to all temple members who supported and contributed to the students annual Dana project. Our students were able to shop for five deserving children through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program this year. Annette K. presented a great Dharma School lesson after the students completed their shopping. Hopefully, our students realize how grateful they should be for their own living environment after shopping for these children. One more note of gratitude to our temple members for supporting the YBA mochi fundraiser during our Bodhi Day service on December 11th. Also, thanks to the temple members who donated the use of their mochi makers and to those who came on December 10 th to help make and package the mochi. Also, a big thank you to Stan and Tammy H. for organizing this event for the YBA. Our appreciation to Suzan Y. for making delicious sloppy joe sandwiches for lunch. Given the temperature at the time of writing this article, we probably stand a good chance of being able to have our annual Perch at the Church ice fishing event scheduled for Sunday, January 8 th. Steve and Ellen K. have graciously volunteered their time again this year to organize the event, weather permitting. Steve will be letting us know more details if the temperature continues to stay cold. In Gassho, LaVerne K. Dharma School Donations Removed for Online Version Angel Tree Donors Removed for Online Version GEPPO ~ Page 4
Honoring A Commitment To Our Sangha We recently honored Annette K. for her dedication and commitment to the Buddhist Church of Ogden as she resigns as our Minister s Assistant. Annette has selflessly donated her time to our temple and the Dharma School for the past 10 years. We truly appreciate everything she has done for us in this capacity. Annette is not going away though! She will still chair services and has agreed to be our President-Elect for the temple. We are excited to support her in this new role as well. The vase that now sits on the alter is engraved with the inscription, Presented to ANNETTE K. In appreciation for years of service as a Minister s Assistant Buddhist Church of Ogden 2006-2016 THANK YOU ANNETTE FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO OUR TEMPLE! GEPPO Page 5
2017 Ogden Dharma School Winter Party 8 January 2017 Ice fishing at MANTUA RESERVOIR (same as last year) When 1. On the ice at 7:30am. If you want to carpool, meet at the Church by 7:00am. 2. We ll fish until about 1:00pm and plan on lunch at 2:00pm. 3. If you can t make it fishing, please feel free to come to the Church for lunch!!!! How to Get There 1. Travel up I-15 North to exit 362 (the first Brigham City exit). 2. Exit freeway at exit 362. There are several freeway signs designating this exit ( US 89/91 North, Logan/Utah State, 1100 South ). 3. Travel through the two signal lights and continue on US 89/91. 4. Go past the 1 st Mantua exit. 5. Exit to the right at the 2 nd Mantua exit. 6. Turn right at Stop sign on MAIN STREET and travel south about ¼ mile. 7. Parking lots will be on your left. There are two lots a small one near the restrooms (building with red roof) and a larger lot slightly before. 8. Walk up the dike to access the reservoir. Look for the red, fishing tent with the red University of Utah banner. What to Bring 1. Fishing License If you are 12 years old or older you need a license to fish. Buy your license at any license agent (egs: Sportsman s Warehouse, K-Mart, etc.) or on-line at http://wildlife.utah.gov. 2. Warm Clothes (dress in layers) gloves, hat, snow pants and especially insulated (preferably waterproof) boots. 3. Optional a. Something to sit on small, collapsible camp chairs work well. b. Drinks and snacks. c. Change of clothes (just in case). What to be Careful of 1. Be very careful when walking on the ice - it can be very slippery. Also be aware of drilled ice holes they can be as large as 10 inches in diameter and you don t want to step in them. 2. Don t worry if you hear the ice crack that means the ice is safe (really!!!) 3. Carefully observe all traffic laws in and around Mantua the local police can be overzealous and you don t want to get a ticket!!! For the Kids - I ll be awarding prizes for the biggest fish in length of each species. If you catch a big fish, come see Steve Kato for measuring!!! - Perch (limit of 50); Bluegill and Sunfish (limit of 50 in combination); Trout (limit of 4); Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass (limit of 6 in combination) *Check the 2017 fishing proclamation for current license costs and fish limits. GEPPO Page 6
HELPFUL PRACTICAL TIPS TO RECEIVE GOOD MEDICAL CARE There are six major symptoms you should not ignore that need immediate medical attention: CHEST PAIN SEVERE PAIN NUMBNESS CHOKING DIZZINEZZ EXTREMELY HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE 1. When you call the doctor with any of the above symptoms you need to be assertive and explain you need medical attention now. The person that answers the phone might put you on hold and try to make an appointment in 2 weeks or 2 months, but you need to be assertive and repeat again that you need medical attention now because of the above symptoms. 2. If above is ignored, call 911 3. When you go to your doctor always take with you the list of questions and list of all your medications including any over the counter medications. Take a pen and paper so you can write all the information from the doctor s visit. Always carry another list of all your medications in your wallet or purse. Give your list to a significant other before a crises occurs. 4. If you can t get hold of your doctor, call your pharmacist. They are as knowledgeable as your doctor. 5. When you are hospitalized or seeing your physician, if possible, have a friend or a relative with a medical background get involved. They are helpful in assuring that you receive good care. 6. Helps to wear loose clothing when you go to the doctor s office or hospital. Also, take a book or something to read in case the wait for the appointment is long. It s that time of year to PARTY! SUPER BOWL 2017! Sunday, February 5, 2017 4:00 pm Bring your money and your BEST pot luck food item to share! GEPPO Page 7
In Memory The Ogden Buddhist Temple Sangha extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the following member who recently passed away. May the family members find solace and comfort in the Nembutsu. Namo Amida Butsu Masao Endo November 5, 2016 Roy Ryujin November 23, 2016 MEDITATION CLASS Every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Please come join us for a short seated meditation and period of Mindful Movement every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. The class is open to anyone who is interested in meditation. It would be helpful if attendees could bring a yoga mat or Zafu to use during sitting meditation. Loose, casual clothing is all that is required. Then stay for our Discussion Group at 12:30 p.m. GEPPO Page 8
2017 Ogden Buddhist Church Officers OGDEN BUDDHIST CHURCH BOARD President..Shauna R. & Suzan Y. President-Elect Annette K. 1st VP..Geoff R. 2nd VP.Kris Y. 3rd VP.Toby Y. 4th VP..Kirk Y. & Steve K. Treasurer...Betty Y. Assistant Treasurer..Tami H. Recording Secretary...Ruth S. Corresponding Secretary..Ellen K. Historian...Maya C. & LaVerne K. Auditor.Janice S. 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS James A., Maya C., Christy F., Tom F., Julia F., Fran H., Todd H., Marie H., Stan H., Tami H., Ellen K., Steve K., Annette K., Mike K., Brenda K., Greg O., Kunie O., Jeannie P., Shauna R., Geoff R., Linda E.-R., Lorraine S., Ruth S., Janice S., Roland S., Harry S., Kris Y., Steve Y., Betty Y., Kirk Y., Toby Y., Blaine Y., Suzan Y., LaVerne K., and Ernie K.. OGDEN BUDDHIST WOMEN S ASSOCIATION President...Tami H. 1st VP...Lorraine S. 2nd VP...Ruth S. 3rd VP...Annette K. Recording Secretary...Linda E.-R. Corresponding Secretary...Christy F. Treasurer...Ellen K. Auditor...Julia F. & Suzan Y. OGDEN DHARMA SCHOOL Superintendent...LaVerne K. Religious Chair..Annette K. & Suzan Y. Secretary Kris Y. Treasurer Betty Y. Ogden Dharma School Board: Justine H., Robyn H., Suzan Y., Stan H., LaVerne K., Kris Y., Betty Y., Lorraine S., Ellen K., Geniel S., Tami H., Kirk Y., Annette K., Maya C., Shauna R., and Stacie H.. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS! GEPPO Page 9
Ho-onko Service January Shotsuki Hoyo Installation of Officers Sunday, January 22, 2017-1:30 p.m. Otoki Lunch - 12:00 p.m. Goshoki Hoonko (Observance of Anniversary of Death and Repay Debt of Gratitude) Shinran Shonin's Memorial Service - Within the Nishi Hongwanji tradition this is the most important observance of the year. It is held to acknowledge our debt of gratitude to Shinran Shonin for opening the Nembutsu teachings for us. Shotsuki Hoyo - Monthly Memorial Service Nihan-E Service February Shotsuki Hoyo Pet Memorial Service (Please bring pictures of your pets to place on the altar) Sunday, February 26, 2017-1:30 p.m. When Shakyamuni Buddha attained Enlightenment, he achieved the state of Nirvana. However, in retaining his physical body, he did not achieve complete Nirvana. This observance is to commemorate Shakyamuni Buddha's death and entrance into complete Nirvana. GEPPO ~ Page 10
January & February Shotsuki Hoyo January Shotsuki Hoyo January 22, 2017, 1:30 p.m. Jan 15 2009 Lily S. Endow Jan 7 1965 Yeijiro Hirai Jan 7 1977 Yoshio Horiuchi Jan 21 1980 Peter J. Hunt Jan 4 1972 Chong Sun Johnson Jan 10 1992 Wataru Kamigaki Jan 17 1954 Toshio Kato Jan 29 1973 Ura U. Kawaguchi Jan 16 1977 Eikichi Kawaguchi Jan 28 2003 Jake Hideo Koga Jan 27 2015 Steven Koga Jan 9 1983 Fujiko Kojima Jan 5 1998 Soichi Kojima Jan 23 1980 Toshita Mayeda Jan 4 1978 Yasuzo Minaga Jan 17 1999 Sam Sadao Miya Jan 28 1984 Masaji Miyagishima Jan 31 1998 Tono Miyagishima Jan 5 2001 Masano Morimoto Jan 14 1964 Yeitaro Nishihara Jan 12 1988 Ichimatsu Nisogi Jan 30 1968 Takao Okubo Jan 7 2007 Amy Sameshima Jan 13 2014 Hisaye Shiki Jan 24 1964 Kenzo Seino Jan 22 1992 Yoneko Mary Takabayashi Jan 31 1978 George Y. Tanaka Jan 3 1974 Aki Toimoto Jan 10 1977 Yuriko C. Yamada Jan 17 2010 William Yamane Jan 16 1997 Namiye Yamamoto Jan 2 1960 Matsujiro Yamashita Jan 23 1956 Morikiyo Yei February Shotsuki Hoyo February 26, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. Feb 21 1995 Harue Enomoto Feb 17 1968 Otojiro Fukuda Feb 10 1965 Hitoshi Hoshiko Feb 24 1964 Takematsu Inouye Feb 28 1986 Matsue Kano Feb 17 1969 Shozo Kariya Feb 19 1998 Yukie Kawa (Ozawa) Feb 2 2000 Izumi Kishimoto Feb 19 1966 Wakamatsu Kiyotsugu Feb 9 1967 Sahei Kosai Feb 23 1975 Gensaku J. Miyagishima Feb 2 1973 Kazue Nishikawa Feb 28 1989 Shigeso Frank Nishimoto Feb 21 1978 Jerrod Nisogi Feb 25 1993 Mitsuye Oda Feb 18 1994 Yukiye Omori Feb 1 2008 Kiyoshi Kay Shimada Feb 18 1965 Hiroshi Shioji Feb 16 1986 Teruo Ted Suekawa Feb 8 2015 Roy Gosaku Taketa Feb 12 1994 Kazuye (Kathy)Taniguchi (Yagi) Feb 29 2005 Jane Tomiko Tsushima Feb 19 1992 Niroku Uyematsu Feb 29 1968 Michiye Watanabe Feb 12 1996 Frank Toichi Yoshida Feb 20 1961 Thomas T. Yoshitaka For those years not having a specific memorial service such as 2nd, 4th, 5th, etc. the temple is holding these monthly Shotsuki Hoyo. During these services, the temple will list the names of those members who have died during the month in the preceding years. The families then attends that monthly service in memory of their loved one. These services are not meant to replace the specific memorial services. Please contact Rev. Hirano to make arrangements for those services. Rev. Hirano contact information - Office: 363-4742, Home: 299-8727, Emergency: 819-2648 2017 Memorial Service Schedule for those who passed away in: 2016 1 year 2005 13 year 1983 33 year 2015 3 year 2001 17 year 1968 50 year 2011 7 year 1993 25 year 1918 100 year Corrections/Additions to the Shotsuki Hoyo list, please contact Ruth Schriock, 801-292-6042 GEPPO ~ Page 11
January 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 NO SERVICES IN OGDEN 7:30 am Perch at the Church Dharma School Winter Party! 2:00 pm Perch at the Church LUNCH 8 9 10 7:30 pm OBC Board Meeting 11 10:00 am Buddha s Round Table 12 13 14 NO SERVICES IN OGDEN 10:00 am - Inside Church Clean-Up Everybody is invited to come help clean and organize the inside of the Temple! 12:00 pm Otoki Lunch 12:00 pm - Meditation 12:30 pm Discussion Group 12:45 pm Dharma School 1:30 pm Ho onko Service Shotuski Hoyo Installation of Officers 15 22 16 17 18 10:00 am Buddha s Round Table 19 20 21 Dr. MLK Jr. Day 23 24 25 26 27 28 NO SERVICES IN OGDEN 10:00 am Omigaki (Alter Cleaning) Please come and help clean & shine the Temple Alter. 29 30 31 Toban Cleaning Group: Blaine & Suzan Y. (Toban Cleaning Leader) Kunie O. Greg O. Karen D. GEPPO Page 15
February 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 10:00 am Buddha s Round Table 2 3 4 12:00 pm - Meditation 12:30 pm Discussion Group 12:45 pm Dharma School 1:30 pm Family Service 5 6 7 8 10:00 am Buddha s Round Table 9 10 11 4:00 pm SUPER BOWL PARTY 12:00 pm - Meditation 12:30 pm Discussion Group 12:45 pm Dharma School 1:30 pm Family Service 12:00 pm - Meditation 12:30 pm Discussion Group 12:45 pm Dharma School 1:30 pm Family Service 12:00 pm - Meditation 12:30 pm Discussion Group 12:45 pm Dharma School 1:30 pm Nihan-E Service Pet Memorial Shotsuki Hoyo 12 19 26 13 14 20 7:30 pm OBC Board Meeting President s Day Holiday 27 28 15 10:00 am Buddha s Round Table 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 Toban Cleaning Group: Craig & Geniel S. (Toban Cleaning Leader) LaVerne & Ernie K. Andrew K. GEPPO Page 16