Whether you accept the nembutsu, a call of Amida, entrusting yourself to it, or reject it, that is your own choice.

HikaritheLight October 2017 Whether you accept the nembutsu, a call of Amida, entrusting yourself to it, or reject it, that is your own choice. Master Shinran (1173-1263) When we built our temple in 2009, there was a lot of open space around here and we were the only religious institution. However, we now have two Christian churches around us. The other day, a visitor came to our temple. He said, Oh, now you have competitors. I said, Competitors!? We are not like a business organization. Do you mean the conversion of the different faith? He said, Yes, you must convert people of those churches. I said, No, we do not need to convert. There is no idea to convert others in Buddhism. There is a story to demonstrate this. One time, a person who was a follower of Jainism came to listen to the Buddha. After listening to Buddha s teachings, he was very impressed and told the Buddha, I want to become your follower. But the Buddha did not immediately accept him. Think well and respect your teaching. Then decide. Unlike Buddhism, Christian and Muslim faiths have tendencies to press all people in the world to accept God or Allah. Christian missionaries go everywhere and undergo all sorts of hardship to bring the gospel of Jesus to all mankind. That is fine. BTSA Minister: Rev. Yasuo Izumi 403.382.7024 yasuo123@shaw.ca 470-40 St S Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Z5 403.327.1260 www.thebtsa.com Jodo Shinshu ministers go to Hawaii, North America, Brazil or other countries upon requests of those who have similar opinions. They are called Kaikyoshi, which literally means a messenger to open and share the Dharma. That is all. No compelling, no threatening in regards to disseminate the teaching. Buddhism does not believe that everyone will or must become a follower of Buddhism. It is said that Sakyamui Buddha taught 84,000 different paths so that there might be one suited to each possible kind of human characters, abilities and circumstances. The gate is open to everyone. There is a story: When Shinran s disciples were arguing about my followers and other s followers, he said As for myself I do not have even a single follower. If the karmic condition come together, we shall be together. If the karmic condition is to be separated, we shall be separated. In Buddhism, there is no punishment or excommunication if you become someone else s follower. True Buddhists accept and are satisfied that a Christian is a Christian, a Muslim is a Muslim and an atheist is an atheist. Religion is not like the Olympic Games, win or lose. It is not like a business venture, gain or loss. It is entirely an individual choice. Let them come and let them go. Gassho, Yasuo Izumi, Minister Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta 実り秋は 実りの秋 といわれています 実った穀物を収穫するときですが 実りをもたらすためには 不断の努力が必要です たとえ努力をしても天候の良しあしで実りがあるかどうかは分かりません せっかくの努力も無駄になるかもしれません 食事のときに 一粒でもご飯粒を残すと罰が当たる ということを昔の人は言われました お米を作る人たちだけでなく 目に見えない多くの働きを 何もせず私たちは頂いているのですから 感謝をせずに 結果だけを食べる ということは確かに罰が当たります 私たちはお念仏のみ教えを聞かせていただいています 親鸞聖人の言われたお念仏とは 仏様の呼び声 南無阿弥陀仏のことです あらゆる命あるものを悟りのお浄土に生まれさせずにはおかない と誓われる仏様の大きな願いです そのために仏様は人智を超える難行苦行をされたとあります 迷える私たちのためにです 私たちは何もせず ただ頂くのです 昔の方々は 聴聞を通して それを ありがたい と受け取られました 聖人は 限られた人生においてこの仏様の心 呼び声に遇わなければ 空しい ことである とおっしゃっています 空しいとは うわべを着飾っても空っぽの人生 実りなき人生ということでありましょう いよいよ聴聞させていただきましょ 合掌南アルバータ仏教会開教使泉康雄

BTSA Notes The month of October brings us Thanksgiving, a single day in the calendar year dedicated to express thanks. It officially reminds us of the many things for which we can be grateful all year long and is useful to instill humility and humanity. An old joke has it that Canadians observe Thanksgiving earlier than Americans because we have less to be thankful for, but jokes do have a way of going stale in their re-telling. Besides, evidence suggests otherwise: gratitude is gratitude wherever and however it s expressed and it s really not confined to a single day. Most recently, the efforts of firefighters whose actions protected the Waterton town site and area during the Kenow wildfire come to mind. The hazy, smoke-filled days are difficult to forget and we can t thank enough all those who fought to contain the wildfires along the foothills. No doubt we can think of numerous other things we take for granted most of the time, and Thanksgiving allows us to reflect on the multitude of things in our daily life for which we can be grateful. The Buddhadharma and gathas like Shinshu Shuka (Shinshu Anthem) and Ondokusan (Gratefulnes) are constant reminders. Fittingly, too, October commemorates the establishment of Jodo Shinshu in Canada 112 years ago, a worthy event. Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada Day is on Oct. 11, although BTSA will be observing it formally at its Oct. 29 service. Please look over messages from Rev. Tatsuya Aoki, bishop of JSBTC, and David Ohori, president. It s also time for our fall chow mein supper, which entails much work but, at the same time, brings members and Dharma friends together for a common cause. It s on Oct. 15 at 1 to 5 p.m. All who can help on that day and the day before in preparation are most gratefully welcome. The University of Lethbridge Life Balance Fair has invited BTSA again this year to have a table at the fair on Oct. 25. Izumi sensei, Roland and I will be manning the table. Please wander by if you happen to be on campus. We had occasion to express BTSA thanks to all our dedicated members and friends on Sept. 10 with a Sangha Appreciation Lunch. Thanks to Sylvia Oishi for overseeing this effort and to the Development Committee members for organizing and executing the plan. Look over Sylvia s account and some photos from that get-together. Later in September, a mein-making session drew a large number of people to the temple. Thank you all who turned out and worked furiously to produce the muchdesired noodles. Everyone s continuing support is deeply appreciated. Please look over the photos from that event, too. Akira Ichikawa CHAIR SCHEDULE October & November 2017 Services begin at 10:30 a.m. unless otherwise indicated. Oct 01 SHOTSUKI Chair: Val Boras Audio: Tak Okamura Oct 08 Chair: Ross Jacobs Audio: John Dubbelboer Oct 15 No Service Fall Chow Mein Supper 1-5 p.m. Oct 22 Chair: Robert Takaguchi Audio: Sway Nishimura Oct 29 JSBTC DAY Chair: Ross Jacobs Audio: Brenda Ikuta Translation 8 Nov 05 SHOTSUKI Guest Speaker: Dr. Jeff Wilson Chair: Sheila Oishi Audio: Ross Jacobs Nov 12 Chair: Florence Senda Audio: Tak Okamura Nov 19 Chair: John Dubbelboer Audio: Akira Ichikawa Nov 26 Chair: Deanna Jones Audio: Sway Nishimura The Ordinary Man s Birth This is a continuation of translations of Kudensho (Notes On Oral Transmission) begun in the September, 2016, Hikari. Kudensho is a Jodo Shinshu historic text believed to have been written by Kakunyo (1270-1351), a great-grandson of Shinran, and translated by Rev. Phillip Eidmann and Rev. Yasuo Izumi. This being so, even with our greed being deep, our anger being furious and our delusion burning, we should think that the next birth at this time is determined without fail, since there is no falsity in Buddha s words. If, on the contrary, the three poisons of our minds do not arise at all and more and more a good mind arises, then we might think that birth is not determined. The reason is that it is clear on the part of the Buddha s preaching that the vow is for the sake of the ordinary man. Therefore, if our hearts are apparently not like those ordinary men, we might think: As we are not ordinary men, shall we not leak through the vow? However, our hearts are all, in the same way, possessed with the three poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion and as the vow was set up for this purpose, it is certainly determined that we are of that being for birth. If we take this to heart, whether the mind is attached to bad, or whether it is bent on becoming mean and base of being, the reason that we must go to be born is clear in the authentic passage. Whence comes the vainness of the leaking through of the ordinary man s birth? As this is so, indeed, it is said: Both Amida s five kalpas of meditative contemplation and millions of years of cultivating practices are for the sake of Shinran alone. Personally, I, Kakunyo, understand: Considering that on this basis, the preceding is not restricted to the affair of Master Shinran; as long as we are all ordinary men in the Last Dharma-Age 1, we will, moreover, all in the same way to go to birth. You should know this. 1. The Last Dharma Age: the period of decline of the Dharma 2

Jodo Shinshu ministers and followers, We are pleased to inform you that the Commemoration on the Accession of the Jodo Shinshu Tradition to the 25th Monshu Sennyo, which began on October 1, 2016 successfully concluded on May 31, 2017. A series of 80 ceremonies were conducted to publicly announce that the Jodo Shinshu tradition including the title of Monshu, or Head Priest of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Buddhist organization has been transmitted to our new leader, Monshu Sennyo. We are thankful to have been able to mark this joyous opportunity together with many, both inside and outside of the organization. Success of the event was, we are sure, due to the support from you and many others and for that, we are deeply grateful. Our next major observances at Hongwanji are the 850th Anniversary of Shinran Shonin s Birth scheduled for 2023 and the 800th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Jodo Shinshu Teaching the following year. Taking advantage of the energy following our recent commemoration, we would like to continue in our efforts toward the realization of a society of mutual respect. In the dharma message addressed on the first day of the Commemoration of Accession, Monshu Sennyo presented a concrete description of a way of living as a Jodo Shinshu follower. He reiterated this topic in his message at the conclusion of the series of services stating, Although it is impossible for us to conduct completely pure good deeds like the Buddha [because of our human desires], it is still important for us to make the best of our efforts to carry out an ideal Buddhist way of living in every aspect of our life as much as possible. To contribute toward the realization of a society in which everyone can live peacefully, let us try to actualize Monshu s guidance by not only entrusting ourselves to but also share the Buddha Dharma with others. In doing so, it is also essential for us to help one another and continue in our efforts to repay even a little of the benevolence we have received from the Buddha and innumerous invisible helping hands. With asking for your continuous support and advice, we would like to conclude our message of gratitude. Once again thank you very much. Respectfully yours, Fall Drive-Thru Supper Oct. 15 BTSA s fall chow mein supper is scheduled for Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. As in the past, it will be a take-out format with drive-through pick-up until 5 p.m. This major temple fund-raiser is a bustling time with many members and Dharma friends working together. The temple requests volunteers for this event as well as the preparation Saturday the day before. Activities on both days will begin at 8 a.m. Please join the group and spend couple of days washing and cutting vegetables, making rice, cooking chow mein, and packing the tasty treats for the customers. Photos from Spring, 2017, chow mein supper Dr. Jeff Wilson to speak at BTSA Nov. 4 & 5 Dr. Jeff Wilson will be guest speaker Nov. 4 at BTSA and will give the dharma message at the Nov. 5 monthly memorial Sunday service (Shotsuki). Title of his Nov. 4 is still undetermined but will be announced shortly. Dr. Wilson is a professor of religious studies and East Asian studies and the Chair of the department of Culture and Languages for Renison University College, at the University of Waterloo. His visit to Lethbridge is in conjunction with a speaking date at the University of Lethbridge, and BTSA will share costs of his visit. He also will be speaking at the Calgary Buddhist Temple on Nov. 2. Governor General IWAGAMI ChikoHead Commemoration of Accession Headquarters Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Regent HONDA Takao Commemoration of Accession Headquarters Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha The photo above shows the large turn-out for September Shotsuki (memorial), which was followed by the Sangha Appreciation Luncheon (see more photos on following page). HikaritheLight

2017 Membership Form Full Membership ($100 for each member) Student Membership* Last Name: First Names(s): Last Name: First Names(s): Home Address: City, Province, Postal Code: Telephone No.: Cellphone No.: Email: Check to receive The Hikari newsletter by email only. Please send this form and your remittance to: Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta Treasurer 470 40th Street South Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Z5 *Note Student membership is limited to persons 18 years or older who are currently registered in a recognized educational institution. It is free of charge with a valid student ID card. Student Members are not entitled to vote at general meetings or to hold office in the BTSA and this category does not include membership in the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada, the national organization. LET S EXPAND THE CIRCLE OF THE DHARMA! REGULAR EVENTS Tonari Gumi Tuesdays @ 1pm The Lethbridge Karaoke Club Wednesdays @ Contact Nao 403.327.7357 NCS Adult Taiko Tuesdays @ 7pm Contact David Tanaka 403.330.1548, david@albrio.com Minyo Dance Adult Beginners: Mondays @ 6-8 pm Regular Minyo: Tuesdays @ 4-6 pm Contact Pat Sassa for info: sas7@telus.net ANNOUNCEMENTS Condolences June Fujiye Hinatsu, 91 passed away on Sept. 14, 2017 TOBAN UPDATE Thanks to Toban 2 for overseeing September and to all who helped so willingly in response to the funeral/memorial services during the month. On behalf of all the volunteers, past and present, much appreciation goes to the Development Committee members who put on splendiferous volunteer recognition luncheon with LA Chefs providing the food, table service and clean-up. The set up, decorations and program were great! Schedule update includes October- Toban 4; November-Toban 3; December-Toban 2. Contact 403.327.1668 or lorita.ichikawa@gmail.com Sangha Appreciation Cake... tasty! Membership: 210 Obon Donations Mitsuko Oga Florence Senda Clifford Thomas KH Tsukishima Total - $200 Shotsuki Hoyo September 2017 Judy Fukushima Dorene Gordon Shirley Higa Neil Hinatsu Rumiko Ibuki Akira & Lorita Ichikawa Kenneth Ito Roy & Joyce Ito Hiroshi Kitagawa Yutaka & Chiyomi Matsuno John & Jean Miyanaga Mark & Tamara Miyanaga Robert & Toshi Miyanaga Thomas & Mariko Mura Shig & Katie Nakagawa Roy & Minie Nakatsuru Setsuko Ohno Ken Ohno or Nancy Eng May Ohno Heidi Oishi Yumiko Osaka Tod & Hollis Pickerell Ayumi Sawada Craig & Sachi Scharf Joyce Shigehiro & Trevor Van Sluys Harry Sugimoto Kazuko Sugimoto Raymond & Sue Thibodeau Clifford Thomas George Tokuda Joe & Sumiko Tomiyama Tak & Yoko Tsujita Sumie Tsukishima Total - $3,885.00 Other Donations September 2017 Roy & Nancy Adachi John & Rita Aoki Kenneth Ezaki Fairfield Appliances Ltd Dale & Carol Fujita Marg Fujita Keith & Jeanette Greeno Shirley Higa Kaz & Yori Hiraga Norris Hironaka Tsuyoshi & Mariko Hironaka Tomi Hisaoka Rumiko Ibuki Toshimi & Marian Ibuki Akira & Lorita Ichikawa Dr Roland & Brenda Ikuta Teruko Ikuta Rev Yasuo & Sachi Izumi Tosh & Kaz Kanashiro Sally Kim Chizuko Kimura Estate of Katoye Maruno Kinuko Matsuno Yutaka & Chiyomi Matsuno Gary E & Beverly S McIlroy Robert & Toshi Miyanaga Joe & Marion Mori Jim & Joan Nakagawa Shig & Katie Nakagawa Kazuo & Nancy Nakamura Roy & Minnie Nakatsuru Hideo & Jennifer Nishida Kei & Margo Nishida Sway & Toshiko Nishimura Karen Nishiyama & Ron Wenger Reyko Nishiyama Doreen Oakes Mitsuko Oga Setsuko Ohno Lilly Oishi Sylvia Oishi Tak & Jan Okamura Setsuko Okuma Yumiko Osaka Shig Sakamoto Gordon & Joy Saruwatari Ken & Elsie Sasaki Roy & Pat Sassa Florence Senda Bob & Eiko Shigehiro Joe & Mary Shigehiro Tom & Mitsuko Shigehiro Takaaki & Hajime Shigemi Toshino Shigemi Harry Sugimoto Kazuko Sugimoto Tomiko Sugimoto Noris & Sachiko Taguchi Robert & Judy Takaguchi Fugi Takeda Barbara Takeda Mike & Sharon Tamura David & Linda Tanaka Jim & Irene Tanaka Masaye Tanaka Betty Taniguchi Masae Taniwa Bill & June Terakita Clifford Thomas Harold & Florence Tomiyama Kaz & Marjory Tomomitsu Yukio Tsuji Tak & Yoko Tsujita Ken & Hiroko Yoshihara Total - $7,215 Please inform us if your name has been omitted from or misspelled in the donation lists. Anyone wishing his/her name not to be acknowledged in print, please let us know so it will not be published. Thank you. 4

Thank You, BTSA Sangha A Sangha Appreciation Luncheon, held at the Temple on Sept. 10, after shotsuki service drew about 110 people who enjoyed a delicious catered buffet of pulled pork, buns, salads and sweets. The atmosphere was festive with balloons, flowers, cake and draw prizes as we celebrated our Sangha (Temple community) for the various and valued contributions made by each and every member. Our special thanks to: LA Chefs for the meal as well as their excellent service and presentation; Coaldale Bakery for the whipped cream cakes; and Our small band of organizers from the Development Committee who brought the event together... because no event is entirely volunteer-free. ;) Temple members and friends turned out in large numbers Sept. 23 to produce mein noodles for the fall chow mein supper scheduled for Oct. 15. Thanks to all for their help in putting together the essential ingredient for the supper. The repetitive tasks made for a long day, but there was plenty of time to chat and catch up on the latest news in large numbers Sept. 23 to produce mein noodles for the fall chow mein supper scheduled for Oct. 15. Please look over the accompanying photographs submitted by John Dubbelboer, Lila-Ho Takeda and Akira and Lorita Ichikawa. Submitted by Sylvia Oishi Sheila and Sylvia before lunch Joe, Mary, Sherry, Mark & daughters Line-up for lunch Sachi, Emily and Jim Some of the familiar faces in the lunch crowd Roland calling numbers for prizes HikaritheLight

2017 Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada Day I hope everyone enjoys the beginning of the new fall season, which illustrates the transient nature of all life. Leaves change their color and eventually fall to the ground. The fallen leaves then provide nourishment for the tree. In the spring, new leaves will spring from its branches to display its beautiful greenery... At the present time, there are a number of issues throughout the world, specifically to do with racism, terrorist activities, nuclear threats, hate, and violence. These concerns remind me of a story of a bird in the Amida Sutra. It reads; Furthermore, Shariputra, in the land of Ultimate Bliss there are various birds of brilliant coloring, such as white egrets, peacocks, parrots, sharikas, kalavinkas, and jivamjivakas. The birds sing six times a day in exquisite voices. Their very singing expresses Amitabha s teachings, such as the Five Roots of Goodness, the Five Powers, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, and the Noble Eightfold Path. When the people of the land of Ultimate Bliss hear the birds voices, all of their thoughts are dedicated to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. To further illustrate, there is s story of a mythical bird, jivamjibakas, which goes like this Once upon a time, there lived a strange bird in a huge banyan tree. which stood beside a river. The strange bird had two heads, and only one body. Once, while the bird was flying high in the sky, he saw an apple-shaped fruit lying on the bank of the river. The bird swooped down, picked up the fruit and began to eat it. It was the most delicious fruit the bird had ever eaten. As the bird had two heads, the other head protested, I m your brother head. Why don t you let me also eat this tasty fruit? The first head of the bird replied, Shut up. You know that we ve only one stomach. Whichever head eats, the fruit will go to the same stomach. So it doesn t matter which head eats it. Moreover, I m the one who found this fruit. So I have the first right to eat it. Hearing this, the other head became silent. But this kind of selfishness on the part of the first head displeased him very much. One day, while flying, the other head spotted a tree bearing poisonous fruit. The other head immediately descended upon the tree and plucked the fruit from it. Please don t eat this poisonous fruit, cried the first head. If you eat it, both of us will die, because we have a common stomach to digest it. Shut up! shouted the other head. Since I ve plucked this fruit, I ve every right to eat it. The first head began to weep, but the other head didn t care. He wanted to take revenge. He ate the poisonous fruit. As a result, both died. I leave the story like this for you the reader to figure out. Namo Amida Butsu Rev. Tatsuya Aoki Bishop, Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada 鬼子母神 ( きしもじん ) 毎年 10 月はカナダ教団創立の月を記念して 各仏教会にて法要が営まれる月です 1903 年に14 名の仏教徒有志がバンクーバーに集まり 京都の西本願寺に開教使の派遣要請を懇願しました 翌年 1904 年に佐々木千重先生が初代開教使として派遣され 開教の歴史として 112 年が経過いたします 皆さまにおかれましては 各仏教会の護寺に貢献頂き 教団を代表して厚く御礼申し上げます TVジャパンという日本語放送では 過保護のかほこ というドラマが放映しています 昨今は モンスターペアレント (Monster Parent) なる新しい日本語があるように 学校や他人等に対し 理不尽な要求を繰り返す親を意味します 自己中心的な 自分の子供中心な言動を行う親が増えているようです なお 調べてみますと 英語ではヘリコプターペアレント (Helicopter parent) という言葉で表され 子供の就職の面接についてくるような過保護の親を指す用語であり 日本のような苦情および訴訟そのものを意識しての用語ではないようです まさに ドラマ内でもそのようなシーンが随所に見られます このモンスターペアレントなる言葉を聞いた時に とある仏教説話を思い出した それは鬼子母神 ( きしもじん ) の話で 仏典に登場する話です 鬼子母は源名が梵語でハリーティーと言い 500 人の子を持つ母でした 彼女はわが子には愛しみ深い母であり それと同時に 他人の子をさらい その血をすすり 肉を食らうというおそろしい鬼女でもありました それを見たお釈迦様は 彼女が最も愛していた末子を隠して 子を失う母親の苦しみを悟らせ それから彼女は仏に帰依したという話です それ以後 子供と安産の守り神になったとされます この鬼子母の姿は わが子のためなら恐ろしい鬼にもなる母の情愛をよく示していますね また それは人間の矛盾性 すなわち愛情 憎悪 善 悪などが私たち心に同居しているありさまを示しています このようにわが子に対する慈愛あふれる母の面と 他人の子に対する鬼女の面の二面性が 私たちが抱いている矛盾でありましょう この鬼女が すべての子を守る女神になるということは 自分の恐ろしい所業に気付いた時にそれを善へと転換することも出来るということを伝えているのです 最近も世界のいたる所でテロが起こっています また 最近は人種等の人権運動でも車でつっこみ 多数の死者がでています いかに現代の人間が自己中心的な考えに捉われいるかが伺えます 教団創立記念を縁に 私達も自己の内省を怠らずに 報恩感謝の日々を送りたいですね 南無阿弥陀仏カナダ開教区開教総長青木龍也 6

JSBTC Day 2017 Message from JSBTC President Dave Ohori On behalf of the JSBTC Board of Directors, I wish to extend my warm greetings to all JSBTC Member Temples, their congregants and friends of the JSBTC. With the extremely hot summer behind us now, the cool rains and autumn colours will be something to look forward to. On July 10-23, the JSBTC hosted a youth tour to Japan with many interesting places to explore. The main attraction was visiting our Mother Temple Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto. There were a total of six youth who registered from across Canada. The participants were two from Fraser Valley Temple, one from Calgary Temple, one from Manitoba Buddhist Temple and two from Toronto Buddhist Church. This year the chaperone was Bishop Aoki who took time from his busy schedule to be the tour guide for this trip. This tour leader opportunity was open to all ministers in Canada but due to their schedules no one was able to accompany the youth to Japan. Thank you very much to Bishop Aoki for putting big smiles on the faces of our Youth Delegates and for making available life long memories for the youth who attended. Rev. Robert Gubenco, who is a member at Calgary Buddhist Temple has expressed an interest in being a Kyoshi minister in Canada. Under the supervision of Rev. James Martin and Bishop Aoki, we should have a Kyoshi minister soon to help with our extreme shortage of ministers in Canada. The JSBTC expresses our gratitude to Rev. Robert Gubenco, Rev. James Martin and Bishop Aoki for their dedication and guidance in fulfilling this need for the future of sustaining Jodo Shinshu in Canada. Rev. Yoshi (Yoshimichi) Ouchi was assigned to Toronto Buddhist Church last year. He has been working closely with TBC, Rev. Christina and Socho Aoki in adapting to our Canadian culture. He has shown great enthusiasm and he is a true gift to us by being a new minister of the JSBTC. We are very proud in welcoming him in joining our Sangha. I m sorry to announce the resignation of Rev. Christina Yanko who is a resident minister of Toronto Buddhist Church. She will unfortunately be leaving JSBTC on Dec 31, 2017. Her husband Dave is an American citizen and he has been called back to the USA for active duty (which he cannot refuse) with the U.S. Coast Guard. I know it was a difficult decision for Rev. Christina to make but we all understand that it is very important to keep the family unit together whenever possible. I am going to miss her wonderful Dharma talks and her glowing smile. Thank you Rev. Christina for the wonderful experiences which you have provided to our Sangha during your appointment in Canada. Many members will be missing you and your family. We wish you good luck and safe travels for you and your family. The JSBTC Board of Directors appreciates the JSBTC membership for your support for all our Ministers and Bishop Aoki. The JSBTC is a representative of all Jodo Shinshu Temples across Canada and we wish that all members understand that we all have a voice. The Board has been working hard to ensure the health and well being of our ministers and to spread the Dharma of Jodo Shinshu to everyone. In Gassho, Dave Ohori JSBTC President (on Behalf of the JSBTC Board) JSBTC Day October 29 at BTSA BTSA will be observing Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada Day in conjunction with the regular Sunday service on Oct. 29. The event marks the establishment of Jodo Shinshu which is Oct. 11, this year commemorating the 112th anniversary of the national organization s founding. We are soliciting donations to JSBTC in October and November to help in its operation, with special instructions to donors. JSBTC is asking BTSA and all local temples to comply with the effective Canada Not-for-Profit Act by first counting the donations received and to receipt donors, then forwarding the proceeds with the list of names and addresses of the donors and the amounts donated. BTSA will credit the donors and issue receipts at the end of the year that include the donations made to JSBTC on JSBTC Day. Donors should write their cheques payable to BTSA, indicating JSBTC Day in the memo area of the cheque. JSBTC thanks all donors in advance for observing this procedure. In connection with this auspicious observance, please refer to the printed messages and appeals from Socho Tatsuya Aoki (both in English and Japanese) and President David Ohori. NATURE! Brandon was excited to show the tomatoes that grew from the Parents Day plants. Squash! Many thanks to all the caretakers of our own Lumbini Garden. Brenda brings in some samples to look at more closely. Dharma class thanks to Brenda and Roland for the crabapple juice and Barb for the honey. Nature feeds us! HikaritheLight

*OFFICIAL BTSA ACTIVITY Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday OCTOBER: TOBAN 4 Monthly Memorial Service* Sangha (JSBTC) Day Service* Chow Mein Supper Drive-thru 1-5pm Regular Service* JSBCT Day Service* 12pm Karaoke Spiritual Care Explore Buddhism* meeting at CRH* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 OCT 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Ministers mtg (Toronto) Karaoke 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 11am Life Balance Fair at U of L* Explore Buddhism* Karaoke 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Karaoke 2:30pm Correctional Centre visit* 7pm Board Mtg* Ministers mtg (Toronto) Ministers mtg (Toronto) Ministers mtg (Toronto) Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday NOVEMBER: TOBAN 3 Monthly Memorial Service* Regular Service* Regular Service* NOV 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Karaoke Karaoke 2:30pm Correctional Centre visit* 7pm Board Mtg* 12pm Spiritual Care meeting at CRH* 1 2 3 4 Explore Buddhism* Karaoke Explore Buddhism* 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Karaoke Explore Buddhism* Mein-making* 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Ohigan Service* Karaoke 26 27 28 29 30 8 HikaritheLight