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November 2009 |
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Sangha
President’s Message Richard Kai
I was intrigued as I listened to Reverend Peter’s Dharma message a
couple of Sundays ago as he spoke of the Three Poisons recognized in
Buddhist terms to include Greed, Attitude (Anger) and Stupidity
(Ignorance). I’ve often referred to these ingredients under the acronym
of GAS and written and spoken of the detriments that cause harm to most
every aspect of our human existence. Most of my thoughts drift toward
subjects on a daily perspective — how we live, how we think, how we
behave, and how we act.
Most of us, I believe understand this concept as a core attribute of
Shin Buddhism. Reverend Peter’s Dharma talk touched on topics that
affect us in various ways, whether subtle or obvious: the nation’s
current economic situation, political views and positions in world
affairs, and relationships with other global powers. Don’t ask me why,
but my thoughts drifted to imagine western movies of yesteryears, those
that focused on how the wild, wild, West was tamed and won.
The image of a movie where a cowboy was riding in a train headed West.
The guy was having a fun time shooting bison and buffalos out of his
window with a long-barreled rifle. One by one, he picked off these
animals and referred to them as dumb for not running or flinching as he
pulled the trigger. He continued until the barrel of his rifle was too
hot to touch.
Don’t ask me how RP’s talk and the image from this unknown-titled movie
became trapped in my brain as one thought that centered on the three
poisons. How it got there isn’t as important as understanding the
connection between GAS and this Hollywood scene. The explanation is
clear to me since I was the one holding these images. I’ll explain.
It’s not that the bison were stupid or dumb. They had grown accustomed
to grazing in the Midwest plains without fear of the greed of mankind.
They understood a few of them would be hunted to provide food, shelter
and nourishment for the Native Americans. The Native Americans took only
what they needed to survive and used every part of the animal for their
existence, including pelts made into blankets to provide warmth during
the winter months.
The Native Americans realized that over-harvesting their prime food
source would lead to starvation and significant consequential changes in
their culture and lifestyle. The two lived interdependently, recognizing
that one could not exist without the other (overpopulation of the bison
could lead to lack of food supplies for them too). As Rinban Bob would
say: Life is good. Then came the “white man” — the rest is history and
the end of the story.
Greed, Attitude and Stupidity eventually overcome everyone. The Native
American Indians, granted status as a sovereign nation and wise to
today’s culture, are not immune to the power of GAS. Just look at the
number of gaming and gambling casinos erected on their pieces of the
world. Their forefathers are probably turning in their graves. Rinban Bob Oshita
Hello and welcome to the month of November…. Every November, the
Sacramento Betsuin observes our annual memorial service for Shinran
Shonin, who is considered the founder of Jodo Shinshu. Sometimes I
wonder what Shinran would think about the formation of Jodo Shinshu and
Hongwanji. Shinran always considered himself a disciple of his teacher
Honen and it was never his intention to begin a new sect of Buddhism.
What would Shinran think about all that has evolved from the seed of his
life? What would he make of the evolution of temples dedicated to him
all over the world?
The other day, in conversation with our minister’s assistant Sensei
Koichi Mizushima, he said that to him, “Shinran was like Forrest Gump.”
I wondered where he was going with this. Then he continued, “Forrest
Gump just started running (just for himself), and soon, people were just
following him.” He never said, “Everyone, follow me!” He never said, “If
you follow me, I’ll lead you to a better place.” Forrest Gump just ran
because that’s what he needed to do. Once the braces fell off of his
legs, he just ran…and throughout his life, he kept on running. People
just began to follow him.
The analogy was refreshing and insightful. Think about it. Once Shinran
(the revolutionary) removed the braces of tradition from his life, he
was free to embrace the Dharma as a true human being of no rank. Shinran
was not interested in fame and recognition. He lived and died as a
seeker of truth. People just began to follow him. I like that.
This month we are observing Hoonko, our annual memorial service for
Shinran Shonin, the recognized founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Our
special guest speaker will be Reverend Marvin Harada from the Orange
County Buddhist Temple. Hoonko service will be on Sunday, November 15.
Let’s all come out and welcome Reverend Harada back to our Sacramento
Betsuin.
See you there!
Grace Hatano
Fall is upon us; some days, it’s very chilly in the early morning and
evening, but during most of the day, very pleasant as expected in the
fall. Leaves on the trees change to beautiful autumn colors as winter
approaches.
We focus on doing yard work like raking and trimming of trees, and
hopefully reserve some daytime warmth for other outdoor activities.
November, with Thanksgiving, is a month of reflection and expressing our
gratitude for the life we are living.
We also reflect on cherished memories of those we have lost, making us
mindful of the impermanency of life and making us more aware of our own
changing existence. As we think of the countless benefits allowed us, we
feel deeply grateful to those who made this life possible for all of us.
November 1 is our annual Pet Memorial Service. This service serves as a
lesson to share the teaching of impermanence — that nothing remains the
same. I feel that the students/children who experience loss of pets
could relate to this teaching and understand the feeling, especially
when they remember their loss with pictures or drawings of their pets.
November 5-8, the ministers’ assistants will be attending our 11th
Mapquest session at the Jodo Shinshu Center. We are so fortunate to be
able to continue our studies with dedicated teachers and ministers who
share their time and knowledge with us. We are grateful and very
appreciative of their dedication.
During the winter months we observe one of our most important services.
Hoonko Service is a memorial service held in honor of Shinran Shonin,
the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect, allowing us to express our
gratitude. The Chinese characters for “Ho-on” literally mean “return of
gratitude,” and “ko” means “gathering” of those who wish to return this
gratitude.
The Hoonko Service was first initiated by Shinran’s grandson, third
Abbot of the Hongwanji, Kakunyo Shonin, and has been conducted annually
for more than 600 years.
Sacramento Betsuin will observe our Hoonko Service on November 15; and
Lodi Temple will observe Hoonko on November 29. Marysville’s Hoonko
service is in January.
At Sacramento Betsuin, on the 16th of each month at 7 a.m., we conduct
our morning OASAJI Service. This also significantly relates to Shinran
Shonin’s special date. (Records indicate he passed away on the 16th of
January). At OASAJI, we chant the Shoshinge, Shinran’s hymn. Following
chanting , we have a meditation period.
This is one of my favorite services. We welcome you to join us any month
on the 16th — a great time to reflect and express our gratitude for the
life we have today.
In Gassho,
Sensei Grace Greeters’ ProgramGREETERS’
SCHEDULE 2009 - 2010
If you cannot be a greeter on your assigned date, please find your
own replacement. From The Office
Did anyone lose their hearing aid
on Saturday, October 10 or Sunday, October 11 at the Buddhist Church? If
you did, please come by the office and pick it up.
What would we do without “volunteers”? Thank you to Mary Ann Miyao,
Wayne Fong, Billy Hatano and Ted Ito for coming to our rescue to help
with our “huge” mailouts. Thanks! Church MaintenanceEd Imai BazaarRuth Seo
Just in time for the holiday season, the Legacy Endowment Fund Board is
sponsoring the Oyako, Ltd. Holiday Fashion Boutique on November 21 from
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Buddhist Church Kaikan. The boutique will
feature a large selection of unique fashions with an Asian flair
designed by Vicki Yamagami Ragasa, an award-winning designer in the
fashion industry for more than 30 years. Some of her “one-of-a kind”
items are creatively constructed using kimono and obi fabrics. Oyako
garments are known for their timeless designs and quality fabrics and
construction.
Informal modeling will be done by June Kurano and her assistants. They,
along with Vicki Ragasa, will be available for consultation and
assistance.
Oyako, Ltd. also offers handmade jewelry, handbags, wallets and many
different gift items. This will be a great opportunity to shop for
yourself and others on your holiday gift list. Please be sure to come
and invite all of your friends and family to enjoy shopping,
refreshments and supporting the Legacy Endowment Fund, which will
receive a percentage of the proceeds.
Oyako, Ltd.
Holiday Fashion Boutique
All Friends and Family Welcome!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sacramento Buddhist Church, Kaikan
2401 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95818
Oyako, Ltd.: Timeless Fashion Designs Made with Quality Fabrics
Since 2000
Vicki Yamagami Ragasa - Award-Winning Designer
More than 30 years in fashion industry
Handmade Jewelry – Bags – Wallets - Gifts –
“One-of-a-Kind” Items Using Kimono and Obi Fabrics
A percentage of the proceeds will go to the Legacy
Endowment Fund programs
at the Sacramento Buddhist Church
Alan Wu
So how’s your 2009 going? Can you believe it? It is November 2009
already, just one more month before we say goodbye to 2009, but that is
still to come.
So how’s your basketball going? Right now, we are gearing up for the
basketball season. For the most part, our teams are set and they are
busy practicing for the opening tipoff in December. The high school
divisions have not finalized their teams yet because high school tryouts
are still going on, and the outcome of those tryouts dictate who can
play church basketball. Players who make the high school team cannot
play on any other organized team during the high school basketball
season, and that is the way it is, so it is always a tug-o-war between
getting our teams registered with the NCCL, and waiting out the high
school tryouts, but that is just the way it is.
So how’s your attendance going? Remember there are 2 more extra credit
days to help you out. Not sure what your attendance percentage is?
Please consult with your division coordinator for your latest attendance
record.
So how’s your mochi going? Yes, it is time to re-stock your house with a
fresh new batch of mochi. How do I do that, you ask? Well, on December
12, we will be having our annual Mochi Tsuki. Sports program families
will be required to work a shift. There are a variety of shifts to
choose from starting at 5 a.m. and ending around 3 p.m. Your team mom
will be taking signups and/or issuing your shift assignments very soon,
so please keep December 12 open for our Mochi Tsuki. A Mochi Order Form
has been included in this month’s
Sangha for your convenience. Our mochi will be $3.50 per pound
and $6 for a kasane set. Always the best price in town! So, order up!
So how’s your December 2009 going? We’ll see next month. Marty Sakata Masako Thomas If you have not registered yet, please contact Masako Thomas as soon as possible at (916) 482-8770 or e-mail: sakurahanami@hotmail.com Ken Furukawa
Change. It always comes, and this is a “constant” truth. An illustration
of this is the upcoming change to the Dharma School calendar. Dharma
School will be held Sunday December 20, and will not be held Sunday,
January 3, 2010. Please mark your calendar and enjoy a restful new year!
November is marked with two federal holidays, and they are both
important in different ways. The first one on the calendar is Veteran’s
Day. Aside from the parades, graveside flags and speeches, and obvious
martial message of the observance, look at the day as a chance to think
about how we all choose to perform unpleasant duties. Many
military “heroes” have said that they did not consider themselves
any different from others in the same situations, doing what was
necessary, and being lucky. On the face of it, these explanations are
true, but there is also the fact that most of these people were quick to
accept their circumstances at the time, and willing to address their
situations and do what had to be done. I think that most of them had a
history of usually doing that in everyday life.
Although I am not advocating military service or risk-taking lifestyles,
I think that such action requires an unvarnished view of the situation —
an assessment that is not encumbered with thoughts about what is fair,
or nuances about what is right or wrong, but one that sees life the way
it is at that moment. I think that many of these people were able to see
their situations through “Dharma eyes” (using RB’s term), and that such
a view allowed them to see things clearly when others merely saw fog.
Think about it.
The major holiday in November is Thanksgiving! As we bustle with the
shopping, cleaning, preparation and traveling, remember to give thanks.
But give thanks for what? I suggest we give thanks to:
- Shinran Shonin, and our Jodo Shinshu tradition (including our
ministers) for helping us see that true nature is embodied in the
teachings of the Dharma, and available to us just by living a life of
Nembutsu.
- And of course the Dharma that is presented to us at all times and in
all places through Amida Buddha.
If only I could really see it that way everyday! As anyone who knows me
will tell you, I can spend a lot of time thinking about what is unfair
and undesirable about certain personal circumstances. Oh well, at least
I can give thanks that I get to try for another day!
In Gassho.
Donations
Dharma School “courtyard” gratefully acknowledges donations from
the following:
Gladys Adachi
Mickey Bennett
Betsuin Choir
Rev. Tim & Carol Castle
Cub Scout Pack 50
Girl Scouts 569
Bill & Grace Hatano
Kiki Imura
Rev. Peter & Aileen Inokoji-Kim
Kaoru Inouye
Kimiyo Ishii Family
Grace & Sam Ito
Tak Ito
Joe & Alice Kataoka
Shig & Joy Kihara
Machiko Kimura
Utako Kimura
Michiko Kubo
Rob Kubo
Reiko Kurahara
Dr. Timothy & Gigi Mar
Yen & Michael Marshall
Marcia & Don Matsuda
Yo Morisawa
Mitzie Muramoto
Nagai/Castle Girls
Family of Hisa Nishimura
Eleanor Nobuye
Marlene & Bill Ohara
Dr. Jan Okimoto
Mary Orite
Osaka-ya – Linda & Allan Nakatani
Rinban Bob & Rev. Patti Oshita
Oto’s Marketplace
Sachi Sawada
Teddy & Helen Sekikawa
Aki & Robert Shimada
Samantha Tov
Marcia Watanabe
Florence & Stan Wong
Bob & Lori Yamaguchi
Terri Yasuda
Fusaye Yokoyama Boy Scouts
Drew Quan Girl Scouts Troop 569Shirley Gee
Troop 569 hosted the Community Service Event “We Love Our Community” on
September 25 in the multi-purpose room. Various Cadette and Senior Girl
Scout troops held informational booths for eight non-profit
organizations, including:
- Seniors 1 - Californians Against Waste
- Seniors 2 - Mercer Clinic
- Seniors 2 - American Heart Association
- Seniors 3 – St. John’s Shelter (requesting each attendee
donate hotel toiletry items to the St John’s booth)
- Seniors 4 – Breathe California
- Cadettes 3 - Senior Gleaners (requesting each attendee donate
food items to the Senior Gleaners booth)
- Cadettes 4 - SPCA (requesting each attendee donate gently used
book to the SPCA booth )
- Cadettes 5 - Public Libraries
The girls coordinated and manned the booths, which provided information
on their non-profit organization. The older Scouts assisted the
attendees in the various arts and crafts projects ranging from creating
bookmarks, decorating bags and making potholders, to creating toiletry
bags.
Close to 200 Girl Scout attendees visited the eight booths to learn
about the various non-profit organizations, enjoy crafts, and earn a
well-deserved patch. The overall project was coordinated by Girl Scout
Leaders Jennifer Nitta and Diane Huey. Thanks to everyone for the many
donations to the charities. Troop 569 would also like to give a big
THANK YOU to Jennifer and Diane for overseeing yet another awesome
community service event.
Cadettes 2
would like to thank everyone for their generous donations of canned and
dry goods for the Senior Gleaners. They would also like to thank all the
girls for doing such a fantastic job decorating the potholders. The
personalized potholders and food donations will definitely brighten up
the day for the senior citizens that will be receiving them. Thank you
to Jennifer Nitta and Diane Huey for all your hard
work organizing the event.
Juniors 3
Our first year as Juniors is off to a great start! The girls in Juniors
3 participated in the non-profit organization “I Love My Community”
event on September 25. The girls had a wonderful time visiting all the
different booths, learning about the many non-profit organizations, and
making the awesome crafts. Thank you to all of the girls, leaders and
parents for organizing and working at the event. We also worked on the
“Ceramics and Clay” badge, where the girls made their own bowls.
Juniors 4
After a wonderful summer, Juniors 4 kicked off our year with a bowling
party at Strikes. The girls had a lot of fun catching up with one
another while the adults discussed the upcoming year. They are already
busy working on their Girl Scouting in the USA Badge, as well as busy
planning a try-it for a Brownies troop. They are doing a wonderful job,
and have been working hard already this year. The girls are looking
forward to Rededicating into our Troop.
Seniors 3
Many of the girls spent their busy summer months finishing up their
Silver Awards. They also met during the summer at the Glen Hall Swimming
Pool to work on their Water Sports Badge. They learned about water
safety, water sports and life-saving techniques. The girls also plan to
talk to a biologist from Monterey about her job, studying to become a
biologist, and research and development. Sacramento Buddhist Women’s Association Lynn Kurahara
October’s SBWA Board meeting was held on Wednesday, October 7. A
motion was passed to revise the president’s and other officers’
terms to two years and president-elect’s term to four years. The
extension of terms provides the incumbents the time required to
learn the responsibilities of the office and accomplish long-term
goals in the best interest of the organization.
All SBWA members should have received a ballot to vote for the SBWA
Board of Trustees. A general meeting will be held before the regular
Board meeting on November 4 to elect next year’s Board members.
DONATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Eva Ng Steward In Memory of Roy Higashino Family of Dorothy Sueko Saika In Memory of Dorothy Sueko Saika Heidi Sakazaki In Memory of Hisako Nishimura Family of Camille Kimiyo Matsui In Memory of Camille Kimiyo Matsui Family of Kimiyo Ishii Thank You, In Memory of Kimiyo Ishii
SPECIAL Alice Kataoka Recovery Mae Y. Kaneko 50th Wedding Anniversary Melvin & Norrine Okamoto Birth of Grandson AydenTsunemasa Nakamura
ACC
Thank You for Being a Pearl Sponsor
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hoonko Service
This service will be held on November 15. SBWA members will prepare
chirashi for the congregation beginning at 8 a.m. on November 14 and
6 a.m. on November 15.
SBWA Memorial Service/Shotsuki Hoyo/Bonenkai:
The annual SBWA Memorial Service/Shotsuki Hoyo/Bonenkai will be held
on Sunday, December 6. Service will begin at 12 noon (Note the
change of time from 12:30 p.m.) with luncheon following. Invitations
will go out on November 4 and the deadline for reservations is
November 20. Reservations can be made at both Tanoshimikais: South
Tanoshimikai, Methodist Church – Tomi Tanaka or Rose Takata;
Riverside Tanoshimikai, Buddhist Church – Misao Abe. One check can
be made to SBWA to cover $10 for lunch and $10 for membership dues
for 2010.
Tamale Fundraiser
Mark your calendars — It's tamale time! Preparation will begin at 10
a.m. on October 31. On Sunday, November 1, assembling the tamales
will begin at 4 a.m. Tickets are on sale now from Mary Inouye.
Contact Mary at (916) 451-9771 for your tickets. Cost is 10 tamales
for $10. All tamale orders must be picked up between 10 a.m. - 1
p.m. on November 1.
MEMBERSHIP
Just a reminder, beginning January 2010, the SBWA membership dues
will increase to $10. With the cost of the Northern California
Buddhist Women’s Association and Federation Buddhist Women’s
Association dues, it was inevitable that we need to increase the
SBWA membership dues. We hope this does not cause a hardship on our
members. Dues are waived for those members 80 years old and older.
New members for 2009 are: Nancy Ito, Loleen Nakano, Kay Sakamoto,
Joanne Chew, Edna Onodera, Sharon Lee, Marta Wada, Dharma Davis
Webber and Karen Kunitake. Welcome!
The next SBWA Board meeting will be on Wednesday, November 4.
SPORTS COMMITTEE
MOCHI TSUKI
PICK UP
Saturday, December 12, 2009, 12:30-3:00 p.m.
or Sunday, December 13, 2009, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Please submit orders and make checks payable to: Sacramento Betsuin Sports Committee
c/o
2401 Riverside Boulevard
Sacramento, California, 95818
MOCHI ORDER
Name
Address
Telephone
E-Mail
Lb(s)
Kasane Set(s)
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Duke & Doris Arakaki
Carolyn Guro
Glen & Renee Kumamoto
Gayle Kyhos & Paul Michael Del Bene
Geoffrey Miyao & Staci Toyama
Robin Miyata & Amy Predmore
Alan Nakahara & Laura Nakagawa
Laurie Shimizu
Dean & Gloria Smith
Gary Shintaku
Mark & Deana Wirth
Chuck & Kim Yep Condolences to the Families of
Noboru Shintaku
February 10, 1924 – September 15, 2009
Kenji Nakatani
June 5, 1929 – September 17, 2009
Hisako Nishimura
April 6, 1927 – September 18, 2009
Kimiyo Ishii
June 1, 1918 – September 19, 2009
Patricia Tomiko Ohara
December 19, 1921 – September 25, 2009 |
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