Gardena Buddhist Church

Morning Service

2011-12-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

In Japan, the Hongwanji Temple does a service every morning at 6am (6:30am during the winter0. It is generally a format that was prescribed by the 8th monshu - Rennyo.
You begin in the Amida-do (Amida Hall) for a chanting of "Sanbutsuge" then everyone walks into the Goei-do (Founder's Hall) for a chanting of "Shoshinge" then a reading from the Gobunsho (Letters of Rennyo). Usually there is a Dharma Talk.

During our recent visit to Kyoto in October, we were able to attend to this service for four mornings. We barely made the end of this service at Tsukji Hongwanji - our walk through the fish market didn't allow us to make it in time.

The Amida-do
The central image in the altar is Amida Buddha.

The walk to the Goei-do from the Amida-do in the corridor connecting the two halls. (One carries one own shoes in a bag, unless you want to return to the first hall when the services end.

On the 16th of every month - the format changes slightly with the Go-Monshu doing a special ritual to honor his ancestor, Shinran, on the anniversary day of his death.

The central image in the Goei-do (Founder's Hall) is the seated image of Shinran.

Memorial Service for Shinran, founder of Jodoshinshu

2011-11-29T16:52:00.000-08:00

Memorial services are held regularly to bring families and friends together for a Dharma talk. It is less of an "ancestral worship" that most people, even Japanese think, in the Jodoshinshu Buddhism tradition. The increments increase until it reaches 50 years, and then for someone like Shinran, every 50 years thereafter.

This year it is the 750th year after Shinran's passing that began the process of establishing the Hongwanji as a major Buddhist temple in Japan. And a very special service takes place at the Hongwanji for a whole year, to accommodate visitors from all over Japan and around the world.

We were fortunate to be able to attend one of the services in October.

But before the group came to the Hongwanji for this service, four of us woke up early to attend the daily morning service at 6 am. Not necessarily heeding any advice, we left at 5:30am to get there in time to stand outside the Amida-do (the Amida Hall), because there was no room inside one of the two temples where the morning service begins. Because of the 750th Memorial service, there are a lot of people coming to this service. So we waited outside, and then when it was ready to travel to the Goei-do (Founder's Hall - also where the Shinran memorial services were to be held), we were practically first in line.

The Goei-do.

It amazes us that people know what to do at the morning service, although this is common practice at all Hongwanji temples in Japan. We thought we will try again the next morning but leave earlier. We found out that the gates to Hongwanji opens at 5:30am.

So we walked back to the hotel for breakfast and then returned at 8:30 with our group. We met the International Center staff who helped us to our seats (chairs were put into the Goei-do and the front of the hall was extended so to accommodate nearly 4,000 chairs! And because you have to take your shoes off to enter the temple, the Hongwanji gave everyone attending a bag that included a shoe bag so that each person can carry his or her own shoes. For this service, we did not have to move between the two halls.

The Amida-do was renovated in time for this occasion, and it was beautifully done - with new gold-leafing and lacquer.

We were given receivers to heat commentary and translation by Rev. Sekiya. He and the rest of the International staff took us to our seats - which happened to be in the front!

The Go-Monshu (the head of the Hongwanji) led the service for Shinran alongside his son, the Shin-Monshu, who is likely to be leading the service in 50 years with his own son, who was just born this year. We were familiar with the basic format as we had been "practicing" at home. There were so many participants, including the traditional and modern musicians.

It was a beautiful and meaningful service to behold.

Afterwards, we took a tour of the Hongwanji which includes buildings that are part of the World Cultural Heritage - facilities that were brought to Hongwanji by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the benefactor of the Hongwanji in Kyoto at the end of the 17th C. One of which this gate, known as the Karamon, and for its colors and depictions of the mythical beast known as the "kirin."

After a vegetarian lunch in a temporary facility across the street, it started to rain.

We went across the street to see artifacts in the Hongwanji collection of Buddha and Shinran in the newly-built Ryukoku Museum.

Then a walk through the "teramachi" where there were stores catering to pilgrims and a special hall set up by the Hongwanji before returning to our hotel that evening.

Arriving in Japan

2011-11-28T17:22:00.000-08:00

In October, a group of us - numbering 12 - went to Japan to attend one of the services held for the 750th Memorial for Shinran Shonin at Honzan (Nishi Hongwanji) in Kyoto - the main temple for our sect.

The first stop is Tokyo. Tokyo is a good place to start for those who have not been to Japan before as it is the most accessible if you do not speak Japanese. Most of the signs are written in Romaji if not in English, many retailers have some knowledge of English, and the facilities are more international, if you know what I mean.

Our first stop after a good night's rest at Shinagawa Prince Hotel is a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market. After navigating one train and one subway, we managed to arrive at one end of the fish market and walked through to the other side. Los Angeles is the home of many wholesale markets but none come close to amount of food that is sold at the Tsukiji Fish Market and the outer markets.

Even though it was early in the morning, we skipped the hotel breakfast to have fresh sushi at one of the restaurants just outside of the market. Not only was that fun, but since the fish is amazingly fresh, it was quite delicious and quite an experience after arriving in Japan.

Also in Tsukiji, we stopped at Tsukiji Hongwanji with its Indian architect. The main hondo was not open as it was being cleaned for a special ho-on-ko service, we got to the kodo (little chapel) in time before the morning service ended.

Before we boarded the Nozomi Shinkansen, we had a chance to visit the Ghibli Museum just outside of Tokyo in Mitaka. Here on display is the work and brilliance of Hayao Miyasaki. The purpose of visiting here is to capture a sense of Japan that is harder to find. Miyasaki is fond of telling stories and especially those stories that evoke the folktales of Japan. These are the folktales that were abound when Shinran entered his exile on the Sea of Japan.

Then we made it back to Shinagawa Station in Tokyo to catch our shinkansen to Kyoto. The Shinagawa station has been modernized and is a good alternative to catch the shinkansen instead of busier and larger Tokyo Station. There were only three stops on the fastest of all the bullet trains. It was too dark to spot Mt. Fuji along the way.

Once we arrived in Kyoto, we had to pick among the many restaurants in the station as well underneath it for dinner. We stayed at the Shin Miyako Hotel, which is very close to Kyoto Station.

Back from Japan

2011-11-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Actually it has been a couple of weeks. I sorted out my photos and edited from 2,500 to about 1,000. So I am still ways from posting here and on Facebook.

12 of us were in Japan to attend one of the services for the 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin at Honzan, the short name for the temple that most people know as Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto. It is rhe mother temple of the Buddhist Churches of America. It was the highlight of the trip and because it onky happens every 50 years, it was truly once on a lifetime.

On the other hand, I gave the group a tour of a few of the sites connected to Shinran. It wasn't that hard, as they were expecting visitors attending this service.

We had four mornings in Kyoto, so each morning at least four of us attended the daily morning services. Some of the days others in the group were able to join us. It was a bout a 15 minute walk from our hotel, New Miyako Hotel, near Kyoto Staion, to Honzan.

The first morning, we got there at 6 pm and already the Amida Hall was full. Because half of the service is in the Amida Hall and the second half is in the larger Goei Hall, we were able to sit in the Goei-do. (The Goei-do is set for the memorial services so their are chairs set up im the enlarged hall.

The traditional morning service begins with Sanbutsuge in the Amida-do, then the Sangha walks over to the Goei-do for Shoshinge and 6 of the wasan. then it ends there with a reading from one of Rennyo's letters and a sermon.

You must take your shoes off, so we used the bag that we got forthe 750th and carried ournshoes around. I knew at leastbto get chairs for the group. It is becoming more popular even among Japanese to sit on chairs instead of the tatami.

The voices in chanting is so strong. All four mornings were similar, except for the six verses of wasana, which are rotated. On the second morning, it was slightly different as it is traditional for the Go-Monshu performs this service, with the toraiban, on the 15th of each month. Honzan provides books for the services, but you have to be able to read the hiragana over the kanji for Sanbutsuge. And thr katakana over the kanji for Shoshinge. I am not sure why it is done this way.

In gassho,

Funeral Service for Rev Shindo

2011-08-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

The funeral segice for Rev Hosho Shindo, the beloved resident minister of Gardena Buddhist Church, will take place on Aug. 25 at 3pm. The service is sponsored jointly by the Buddhist Churches of America and our temple.

In gassho

Obon, It's Festival Time

2011-08-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

In the Hongwanji tradition, Obon is really a gathering of joy. It is not a homecoming of ancestral spirits. That is why our tradiotn does not welcome them or send them off. But this idea of a spirit homecoming is really an innate Japanese tradition that goes back before the advent of Buddhism from China.

YhebGathering of Joy is to hear the Dharma, and to bring the Sangha together. In the Hingwanji, when passing, we enter the Pure Land (Jodo) immediately. Thus there is no 'soul' we are joined to Amids Buddha. But as homecoming of the living, Obon is ideal. We dance the Obon dances for joy and having a good time. this really is a festival, or 'matsuri.'

To have around 1,000 each day of the Obon matsuri is quite an accomplishment for the temple to care for the guests. Yes, it is a fundraiser and it does return some funds into the general budget. But, our Sangha has to support the dancers and their friends and family.

A big thank you to our Sangha members for putting on this party.

And to the public, including members of our neighbor temples and churches and the Hongwanji temples in yhe U.S. Who vame, thank you for visitng.

Although we are missing this year our resident minister, we continue the work that needs to get done - a Dharma lesson.

In gassho,

In the Pure Land...

2011-07-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

On the day Rev. Shindo passed away, I wanted to go to the hospital but could not because I had a meeting at the temple with Kintetsu about the traveling to Japan in October.

Later, that night I had this dream where I was in a town/city that I was exactly sure where it was but it was familiar. All I know I spent the whole time looking for Rev. Shindo. Could not find him down the hall or up the street.

Finally, I noticed I was the only one there - I had not seen a single person at all during my search. At this moment, I thought I better wake up, so I did. I never got to know what I was doing or why I was there because I broke the dream by waking up.

A week later, Bill Dearth, minister's assistant of Orange County Buddhist Church, came to speak at our temple. In his discussion of an essay on Jodo Shinshu Buddhism written by a Catholic priest, he mentioned that in our beliefs that Amida Buddha had shown us the way and we instantaneously join him on death, and that if we do somehow go to the Pure Land, we would not see anyone there because that is not what believe in.

hmmmmm...I must be dreamt about being in the Pure Land, of course, where else would I be to look for Rev. Shindo? But it was not filled with palaces of precious stones and metals of different colors. It was a place that was bright yet familiar, yet unidentifiable. If so, that would be appropriate for the Pure Land to be - nothing. Gee, if I had not have waken up, would I have just remained there forever? No wonder I rushed to wake myself up, I still have tasks to finish here on this shore.

Namu amida butsu.

Funeral service for late Rev Shindo

2011-07-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

The family of Rev Shindo in conjunction with the Bishop's Office of the Buddhist Churches of America and the Board of Directors of the Gardena Buddhist Church has scheduled the funeral service on Thursday, August 25, at 3:00 pm with otoki following in the Social Hall. The BCA announcement will be sent to all temples in the U.S. later.

The members of the temple may joined the family at a privste viewing of the casket on Tuesday, July 12 at 3:00 pm, followed by a short service at 4:00 pm at Gardena Buddhist Church.

Obon dance practice will continue as usual on Tuesday.

The Obon Service for the temple will be held on July 17 and Hatsubon for families that lost a loved one this past year will be later on the same day. The Gardena Buddhist Temple Obon Carnivsl will be held on August 6 & 7, with the obon dance on the street starting at 6:00 pm on both days.

Rev Hosho Shindo - Selflessness

2011-07-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Rev Harada, supervising minister, talked about selflessness, based on an essay written by Rev Kubose of the Chicago Buddhist Temple.

One person who exemplifies this is Rev Shindo. He would be working til late at night prepping for services. Sometimes, I would have to tell him to go home to rest. He worked daily, always thinking of our temple and the people it serves. He did not care to be the center of the center of attention.

I wished he hadn't always thought this way. For about one year and ten months, he had been battling a stubborn cancer. I wished we could all been in on it and fight it together. But he probably did not want us to be bothered by it. But he could not win it over and succumbed to it on Sunday. For us who only knew towards the end of service, it was not a surprise. Nor would we ave been surprise to learn that he wanted to come to temple to thank the people. Probably, not really to thank us for the gifts and thoughts of him during this illness, but most likely to thank us all for giving him the opportunity to be a service to us.

He really was a selfless person. I am truly blessed to have known him.

Also, we truly appreciate Mrs. Shindo, who had gone through all this alone, and probably not of her own wishes, but respecting the wishes of Rev. Shindo. She is a remarkable woman and should be noted.

In gassho,

Isami Taiko at Fujimatsuri, April 30, 2011

2011-06-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the performances by Isami Taiko at our Fujimatsuri on April 30, 2011.

http://isamitaiko.blogspot.com/p/fujimatsuri-april-30-2011.html

Japan Tours

2011-03-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

The events that are unfolding in Japan has kept our travel agency busy. We have a group that is leaving for Japan in May to attend the 750th Memorial Service for Shinran and the Buddhist Women's World Congress. Another group, that I'm organizing, is leaving for the same service in October 2011.

Shortly, BCA would be sending out letters to members about contributing to a fund that they are sending out. I will post it here when it becomes available.

Gassho

Japan 2011 - Hongwanji's Floating Cloud Pavilion

2011-02-23T16:42:00.000-08:00

The Hongwanji came to Kyoto shortly after the Sengoku Period which unified Japan. The General Oda Nobunaga had come to terms with his enemies, but passes - leaving control of Japan to his no. 1 general, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a man of common beginnings who could not become Shogun. Although the temple had begun as a mausoleum after the death of Shinran, the temple had moved extensively until this point. In the negotiated peace with the Imperial family's blessings, Toyotomi gave Hongwanji in 1584 a tract of land in Kyoto, probably to compensate for the Ishiyama location that eventually becomes Osaka Castle. The temple is complete in 1592 and Hideyoshi also donates works of arts and architectural features to the temple. Construction on Osaka Castle begins in 1593 and completed in 1597, after the passing of Hideyoshi.

Hideyoshi is also known as a tea enthusiast, oftentimes, consulting (and eventually disagreeing with) Sen Rikyu the founder of tea schools. Within the grounds of the Hongwanji, he had built the Floating Cloud Pavilion (Hiunkaku)

This is part of the National Historical Registry. Japan was a source of inspiration for such designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright and other Arts and Craftsman. In fact, if you go down and see La Brea Bakery at Downtown Disney, you will notice it has a familiar facade.

The Hiunkaku features two types of architecture, the angular lines of Chinese architecture popular in Kyoto and the softer curvy architecture of native Japan. It is considered as one of the three great pavilions of Kyoto, albeit most people cannot see this one. The other two are Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji.

Temple Anniversaries

2011-02-16T13:17:00.001-08:00

2012 is the 30th Anniversary of our Hondo. We will be celebrating with a time capsule that was part of our 85th Anniversary commemoration. Please feel free to contribute anything about our temple and the people it was built for. It could be remembrances or actual journals, videos on DVD, photographs, etc. We will close the time capsule at this celebration and open it at our Centennial, which will take place 15 years later. Our hondo was dedicated in August 1982 after fires that destroyed the previous hondo.

This commemoration will coincide with Gardena hosting the 2012 Southern District Conference. I am looking for people to volunteer for the steering committee. One of the first things we need to do is to arrange for a location and select a theme.

The komon and sodanyaku hope that we can hire another minister who is a native English speaker. The board did approve establishing a Minister Scholarship Program that will help us with getting another minister in the future. The board has a few more procedures to approve before we can fully implement this.

In the meantime, we will start seeing guest ministers for the English sermons at least twice a month and the religious department will also be looking for lay speakers who can speak in English. We do have a volunteer who looks after Rev. Shindo and helps with pronunciation. If others can help please let me know.

We have received items in the suggestion box, and we are doing our best to respond to the needs.

Our October group to Japan will meet soon. Kintetsu is finalizing the preparations for the May group’s visit, and then we will be scheduling meetings for our tour. Please stay tuned. Anyone interested in traveling to Japan in October for the 750th Memorial Service for Shinran in Kyoto, please contact me.

In Gassho,

December 5, 2010

2010-12-07T13:33:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, Rev. John Turner, a minister's assistant from OCBC, was our guest speaker. During the early family service, he spoke to the Dharma School kids on Bodhi Day. Most of the western world, thinks of linear terms, i.e., crossing themselves, usually in a north-south, east-west. The Buddha before he became the Buddha ventured outside of his father's palace in a circular order - he first went out the East Gate, then the South Gate, so on. Therefore he went out East, South, West and North. But it is this symbol of circleness that is emphasized, the cycle of birth and death.

He continued this theme in the adult session. The Buddha was enlightened, but after his death, who would be able to take his place? There were four disciples that were closests to the Buddha, Sariputta, Mogallan, Kasyapa and Ananda.

Sariputta was brilliant and probably the closest to the Buddha. Mogallana was innately spiritual and is the subject of our O-Bon observances. Kasyapa was very disciplined, akin to a Marine. Ananda was not at a high level of any one thing, but was eminent in many disciplines. He was able to attain this by "listening." Mogallana and Sariputta passed away quickly after Buddha, leaving only Kasyapa and Ananda behind.

Interestingly, they did not get along. However, it was Ananda that won over because he was good at many things. Learning and listening is what he advocates and does very well.

On this Bodhi Day, we may not be exceptional to attain Enlightement, however, we may do well to listen to the teachings and be good at many things.

Namu Amida Butsu.

Thought for the day

2010-11-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

"The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude."- William James

William James (January 11, 1842 – August 26, 1910) was a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher who was trained as a medical doctor. He wrote influential books on the young science of psychology, educational psychology, psychology of religious experience and mysticism, and on the philosophy of pragmatism. He was the brother of novelist Henry James and of diarist Alice James. -Wikipedia.

Three Treasures

2010-11-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Namo kie Bu
Namo kie Hou
Namo kie Sou

The three treasures - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The Sanga is made up of the 400 alumni.

After life?

2010-06-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

We want to know about what happens after we die. Will we see others? Where will we be. The sutras that use in Jodo Shinshu describes in great detail what Pure Land is like. But at the same time, Jodo Shinshu says why bother? We don't have to worry about after life because Amida says we don't have to worry about because he guarantees it. Through reciting the nembutsu and with shinjin, we will be reborn in the Pure Land, so don't worry about it.

It's been awhile ....

2010-05-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

This blog was meant to be an extension of the Megumi and allow visitors to the Facebook page for Gardena Buddhist Church to learn something. So for a short while, I would try to recap what we heard on Sundays.

It takes a little time to write up something, and of course, if there was something to write up it would make it easier.

Instead of recapping Sunday's Dharma Talk, I hope to add some things that I have heard that you may like to know on your journey along the White Path.

Currently, I am reading "The Three Pure Land Sutras: A Study and Translation: by Hisao Inagaki. The study portion is interesting on how the concepts of Pure Land and Nembutsu developed. And why Shinran selected the seven as the Seven Patriachs.

The translations of the sutras are interesting, and you wonder how the ancient people memorized these sutras so that we can read them today.

In Gassho,

Nembutsu Seminar: Socho Koshin Ogui, Bishop, BCA

2010-04-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

"My life is not only my life but the lives of others' sacrifices, kindness, thoughtfulness and patience."

The Socho was quite a rascal in the early years of his ministerial career. However, he had come to realize the above and shared that experience with us at our second Nembutsu Seminar of the year at the temple on Saturday, April 10, 2010.

Think about it, and I'll add additional thoughts and words from the seminar in this space.

April 10 $ 11, 2010

2010-03-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

We are fortunate to have as our guest, Bishop Koshin Ogui, socho of the Buddhist Churches of America, for the weekend.

He will present a Nembutsu Seminar on April 10 at 1pm, "Meditation Practices in Jodo Shinshu." The BWA is providing refreshments for this seminar.

Socho will also preside over a small gathering for dinner at the new Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance at 6pm. Early RSVP is necessary, so please send an email if you like to attend. The cost per person is $65.

Starting at 9am on April 11, temple members can come to the Hondo and pour sweet tea over the small statue of the baby Siddhartha in the hanamido. Hanamatsuri Service, commemorating the birth of the future Buddha, will start at 9:30am. Socho Ogui will give the sermon in English and Japanese. Afterwards, Socho Ogui will assist Revs. Shindo and Nakano with the infant presentation service startine at 11:30am. Hatsumairi (First Service) is the name of this service, and we are expecting 11 participants and their parents. Lunch will be served for the participants by the Dana Group.

Then at 2pm, a special kieshiki, or Affrimation Service, conducted by Socho Ogui for participants to receive their Buddhist name, or homyo. Application for this service had passed and 71 will participate in this service.

The bishop will later meet with the temple elders and return to the Bay area on Monday.

We are looking forward to this weekend. The public is invited to attend the Nembutsu Seminar on Saturday at 1pm and the Hanamatsuri Service on Sunday starts at 9:30am.

In gassho

ABA Bingo

2009-09-21T15:07:00.001-07:00

Thank you from the ABA for attending their bingo fundraiser! (September 19, 2009)

Obon, Obon, It's Festival Time

2009-08-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you to those who attended our Obon Dance and Carnival, August 1st & 2nd, 2009. The turnout from the community and the neighboring temples and organizations ware terrific! We had a total of 2,000 dancers for both nights, plus all their friends watching and eating and having a good time.

To host such a "party" it takes a huge army of volunteers. A big thank you goes to all of them for their time and effort.

Until next year ...!

Jodo Shinshu Creed

2009-07-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

I affirm my faith in Amida's Infinite Wisdom and Compassion. Reciting his Sacred Name, I shall live with strength and joy.

I shall look up to Amida's Guiding Light. As I reflect upon my imperfect self, I live with gratitude for His Perfect Compassion which surrounds me at all times.

I shall follow Amida's Teachings. I shall understand the Right Path and resolve to spread the true Teachings.

I rejoice in Amida's Wisdom and Compassion. I shall respect and help my fellow men and work for the good of my community.

(The Ryoge-mon - Jodo Shinshu Creed - is the affirmation of faith and should be recited after sermons and devotionals.)

Namo Amida Butsu

Japanese American Living Legacy

2009-07-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

The Gardena Buddhist Church Board of Directors approved the rental of our Social Hall to the Japanese American Living Legacy organization in May 2009 to hold a fundraiser dance for its program. This was after a brief presentation by the presenters to the Board, after an introduction by Rev. Nakano.

http://www.jalivinglegacy.org/main.cfm?stg=home

They have had similar fundraisers at other Japanese American community and religious organizations. The group started with Sansei wanting to tell the stories for their fathers who had served the United States in World War II. Eventually, they included veterans of later wars, this time including voices of the Sansei generations themselves, and oral histories of non-veterans, too.

I am not involved in the group, but I think oral histories are important for our temple, too. In 2026, we will be celebrating our 100th, and I hope by then we will have a library of stories featuring our temple's history of the ministers of years past, how our temple fared during World War II, how the community opened up as our Sangha returned to their homes in the South Bay, and how are current traditions got started.

Each year, the group of people to pool our resources get smaller and smaller, so like the work of the JA Living Legacy, the oral histories of our temple's history is important to record and review. We have our own legacies. In our structure, we have komon (counselors) and sodanyaku (advisors) for our temple. Most of them are former board chairs. They are entrusted with our legacy - their combined knowledge is a valuable commodity and resource. They uphold the decisions of the board and are sought for their advice as well.

All important decisions have been discussed with the komon and sodanyaku. To participate in an oral history will help preserve this common knowledge, so that future generations of leaders can also learn from them.

Maybe we should partner with groups like the JA Living Legacy to learn how to obtain and manage an oral history database.

Just some thoughts to ponder.

In Gassho

Welcome Rev. and Mrs. Shindo

2009-07-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

This is long overdue, but here is this blog's WELCOME to our new minister and his wife, Rev. Hosho Shindo and Mrs. Mieko Shindo. It has been six weeks and it has been very exciting.

In some ways, we are treating it like a new era, and the temple has started on a few changes. For years, members of the Sangha has spoken about these changes, and very little had been made. But now, with a fresh face, we are able to tackled the challenges of making these changes and the Sangha should be able to see them.

We are updating our Bylaws and Rules and Regulations. The temple has so many different procedures that are mandated by various legislative acts that we will have to incorporate them into our R&R.

We are still taking suggestions, so we are asking our Sangha to leave them in our suggestion box in the back of the 'Gejin' (the congragation, or sangha, part of the Hondo, or main hall). Or they can be sent to info@gardenabuddhistchurch.org.

I'll be keeping up with the posts so check back here for more information.

Sincreely in Gassho...

Kite-flying

2009-05-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

In the opening sequence of Walt Disney's "Mary Poppins," both Bert and Mary Poppins make note of a "change in the weather," or "the wind," indicating some change is about to be brewing, or a storm. In fact, change does occur in the awakening of Mr. Banks to his kids and the film culminates in a kite-flying sequence that also marks the farewell to Mary Poppins, as her job is now done.

The winds of change is a common metaphor, but kite-flying too has its symbols in ancient history both in Europe and in Asia as a symbol of change, and in particularly in Buddhism.

We will have our own kite-flying event come June 1st as we welcome a new head minister. We've been rolling along, doing the best as we can with Rev. Nakano, bravely making an effort on her part. We have rethinked our past on what worked and did not work and hopefully put in place some changes. A new canvas to imprint a new vision.

Until then, "go fly a kite!"

Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear

In Gassho....

Compassion

2009-04-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. - The Dalai Lama

The Dharma of Star Wars

2009-04-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

We are going to start this book club discussion on The Dharma of Star Wars every third Sunday beginning April 19. The temple has about 10 books for sale.

If anyone has any questions on what they have heard at Sunday services, feel free to drop an email.

Bodhisattva by Steely Dan

2009-03-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

BODHISATTVA

Bodhisattva
Would you take me by the hand
Bodhisattva
Would you take me by the hand
Can you show me
The shine of your Japan
The sparkle of your china
Can you show me
Bodhisattva

Bodhisattva
I'm gonna sell my house in town
Bodhisattva
I'm gonna sell my house in town
And I'll be there
To shine in your Japan
To sparkle in your China
Yes I'll be there
Bodhisattva

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

2009-03-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

The Dharma of Star Wars

2009-02-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

Some people inquired about a book club that we could start at our temple. There are a number of good books to start and good suggestions. But if I was going to be part of a book study group, then for the first I would have to choose "The Dharma of Star Wars" by Matthew Bortolin.

I have thought about this ever since I first saw Star Wars at the Plitt Century Theatre in Century City. Maybe George Lucas didn't have all the Buddhist facts at hand, maybe he received some philosophy watching all those Japanese samurai films as a student at USC, but whatever, Star Wars brought up some interesting points, at least I thought so then when I was in Jr. YBA.

The following five films and series of books fleshed out The Force a bit more, so if Matthew Bortolin thought there could be comparisons between Star Wars and Buddhism, why not?

Except for L. Ron Hubbard, religion is not usually covered in our exploration into the future in science fiction, at least religion that we know of today. But if these religions have lasted for 2,000 years, then why could they not be around 2,000 more? And why only Hubbard is going around talking about it and no one else?

I remember a book I picked up that was about the future and the nine Buddhist paradises. I can't even find the title of the book. It had to do with levels of enlightenment, although it was also vaguely similar to Dante's trilogy as well.

If anyone is interested please email me. Once we get started, I'll post our discussion and our relevations here.

You are never alone...

2008-12-22T14:49:00.000-08:00

If all you do is think about yourself, then even if you are in a room of people you will still be alone. If you are always thinking of others, then even if you are by yourself you are never alone. (E.Y.)

Megumi, December 2008

2008-11-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

As I See It
By Alan Kita, Chairman of the Board

We just had our general meeting in November. We received a letter from the Bishop’s
Office, so we know we won’t be without a head minister for very long.
Our guest speaker for Obon Service, Rev. Shinji Okada, had his retirement luncheon
November 15, 2008. We had a few of our members attend – I had a conflict of schedule
with ---

“Fun Food Friendship 2” – the Adult Buddhist Association event at Orange County
Buddhist Church. I picked up our Laughter Yoga leader, Antoin Rodriguez at the
Anaheim Station (he came from San Diego County). When I was getting near Anaheim, I
noticed all of the sudden that the sky was dark brown instead of the bright blue that it was in Gardena. By the time I got to the train station, the sky was dark and thick with smoke
and ash.

Some of the guests had difficulties getting to OCBC for the event, but we did have a good time getting into laughter. Antoin said that laughing was good to help clear our minds. It is like saying Nembutsu.

After the dinner of handmade tortillas and tacos, we got into dancing, with the help of Ms. Gerri Simmons, we started with some instruction on basic line dancing. The laughing and the line dancing really broke the ice for those who were able to venture out of the firestorm to attend.
* * * * *
In February the BCA National Council will meet at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, hosted by
Southern District and Orange County Buddhist Church. For that event, the ABA will be
hosting “Odorimasho” a dance for all at the hotel, February 28, 2008. The cost is $30 and the proceeds will help the Campaign 21. Meeting rates are available to anyone for that one night. It’s a good idea since the National Council Eitaikyo service the next morning is open to all Southern District members. (This will be in place of services at our temple – look for bus details later.)

The following year, the BCA National Council Meeting will be held in conjunction with
the BCA 750th Memorial Service for Shinran Shonin. That event will be hosted by
Central District and San Jose Betsuin. I hope people will attend that event, too.
And … that is not enough, every 50 years is the memorial service at Hongwanji in Kyoto.

The last time it was held in 1961, incidentally the year I was born. So I plan to be there in 2011, and I hope you will join me too. There will be groups going, so I hope we can organize a group from our temple – so start putting money aside.
* * * * *
We received a thank you note from the Miura family for our contributions to the funeral service. We also received a thank you note from Hanford Buddhist Church for our hospitality when they came to attend the services.
* * * * *
I attended the Dharma School teachers installation luncheon which was postponed
because of the funeral service. Also, the Jr. YBA installation dinner and recently, the installation luncheon for Hui Aikane. Each one was enjoyable to attend.
* * * * *
Each organization are thinking of ways to expand their membership. This is good news. It is important to spread the Nembutsu. We have a responsibility for others to hear the Dharma.

I am taking a class entitled, “Urban Conservation Biology.” We are studying the
importance of native wildlife and environment areas of southern California. It really
makes you think of the cycles of life and the impermanence of nature. Wildfires are also part of the southern California environment and is very important to the environment. On the other hand, we, as humans, must learn how to live with our environment. The Gardena Willows, Madrona Marsh, the Harbor wetlands and the dunes along Torrance and Redondo beaches are remnants of a vast ecosystem that existed before humans got here and it is important that we care for what is left, so that we can coexist together.
* * * * *
The budget that was past is very tight. I can see that the new minister could plan a good Buddhist Education program from it, and we are able to make improvements to our
facility. We do need members to give their dana and not only stay as members, but help
us by getting more people to join. If there are types of education programs you like to see for adults, please let me know.
Thank you.
Gassho

From Megumi, November 2008

2008-10-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

As of today, the BCA is still considering our request for a new head minister. It will probably be a long process. Of course, in the meantime, we will have to make do.

So what do we have to do to prepare ourselves in the coming months?

We have around 750 members, the majority of which are in their 70s and 80s. That’s a lot of Dharma talks. In absence of a head minister, we will have to take it upon ourselves to make sure that we have what we need. So if a member needs some comfort, all we have is each other, so please take it upon yourself to visit someone who we have not seen at temple. Check in with them and see if they are all right.

Read. There are lot of books written about the Dharma and about Jodo Shinshu. You can find them at Hongwanji Place in Little Tokyo, or order them from the BCA Bookstore. Maybe, just maybe, we can form book clubs so we can read them together and ask each other questions.

Come to temple. Sundays, it’s a gathering place. Or donuts. Once a week, we can have a donut. Its all about nembutsu.

Remember to bow before entering the Hondo, and even bow before entering the grounds – we do that at Hongwanji in Kyoto, we bow before entering the gates! Remember to step in with your left, exit with your right. When you pass in front of the center of the Hondo, remember to bow.

And think how lucky you are that you can do all that. Sometimes, I sit before the o-naijin and remember all the different ministers that have come before us, the guest speakers, the special services. The funerals, the weddings…all these things that have been witnessed. It’s amazing.

As an adult coming back to Gardena, it has been quite an experience. Now as the chairman of the board, I wanted to make sure that we take a leap into the future. At that time Rev. Mayeda gave the English-language sermons, and Rev. Miura had just started (with a ponytail!) And in my first year of my term, both are gone within a year of each other! It doesn’t seem fair, does it? I miss them both.

But we practice perseverance and we would be moving on. Those were great moments, and we will have more moments.

We all know what we have to do, and that is to practice what we have learned – “to think pure and beautiful thoughts, to do pure and beautiful deeds and to say pure and beautiful words.” Sure sometimes, we forget and maybe our thoughts aren’t as pure and beautiful, nor we do things that are pure and beautiful, and sometimes we may not say pure and beautiful words, but we are just One Sangha, and the Dharma lives.

So in this interim, while we figure out where we will be… please take care of each other.

In Gassho,

The New Normal

2008-10-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

I still don't have any news, but there a few things we can do as a temple to prepare ourselves for the future.

While we wait for an answer, we do need to talk and ask ourselves what we like about ourselves, what we don't like about ourselves and what we see about ourselves in the future. No, not individually but as a Sangha as a whole.

This is a good time for us to do this. So if you are thinking, let me know.

Remember Me ...

2008-10-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all.
Laura I. Wilder

Those who have been born first ....

2008-10-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have collected true words to aid others in their practice for attaining birth, in order that the process be made continuous, without end and without interruption, by which those who have been born first guide those who come later, and those who are born later join those who were born before. This is so that the boundless ocean of birth-and-death be exhausted.

-- Shinran Shonin, Kyogyoshinsho

A Thousand Winds

2008-09-17T02:41:00.000-07:00

Sung in Japanese "Sen no Kaze" by Masafumi Akikawa on the 2007 edition of Kohaku Utagassen to music written by Mitsuru Arai.

A Thousand Winds
by Mary Elizabeth Frye (1905-2004)

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die

Recently, the beloved mother of my very good friend, Michi, passed away.
To help soothe her greiving heart, I sent her the above poem.
This lovely, inspirational poem has an interesting history. So many variations of the poem can be found, and so many different claims of authorship have been made, and still being made. But it is said that the best evidence indicates that it was written by a Baltimore, U.S.A. housewife, Mary Elizabeth Frye, in 1932, to console a German Jewish friend, Margaret Schwarzkopf, who was unable to visit her dying mother in Germany due to anti-semitic feelings in Germany at that time. She told Mary Frye that she lamented the fact that she was not able to "stand by her mother's grave and shed a tear." These words inspired Mary Frye to write the verse to comfort her friend
The many variations and disputed origins of this poem occured mainly because it was never formally published nor copywrited.
For many years the poem's origin was generally unknown, being variously attributed to native American Indians (especially Navajo), traditional folklore and other particular claimant writers. It has appeared, and continues to appear in slightly different versions and different titles.
The complete story of the research made on the origin of this beautiful poem, can be found on Business Balls.
Originally, This poem did not have a title and the first line, "Do not Stand at My Grave and Weep" became the first title by which the poem was known. The poem can be found with different titles, but I like "A Thousand Winds" best.

Marie

Thank you

2008-09-12T14:41:00.001-07:00

To all who participated, helped out and/or attended the service for Rev. Miura, thank you all. It was wonderful to see so many people and cards of well-wishes for the family.

To the ministers who were part of the service, a big thank you as a number of them also came from out of town.

It was terrific to see so many people help out...we had a long list of things to do, and we were able to get it all done.

Thank you again.

Impermanence and Interdependence.

2008-09-09T14:32:00.001-07:00

One precept in Buddhism that death is part of life. If you are born, you will die. Or, if you weren't going to die, then you would never be born.

The impermanence of life. Rev. Miura, our minister for almost 13 years, passed into Pure Land last week and today his body was returned to ashes.

As a Sangha it has been one long and hard week. Despite of it, many people came together and helped pull together a service and otoki. Although we, ourselves, were our own guests, we also had guests from out of town, many from the towns of the temples that Rev. Miura previously served.
People because they wanted to helped with many different things, from hospitality for the guest mininsters and bishop, otoki for everyone afterwards, setting up the offsite video and audio, setting up the extra chairs, moving flowers, registering the flowers and keeping track of the koden.

It was an amazing interdependent act of compassion and heart.

Many BCA ministers also participated in this service, there many connections to Rev. Miura.

After the service, people were talking and visiting with each other, staying as long as they could before their bus left for Central Cal or to catch their flight back home.

There were many people that helped, and eventually I will be able to let Mrs. Miura know who they were so she could show her appreciation.

Today on the other hand was a very private occasion. The seventh day memorial service was conducted at Fukui Mortuary, then a crematory service at the crematorium at Evergreen Cemetary.

One push of the button, one last act.

“When I deeply contemplate the transient nature of human life, I realize that, from beginning to end, life is impermanent like an illusion. We have not yet heard of anyone who lived ten thousand years. How fleeting is a lifetime!

Who in this world today can maintain a human form for even a hundred years? There is no knowing whether I will die first or others, whether death will occur today or tomorrow. We depart one after another more quickly than the dewdrops on the roots or the tips of the blades of grasses. So it is said. Hence, we may have radiant faces in the morning, but by evening we may turn into white ashes. Once the winds of impermanence have blown, our eyes are instantly closed and our breath stops forever. Then, our radiant face changes its color, and the attractive countenance like peach and plum blossoms is lost. Family and relatives will gather and grieve, but all to no avail? Since there is nothing else that can be done, they carry the deceased out to the fields, and then what is left after the body has been cremated and has turned into the midnight smoke is just white ashes. Words fail to describe the sadness of it all.

Thus the ephemeral nature of human existence is such that death comes to young and old alike without discrimination. So we should all quickly take to heart the matter of the greatest importance of the afterlife, entrust ourselves deeply to Amida Buddha, and recite the nembutsu. Humbly and respectfully.” (translated by Hisao Inagaki et al)

From the Letters of Rennyo Shonin, the 8th Monshu of Hongwanji.

Gassho

"A Place In The Sun"

2008-09-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

One Sunday this past year, Rev. Miura had both Japanese- and English-speaking Sangha together. So to our surprise, he pulled out a harmonica and played along to the following Steve Wonder song. He was very good at the harmonica (he said it was because he was into folk songs early in his life). He got many of us to sing along. He incorporated the song to his Dharma Talk about "movin' on" and the impermanence of life.

"A Place In The Sun"
by Stevie Wonder

Like a long lonely stream
I keep runnin' towards a dream
Movin' on, movin' on
Like a branch on a tree
I keep reachin' to be free
Movin' on, movin' on

'Cause there's a place in the sun
Where there's hope for ev'ryone
Where my poor restless heart's gotta run
There's a place in the sun
And before my life is done
Got to find me a place in the sun

Like an old dusty road
I get weary from the load
Movin' on, movin' on
Like this tired troubled earth
I've been rollin' since my birth
Movin' on, movin' on

There's a place in the sun
Where there's hope for ev'ryone
Where my poor restless heart's gotta run
There's a place in the sun
And before my life is done
Got to find me a place in the sun

You know when times are bad
And you're feeling sad
I want you to always remember

Yes, there's a place in the sun
Where there's hope for ev'ryone
Where my poor restless heart's gotta run
There's a place in the sun
Where there's hope for ev'ryone
Where my poor restless heart's gotta run
There's a place in the sun
Where there's hope for ev'ryone...

In Gassho...

September 8, 2008 at 3:00 pm

2008-09-03T10:11:00.001-07:00

The funeral service for Rev. Kyogyo Miura will take place at 3:00 pm at Gardena Buddhist Church. Parking is limited.

Koden can be received at Gardena Buddhist Church, 1517 W. 166th Street, Gardena CA 90247.

Rev. Kyogyo Miura, Minister, Gardena Buddhist Church, d. Aug. 31, 2008

2008-08-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

Rev. Miura passed away this morning in Torrance, CA. Out of respect for the family, please refrain from contacting them. Please contact the church office for moring information. The funeral services have not been arranged yet by the family. It will be sponsored by the Buddhist Churches of America.

Thank you Rev. Nakano of Gardena Buddhist Church and to Rev. Harada, chairman, Southern District Ministers Association.

To Mrs. Miura and their son, Wiliam, and his family, our sympathies to you.

Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu

Kyogyoshinsho

2008-08-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

Kyogyoshinsho is work by Shinran Shonin that lays out what Jodo Shinsho is. There were deviances in the Kanto region and he responded with this work.

The English translation by Hisao Inagaki can be found online, with the notes and captions.

http://www12.canvas.ne.jp/horai/kgss-a.htm

Regular Services Resume Sept 07, 2008.

2008-08-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Regular services and Dharma School will start the "new" year Sept. 07, 2008 at 9:30am.

Role of a Temple President

2008-08-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

In the current issue of The Wheel of Dharma, in his president's message, Billy Saeki, BCA President, writes about the role of the BCA President.

It is straightforward, but the last paragraph, he sums up his role as:
"To be the BCA President is an honor. The roles of the BCA President are communicator (strive for transparency), change agent (push for positivbe changes), and supporter or cheerleader for the Office of the Bishop (Ogui Socho)."

My role as temple president is similar, except that in my case, it is not the Office of the Bishop but the Head Minister.

The transparency, we are working on. Partly this blog and my monthly newsie in the Megumi is a step in transparency.

At the request of members of the Sangha, we are working on several initiatives for some positive changes. These days, the Temple is badly needed for a place where the Sangha can come together and work on positive things, i.e., the Nembutsu. And we will be working on strengthening that aspect in the coming years.

In Gassho

The Nation's Largest Obon Dancing

2008-08-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

(photo credit: Chris Yasaki)

Not to be uncharacteristically boastful, but I think we put on the largest Obon Dancing in the nation.

And really it goes to all the temple members and volunteers that we could put on the "Block Party."

I have not personally been to these other Obon Dancing, but I've heard comparisons to maybe Seattle Betsuin or San Jose Betsuin.

Unfortunately the picture above was not taken on Saturday when there were 50% more people, but it gives you an idea of our dance lines from one of the block to the other.

Our neighbors are appreciated for letting us close off the street. I know a few of them make it a party themselves, and pull out chairs to watch and enjoy the festivities.

In Gassho

oops. This is the stupid thing I did.

2008-08-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

oops....I slipped on a palette while in the process of pushing off another palette into the refrigerated trailer we were using for the Obon Carnival. My left leg found the opening and slid through.

Slid all the way through since that palette was on a forklift and off the ground. What stopped me was my thigh...we'll it was only one leg, I wasn't about to go all the way through.

All I could remember afterward was that I was still holding on to the palette that I was trying to push on, so I finally let that go. Then I fell on my butt. It was keeping me balance for whatever reason.

Wood palettes are heavy, so I'm not sure how I managed to hold on to that palette and suspend it in midair.

Kyle helped me off...it took awhile to unwedge myself. I was scraped up but not badly (I thought). Everyone else said it looked bad, its looks red (part of that was sunburn), I could get an infection...did I break anything.

I was more embarrassed than anything...so I walked it off.

Later, I dance Obon dancing but before the half was over, I quit since my leg was hurting...this time it really swelled up. So I thought I better go home, the first time in 12 years that I've left the Obon carnival early.

I rested and iced most of the night...only to wake up at 2am to unlock the temple and social hall for sushi making. But I stayed out the activities, icing my leg, staying off of it most of the rest of day. I snuck in a little nap during Obon Dancing after my little welcome speech by hiding out in the Hondo.

At what was the end of the dance, I could hear Johnny N. let somebody in and saying that there is no one in here...I guess in the darkness I couldn't be seen. So I woke up to be around cleanup and then went home to sleep somemore.

I did go see my doctor on Tuesday. He didn't think anything was broken or fractured, nor signs of infection...but he brought up even more frightening possibilities, like, the artery could be compromised by the swelling of the muscle and cut off circulation, or that a blood clot could be formed and then that is not good.

Ok we ruled out the arterial stuff since the swelling has gone done since Saturday. We did an ultrasound to make sure the veins were flowing as usually and they were. So the result is just one big bruise and a little gimpy.

Just keep it elevated and iced.
(Originally published in Living in So Cali, August 5, 2008)

In Gassho

Thank you for coming to our Obon Dancing and Carnival

2008-08-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

Wow. It was a tremendous showing of support in attending our Obon Dance and Carnival. The dancers were estimated to be nearly 1200 dancers on Saturday night and nearly 900 on Sunday.

It takes a lot of volunteers to put together this "block party." At one point, I think there were about 4,000 people and probably served by 200 members and volunteers in multiple roles.

In Gassho

It's Obon Time!

2008-08-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Finally, the weekend we have been waiting for. Obon Festival is this weekend. The Obon Dancing starts at 6 pm on both days.

In Gassho

July 6 and July 13, 2008

2008-07-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

It seems like I took a little vacation from the affairs of our temple the last two weeks. Because Kirstin was to attend the one-week Youth Advocacy Committee Retreat, in Sacramento, I saw an opportunity to attend services at San Francisco Buddhist Temple on July 6 and this past Sunday I was at the Obon and Hatsubon Services at Sacramento Betsuin.

Saving the visit to the Stupa for another day, we were able to talk briefly with the San Francisco sangha after the service during their “Sunday social.” It is a small congregation, so someone brought a few pies and baked goods, and with coffee and ocha it ended up being a nice visit in their Social Hall. I was able to reunite with my roommate from my Hongwanji trip last November, before he and the others went into their choir practice for the following week’s Obon service. Even Rev. Abiko sat down with us to talk about the temple, and even wrote a little note for Kirstin to take back to Dharma School.

While we enjoyed the refreshments, volunteers were collating their newsletter to send out.

We came back to Sacramento July 13 to pick up Kirstin. We participated in the Obon Dancing the night before in their parking lot. It was covered with canvas and they also strung lights and coverented them with lanterns which made it very festive. We did about 20 different dances, following the teachers in the center – only a few, i.e., Obon no Uta, Honen no Uta, Tokyo Obon Odori, were familiar. The parking lot was filled with dancers and onlookers – not as big as ours.

The next morning we attended their Obon/Hatsubon service. With about 1,300 members, there were a lot of names to call out. We noticed that some of the people got up more than once to do o-shoko when a name to remembrance was called out. Their oshoko representatives were in reverse to what we are accustomed to, the church president was first, followed by the fujinkai president, ABA president, etc. Much like us, they have to make to with what they got…so when the videographer called in sick, the assistant minister, Rev. Kaz, got the honors to fill in for taping. Rinban Bob is aided by a few minister’s assistants, who also served as instructors for the YAC Retreat that Kirstin had attended during the week.

Socho Ogui was the guest speaker. The reason Rev. Kaz did the videotaping was that they were going to put this Dharma talk on the website. In fact, all of the Dharma talks, including the guest speakers, are video-recorded and archived at their website, www.buddhistchurch.com.

In a later service, Socho Ogui also presided over the presentation of the Homyo to each of the YAC participants, which was one of the reasons we decided to return to Sacramento for the pickup.

In Gasssho,

Buddhist Military Sangha

2008-06-26T22:09:00.001-07:00

A Buddhist military sangha of our armed oforces are being formed by Captain Rev. Jeannette Shin, a naval chaplain and Jodo Shunshu miinster. I met Capt. Rev. Shin through Rev. Nakano at a National Council Meeting. Rev. Shin is wonderful. Since she is now on active duty, she had to resign her ministerialship at Florin Buddhist Church.

If you like more information, check out her blog
http://buddhistmilitarysangha.blogspot.com/
and you may learn something about yourself.

Obon Dance Practice starts tonight!

2008-06-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the first of 13 practices for Obon Dance. The Southern District coordinates and learn most of the same dances, with a few variances or favorites at each temple. When you travel the rounds for Obon this summer, you will be familiar with most of the Obon dances.

We start our practices early to give our Sangha an opportunity to dance at the other temples starting with this weekend, schedules are available at any Southern District temple. Otherwise, people come to practice for the social aspect and for the exercise, oftentimes we get as many as 300 to 400 for practice.

Between 7 and 9 pm, every Tuesday and Thursday, until we start preparing our parking lot for our Obon carnival itself.

Gassho,

The History of Hongwanji

2008-06-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

The Hongwanji was not founded by the founder of Jodo Shinshu, Shinran. Shinran was commemorated at the family shrine after death, which later became the Hongwanji. So the history of Hongwanji starts after Shinran.

Jodo Shinshu had devoted and popular followers. So much that it was considered a threat to the other Buddhist denominations, and even the samurai goverment thought so too. There was a time in its early history, that the Hongwanji had to be dismantled and taken to another location.

It finally found itself on a small hill and the junction of two rivers in the sleepy little town of Osaka, which originally meant "little hill." Its influence grew that the town grew around it. Oda Nobunaga, the great general wanted that land for his own, but was defeated by one of his generals, a peasant name Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who in the end, could not become Shogun because of his humble beginnings.

He persuaded Hongwanji to move back to Kyoto to sizable land that he will donate just south of the Capital. And in is place in Osaka he built Osaka Castle. This wasn't done peacefully, but the Gomonshu relinquished and agreed to the move. So the Hongwanji moved for its final time to its present site in Kyoto.

(A side note: the Gomonshu's oldest son, against his father's command, continued the fight, and later he was not given the title of Gomonshu. Shortly after, when Tokugawa Ieyasu gained control of Japan and became Shogun, did this son because Gomonshu of Higashi Hongwanji.)

Because Hideyoshi was a believer in Jodo Shinshu, he gave to the Hongwanji many possessions that he had controled. Within the Hongwanji compound today is the Floating Cloud Pavilion. Since the Ashikaga shoguns previously build pavilions of their own, Gold and Silver, Hideyoshi built for hiimself a "teahouse." The design of the Floating Cloud Pavilion have both Chinese and traditional Japanese elements in it. Hideyoshi, himself, was a follower of Tea and was a student of Sen no Rikyu, the founder of Senke schools of Tea. See earlier post on "Rikyu." There is also a tea house and a bell tower within the garden.

The Hongwanji also has many other treasures, which combined are National Treasures of Japan. The Hongwanji has several Noh stages, and the famous Karamon Gate of Kirin. It has the Imperial crest on it as it was used by Imperial messengers. The Kirin on the gate was also the inspiration for the Kirin brand of beer

The Hongwanji was instrumental in continuing the traditions of two cultural arts of Japan, Noh and Chanoyu.

Gassho,

Sunday, June 22, 2008

2008-06-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Day Two of no power for the Hondo.

Despite the lack of power to run lights, the organ and the air conditioning (the temps were in the 90s), we went ahead with our services. Today, we honored the high school graduates of our Dharma School and awarded the GBC Scholarships.

We ran extension cords from the Social Hall to run the PA system and some lights on the naijin. We still do not light candles, a tradition that goes back to 1980s when the Hondo burned down (but it was due to an arsonist, not burning candles). Still the glow of the naijin is quite impressive. The brass items in the naijin are polished once a year, half at a time, so we have two "O-Migaki" days. That and the gold used reflect the light.

In place of the messages from our ministers, we honored the high school graduates, of which we had six. We also gave out three scholarships.

When the Dharma School studens were dismissed, we had a combined English and Japanese session and practice for the first time - Walking Nembutsu. Most Buddhists practice this as a way to Enlightenment, which is not a practice of Jodo Shinshu-ists. Jodo Shinshu-ists use Walking Nembutsu as a way to remind us of the Nembutsu, which is the primary way of enlightenment.

The adults walked around the Hondo in a circle, chanting the sutra, Ju Ni Rai, in measured steps. Starting with the left foot, take three steps and stop. It took a full circle to complete. When you pass the center of the Naijin (at either side of the circle), you turn to bow to Amida Buddha.

It was a little difficult to manage the service book and a fan and to see, since the Hondo was darkened, it was a great experience and people went home with a new look at Nembutsu.

The kids who were also affected by the power outage in the classroom buildings, were cooling off in the Social Hall watching "My Neighbor Totoro." Sunday Social, hosted this week by the Sangha Teens, was also held in the Social Hall.

The day was a reminder that Nembutsu is alive, and that it goes on no matter what crisis could occur. Could it be that it was only 25 years ago that the Hondo was reopened after being rebuilt from the ground up after the devastating fires that destroyed the preceeding Hondo? Although it was simply a day without electricity, we could have been reminded that despite that loss, we could still hold services.

Next week, the Dharma School is holding its Recycle Day - Part II and collecting aluminum cans and plastic bottles. This day was a reminder that we rely so much on electricity, yet the Nembutsu does not. It does not need the electricity, Amida Buddha does not need air condition. What a wonderful thing that we have learned that we could rely on!

Gassho,

Saturday, June 21, 2008

2008-06-23T09:50:00.001-07:00

Japanese Language School Graduation

Hours before the graduation of the Japanese Language School students were to take place, an accident took place in front of the Hondo which took out the telephone pole and cut the power to the Hondo. The person and her vehicle were ok. This brought out the fire department, the Gardena Police (to close off the streets), and Southern California Edison.

After making the area safe as possible, which included cutting the power to the minister's residence, the Edison folks made the preparation to repair the pole.

In the meantime, we decided to proceed with the graduation service in the Hondo. The Social Hall was operating as usual, but it was being used for a private party to take place at the same time.

So we ran extension cords from the Social Hall to operate the portable PA system. We passed out the fans that we use for Bon Dancing, and we were set to go.

The reflection of available light is actually very beautiful.

Southern District Conference, June 7, 2008

2008-06-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

At the Sportsman Lodge in Studio City, the annual Southern District Conference, "Now in the Present Moment," took place yesterday.

About 400 participate, which also combines District meetings for the Buddhist Women's Assocations and the Dharma School Teachers League.

The keynote speaker in English was Rev. Kuyo Kubose of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago. His father too was the minister at the same temple and also was at the Higashi Hongwanji in Los Angeles.

Rev. Kubose believes in the ease of gassho and that it could be done anywhere and anytime. Why not do in the bathroom each morning to start off your day right? Or everytime you shake someone's hand. Some people get self-conscisous about doing nembutsu in public, so why not wring your hands as a form of nembutsu. You may be thinking, "namo amida butsu," but you may be saying out loud, "awright, its time to eat."

Also, if you see football players make a cross with the hands after scoring a touchdown? Why not do the shape of the dharma wheel instead? (a circle with two xs inside.)

In the afternoon, there was a panel of interesting speaker talking about their moments when their lives changed.

The first woman is an 8-year survivor from a brain tumor that was removed successfully. Although she must return for tests every three months, she has a positive attitude about the whole thing.

The second woman lost her husband when he as 31 and a year after giving birth to twin boys, who are now full-grown. She did not expect to raise the boys herself, but she had to overcome that and now participates in many temple activity.

The third speaker survived the World Trade Center September 11, 2001. He was on the 55th floor, and he may not have been the good student in Sunday School classes, he did his best to get out of the building in time and the ordeal days later to return to his family in Los Angeles.

In each, the person did not plan for this critical point to take place. However, they have learned to live the moment each day of their lives. You don't need a critical point to take place to start living in the now.

In recapping the conference, even when you say you are living in the NOW, that moment had already past. You use everything you have learned to live in the NOW, but you don't have to dwell on the past or dwell on the future.

Today, I was listening to a report on an Olympic athlete who will probably be going on to the Beijing Olympics this year. She had stopped training as a weightlifter to raise a family. One of her children is autistic, and she almost could not cope with it. She is of the Mormon tradition and went to her Bishop to say that she had chosen to take of her son. The Bishop, instead, told her that she is the right person to do it, otherwise, she would not have had this child.

She takes the approach in returning to competitive weightlifting. As she competes, it is that moment that counts. It is now what is important.

Every Sunday, we see kids leave the temple to go to their basketball and baseball games. If they remember that it is NOW that is important, I think they have learned a valuable Buddhist lesson.

Namu Amida Buddha

750th Memorial Anniversary Contribution

2008-06-04T23:09:00.001-07:00

Shinran passed away almost 750 years ago. It is a Buddhist tradition to conduct memorial services every 50 years.

The Hongwanji will be commemorating this event between April 2011 and January 2012. All BCA members are encouraged to travel to Japan in 2011. Members from the overseas Hongwanji districts, including the BCA, can partipate in special services at the Hongwanji in May 2011. These special services will coincide with the 14th World Federation of Buddhist Women's Associations Convention scheduled for May 16-17.

I'm interesting in taking a couple of groups to Japan for these services. Hold for more details later.

In addition, the BCA, districs and temples are encouraged to hold servies and other activities inlcuding district-wide family conferences in 2010 and 2011. The national 750th Memorial Service will be held in February 2010.

To join in the worldwide celebration, the BCA National Council at its annual meeting in Portland this yeasr approved a $400,000 gift to the Hongwanji. This comes to $25 per person, however, each person is asked to give generously through your temple.

Donatoin envelopes are available at each temple. Please make your contribution.

(from a recent letter sent by the BCA.)

Hongwanji Trip - The Grounds

2008-06-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

Nishi Hongwanji complex is large. Although it is probably less than half of the original size. Just outside the current walls is a temple neighborhood of shopkeepers and other service providers to the visitors to the Hongwanji. At one time Higashi Hongwanji and Nishi Hongwanji bordered each other.

When you enter at the gate, remember to bow towards the Amida-do.

Eventually, the shops and temples around the Hongwanji were given the land. Even the lamposts in the area have a distinctive look.

Rikyu

2008-06-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

I saw the film, "Rikyu," last Friday night at the Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.

The film, directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara, himself an ikebana teacher and a devotee of Urasenke, was produced in 1989 (Japanese) and is about the late stages in the life of Sen Rikyu, the founder of the Omotesenke and Urasenke schools of tea. It starts at the end of Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku Period of Japan and continues with his successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (Momoyama period). Sen Rikyu was a tea master to both, and spent most of his life avoiding the political life. But in the end, after political manipulations, Rikyu had to divulge his opnions of an upcoming attack on China and opposed Hideyoshi, which had tragic results.

Rentaru Mikuni portrayed Rikyu with the aesthetic passion and simplicity. He was awarded the Japanese equivalent of the Oscars that year.

Teshigahara does a great job in interpreting the story, of course, the importance of Sen is evident in the film. In the end, Rikyu walks to his death dressed in white in a dreamy-like sequence that is very powerful. In contrast to the near end of Hideyoshi, who becomes absorbed with power, playing "ball" with a globe with his son, almost deranged.

Rikyu preached minfulness. His teachings in tea were mindful of the process and the aesthetics of tea.

It is important to note, too, that this is the same period in which Hongwanji was built in Kyoto on land donated by Hideyoshi because he wanted the land in Osaka, on which Hongwanji had stood, for a fortress. This move was also partly a factor later during the Tokugawa period in which Hongwanji was split into two.

The current site of Osaka Castle was one of the last site of the Hongwanji prior to its move to Kyoto. In addition to the strength of the mass the Hongwanji was able to collect in people, this site was formidable in Osaka. The son of the monshu differed and he remained in Osaka to continue his fight. Because of this, he was not selected as the heir to the Monshu, but later plays figuratively in the formation of Higashi Hongwanji as the battle for succesion within the Hongwanji was played out during the Tokugawa shogunate.

One of the teahouses of Hideyoshi remains on the grounds of Hongwanji, the Floating Cloud Pavilion, which also appears briefly in this film.

FUN DAY, June 1, 2008

2008-06-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

Today is the 2nd Annual Family Fun Day for all generations, with fun games that could be played by all. The theme was "Concrete Picnic" and was well coordinated by Nadine K., Dharma School Teachers, and Donna T., Gardena ABA.

A group of volunteers from different orgniazations helped put up the canopies, tables and chairs for the event. We pulled out a new PA speaker, and another one for music.

After a brief service, we started with some warmup exercise by our own Rev. Miura, and soon started our first game, which was passing water, cup by cup, person to person from one bucket to another.

The other games included a beach ball toss, dressing a teddy bear relay, dressing a person as a "princess (prince)," passing a plastic egg by spoon to spoon and after lunch there were more games - a water balloon toss and bingo.

Each "event" was coordinated by a different group.

Lunch was provided for all. It remined many of the church picnics from way back. I don't know, but maybe we will have a church picnic again someday. We're getting to be very portable.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

2008-05-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Service at Chapel at Green Hills Cemetary in San Pedro, CA.

This is conducted by a multi-denominational South Bay group of Buddhist temples, similar to the Los Angeles Buddhist Coordinating Council, and is comprised of Gardena Buddhist Church, Higashi Hongwanji, Koyasan Harbor City, Long Beach Buddhist Church, Jodo-shu, Nichiren-shu, and Zenshuji Soto Mission. I may have missed one.

Rev. Naomi Nakano of Bardena Buddhist Church spoke in English of it being a day to memorialize the casualties of American wars, past and present, and for appreciation of the Japanese Americans for their tenacity during internment during World War II. She opened with words of Lao Tse a sage in China from the 6th Century BC:

If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbours.

If there is to be peace between neighbours,
There must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.

Reb. Shummyo Kojima of Zenshuji Soto Mission spoke in Japanese about his discovery of U.S. Memorial Day Observance when he first came to the U.S. - it really is about the remembrance of war casualties and about the origins of gassho, putting one hand's together.

Gassho and itakimasu before a dinner is getting rarer, even in Japan. However, when Rev. Kojima did some research, he discovered no reason why putting one hands together in Japanese text. He did discover in Inida the use of gassho while reciting the word, "namaste," which is the equivalent of "hello."

He told an amusing story of sitting down at dinner in India, and the traditional way of eating was without utencils and with the fingers on the right hand. He then discovered that the left hand is used to clean oneself, and is considered the "soiled" hand. So one hand is the outward, external self (use the same hand to eat and shake hands), and the other other hand is the inner, self-preserving...but to welcome each other, it takes both hands together to represent the whole of oneself. Thus how the tradition began.

Gassho
"Namaste"

Facebook

2008-05-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

If you are registered with Facebook, Gardena Buddhist Church is also a group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=16332556812

Also, if you are interested in an Adult Buddhist Association group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14622502411

Gotan-E

2008-05-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

We had a special service to celebrate Gotan-E, which commemorates the birthday of our founder, Shinran 845 years ago (May 21, 1163). Traditionally, the sutra Shoshinge is chanted because that is the sutra written by Shinran.

This coming Sunday we will have services the nearby cemetaries - starting with Pacific Crest in Redondo Beach, CA at 9:00 am and the chapel at Green Hills in San Pedro at 11:00 am.

May 11, 2008 - Mother's Day

2008-05-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

The Adult Buddhist Association provides breakfast to the Sangha every Mother's Day. They get to the temple early (starting at 6pm), and roll out the tables, canopies, chairs and griddles to serve pancakes outside. In the meantime, inside the kitchen, sausages and eggs are being cooked, and apples and strawberries are washed and sliced.

The idea on Mother's Day started with Dan Shikuma years ago. He approached the then-YABA (Young Adult Buddhist Association) to serve breakfast on Mother's Day since the Jr. Young Buddhist Association had been serving hot dogs on Father's Day for years, without reciprocating on Mother's Day.

Then when the YABA dissolved itself to become the new ABA, the ABA members continued this Dana tradition. Dan Shikuma died a few years ago after fighting ALS, and in his memory the ABA members make pancakes and serve it free.

Ross and Elaine have been chairing this for awhile and they have made much improvements. We have bought two commercial griddles just for this purpose which are also being used for beef teriyaki during carnival time.

The ABA practices "dana" the buddhist idea of giving. The Sangha, in turn, gets together and share a meal, which is also known in Japanese as "o-toki."

Mother's Day

2008-05-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Services on Mother's Day start at 10:00 am instead of 9:30 am. This is to accommodate the ABA's pancake breakfast that will be served to the Sangha starting at 8:00 am. To get ready, the ABA members start setting up at 6:00 am! The breakfast is served outdoors at the Fuji patio. Its sausages and eggs with the pancakes. Plus fruit, including strawberries from Ventura County! There is no Dharma School as there is a combined English and Japanese service and a special art fair with projects from each Dharma School class.

May 3, 2008 - Fujimatsuri

2008-05-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

Fujimatsuri was fun this year. We had a crowd early for plants and sushi, and continued throughout the day but it was so much as it was overwhelming. We sold out on sushi, udon and even hot dogs this year.

We also moved our performers from indoors to outdoors this year. We had a ukulele group, a keiki hula group, a Japanese dance group, our own Isami Taiko and the North Torrance Jazz Ensemble and North Torrance Stings-n-Things.

It took us awhile to wire up the stage for electricity.

Thanks to all who lend a hand in helping put it on for the community.

April 27, 2008

2008-04-28T23:57:00.000-07:00

Cause and Effect was the theme for today's sermon Rev. N. We are so used to superstitions that we forget that cause and effect is what actually happens.

March 30, 2008

2008-04-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

I was in church on Sunday, but I don't remember anything other than meeting a visitor from Hawaii - sorry! I think I lost the message of the day. It was probably because we came back home late the night before - we ate in Chinatown after watching the Dodgers-Red Sox game at the Los Angeles Coliseum with 115,300 of us in a Guiness-certified world record for attendance at a major league baseball game. The peristyle in the eastern side of the Coliseum was used for seating - the normal Sun Deck bleachers used for USC football games was missing, so the folks in the the far right field were seating on concrete or standing/sitting in the grassy area.

I was in what would be left field had this been at a regular ball park. This exhibition game was to commemorate the 50 years that the Brooklyn Dodgers have in Los Angeles. The first four years was played in the Coliseum while Dodgers Stadium was being built. Then the Coliseum floor space is bigger than it is now, but still not big enough for left field - so a high fence was erected. The Dodgers went to the World Series and then the attendance was highest for a major league game. The track and field stadium for both Los Angeles Olylmpics had its track taken out and replaced with seating while the field was lowered...so the length of the third base line was only 250 feet.

In fact the Dodgers did not play a left fielder - they had five in the infield instead. But they still lost the game.

50 years is also a common period for observance of memorials in Jodo Shinshu traditions. It is almost 50 years since a memorial for Shinran was held, so it is coming back again in a few years. The Hongwanji in Kyoto hopes that many of us will make a pilgrimage to Kyoto to attend the services and the BCA will be holding a national observance and memorial in 2010. This will be the 750th. Fifty years later, who knows what this world would be like and what the BCA will be like in 2061 when the next memorial services will be conducted.

Why We Do Not Celebrate Easter - March 23, 2008

2008-03-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Easter is a celebration, of course, of the significant event in Christianity. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s promise of the future of Christians. For the first thousand years of Christianity, this “holiday” was most celebrated.

Of course, Buddhists do not celebrate this event. This is what Rev. Nakano said this morning.

On the other hand, the term, “Easter,” is not from the Bible, it comes from a celebration, or festival that predates Christianity as the religion spread from its origins in the Middle East. Easter is a rite of Spting. People before Christianity celebrated this passage of time and it was an older version of “Easter” which was adopted by the Christian faith as their own.

As a rite of passage of time into Spring, some of the Easter traditions came from the festival, i.e., eggs and Easter hunt, etc. As Rev. Nakano also noted today, there are differences in interpretation, that she gave several examples of it.

Since the ancient peoples kept track of time by observing the astronomical phenomenon, the ancient Easter was probably celebrated during the Spring Equinox. The Christian Easter is calendared on a more complicated astronomical formula to recreate the annual observance of the “heavens” that are associated to the original event. Which is why the date of Easter differs from year to year.

An aside, the Jewish observance of Passover is also marked astronomically with the emphasis on the lunar cycle.

Another aside, one of the calendars that was observed had a miscalculation and observances of such holidays as we know today such as Christmas begain to fall in different season, so this was corrected with the calendar in use today. Calendars are so arbitrary.

Anyways, the Spring Equinox when the length of the day is equal to the length of the night is an astronomical measure of time based on the rotation of the earth around the Sun.

As Rev. Miura noted, Buddhist do celebrate this rite of passage of time with O-Higan which Rev. Nakano talked about last Sunday during the Higan observance at our temple.

Since the day and night are equal, it is a representation of good and evil as Buddhist believe. Rev. Kodani at Senshin Buddhist Church mentioned that evil must exist to prove good. So in an equilibrium…

Actually, in that case, we do celebrate Easter….

(corrections and comments are accepted...)

Hongwanji Trip - Nishiyama Betsuin

2008-03-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

Nishiyama Betsuin is the training facility for priests of Nishi Hongwanji, located to the west of the Hongwanji.

The Hondo is a National Treasure - it preceded the current structures at Nishi Hongwanji, so this temple is much older. In fact, parts of the temple even precedes the structure, as it was customary to reuse parts of the previous structure in the new building. The Hongwanji, during the civil wars in Japan, had to move from different sites in the Kansai area until Toyotomi Hideyoshi gave part of his land to create what is now Nishi Hongwanji.

As a training facility, the hondo was considered too precious for use, so the Hongwanji built a modern facility next door to the hondo.

Today it is used year-round as a training facility. American ministers also obtain their certification by attending sessions here.

Rennyo Shonin is also buried in a mound behind the Betsuin.

Hongwanji Trip - Otani Hombyo

2008-03-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

Nishi Hongwanji's Otani Hombyo is in the Higashiyama District in eastern Kyoto. Not far from Kiyomizu Temple. This, of course, is the Otani Mausoleum where Shinran Shonin is venerated. It is location of the Columbarium. Shinran's daughter Kakushin-in created the mausoleum, which later became of the Hongwanji. It also has been moved around in its history. Now, there are two, as Higashi Hongwanji has its own mausoleum not too far from here.

There is a memorial to Kakushin-in, in appreciation of her duty to her father.

Although the columbarium is open to anyone, the BCA has its own niche to keep in perpetual memorial the names of the deceased in the United States. Each District also has its own, and even individual temples own their own niches. Gardena Buddhist Church does have its own.

Hongwanji Trip - Ryukoku University

2008-03-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

Ryukoku University is a Jodo Shinshu university and is affiliated with Nishi Hongwanji. It is considered to be Japan's oldest university, found in 1639. In comparison, Harvard University in Boston was founded in 1636. Originally, Ryukoku is the school to train priests for the Hongwanji. It became a secular school in 1876.

The president of Ryukoku University does not have to be affiliated a priest, but generally is a member of the Hongwanji. The chair of the department of religion has to be affiliated with the Hongwanji.

We visited two of the campuses. Omiya which is within the Hongwanji Complex and Fukasaka, which is the main campus.

http://www.ryukoku.ac.jp/english/index.html

The university is small and has seven faculties. Its central theme is Science, Humanities and Religion. It is known as one of the top school for engineering science in Japan.

We met the public information person in the religious hall - a simple and sparse hall with a contemporary naijin, consisting of the myoji as written by Shinran. It has has morning services every morning, but in this secular world very few students attend regularly each morning.

It is a beautiful campus with many brick buildings.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

What does St. Patrick has to do with Jodo Shinshu? Nothing. But cheers to green beer.

Today we held our services for O-Higan. Higan services are done twice a year, once at spring equinox and the other at the vernal equinox.

From http://mothra.rerf.or.jp/ENG/Hiroshima/Festivals/35.html

"The Higan observance comes from a Buddhist belief that when the night and day are equally divided, Buddha appears on earth for a week to save stray souls and lead them to Nirvana. Having been so long followed by.the people, this Buddhist service has also created many customs that make it a big social event."

"Higan, meaning the other shore comes from the Buddhist idea that there is a river marking the division of this earthly world and the future world of salvation. The river is full of illusions, passion, pain and sorrow. Only when one crosses the river, fighting strong currents of temptation, to the other shore, does one gain enlightenment."

In Jodo Shinshu, of course, we don't believe that Buddha will appear on earth, but Higan is a reminder of the river of illusions, passion, pain and sorrow.

Nirvana Day

2008-02-25T15:55:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile since I posted. I'm still doing some research on the sites and places I visited in Kyoto back in November... I want to make sure my posts are accurate.

Last week, it was our service for "Nirvana Day." It is the day that Sakyamuni Buddha died. It is a major event, but not the significant day for our religion. That day, of course, is what we call "Bodhi Day," the Day of Enlightenment, and that we celebrate with a service in December.

It is possible to confuse the two events. But as Buddhists, we do not need proof of the Enlightenment on Sakyamuni's passing. His teachings after gaining Enlightenment (or Awareness) shows us how.

Next week is the National Council Meeting for the BCA. It should be an important meeting for the future of our religion in the U.S.

Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo

2007-12-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

Before I went to Kyoto, I had the opportunity to visit the Ghibli Museum which was located in the Tokyo suburb of Mitaka. This was easily reached from Shinjuku by express trains.

Once you arrive at the Mitaka station, the Ghibli magic starts to unfold. I could see the signs for the Ghibli bus, but I believe the "catbus" was not working that day, so I hiked the 2000 meters to the museum.

It was very easy to figure out how to get there, there are signs from the beginning that told you how many meters away you are from the museum, all done in the same Miyazaki style. In front of each sign, in the concrete-bricked sidewalks, were some with footprints of Ghibli characters. Every 250 meters were these sign posts and footprints.

The walk was very nice as it followed a little creek and the homes and businesses here were rather large (by Japanese standards) homes or two story buildings. The Ghibli Museum is located in a park and has a very woodsy feel.

When you reach the museum by foot, you will be greeted by Totoro at the corner of the museum. Part of the museum is underground so it is not taller than the buildings surrounding it. Everything seems to be part of the environment. In fact the theme of the museum is "let's lose our way together." Therefore, there is no set map to explore the museum, and every visitor has his or her own to explore.

One of the rooms has dioramas and simple mirror maquettes to demonstrate the elementary elements of animation. (No picture taking was allowed inside the museum.) Everyone is given a ticket to see the exclusive short inside the theatre. The movie theatre upon entering is lit and airy. Wait a minute, how could they show a film inside this room, which was decorated with vines and greenery. Before the short started, the windows closed up! The short had no conversation, we just watched a girl walk along a path and sounds are all we heard. The sounds were emphasized by katakana. As in most Miyazaki films, the gifls ends up befriending a spirit, who in turn gives her a gift on her way home.

Another room in the museum recreates the messy studio of Miyazaki with a lot of details. There was another room that was only open for children but had the worlds largest stuffed cat bus where kids could climb in and out of like the girls in the "Totoro."

Of course, there were things to buy in the store and bookstore. Outside there was a concession stand and a small restaurant called the Straw Hat. I think most of the girls in Miyazaki films wears a kind of hat. Even the beer that they sold had on it a label done in the Ghibli style, and of course, I brought one home (empty) as a souvenir.

It was museum that made sense in the world of Ghibli.

"Lets lose our way together."

Hongwanji Overseas Representatives Seminar 2

2007-12-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

It was my first time at morning services, but fortunately the BCA ministers had taken their Tokudo training at Hongwanji and was familiar.

It is the custom to bow towards the o-naijin when entering the complex at the gate (also when leaving).

The Hongwanji has two halls - Amida-do, the largest one, and the Gyoei-do. Both are used at the services, however the Gyoei-do is under restoration and not currently used.

You take your shoes off before climbing the stairs to the Amida-do. You could use the plastic bags to take them inside with you, but there aren't that many people, so I just left mine outside. TIP: It is a good idea to wear shoes that you can slip on and off easily, because it is something that you will do all the time in Japan, especially in Kyoto.

Bow, before entering the hall and you will notice several things. It is huge and covered with tatami that run across the hall. There are no chairs, however, folding chairs are provided to use on the tatami - since even most Japanese no longer sit on the floor. Also there are no heaters and very low light. As we learned later in our orientation, this is the reason gold is used inside the halls to reflect any available lighting.

Part one of the service starts with entrance of the priests (which including students, are many) and the sutra Sanbutsuge is chanted in front of the statue of Amida Buddha.

Part two of the service is the chanting of Shoshinge in front of Shinran, and usually done in the Gyoei-do, but since it is under renovation, the naijin is set up to the left of the Amida Buddha. The priests all move to a new position. Usually six wasans are included and the numbers are posted on the pillar. Then the Gobunsho is brought down and one of the letters from Rennyo is read. Then the lecturer will give a Dharma talk. (All in Japanese.) There are service books that you can borrow, but you have to remember to pick one up on the way in, or bring your own.

No you don't have to sit "seiza" (Japanese-style), but I even find sitting cross-legged to be a numbing experience.

After this service, we went to get breakfast at the Royal Host, which served American-style pancakes and had a drinks bar. It took us awhile to figure out the coffee machine, and we found out that you could make your own iced coffee.

Next: Hongwanji Orientation.

Hongwanji Overseas Representatives Seminar 1

2007-12-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

On arrival to Kyoto, the representatives from the BCA (five lay representatives and two ministers) spent the night in the dorms at the Kokusai Center (Hongwanji International Center). It is the same dorms that overseas students would stay while they are studying at the Hongwanji.

The Kokusai Center is also the office that coordinates activities with each of the overseas districts - Canada, Hawaii, South America and the BCA. It also serves as the welcome center for anyone from these districts. It is located about two blocks east of the Hongwanji, along the street that also servers as the northern border of the main complex.

It was late for most of us to get dinner, so we had gone to the local Lawsons (a convenience store chain) for some food, drinks and supplies.

The next morning, our session didn't start until 10:00 am, but we woke up in time for the 6:30 am Asaji (Morning Service) at the Hongwanji.

Next: Morning Service

Time to Travel

2007-11-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

I'll be leaving this weekend, followed by Rev. Nakano for this Hongwanji Overseas Meeting and Seminar in Kyoto.

I think I have everything in order. Today is the day to make sure everything at work is ok to leave. Tonight to make sure everything I need to get for church is done.

I checked the weather in Kyoto and Tokyo. The high is around 62 degrees. At first I didn't think it was that bad, but this morning the temperature in Los Angeles was around 62 degrees, and I thought this would be too cold. It has rained in Japan last week too.

The hard part is to travel light. So I've been adding and tossing things in/out of my bag all week. Its hard when you have to pack coat and tie among your clothes. I rechecked the flight times and the other tickets I have, rail pass and ticket to the Ghibli Museum.

The Ghibli Museum is everything about the studio that produced "Totoro" and "Kiki's Delivery Service." The admission is only JPY1,000, but tickets can be purchased in advance overseas through JTB (and they tack on a $5 fee) or in Japan through special offices.

September 30, 2007

2007-10-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Laughter Yoga...
Laughter is so good for you. At the Southern District Conference yesterday in San Diego (Fantastic job!), one of the workshops was on Laughter Yoga. Simple games that encourages the kid in you to play and of course, laugh.

A few of us thought it would be a great idea to share the laughter games with the rest of the Sangha, so we wrote down several of the games and shared that with Rev. Nakano, who could not attend this workshop because she was giving a Dharma talk for the elementary school kids at the same conference.

One thing led to another, so I ended up trying to share these games with the Sangha at church the next day. It was a lot of fun. To see the adults laugh like kids seemed so healthy and so good.

Gassho

Hongwanji - Jokoji Temple

2007-09-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

I plan to take a side trip to Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture on the Sea of Japan, primarily to visit Jokoji Temple. This temple was founded by Shinran Shonin during the period of his exile from Kyoto. Although if you read the link below, he was in Ibaraki Prefecture. This temple moved a few times before its current location.

This Website has more information on this temple.
http://www.city.joetsu.niigata.jp/english/contents.files/Jokoji.html

Joetsu City itself is a new city. It was created from different towns in the area not too long ago. The area has many onsen and ryokan, but not on the regular tourist map. JNTO and JTB could not book me a ryokan, so I will have to contact one when I get there.

Thank You!

2007-09-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

Thank all the volunteers for their hard work to make this year's Obon Carnival a huge success! We did about 5% better than last year.

Our Obon Dance is huge. It is probably the largest Obon Dance in the United States, according to a guest from the San Jose Buddhist Betsuin, which he thought was the biggest until he came to Gardena this year.

I have pictures, but they are not with me now. I'll add them in later.

And Thank All of You for coming to our Obon.

Obon Obon Its Festival Time!

2007-08-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

Our Obon Festival ended yesterday. I am exhausted. I have some pictures to upload so I'll be working on those for the next few days.

Thank you all who came, and thank all the members and friends who gave up their time to help pull this feat all together with their volunteer hours.

We probably had around 1,000 dancers on Saturday and over 900 on Sunday. And there were still as many watching the dancers as there were still on the church grounds getting dinner and playing bingo.

More later...
-- Gassho

Hongwanji - Getting There

2007-08-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Hongwanji Overseas meetings are in November. I had to decide when and how to get there. I decided I'll do some of my own sightseeing around Japan, so I am making it a 111-day trip.

I would have to miss a USC home football game on Nov. 3 and the Southern District ABA "Fun-Food-Friendship" on Nov. 10, for this opportunity. Oh well. Namo Amida Buddha.

Airfares are not cheap. In fact, traveling to Kansai International (which is the closest to Kyoto) from Los Angeles is about $200 more than flying to Narita (Tokyo). But since I wanted to take a side trip to the Sea of Japan coast and do some personal stuff in Tokyo, I opted to fly to and out of Narita and use a Japan Rail Pass.

The web-based prices were no different than from the traditional travel agents...at least one airline, United Air Lines, was consistent in coming up with the lowest fare, yet they charge a "fuel fee" which brought the total closer to what other airlines were charging. I ended up using JTB online to book the ticket.

I put together a quick and affordable 11-day itinerary that I'll cover in the future.

to be continued...

Gassho...

Sunday, July 29, 2007

2007-08-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Head Minister Rev. Miura subbed for Rev. Nakano today and also did a Japanese-English sermon for the adults.

His topic: "Teaching of Enlightenment." He gave an analogy by ringing a bell. The clear tones represented the day you were born. Later in life, the sound becomes unclear. When you reach enlightenment - the bell sound is clear once more.

Traditional Buddhists believe enlightenment is achieved through meditation and purification. The Shin-Buddhist tradition is very simple, "know oneself." Self-awareness is the key to enlightenment.

Got G.A.S.? "G" is for "greed," "A" is for "anger," and "S" is for "stupidity." These things are not the way to enlightenment, however if you are awareness of these things you are practically there.

Shinran's favorite word is "shin-jitsu". The kanjji for "shin" is "true" and the kanji for "jitsu" is "real." Which could really mean "not to decieve oneself." Sometimes you have to be something for someone, for work or school, for parents. But "are you really doing "you?" "Are you doing the right thing?" Without the deception you cannot live, meaning you are an employee, a parent, a child, a teacher, etc., but "what is you?"

To be true to oneself is what Shinran has taught to be the highest goal to achieve.

Self-awareness.

Gassho...

Sunday, July 22, 2007 - Obon Service

2007-07-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Sunday was our temple's Obon Service.

A time to remember ones who have passed away. The Jodo Shinshu tradition of Obon is slightly different than most Japanese Buddhist traditions. Traditionally, Japanese (non-Shin buddhists) believe that family members' souls return for a visit during the O-Bon period.

In Japan, it is time for homecoming, as most Japanese return to their roots to pay their respects. The ceremonies surrounding the festival including welcoming the spirits back home and sending them off.

Traditionally, O-Bon is celebrated with a dance as originated by Mogallana to help his departed Mom find her way.

Our O-Bon service featured guest speaker, Rev. Hata, a retired minister now living in the San Diego area. His sermon was about the poem, "A Thousan Winds." As noted below, it is thought to be a Native American poem or attributed to an Ohioan named Mary Frye. It has been rewritten into a song by Mitsuru Arai, a Japanese songwriter, who also recorded this song. He had heard the poem, and decided for a friend who had parted that he would write it into a song. His friend's daughter used the song as part of her wedding day, because it reminded her that her late mother was "around."

The song became very popular in Japan.

These aren't the translated lyrics of the song, but a version of the poem...

Do not stand at my grave and weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Written at least 50 years ago, this poem has been attributed at different times to J.T. Wiggins (an English emigre to America), two Americans: Mary E. Fry and Marianne Reinhardt, and more recently to Stephen Cummins, a British soldier killed in Northern Ireland who left a copy for his relatives. Others claim it is a Navajo burial prayer.

The following was taken from The London Magazine December / January 2005:
"Mary Elizabeth Frye nee Clark was born in Dayton, Ohio, on November 13th 1905. She dies on September 15th 2004. Mary Frye, who was living in Baltimore at the time, wrote the poem in 1932. She had never written any poetry, but the plight of a German Jewish girl, Margaret Schwarzkopf, who was staying with her and her husband, inspired the poem. She wrote it down on a brown paper shopping bag.

Margaret Schwarzkopf had been worrying about her mother, who was ill in Germany. The rise of Anti-Semitism had made it unwise for her to join her mother. When her mother died, she told Mary Frye she had not had the chance to stand by her mother's grave and weep.

Mary Frye circulated the poem privately. Because she never published or copyrighted it, there is no definitive version. She wrote other poems, but this, her first, endured. Her obituary in The Times made it clear that she was the undisputed author this famous poem, which has been recited at funerals and on other appropriate occasions around the world for seventy years. A 1996 Bookworm poll named it the Nation's Favourite Poem"[London Magazine Editor, Sebastian Barker]

(This was also substantiated by research conducted by the staff of Dear Abby. -- Alan)

Reprint of "Itadakimasu" Cookbook

2007-07-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Phase One was to reprint the original "cookbook from about 30 years ago that the Dana Mothers published. The reprints are available for $15 each.

To make sure that each copy was perfect, after receiving them from the printer, members of the cookbook committee checked each page for missing pages, printing errors, smudges, etc.

We have about 2,500 left to sell.

Phase Two will be to print a new version of the cookbook with new recipes. The cookbook committee is gathering recipes now. Turn one in to the church office with your name and contact number.

Obon Dance Practices

2007-07-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

Our Obon Carnival and Dance is getting nearer and our practices are becoming more important.

We could get as many as 500 for practice, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 7:00 pm.

Gardena Buddhist Church Obon Carnival and Dance is August 4 (3:00 to 9:00 pm) and August 5 (2:00 to 8:00 pm). Obon Dance is on Halldale Street and starts at 6pm on both days.

Hongwanji Overseas Meeting in November

2007-07-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

Although I did not actively sought this, I was fortunate enough to be nominated as one of the lay representatives of the BCA to attend the Overseas Meeting at the Hongwanji in Kyoto in November. I said "Ok," and there I go ... I will be joined by six other lay reps and a few ministerial representatives, including our own Rev. Nakano.

So from time to time, I think I will write not only about the meetings, but because I decided to spend a few extra days "exploring" places that I think could be possible places to take a group, especially to attend the 750th Memorial Service of Shinran Shonin in 2011. It may be of interest to some since I don't intend to do "normal" things.

First things first - I had to renew my expired passport. Worried that the normal procedure could take months, I renewed with a rush order - paying almost double. Well I got it within four weeks so I guess I'm lucky.

These days you could take your picture almost anywhere - I opted for the U.S. Post Office mobile truck that came to USC (where I work) and made it easy for me to do it. I wonder if I could have saved money by not paying for the rush and still get it in ontime?

If you are thinking of joining us around 2011 for the group tour, consider the time table to renew your passport - it has taken four, five, six months.

to be continued...

Sunday, July 14, 2007 - Self-Reflection

2007-07-15T16:30:00.001-07:00

Who am I? Can you really see yourself? Is a mirror a true reflection of what you are? No, you cannot really see yourself. But only you can describe yourself the best. What you appear to be to other people may not really be your true yourself.

So begins today's sermon on "Self-Reflection." To illustrate, Rev. Nakano put foil on the back of a "lighted" uchiwa...although not a clear reflection, and maybe distorted, it is probably the most accurate reflection of who you are.

Who am I?

"Matsuri" at Sahara Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

2007-07-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

Just in case you are going to be in the Las Vegas area sometime soon, check out "Matsuri" at the Sahara Hotel and Casino.

Japan's No. 1 musical production, the revue first came to Las Vegas for a short time at the Riviera. Now on an indefinite run at the Sahara, this revue features a company of athletes performing to music - mostly contemporary versions of Japanese classics. Acrobatics is the key feature, but the company includes a champion yo-yo, bike tricker and a hulahoop record holder (for the largest hoop to be hula'd).

Not your traditional art, but nevertheless familiar to those who watch Asian television. The energy is high. The "taiko" was innovative and different.

http://matsuri.musclemusical.com/

I saw it last Friday and it was great fun. Look for 2-for-1 when you arrive in Las Vegas.

BCA Website

2007-07-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

(I'm back from vacation and discover I have lots to do.)

FYI - the Buddhist Churches of America has redesigned their website.
http://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org

There are pictures of all the temples in the temple gallery.

Obon dance practice continues Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting at 6pm every week until the Tuesday before our Obon on August 4 & 5.

Our Obon conflicts with the LABCC Camp so many of our young Dharma School students will be AWOL during our Obon Carnival and Dance. So we need the volunteers to fill in for them.

Obon Dance Practice

2007-06-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Obon dancing is made for anyone to come in and participate ... but for ease of mind, we are having free community dance practices to learn the dances that most temples in the Southern District are doing, every Tuesday and Thursday until our Obon carnival on August 4 & 5, 2007 in our parking lot.

GVJCI Carnival, June 23-24, 2007

2007-06-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

The GVJCI Carnival was this past weekend.

Every year at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute Carnival, the church helps out at this community fundraiser in two ares. - game management for Bingo on both nights of the Carnival, and making and selling sushi (chirashi and inari) on Sunday only.

The sushi-making started on Saturday. Some of the ingredients could be prepared ahead of time and refridgerated.

The rice-cooking starts early in the morning on Sunday which I was in charge of. I open up the Social Hall Kitchen, and start the first batch of five 32-cup pots of rice. It takes about an hour before it is ready for the vinegar and the rest of the process, so that's why the rest of the rice-cooking team gets there later.

Then the whole assembly line gets going, using about 50 volunteers to make everything and have it delivered to the JCI.

Why don't we "modernize" the process, make shortcuts here and there? Well, as long as there are able-bodied volunteers to help why not? It is a social thing and its good to catch up on the latest gossip as well as simply seeing people.

Little by little, the process of making sushi is opening up to people of all ages, genders and walks of life - and that is important about being part of the Sangha.

---------------------

Because I woke up early to get to church, after bringing home late the Jr. YBA from their seminar in Oxnard the day before, I will admit was "in deep meditation" during part of Rev. Nakano's family sermon. At least the "meditation" was in silence. I couldn't recap what was said, but I'm sure she had good things to say.

Namo Amida Butsu

Losing A Friend

2007-06-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

This past week we lost a friend. He was a member of former GABAs and had always encouraged the YABA leadership to move up, because eventually it would be these YABAs that would be the leaders in the church. Not to long ago, after an unusual day for him while preparing for Obon, he undergone some tests and was later diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease."

What it is it? From the ALS - Greater LA Chapter website, it is "a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually lead to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed."

A year later his family and friends supported him in the annual ALS-Los Angeles fundraiser, Walk to D'Feet. It had been a 4 mile walk around Santa Monica, last year it became a 2.3 mile walk around the USC campus, sponsored by the Phi Delta Theta, the same fraternity that Lou Gehrig was a part of at Columbia University. Every year, members from our temple, supported by the ABA, had also joined the walk.

This year the walk will take place again on the USC campus on Sunday, October 7. Info is at http://walkgla.alsa.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=2770.

In many ways, the merging of the GABA and the YABAs was probably a Dan Shikuma idea. So a few years later, here they are, one group, and still encouraging the next generation of church leaders. If anything, Dan left us a legacy to laugh and have fun. It is not work, if we are having fun. In the last few years, ALS had gotten the best of him, and he had not been around much but even then his spirit still outshined us all. We have been missing him, but we've been ready for that. The funeral service is set for Friday at 10:00 am.

Gassho.

Hollywood Bowl Fourth of July Concert

2007-06-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Tickets for the Hollywood Bowl Fourth of July Concert, "A Tribute to Gene Autry and John Wayne," on Monday, July 2 with fireworks are still available from the Gardena ABA. It is a joint activity with Los Angeles Betsuin ABA. Check with a member for tickets or email me.

If anyone has any news or comments, email me and I'll get them included here.

Southern District Conference Fundraiser

2007-06-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

The Buddhist Temple of San Diego and Vista Buddhist Temple, our hosts for the Southern District Conference, have an opportunity drawing to help defray costs. Please email me for information.

Also, each organization is gathering registrants for the conference to be held on September 29, 2007, in San Diego. If you are not a member of one of the church organizations, and still like to attend, contact the church office or email me.

June 17, 2007

2007-06-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations graduates! We recognized the six high school graduates from our Dharma School during our family service. Also we celebrated Father's Day with the Jr. YBA serving hot dogs for lunch for everyone. Thank you Jr YBA and parents for making that happen. It is real nice to sit down and share a meal with everyone in the Sangha.

We are helping out at the JCI Carnival by selling chirashi this Sunday, June 24, 2007. Anyone who can help with rice-cooking and rice-mixing should call the church office or reply by email here, info@gardenabuddhistchurch.org. We start working at 4:00 am in the morning.

American Pastimes

2007-06-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

A film worth mentioning and available on DVD is "AMERICAN PASTIMES," directed and written by Desmond Nakano. A look at the life inside the Topaz Internment Camp of WWII, ironically about the American pastime -- baseball, behind barbed wire and ending with a game between the Japanese American internees and a team from the "outside the barbed wire."

See the trailer http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825225/trailers-screenplay-E31846-10-2

A schedule for this summer's "Film Programs at the GBC" is coming soon.

FUNDAY June 10, 2007

2007-06-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

After a short service, FUNDAY was well underway.

The first game, "Golden Treasures," was coordinated by the Dharma School Teachers. Divided in teams of 10 people each, each person was sent to the south side of the church grounds to pick little treasure "boxes." Team leaders were sent to open up the boxes and count up the points - the team with the most received medals!

Next up was Hui Aikane and Dana Group's "Bingo" and the Fujinikai "Red/White Balls in the Basket," a traditional game in Japan.

The ABAs built a 1,200 square foot maze under the canopies called "A Path to Enlightenment." The Jr. YBA did "Gassho Hands" drawings and the Sangha Teens did "Frisbee Game."

The Hui Aikane and Dana Group again coordinated the "Water Balloon Toss" and the Matrons did a "Jan Ken Po Tournament."

The hot dogs finally arrived from Costco and everyone had a good time, reminiscent of the church picnic from the "old" days.

By 2:00 pm, it was all cleaned up. Thank you to the committee, headed by Rev. Nakano, and to each affiliated organization for a wonderful time.

Next week - it is the Father's Day and Graduates Service, and the All-Church Hot Dog Luncheon, provided by the Jr. YBA.