Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U St., … 03-01... · 2018-04-19 · Northern California...
8
Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U St., Sacramento, CA 95818-1417 MARCH 2016 NEWSLETTER March 2016 Page 1 A New Beginning We view the dawn of a new year as one of hopeful reflection and a determination to overcome the errors, foibles and shortcomings of the past year and do a better job of it. With the new year, there are the inevitably resolutions – the grand TO DO lists of good intentions which acknowledge an awareness of attitudes and actions that have fallen short of our own ideals. The new year offers us a fresh start, a future time unsullied by the burden of boo-boos, blunders and blame. This new beginning offers us the opportunity to turn for guidance to wise and compassionate leaders. The most important lessons direct our thoughts and actions about and toward our fellow human beings – those whose lives we share in the home, at school, in our churches and temples, in the workplace, in the community, in the nation, in the world. We are not alone in our quest to make the new year “happy”, making it possible in truth to use the expression “okage samade” (“I am fine”). The literal translation of “kage” is “dark shade”, but the Buddhist meaning is “someone helps us, so we are fine.” Even in the absence of any light, when our shadow is not evident, our helper is always nearby. With that help, it is inevitable we will always be fine. New Year’s Resolutions notoriously have a short life. Let us keep it simple: SOGO KUYO; SOGO RAIHAI. Let us respect, help and care for each other, and ourselves as well. With Gassho, Rev. Eishun Shigetoshi (Translation by Mrs. Joan McFarland) New Minister Update With the help and support of Bishop Imamura and the LA Koyasan Betsuin, this Temple may be getting the opportunity to meet a potential head minister this spring. Rev. Kyoukan Iwasawa, a young graduate from Mt. Koya, has expressed interest in serving in Sacramento. The Temple congregation will have an opportunity to meet Rev. Iwasawa in May and June when he will help lead the Daishiko services. We encourage all our members to attend these services to hear Rev. Iwasawa and to see if he will be a good fit for this Temple. Rev. Iwasawa’s first stay in the United States will be a temporary one during which he and the congregation will get a chance to see if we are a good match. If it looks positive for both parties, the Temple Cabinet will begin the process of submitting an R1 Visa Application for him. As this process will be first for this Temple, it will probably be a lengthy one as we will be scrutinized closely by Homeland Security and the IRS before obtaining clearance. Bi-monthly Newsletter Going Digital Buddha teaches us that nothing is certain or lasts permanently in this world, and we must be flexible and embrace change when it is required. We are now applying this lesson to our bi-monthly newsletter, which we hope you have been enjoying.
Transcript of Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U St., … 03-01... · 2018-04-19 · Northern California...
Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U St., Sacramento, CA 95818-1417 MARCH 2016 NEWSLETTER
March 2016 Page
1
A New Beginning
We view the dawn of a new year as one of hopeful reflection and a determination to overcome the errors, foibles and shortcomings of the past year and do a better job of it. With the new year, there are the inevitably resolutions – the grand TO DO lists of good intentions which acknowledge an awareness of attitudes and actions that have fallen short of our own ideals. The new year offers us a fresh start, a future time unsullied by the burden of boo-boos, blunders and blame. This new beginning offers us the opportunity to turn for guidance to wise and compassionate leaders. The most important lessons direct our thoughts and actions
about and toward our fellow human beings – those whose lives we share in the home, at school, in our churches and temples, in the workplace, in the community, in the nation, in the world. We are not alone in our quest to make the new year “happy”, making it possible in truth to use the expression “okage samade” (“I am fine”). The literal translation of “kage” is “dark shade”, but the Buddhist meaning is “someone helps us, so we are fine.” Even in the absence of any light, when our shadow is not evident, our helper is always nearby. With that help, it is inevitable we will always be fine. New Year’s Resolutions notoriously have a short life. Let us keep it simple: SOGO KUYO; SOGO RAIHAI. Let us respect, help and care for each other, and ourselves as well. With Gassho, Rev. Eishun Shigetoshi (Translation by Mrs. Joan McFarland) New Minister Update With the help and support of Bishop Imamura and the LA Koyasan Betsuin, this Temple may be getting the opportunity to meet a potential head minister this spring. Rev. Kyoukan Iwasawa, a young graduate from Mt. Koya, has expressed interest in serving in Sacramento. The Temple congregation will have an opportunity to meet Rev. Iwasawa in May and June when he will help lead the Daishiko services. We encourage all our members to attend these services to hear Rev. Iwasawa and to see if he will be a good fit for this Temple. Rev. Iwasawa’s first stay in the United States will be a temporary one during which he and the congregation will get a chance to see if we are a good match. If it looks positive for both parties, the Temple Cabinet will begin the process of submitting an R1 Visa Application for him. As this process will be first for this Temple, it will probably be a lengthy one as we will be scrutinized closely by Homeland Security and the IRS before obtaining clearance. Bi-monthly Newsletter Going Digital Buddha teaches us that nothing is certain or lasts permanently in this world, and we must be flexible and embrace change when it is required. We are now applying this lesson to our bi-monthly newsletter, which we hope you have been enjoying.
Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U St., Sacramento, CA 95818-1417 MARCH 2016 NEWSLETTER
March 2016 Page
2
Beginning with the May 2016 edition of the newsletter, we will be changing to a digital-only format rather than the current paper version. The increasing cost of paper, printing and postage, not to mention the volunteer time needed to assemble and mail, requires us to make this transition. However, we do understand that some members do not have access to a computer or other device to view the digital version. Therefore, we have enclosed a Request for Paper Version form that you can complete and submit to the Temple. If you are a current member, you will receive the requested paper version at no additional cost. Nonmembers will be charged an $18.00 annual subscription donation fee to cover printing and postage (for the balance of 2016 the subscription donation fee is prorated to $12.00). The Donations Reports included in the paper version are not posted on the Temple’s website. This practice will continue in the digital format. A pdf version of the Donations Reports will be sent to members via email or text message. Those members who have requested a paper version of the newsletter will receive the printed reports as before. We hope you understand our need for this change and will continue your support of this Temple. New Members The Temple welcomes the following new members:
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Matsumoto, Sacramento, CA Ms. Yukari Vinck, Sacramento, CA
March and April Services & Evening Meditation Classes March 8, 2016 – Monthly Meditation Class starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Hondo. March 12, 2016 – San Jose Daishiko Service: The cemetery visitation will occur at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Daishiko service starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Miyahara residence. March 20, 2016 – Spring Higan Service: The Spring Higan memorial service, which celebrates the Spring or Vernal Equinox, will start at 1:30 p.m. April 12, 2016 – Monthly Meditation Class starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Hondo. April 17, 2015 – Shomie-ku Service: The Shomie-ku service, which commemorates the life and great work of Kobo Daishi, will start at 1:30 p.m. A list of the entire year’s schedule of services is available on the Temple’s website: www.nckoyasan.org.
Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U St., Sacramento, CA 95818-1417 MARCH 2016 NEWSLETTER
March 2016 Page
3
Hanamatsuri Pancake Breakfast The Temple will hold its Spring Hanamatsuri Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, April 10, 2016, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Adult tickets are $6.00 and a child’s plate is $4.00. Fresh baked pies (apple, apple/blueberry and lemon meringue) will be available to purchase, either whole or by the slice! As mentioned in our January 2016 Newsletter, the price of a whole pie is now $10.00. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a delicious hot breakfast! Volunteers to help are always welcome!
Hoshi Matsuri/Mame-maki Service The annual Hoshi Matsuri/Mame-maki Service was held on Sunday, February 7th. This ritual welcomes the good (Fuku wa uchi) and chases out the bad (Oni wa soto) with a shower of beans (we used peanuts instead so the congregation could actually eat the nuts). Those people born under the sign of the monkey and Temple elders were given the honor of throwing the peanuts.
[Pictures (clockwise): 1) Joan McFarland provided the taiko drumming during the Sutra chanting. 2) Bill Taylor provided the blessings using the Shakujo. 3) Chris Sunahara helped sell various omamori for good luck and warding off evil. 3) Joan McFarland, Bill Taylor, Ben Sunahara, Fusayo Mabra, Teru Yamamoto, Rev. Shigetoshi and George Sakurai prepare the “bean” throwing. 4) Dale Graham graciously played the role of “Oni” for the service and bravely endured the “peanut pelting”.
Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U St., Sacramento, CA 95818-1417 MARCH 2016 NEWSLETTER
March 2016 Page
4
A Successful Winter Pancake Breakfast! The spring-like weather was a welcome change from last year’s rainy day, although we do need the rain. This year’s Winter Pancake Breakfast was a success thanks to all the hardworking volunteers and loyal and hungry Temple members and friends. And although we had to raise the price of our handmade pies, we were so pleased and delighted that they ALL SOLD! The Temple would like to express its sincere gratitude to:
• The Fujinkai for making a whopping 70 pies to sell at this first-of-the-year fundraiser (with an additional three custard pies donated by Teru Yamamoto), and the Fujinkai Workshop crew for making so many beautiful and useful craft items;
• Chiyoko Saiki and Betty Rivera for donating additional beautiful crafts (clever bunny towels, hand decorate real eggs (hollowed, of course), cosmetic bags, and multi-zippered compartment purses);
• Fumi Shigetoshi for her delicious spam musubi; • Rev. Shigetoshi and the Fujinkai ladies for making the chirashi sushi; • Betty Okimura, Tokie Sunahara, Margie Sunahara, Bettie Tsuda, and Liz Yokoyama for baking
delicious pies, cakes and cookies as well as donating home-made jams, jellies, and Japanese tsukemono to sell;
• George Sakurai for donuts and lunch items for the crew; • And a big THANK YOU to the guys who helped so much in the kitchen – Darrell Matsuda, Larry,
Michael and Dennis Sunahara, and Joe Cheung. Our sincere gratitude to all the others (especially Taiko and Karate members) who helped assemble and label the pie boxes, set up the tables and chairs, set out the condiments and placemats, and helped wherever help was needed. We could not have succeeded without you! [L to R: John Taniguchi and Rev. Shigetoshi prepare the pancake batter; Jerry Hiura plates the pancakes; Bettie Tsuda enjoys the delicious breakfast. Pictures courtesy of Janet Castillo.] A Milestone Attained! This year Temple member Mr. Kazuo Miyahara attained a personal milestone by celebrating his 100th birthday! Mr. Miyahara graciously hosts the bi-monthly Daishiko services in San Jose, and to honor his centennial celebration, the Temple provided him with a personalized lap blanket, adorned with a monkey motif (year of the monkey).
Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U St., Sacramento, CA 95818-1417 MARCH 2016 NEWSLETTER
March 2016 Page
5
Toro Nagashi Date Change Due to a scheduling conflict with the City of Sacramento, the Temple has had to move the date for the annual Toro Nagashi Ritual at William Land Park. The new date for this service is now Saturday, August 6, 2016. The times remains the same: 5:00 p.m. for the potluck picnic, 7:00 p.m. for the Taiko performance, and 8:00 p.m. for the start of the service. We hope you all will be able to attend! Safety Improvements Special thanks to Larry Sunahara for installing additional railing on the stairs to the Temple basement, and to Stuart Noda for painting the bottom step and floor directly below that step to make it easier to see and also adding a non-slip surface. From The Fujinkai The Fujinkai wishes to thank the following for their generous donations: Chiyoko Saiki ($5.00); Susan Hashimoto ($20.00), and George Sakurai ($10.00). The Fujinkai also extends a big THANK YOU to Lorraine Sonoda for providing the beautiful table decorations (pictured) for the January New Year Pot Luck and Bingo festivities following the Hatsu Daishiku Service. A special Thank You to the following Fujinkai members who donated delicious goodies for our successful Winter Pancake Breakfast: Betty Okimura (loaf cakes, jams and jellies, and fukujinzuke), Tokie Sunahara (toffee cookies and knitted booties), Teru Yamamoto (three custard pies), Margie Sunahara (lemon bars), Bettie Tsuda (Black Russian Bundt cakes). Fujinkai Crafts Workshops – The workshops, open to the public, are held on the fourth Saturday of each month through October. Classes are held in the Temple Social Hall and run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Fujinkai members provide delicious snacks for all to enjoy. At the workshops, members both teach skills (e.g.,
Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U St., Sacramento, CA 95818-1417 MARCH 2016 NEWSLETTER
March 2016 Page
6
crocheting, knitting, sewing, embroidery, craft-making, etc.) and work on various craft projects to either sell at Temple fundraisers or to donate to worthy charitable causes. The March and April classes are scheduled for:
Saturday, March 26, 2016 Saturday, April 23, 2016
Interested in learning a new craft? Ask about it! If it’s currently not offered, the Fujinkai will look into getting an instructor for that particular craft or skill. It’s always fun to learn new things, so don’t be shy! Mochi Anyone? Are you still having cravings for mochi but have run through your stash? The Temple has some of its yummy mochi (frozen) available for sale. Special sale price is 2 lbs. for $5.00! Donations Receipts The 2015 Annual Donations Receipts were mailed to donors in January. If you have any questions regarding your receipt or did not receive one, please contact the Temple at (916) 444-0111 or e-mail at [email protected].
Want to see the Newsletter in full color? Check it out on the Temple’s web site: www.nckoyasan.org
Newsletter Staff Editors:
Rev. Eishun Shigetoshi Bettie Tsuda Joan McFarland
Editorial Contributors:
Margie Sunahara
Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U St., Sacramento, CA 95818-1417 MARCH 2016 NEWSLETTER
March 2016 Page
7
MARCH 2016 CALENDAR
2 (Wed) 7:00 p.m. Cabinet Meeting 8 (Tue) 7:00 p.m. Evening meditation session 12 (Sat) 11:00 a.m. San Jose Daishiko 19 (Sun) 2:00 p.m. Goeika Practice 20 (Sun) 1:30 p.m. Spring Higan Memorial Service 26 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Fujinkai Crafts Workshop
APRIL 2016 CALENDAR 6 (Wed) 7:00 p.m. Cabinet Meeting 10 (Sun) 7:00 a.m. Hanamatsuri Pancake Breakfast 12 (Tue) 7:00 p.m. Evening meditation session 16 (Sat) 4:00 p.m. Goeika Practice 17 (Sun) 1:30 p.m. Shomie-ku Service 23 (Sat) 1:00 p.m. Fujinkai Crafts Workshop
Koyasan Pancake Breakfast Come join us!
Adult: $6.00 Child: $4.00 Sunday, April 10, 2016
7:00 am - 11:00 am
Northern California Koyasan Temple 1400 U Street
Sacramento, CA 95818-1417 (916) 444-0111
www.nckoyasan.org
Request for Paper Copy of the Bi-Monthly Newsletter
In an effort to reduce the increasing costs for materials, printing and postage, the Northern California Koyasan Temple’s bi-monthly newsletter will be available online only (http://www.nckoyasan.org/nckoyasan/Newsletter), beginning with the MAY 2016 edition. However, if you cannot access the online version, a paper copy can be requested by completing and returning this form to the Temple.
************ I do not have access to a computer or other digital device to view your bi-monthly newsletter online and therefore request a paper version be mailed to me at:
Name:
Address:
City, State: Zip Code:
I am a member of the Temple. * I am NOT a member of the Temple. **
* Temple members will receive the newsletter at no additional charge. ** Nonmembers are asked to pay an annual subscription donation fee of $18.00 to cover the cost of materials, printing and postage. For this year (2016), the prorated subscription donation fee is $12.00 ($3/issue). Please make your check payable to:
N. C. Koyasan Temple
Thank you for your support of the Temple.
