September 2016 - Placer Buddhist Church

Placer Buddhist Church 3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663
(916) 652-6139
2016
BCA THEME:
9月
114th
Year
THE PBC
BULLETIN
まことの人生を歩もう
LIVE A REAL LIFE
MAKOTO NO JINSEI WO AYUMOU
A Dharma Message by Rev. Kurt Rye
Resident Minister
Rev. Kurt Rye
revkurt.placer@gmail.com
Minister’s Assistants
Rich Kawahata
Ron Kawahata
Michi Mitani
Ed Nakamoto
2016 PBC Officers
President
Rich Kawahata
1st Vice President
Ron Kawahata
nd
2 Vice President
Ed Nakamoto
Recording Secretary
René Yamashiro
Treasurers
Ted Uyeda
Jackie Itogawa
Auditors
Howard Itow
Glen Matsuoka
Editorial
Committee
Rev. Kurt Rye
Daniel Cota
Jackie Itogawa
Rich Kawahata
Ron Kawahata
Janice Uyeda Kemper
Isabel Meyer
Michi Mitani
Fusae Miyamoto
I can’t believe that I have been the resident minister at the Placer Buddhist
Church for one year on September 1st. It has been a fun and challenging year
getting to meet the Sangha and learn the traditions and customs of the church.
At every church or temple I have been a member or a minister, all have had
very distinct personalities. I have heard from many Placer members that the
Placer church is an inaka (countryside) church and they are proud of that,
which they should be. Many visitors have told me personally that they enjoy
the warmth and down to earth feel of the Sangha. We have had the extra
honor of several new members choosing Placer over other BCA temples that
they live closer to for our good feeling.
The Placer Buddhist Church is a shining example of the concept of Sangha in
Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. In Shin Buddhism, we all work together in our
attempts to instill the teachings of the Buddha and Shinran in our daily lives.
This is more than listening to a Dharma talk on Sunday. It includes how we
interact with each other. This includes when we cook in the kitchen, or clean
the church grounds, or setting up the Yagura for Obon.
Speaking of Obon, this was a special one for me. When I was a member of
the Seattle Betsuin, I would dance both days at the two-day festival. When I
became a minister’s assistant at Berkeley and then Oakland, I was too busy
behind the scenes to dance. When I became a Kyoshi minister and started
serving Fresno, I became too self-conscious and let all the dancing be done
by our Japanese ministers. Again at Ekoji I didn’t dance and noticed I had
developed an aversion to it. I would give Dharma talks on Tange, joyful
dancing, but would not put it into action.
This last spring, when we started to go to Reno for the Howakai, folks would
practice the dancing. It was such a relaxed atmosphere, I joined in and
remembered how fun the Obon dances are. This continued with the pre-Obon
practices at the Placer Church. I would like to thank the Sangha for helping
me return the true meaning of Obon: a time of loss, but joy remembering our
loved ones who passed away and the joy of Obon dancing.
A year ago, Daniel and I were packing up our townhouse in Springfield
Virginia. We had lots of questions about what Penryn held for us. As
Buddhists, we embrace change. As human beings, we often see change with
a sense of trepidation. We embraced the change and to our great fortune we
have come to know Placer Buddhist Church as our home and our Sangha. In
a short time, we have come to know many wonderful people. We look forward
to sharing the work, the joy, and also the sadness that comes with living in a
Sangha of friends.
Ed Nakamoto
Joyce Uyeda Parks
Susan Higashi Rumberg
Miwako Yamashiro
See you at PBC ‘s Annual Food Bazaar,
September 24th – 25th!
By Michi Mitani
Many thanks to:

Rev. Kurt for conducting the cemetery services at Auburn, Newcastle and Rocklin on August 6th followed by
the Obon/Hatsubon Service at PBC. The candle lighting ceremony for the Hatsubon families was very
impressive.

All the people who brought treats and drinks to the Obon practices.

Myra Okasaki for donating funds to cover the cost of tuning the church piano.

Kathy Itow for purchasing the cakes for the reception for the Oshitas.

Carole Kawamoto and Dharma students for presenting the Oshitas with retirement cards and remembrances
of the times they served as interim Supervising Ministers.

Howard Itow for donating a large ice chest.
***************************
On July 24th, we had 8 - 9 new attendees at the second Dharma Lite session. Rev. Kurt related the articles in
the naijin with the Jodo Shinshu Pure Land. Thanks to Daniel's webpage, as well as word-of-mouth, we’re
pleased to note that attendance is increasing.
On August 5th, helpers came out to Newcastle Cemetery to clean and place flowers on the unmarked gravesites.
We wish to thank the following for their help: Grace Yoshikawa for the flowers; Susie Strom for the greenery
and extra flowers; Miwako Yamashiro for the potted plants; and Rev. Kurt, Daniel Cota, Rich Kawahata, Kathy
Itow, Carole Kawamoto, Vincent Ippolito, and Michi Mitani for providing the labor.
Rev. Bob and Rev. Patti Oshita were our guest speakers at the August 6th Obon/Hatsubon Service. The service
was followed by a delicious lunch prepared by PBWA members and the kitchen crew. Later that evening, they
prepared and served udon, while the Dharma School students sold sodas, bottled water, and shave ice. After
expenses, the Dharma School cleared $470, which will go toward the purchase of books. Obon dancing started
at 7 PM, which was preceded by another great performance by the Placer Ume Taiko.
***************************
Looking Ahead to September:
September 4, 10 AM
September's Monthly Memorial Service with Rev. Kurt.
September 16, 9 AM
Chanting
Please Note: There will be no Buddhist Education class or Dharma service in September due to the Bazaar.
We ask members to please enlist the help of family and friends for this special yearly event. Thank you in
advance for the support!
Welcome to PBC!
PBC warmly welcomes new member George E. Oseto of Roseville. We are extremely
pleased to have him join the PBC family, and we look forward to getting acquainted at upcoming services and
events. Welcome George!
Recap of Dharma Lite Service
By Michi Mitani
On July 24th, Rev. Kurt conducted the second session scheduled for the summer.
For this session, we recited the Three Treasures, then chanted Junirai as it is chanted in many Jodo
Shinshu temples throughout the U.S. and Japan. Rev. Kurt pointed out that our temple recites this
particular chant in English to accommodate our English-speaking members. That said, he believes we
should occasionally hear and recite the chants as they were recited over time. Junirai is especially melodic
and gives us a sense of being connected to the people and traditions of those who came before us.
Rev. Kurt pointed out that Buddhism, in its earliest form, was established approximately 2,700 years ago,
making it one of the oldest religions today. There are many schools or sects of Buddhism, just like a tree
has many branches. Our sect of Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu, was established by Shinran over 800 years
ago in Japan. You will see his picture on the scroll to the right of the statue of Amida Buddha. Rennyo,
the eighth Monshu, or head of the Nishi Honganji, is depicted to the left. The present Monshu is a young
25th direct descendant of Shinran.
The standing statue of Amida Buddha is always pictured with its right hand raised and thumb and index
finger in a circle to represent Wisdom, and its left hand down with thumb and index finger in a circle to
represent Compassion. Rev. Kurt explained that Amida Buddha is a cosmic symbol, not a deity and, when
we recite “Namo Amida Butsu,” it means, “I take refuge in Amida Buddha” with great gratitude.
Rev. Kurt mentioned the Japanese word “kokoro,” which means heart and mind. Kokoro comes up many
times in Dharma talks to remind us that the Dharma is not an intellectual exercise, but one that must be
experienced or felt in our hearts as well. When we practice deep meditation we try to understand the
universal knowledge all around us. This can be an earth-shattering experience so we need the guidance
of a teacher or mentor to help us through this experience.
Rev. Kurt encouraged us to read the book, River of Fire, River of Water. In this story, a man is running for
his life to escape hungry animals, a band of killer bandits, and other unsavory demons. This panic-stricken
man comes to a narrow white path across this unimaginable river. On one side of this narrow path is a
raging inferno of fire and on the other side is a river of whitewater rapids. With the animals, bandits, and
demons close upon his heels, the man hears a voice across the river, calling him to take the narrow white
path to the other shore and safety. Once upon this path, the man hears of the voice of Shakyamuni Buddha
encouraging the man to stay on the path. This book can be purchased from the BCA Bookstore in Berkeley
or online.
The next Dharma Lite service is scheduled for August 25th. Please note that, because of the Bazaar,
there will be no Buddhist Education class or Dharma Lite service in the month of September.
***************************
Our Deepest Condolences
to the Family of
Yoshimi Watari ......... 5/15/1937 – 7/27/2016
PBC Board Meeting Highlights
August 9, 2016
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by President, Rich Kawahata. Reverend Kurt led us in gassho.
1. Minutes were distributed, corrections made and accepted.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Ted covered the monthly receipts and disbursements. A $1,000 donation from Isabel Meyer was
received to fund future Buddhist Seminars. A significant amount of dues have been received.
3. Reports
a. President’s Report & Correspondence - Rich forwarded the BCA update to the board. Thank you was received
from the Meyer family. Rev. Kurt, Fusae Miyamoto and Susie Strom will represent PBWA at the National BWA
Conference in Washington in October.
b. Minister’s Report: Reverend Kurt gave his monthly report. On August 14th, he will be the guest speaker at the
Southern Alameda Obon/Hatsubon service.
c. PBWA - Shizuko Strom gave an update of the past month’s activities and upcoming activities in August and
September. Reverend Kurt, Fusae, and Shizuko will be attending the PBWA National Conference in Washington
in October.
d. Social Welfare - Ron gave an update and announced that Yosh Watari passed away. Doris Mar’s mother also
passed away and her service will be held in Hawaii.
e. Membership - Rich said approximately 32 letters were sent out at the beginning of July regarding delinquent dues.
About half have responded and sent in their dues in.
f. Dharma School - Michi gave an update and handed out a summary of activities. The August 16th chanting and
August 28th Dharma Lite have been cancelled.
g. Senior Program - Ed gave a report and said Bingo went well. The next program is the Nugget Rib Cook-Off on
Thursday, September 1st.
h. Construction - Ron reported the deck is done and the walkway is almost completed and handicap-accessible. The
north side of the black top has been scraped to help with drainage during the rainy season.
i. Commercial Development update - Ted gave an update and announced that Bobby Rodgers passed away in July
and the lease will have to be revised. Real estate developers advised that we get a lawyer before we re-write a
lease.
4. Old Business
a. Hatsubon/Obon service - a post-Obon meeting will be held at a later date.
b. Security Issue - Ron said we received a donation of 9 security cameras from Onyx USA, about a $2,100 value.
Custom Surveillance Services surveyed the need and will conduct the installation with a value of $3,400. PBC will
pay the full amount and will be fully reimbursed for the expense as a donation from Onyx USA. Fusae Miyamoto
made a motion to accept the donation for the equipment and installation, Ed seconded. Motion approved.
c. Bazaar - 4th and final meeting will be September 6th. Ron suggested that we eliminate the pre-Obon clean up.
Martha suggested we have a spring and fall cleaning. Spring clean-up will replace the pre-Hanamatsuri cleaning
and fall clean-up would be the pre-Bazaar cleaning.
d. 115th Anniversary - The first meeting was held on July 29th. It was suggested that the Anniversary party be
combined with the Keiro party. The meal will be catered for about $20 per person and $30 per couple. There
could possibly be a slide show. The next meeting will be held on November 3rd at 5:30 PM before the post-Bazaar
meeting.
e. American Cancer event - Friday, August 12th, here at PBC.
f. Chicken Throw Down - Saturday, November 12th, at the Sacramento Betsuin. PBC will have 44 tickets available.
5. New Business
a. Penryn Fire Department may hold their Oktoberfest under the bazaar tent on October 8th. The rental fee will go
towards the cost of the tent. They will be providing liability insurance to the church.
b. Calendar meeting - Dates for 2017 are being set up. The committee will accept recommendations for next year’s
speakers.
c. Keiro Party - The date for the event is October 22, 2016.
d. Other - Howard asked whether the church would be willing to store a trailer for the Rocklin Boy Scout troop. The
Boy Scout troop may be open to PBC groups utilizing the trailer. David Unruhe made a motion that we store the
trailer if the church is not liable and has a written agreement with the Boy Scouts, Fusae seconded. Motion
approved.
e. Other - Ed suggested we have call forwarding service when Reverend Kurt is away.
The next meeting will be on September 13th. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM, and Reverend Kurt led us in
gassho.
Respectfully submitted,
René Yamashiro, Secretary
By Joyce Parks (for Susan Rumberg)
President Susie Strom called the meeting to order at 10:10 AM on July 31st. Reverend Kurt led us in gassho.
Fall Seminar – The second Buddhist Seminar is being planned for mid-October. It will be officiated by
Laverne Imori from the San Diego Betsuin. She is a Minister’s Assistant and member of the Buddhist
Women’s Association. Rev. Kurt reported that a special donation was made to the PBC by an anonymous
donor who asked that the seminar focus on women in Buddhism.
Japan Trip – A more accurate headcount is needed. The trip will cost $4,500 per person (not including
airfare) and will not include a tour of Kyushu due to added cost. An ideal size group would be 30-40 people.
Three bilingual guides will accompany the group.
Webpage – Daniel Cota reported that the summer schedule will be updated.
Membership - Joyce Parks reported that no new members have joined, however Susie Strom stated that she
furnished an information packet to an interested party, Lindsay Kind of Weimar, with whom Joyce will followup.
Tai Chi – Isabel Meyer reported that Helene Nakamura will be teaching classes with her on a regular basis.
The next class will be held on August 14th. There will not be a class in September due to the Fall Bazaar setup.
Haiku - Hitomi Hirota reported that the next meeting will be held on October 3rd.
Tomodachi Bento - 17-19 bentos will be prepared for delivery on Obon Day. Delivery volunteers include:
Ken Kashiwabara’s niece from Sacramento, Susie Strom, Ron Kawahata, Ed Nakamoto, Grace Yoshikawa,
Spring Yamamoto, Fusae Miyamoto, and Miwako Yamashiro. Jackie Itogawa will oversee distribution.
Flower Arrangement - Susie Strom and Yvonne Yoshikawa will arrange flowers for the altar for Obon.
Oshita Retirement – It was moved and seconded that both Revs. Bob and Patti would each receive a gift of
$250 from PBWA.
Dharma School - Everyone agreed that Michi Mitani did an outstanding job this term, including the article
she wrote for the PBC Bulletin highlighting Rev. Kurt’s first Buddhist seminar.
First Buddhist Seminar - Rev. Kurt reported that 45 people attended the seminar and was very well received
by all. It was noted that Isabel Meyer covered the cost of the seminar. Thank you, Isabel!
Bazaar Display - There was discussion about setting up a display at the Food Bazaar of ojubakos (3-tiered
lacquered food boxes), furoshikis (cloth ties), and chopstick holders. All members who own such items are
encouraged to bring them to the church. Daniel reported that the PBC acquired a number of lacquered boxes
from a restaurant that went out of business, and they are currently being stored in a closet at the church.
They may be displayed as well.
July 10th Enmanji/Graton Casino Bus Trip 7/10 - Daniel won $250 which he donated to the PBC.
BCA FBWA Conference in Bellevue, WA, October 7 - 9 - Rev. Kurt, Fusae, and Susie will attend. They
will leave on October 6th in order to take advantage of a tour being offered of the Seattle area.
Other - Rev. Kurt announced that 12 members have passed away since the last Hatsubon service. The
Hatsubon service will include a candle lighting ceremony. Twelve lanterns will be hung outside to
commemorate their passing. Rinban Bob will play the shamisen during the service.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 AM. Rev. Kurt led us in gassho.
The next meeting will be held on Sunday, September 4th, after service.
Member Spotlight
By Joyce Parks
Hiroshi (Hiro) Matsuda’s
passion for
Japanese bonsai gardens, art, and culture was
inspired largely by his parents, Shinobu and Ritei
Matsuda. They, along with Hiroshi and his brother
Satoshi, emigrated from Hiroshima to Placer
County back in the 1950’s. Both of his parents,
formally trained in Japan, taught calligraphy and
ikebana at the PBC for many years.
“My interest in cultivating bonsai started at a very
early age and expanded into ceramic art, the design
and construction of Japanese gardens, paintings,
photography, and video production,” claims Hiroshi.
Over the last 35 years, Hiroshi has been happily
self-employed as a landscape contractor, retail
bonsai nurseryman, and part-time instructor,
working out of his 20-acre family ranch in rural
Newcastle.
Although he has a degree in
Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly, Pomona,
much of his education was acquired through
various on-the-job experiences and on trips to
Japan where he had the opportunity to learn raku
ceramics, suiseki (viewing stones), sumie (zen
paintings), and other traditional art forms.
Married for the past 40 years to his wife Tomoko,
the two met while working together in Japan. As a
young girl, Tomoko was raised to practice “proper”
Japanese etiquette and was encouraged to pursue
cultural endeavors. Through Tomoko, Hiroshi
developed a lifelong appreciation for Japanese
aesthetics which they have passed on to their now
adult children: son Kenley, who is a restaurant
manager, residing in San Francisco; and daughter
Kristy, who is a part-time researcher at U.C. Irvine,
residing in Irvine with her family. Hiroshi and
Tomoko are doting grandparents to Kai, age 5, and
Mia, age 3.
At the PBC, Hiroshi has enjoyed his long-standing
role as the unofficial photographer, producing both
photos and video tapes at various events. “I think
it’s important to document the PBC’s history for
future generations. I want to capture photos of past
members who have contributed so much over the
years and show how our church is evolving into a
vibrant, multi-cultural draw for the community,”
states Hiroshi. “As the PBC celebrates its 115year anniversary next year, I look forward to
capturing all the events and activities,” he added.
Each year, Hiroshi produces a slideshow (set to
music) showcasing PBC’s annual New Year’s
Party and Obon festival and informally makes them
available to members upon request.
At age 69, Hiroshi jokingly claims he is currently
contemplating what he wants to do when he grows
up. His vision for the future is to reduce his
inventory of bonsai plants and develop a variety of
well-designed offerings on other Japanese art
forms for the public in his studio. In addition, he
envisions developing a series of instructional
videotapes on bonsai gardening (i.e. watering,
fertilizing, sculpting, etc. for viewing on YouTube
and DVDs). “There is no substitute, however, for
hands-on learning and, once students experience
success, I know they will quickly become hooked.
My goal is to help them get there and discover how
much fun it is to explore their own creativity,” says
Hiroshi.
Congratulations Brett Yamashiro!
We are pleased to announce that Brett Yamashiro, a 2016 graduate of Granite Bay High School, was awarded
three scholarships available to families of PBC members. Brett is the son of Bruce and René Yamashiro and
the youngest grandchild of Miwako Yamashiro. Brett plans to enroll at Sierra College this fall term, where he’ll
major in Biological Science. Upon completion of his lower division work, he then plans to transfer to a fouryear university to complete his undergraduate work.
The three scholarships awarded to Brett were established for high school graduates and include: (1) The PBC
Scholarship in the amount of $1,000; (2) The Hisatoshi & Reiko Tamaribuchi Memorial Scholarship in the
amount of $2,000, sponsored by Satoru Tamaribuchi in memory of his parents; (3) The Takanobu & Iwago
Kaneko Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,000, sponsored by Mrs. Betty Kaneko, Mrs. Kathy Kaneko,
and Mrs. Teresa Kaneko in memory of their grandparents.
October Monthly Memorial Service
Each month, family members are encouraged to attend the Monthly Memorial Service (Shotsuki Hoyo) to
remember their loved ones who had passed away in that month. To that end, the following is an advance copy
of the names which will be announced at October’s Monthly Memorial Service on October 2nd. Also included
is the “Next of Kin on Record” for each name. We recognize that some of the information may need updating,
so we ask members to please contact Nancy Nakamoto with any changes. Nancy can be reached at (916)
412-0851, nancy@nakamoto.us, or 3454 Majestic Dr., Rocklin, CA 95765.
In Memoriam
Next of Kin on
Record
In Memoriam
Next of Kin on
Record
Asazawa, Mieko
Takemoto, Ken
Makino, Sharon
Nishimoto, Yoshi
Bradbury, Melissa
Bradbury, Kathy
Masuda, Masuo
Nyikes, Arlene
Chomei, Waichi
Mikawa, Ronald
Matsumoto, Ben
Matsumoto, Nathan
Cortinas, Anna
Strom, Shizuko (Susie)
Mikawa, Hiroshi
Mikawa, Ronald
Cortinas, Robert (Bob)
Strom, Shizuko (Susie)
Miyata, Miyakichi
Miyata, Kawaye
Domen, Waichi
Domen, Harue
Morimoto, Gunichi
Morimoto, Sadako
Fujitani, Kitayo
Fujitani, Takeo, Fujitani,
Jean
Nakashima, Hyogo
Nakashima, Kenneth
Hada, Mitsuyo
Hada, Dennis
Nii, George Fusaichi
Miyamoto, Fusae
Hanamoto, Yoshi
Sasaki, Lila
Nishimoto, Mark Yoshio
Nishimoto, Marci
Hashioka, Toyoichi
Tsujimoto, Yukie
Nishimura, Buddy
Nishimura, Ray
Hattori, Mary
Hattori, Eugene M.
Okuda, Seiichi
Tanaka, James
Hirota, Sakuichi
Hirota, Tom
Oseto, Tsugio Charley
Kawamoto, Mary
Hoshida, Janet Mitsuko
O’Donnell, Annette
Sakauye, Shinobu
Parks, Joyce
Imada, Kaizo
Yoshikawa, Russell
Seo, Gunroku
Seo, Ben
Kakiuchi, Mika
Kakiuchi, George &
Kayoko
Takahashi, Kiichiro
Ikegami, Janet
Kashiwabara, Geraldine
May
Kashiwabara, Mary
Takemoto, Roy Yoshio
Takemoto, Ken
Kashiwabara, Kikuno
Kashiwabara, Masako
Tanaka, Nobuko
Tanaka, James
Kawahata, Harry
Masamitsu
Kawahata, Richard
Tokutomi, Herbert
Masaru
Tokutomi, Dan
Kawauchi, Fujitaro
Yamasaki, Vincent
Tomita, Kanjiro
Tomita, Bessie
Kawauchi, Hina
Yamasaki, Vincent
Tsuetaki, George Fumio
Tsuetaki, Hideko
(continued on next page)
October Monthly Memorial Service
In Memoriam
Next of Kin on
Record
In Memoriam
(continued)
Next of Kin on
Record
Uyeda, Jane
Parks, Joyce
Yamasaki, Kinichi
Yamasaki, Vincent
Uyeda, Sadayoshi
Uyeda, Michiko
Yamasaki, Michiko
Yamasaki, Vincent
Uyehara, Junichi
Uyehara, Hatsuye
Yamashiro, Hideko
Yamashiro, Edwin
Yamamoto, Sei
Yamamoto, Margaret
Yego, Hanayo
Yamada, Donald and
Jean
Yamane, Katsu
Yamane, Natsuye
Yoshikawa, George
Yoshikawa, Teruko
***************************
PBC’s Fall Buddhist Seminar
Our next Buddhist Seminar is scheduled for Saturday, October 29th. Laverne Mori will be the seminar speaker
who will be addressing women in Buddhism. Please return your completed registration form to PBC by no
later than October 22nd to:
Placer Buddhist Church
3192 Boyington Rd.
Penryn, CA 95663
Registration Form
PBC Buddhist Seminar
Saturday, October 29, 2016
10 AM – 12 Noon
Name(s) of Member(s): _________________________________________
_________________________________________
Total Number Attending: ______________________
Phone Number: _________________________________________
Gato’s Corner
By Rev. Kurt
It has been a busy summer. Even with Dharma school off, it
seems like something is always going on at the church. Daniel
and I have just returned from the wonderful Obon in Reno with
the Reno Howakai group. As Daniel starts to unpack the car,.
I go in the house to see how Gato and Saffie did on their own
for two days. I’m shocked, the house is a mess. There are
open bags of cat treats all over the floor and counter. I also
find opened cans of tuna fish and a few catnip toys strewn all
over the place. I see Gato and Saffie napping on the sofa.
Rev. Kurt: What is going on here?
Gato: Yawn. Hi, Pops, welcome home.
Saffie: Hi, did you have a good time at the Obon in Reno?
Rev. Kurt: Yes I did, but that is not what I want to talk about.
Where did this huge mess come from?
Gato: Saffie and I threw a little party last night for the
neighborhood kitties. We had a blast; you should have seen
the gray cat from next door dance.
Saffie: He was so good, he could be on America Has Talent!
Gato: That's only because you have a crush on him.
Rev. Kurt: Stop you two, this is serious. You know you are not allowed to have anyone in the house if
Daniel or I aren’t here.
Gato: It was OK, Pops; the party was mellow except for the dancing. Besides, we cleaned up the mess
from the knocked over flowers.
Rev. Kurt: What? What I see is you didn’t follow the house rules. You made a mess and it could have
been worse. You know full well that I told you if you stayed alone, you were not to have visitors.
Gato: You told us “to enjoy ourselves as long as we don’t get into any trouble.” We didn’t get into any
trouble so it is OK.
Rev. Kurt: Gato, you are twisting my words to explain away what you did. I have taught you both the
Eightfold Path and to remind you the third path is Right Speech. It is one of the three Buddhist ethics and
conduct rules. Right speech does not only mean not to use swear words or lie, it also means we should
only say things clearly without hiding things. This also relates to the Right Conduct.
Gato: I guess you are right. I did not follow the house rules and tried to work my way out of it by mixing
my words to make it sound OK.
Saffie: I agree and, in the spirit of Right Speech, I would like to say something directly. Pops, be careful
when you put your luggage down on the bed.
Rev. Kurt: Why?
Saffie: The gray cat fell asleep under the covers after all that dancing.
Rev Kurt: Errrr.
Important Note Regarding Broadway Sacramento Group Ticket Sale
We want to inform members that there was not enough interest in attending either “The Sound of Music”
in November 2016 or “The Phantom of the Opera” in May 2017. A minimum of 12 was required for group
tickets. We nevertheless want to thank all those who responded.
Highlights of August 4th Bazaar Committee Meeting
By Fusae Miyamoto & Joyce Parks for Susan Rumberg
The Annual Food Bazaar Planning Committee convened on August 4th to discuss progress-to-date for the 52nd
annual event, with 24 members present. Each committee chair provided an update on their assigned area of
responsibility. With the exception of a few changes, the Bazaar will essentially be the same as in years past.
Changes this year will include:
1)
Instead of selling teriyaki beef bowls, teriyaki beef sticks (shish kabobs) will be sold.
2)
The 40’ x 120’ tent, which will be set-up on September 11th will remain in place until October 11th, when the
Penryn Fire Department will use the space for their Oktoberfest.
3)
A spacious new deck has been constructed in the back of the social hall and will be available for use by
workers during the Bazaar. Workers are encouraged to have their meals on the deck – not in the booths.
The next and final meeting will be held on September 6th.
Final Request for Bingo Prizes
Sangha members and friends generously donated prizes for last year’s Bingo games,
and we again request your assistance. If you have new, unused items in their original
packaging that you’d like to donate for prizes for children, teens, and adults, please
leave them in the PBC office marked “Bingo Prizes.” If you would like a receipt for tax
purposes, tape a note on the item(s) with your name, address, item name, and
approximate value and a receipt will be sent to you after the Food Bazaar. Please
contact Jackie Itogawa (ojii.babi@gmail.com, 916-600-4874) or Nancy Nakamoto
(nancy@nakamoto.us, 916-412-0851) if you have any questions. Thanks for your
generosity!
*****************************
Obon 2016
By Fusae Miyamoto
While Obon services were being held at the Auburn, Newcastle, and Rocklin cemeteries, many people were at the
church preparing the otoki (lunch) that would be given to everyone who attended the Obon service at the church.
Under the supervision of Martha Kubo and Spring Yamamoto, they were busy making bara-zushi (seasoned rice
with carrots), hijiki (little black seaweed), and other delicious items that would be included in the bento. Ed
Nakamoto was in charge of barbequing the teriyaki chicken. As soon as the chicken was done, the PBWA workers
began to pack a total of 400 boxes.
On the outside, there were people getting the yagura (platform) ready for the Obon dancing in the evening. They
painted it white and decorated it so the Hatsubon lanterns could be displayed later. The Hatsubon lanterns were
made for families who lost a loved one between last year’s Obon and this year’s Obon.
At 11:00 AM, the hondo (chapel) was full. During the service, each Hatsubon family lit a candle as their loved one’s
name was called and placed the lantern in front of the altar. Rinban Bob Oshita and Rev. Patti Oshita were our
guest ministers. During the service, some members of the Sacramento Betsuin sang a song, with Rinban Bob
accompanying them on his shamisen (Japanese stringed instrument like a banjo).
After the service, many of us enjoyed lunch with Rev, Kurt, Rinban Bob and Rev. Patti. Carole Kawamoto presented
the members’ retirement gift to them, and Jeanne Schmidt gave them a big book with sincere wishes.
At 7:00 PM, the Ume Taiko performed. They were very good; they played a song that one of their members had
written. It was wonderful to have Tiffany Tamaribuchi, perform with them. Tiffany, as many of you know, was their
very first instructor when the group was organized. After the Ume Taiko performance, Rev. Kurt led the dancers
around the yagura to make two circles of dancers. As the evening was cool, we enjoyed dancing. It was over
around 8:30 and everyone went home, tired but happy.
Obon 2016
Photography by Daniel Cota
and Bill Tsuji. Thank you!
Mark Your Calendar and Save the Date
September 2016
1
3
4
6
10
11
12
16
17
18
21
22
23
24–25
25
26
Nugget Rib Cook off
Yoshimi Watari Memorial Service
Monthly Memorial Service/PBWA Meeting
Food Bazaar Meeting
Workday – Move Supplies to Warehouse
Tent Up
PBC Board Meeting
Asaji (Chanting)
Workday - Bazaar Set Up
Manju Making; Bazaar Set-Up
Inspection & Set-Up
Chicken Prep
Food Prep/Final Set-Up Workday
Food Bazaar
Appreciation Dinner
Post-Bazaar Clean-Up; Bulletin Printing
October 2016
2
9
11
13
16
22
23
25
29
30
Monthly Memorial Service
Dharma School
Dharma School
PBC Board Meeting
Bingo and Luau
Dharma School and Reno Howakai
Keiro Party
Dharma School
NCDC Mtg.
Fall Buddhist Seminar
Dharma School