hangan - half open eyes - Buddhist Church of Parlier

BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER
P.O. Box 547 360 Newmark Avenue
Parlier, Californiaf93648
Phone: (559) 646-2844
MAY PEACE AND TRANQILITY PREVAIL THOROUGH OUT THE WORLD December 2011
“HANGAN - HALF
OPEN EYES Rev. Sensho Inouye
When we look up Buddha’s statue or Buddha’s image closely, we find Buddha’s eyes are not
wide open. Buddha’s eyes are not closed, but they are open half way. We call them “Hangan”
-Half open eyes.
Half open eyes look not only outside but also inside. Half open eyes see not only front but they
see back also. Half open eyes see not only the thing that exists but they see the things which make
it exist by supporting it from behind.
A Buddhist priest was taking a walk a walk with his disciple in his temple yard. Then a blast
of wind scattered dead leaves all on the temple yard. The Buddhist priest while he was walking
picked dead leaves one by one and put them into he robe’s sleeve-pocket.
Watching what his teacher was doing, the dipciple said, “Master, please stop doing it. I will
sweep them later.” Then the Buddhist priest cried out loudly, “You can not make the garden clean
by sweeping later. If you pick one dead leaf, you could make the garden clean that much.”
Yes, if you pick one dead leaf, you could make the garden clean that much.
We have a tendency to look forward expecting something to happen in the future. But when we
change our attitude and turn our eyes to look back or inside, we will find out that we are blessed
with countless things. We will become grateful for the blessings we have been given.
If we can not pick up the things that are given upon us, we can not produce anything.
Buddhism teachies us that we should clearly see what is making ourselves exist every
moment.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our
appreciation to the following for their generous donations
TEMPLE
Mr. Tom Hayashi
Kiyoko Taniguchi/Hisako Shimizu
Hon. Mikio Uchiyama
Ms. Setsuko Yotori
Memorial for Shizue Nemoto.......................................................$25.00
Newsletter.....................................................................................$20.00
Eshin-ni/Kakushin-ni memorial service.......................................$50.00
Eitaikyo-Kazuo & Toshiko Yotori..............................................$100.00
MEMBERSHIP DUES:
Mrs. Miyo Ohara
BWA donations:
Mr. Tom Yamanaka
In Memory of Fumi Yamanaka...................................................$250.00
DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE:
Mr. & Mrs. Min Doi..........................$20.00
Mr. Roy Furumoto............................$20.00
Mrs. Takako Kanemoto.....................$20.00
Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga....................$50.00
Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa...........$20.00
Mrs. Toshi Nakamichi.......................$20.00
Dr. & Mrs. Steven Sasai....................$20.00
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Shimizu..............$20.00
Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro......................$20.00
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Tsuji........................$20.00
Mr. Kyoichi Yagi..............................$20.00
Mr. Min Yamada...............................$20.00
Ms. Akiko Yorizane..........................$30.00
80TH ANNIVERSARY DONATIONS:
Mr. & Mrs. Tatsumi Arakawa
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Kushi
Mrs. Kuni Nishimura
Ms. Akiko Yorizane
Eshinni-ko/Kakushinni-ko Hoyo/BWA/Monthly
Memorial Service & Tofu Festival 2011
Rev. Kobata,
Guest
Speaker
Cheryl Koga,
Chairperson
Minoru Yamada (Julie’s
Dad), Kimi Doi and
Kobashi/Guerra
family
New addition to the
Kozuki family.
Tofu Luncheon draws
a large crowd.
Tats family
enjoyed
the
luncheon.
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THOUGHTS FROM THE SANGHA
Kay Kobashi in
Washington DC
Senator Daniel Inouye
& Robert Yano
Robert Yano &
Kay Kobashi
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in Washington D.C.
In 2010, Congress passed a bill to award veterans of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Infantry
Battalion, and Military Intelligence Service the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their heroic actions
and service in World War II. This bill was signed by President Obama in October 2010 and plans began for
the presentation of the medal. I was fortunate have had the opportunity to attend the activities in Washington
D.C. with my family and grandpa who was one of approximately 350 Nisei veterans recognized October 31st to
November 2nd, 2011.
The first event was the awarding of Bronze Star to veterans who, by their past actions that went above and
beyond their call of duty, were recommended and selected for the medal. These medals were presented to the
honored veterans by General Odierno, the Army Chief of Staff. Each Bronze Star was engraved with the recipient’s
name. Following the ceremony, the veterans went to the National World War II Memorial.
The ceremony for the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal took place on November 2nd. Veterans,
accompanied by a family member, were bused to the U.S. Capitol Hill and seated in Emancipation Hall. Leaders
of Congress addressed the honorees, expressing words of appreciation and commendation for the sacrifices and
loyalty of the WWII veterans. Each veteran was given a bronze replica of the Gold medal. That evening,
Congress hosted a gala dinner in honor of the 442nd, 100th, and MIS. Friends and family attended the dinner and
enjoyed the special program which including touching stories and a speech by Senator Daniel Inouye who had
also served in the war.
The city of Washington D.C. is full of U.S. history, from its famous landmarks to various museums. Being
this was my first time visiting the city, I was impressed with its beautiful parks and open space. Walking paths
surrounded the monuments and memorial sites, making strolling to the different landmarks a wonderful experience.
The sunny days also added to our pleasant touring.
I am grateful to my grandpa and to all of the veterans who served our country through the trying times of
internment of their loved ones and the discrimination present at home. They deserve this long-overdue recognition
and place in American history. Congratulations to all of our Nisei Veterans on this achievement!
In Gassho,
Lesley K. Guerra
Note regarding the Local 442 Event in Fresno
CCDC-JACL has approved in concept a local Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in Fresno. I hope
you will be able to attend and spread the word. It would be great to honor the veterans locally, especially
those who were not able to attend the ceremony in Washington, D.C. We will be looking for sponsors to
pay for the medal and meal for the veterans. Also, through the U.S. Mint, bronze replica’s of the 442’s CGM
are available for purchase.
I have reserved the Liberty Ballroom, at the Clovis Veterans’ Memorial Building, 808 4th Street,
Clovis, California, for February 19, 2012, noon reception followed by lunch. Pardini’s will be our caterer.
More information to come.
Dale Ikeda
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BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 14, 2011
By Wes Kubo, Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Dennis Ikuta. Gassho
was led by Rev. Inouye.
Members Present: Dennis Ikuta, Glenn & Lynne
Yoshimoto, Yuki & Toshie Mori, Curtis & Cheryl Koga,
James Goishi, Neil Okino, Calvin Doi, Tats Arakawa, Rev.
Inouye and Wes Kubo. A quorum was established.
Minutes: The October 20 minutes were read. Neil Okino
noted that the Ending Balance in the Treasurer’s report
was incorrect. Neil Okino moved to accept the minutes as
corrected. Curtis Koga seconded the motion. The motion
passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Glenn Yoshimoto went over the
Treasurer’s report for October. Glenn noted the expenses for
the 80th Anniversary Celebration, the ac/heater service and
the dinner for Guest Speaker Rev. Hanayama. Calvin Doi
moved to accept the Treasurer’s report. Wes Kubo seconded
the motion. The motion passed.
Minister’s Report: Rev. Inouye said the BCA Bishop
Selection Committee has selected Rev. Kozo Umezu as the
next Bishop for the BCA. Rev. Umezu will begin his role
as Bishop during the month of April 2012. Rev. Inouye also
gave us his list of Guest Speakers for the early part of 2012:
1/22 Ho-Onko Service with Guest Speaker Rev. Katsuya
Kusunoki from the Buddhist Church of Lodi
2/5 V & P Committee is hosting a Service in Parlier with
Guest Speaker Rev. Alan Sakamoto from Orange County
Buddhist Church at 10 am
3/4 CCBWL Conference in Parlier with Guest Speaker
Rinban Hiroshi Abiko from Los Angeles Betsuin
4/22 Hanamatsuri Service with Guest Speaker Rev. George
Shibata at 10 am
Rev. Inouye also went over the upcoming schedule:
11/16 CC Minister’s Assoc. Meeting in Fresno at 10 am
11/16 MAP Class in Parlier at 7 pm
11/19 Q & A Period with Rev. Ron Kobata from the
Buddhist Church of San Francisco at 3:30 pm
11/20 Eshin-ni / Kakushin-ni Service with Guest Speaker
Rev. Ron Kobata at 10 am
11/30 V & P Meeting in Reedley at 7 pm
12/3 7th Year Memorial Service for Kelly Sasai at 11 am
12/7 MAP Class in Parlier at 7 pm
12/10 Farewell Luncheon for Rev. George Shibata at the
Visalia Holiday Inn at 11:30 am
12/11 Bodhi Day / Shotsuki Service at 10 am
12/17 CC Minister’s Meeting / Party in Fresno at 6 pm
12/21 MAP Class in Parlier at 7 pm
12/31 New Year’s Eve Service at 7:30 pm
1/1 New Year’s Day Service at 10 am
Obon Schedule: 7/7 Fresno, 7/14 Fowler, 7/21 Visalia,
7/22 Parlier and 7/28 Reedley
Committee Reports:
Maintenance: James Goishi did not have anything new to
report.
BWA: Lynne Yoshimoto said the yard sale on 11/5 made
a profit of $1274.50. She said that there will be Church
clean-up on 11/19 at 8 am and the BWA will be having the
Tofu Festival and bingo following the Eshin-ni/Kakushin-ni
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service on 11/20. It was also noted that the Tai Chi group is
purchasing tablecloths to be used for the upcoming CCBWL
Conference in March.
Finance: Dennis Ikuta went over the monthly financial
report. The investments with the Mutual Fund Store were
down slightly for the month. No changes in the protfolio
will be made at this time.
V & P: Calvin Doi said the the Buddhist Church of Parlier
will be sponsoring a Dharma Gathering with the theme
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, on 12/3 starting with breakfast at
8:00 am. Guest Speaker will be Gordon Ah-Tye. A motion
was made by Curtis Koga to sponsor and have this event
in Parlier. Calvin Doi seconded the motion. The motion
passed.
Old Business:
A. Review of Special Meeting - A meeting was held on 10/24
to discuss the shortage of Ministers in Central California. Even
though we currently have Rev. Inouye as our supervising
minister, the Board wants to be pro-active and discusss
possible alternatives before we lose Rev. Inouye’s services.
One possible option would be to contact other churches to
gauge their interest in sharing a minister. This could give our
church a plan to discuss with the Bishop before he makes a
decision on what is done for Central California.
B. Minister’s Assistant Program- During the Special
Meeting, the MAP program was discussed. It was explained
what a certified Minister’s Assistant was allowed to do,
depending upon the amount of training that each person had
completed.
New Business:
A. Bodhi Seals - Glenn Yoshimoto said that he would mail
the seals out to the Members.
B. Rev. Shibata Retirement Announcement - A retirement
lunch will be held on 12/10 at the Visalia Holiday Inn
C. Election Results - The following board members have
been re-elected to two year terms: Tats Arakawa, Calvin
Doi, Henry Guerra, Dennis Ikuta, Curtis Koga, Wes
Kubo, and Glenn Yoshimoto.
D. Executive Board Elections - After some discussion, Neil
Okino made a motion to keep the Executive Board the same
for the 2012 year. The motion was seconded by Cheryl
Koga. The motion passed. President - Dennis Ikuta, Vice
President - Toshie Mori, Treasurer - Glenn Yoshimoto, and
Secretary - Wes Kubo.
E. Medaka no Gakko - The committee consists of James
Goishi, Toshie Mori, Neil Okino, Steve Sasai, Cheryl
Koga, and Henry Guerra. Cheryl Koga made a motion to
add Gakko President Tats Arakawa to the committee.
Curtis Koga seconded the motion. The motion passed.
F. Dharma Discussion Meeting in Parlier at 7 pm
There being no further business, James Goishi moved to
adjourn the meeting. Curtis Koga seconded the motion.
The motion passed. Gassho was led by Rev. Inouye.
Next Meeting: December 12, 2011
Respectfully - Wes Kubo, Secretary
buddhist women’s association
By Karen Shimizu, BWA Social Chairperson
The holiday season is upon us. This is a busy time
for everyone preparing for the holidays. Don’t forget to
take a moment for some fun and relaxation with family
and friends.
Our yard sale was a great success. Denise and Barb
did an excellent job coordinating the fundraiser. As
usual, people were lined up outside waiting for us to
open the doors. It was our most successful yard sale to
date. It seems that this time we had an extraordinary
amount and variety of items donated. Thank you for
your donations and many thanks to all the ladies and
menfolk who came out to help with the yard sale.
A huge thank you to Group 1 and everyone who
came out for the church cleaning and omigaki. It is
a big undertaking to clean and polish the onaijin and
hondo. We appreciate everyone’s help,
The Eshinni-ko/Kakushinni-ko Hoyo/BWA/Monthly
Memorial Service was held on Nov. 20th. This service
is dedicated to the remembrance to Eshinni, wife of
Shinran Shonin, Kakushinni, daughter of Shinran
Shonin, and all past members of our BWA. We are
grateful for these women’s dedication and contributions
to our church and for furthering the Jodo Shinshu
teachings. Our guest speaker was Rev. Ron Kobata
who is currently the minister of the San Francisco
Buddhist Church. He spoke about the purpose of
life in the Buddhist context which is “awareness” or
“awakening” in ourselves of the truth (reality) of life.
After the service, we had a wonderful luncheon
consisting of a variety of tofu dishes. Our members
found many creative and innovative ways to incorporate
tofu into their dishes. Gail H., Yuki G., Fusa I., and
Miyo O. did an outstanding job organizing the luncheon.
Thanks also to Matsuko, Carol G., Leslie G., and our
social chairs, Char and Julie for their assistance. After
the luncheon, everyone enjoyed playing several games
of bingo. Thank you Calvin D. for being our bingo
caller.
The church is having a Dharma Gathering on Sat.,
Dec.3rd. Our guest speaker will be Gordon Ah-Tye.
He will be talking about “Happiness”. Something
we wish we have more of. Gordon spoke at the Baby
Boomer’s Seminar back in Oct. and gave a very
impressive talk. He will surely put a smile on your face
and have you leaving in a happy mood. In addition,
we are planning to serve breakfast at 8:00 am before
Gordon’s talk. It will be a very inspiring and fun event
to attend.
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The year is winding down. We will be having our
Bodhi Day Service on Sun., Dec. 11th. After the
service, we will be having otoki. The toban heads will
be calling to get a head count.
Our year-end Joya-E Service will be held on Sat.,
Dec. 31st at 7:30 pm. Come and help ring in the New Year.
December Events:
Dec 3 - Dharma Gathering
8:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 am – Gordon Ah-Tye, guest speaker
Dec 10 – 8:00 am - church cleanup Group 2
Dec 10 – 9:00 am - BWA General Meeting
following church cleanup
New cabinet will be selected. Calendar and sign up for
activities for 2012 year will be passed around.
Dec 11 – Bodhi Day Service 10:00 am
Otoki following service
Dec 12 – Board meeting - Barb and Denise to provide
refreshments
Dec 31 – Joya-E Service 7:30 pm
-- Quote of the Month -All things appear and disappear because of causes
and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone,
everything is in relation to everything else.
Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season.
Helpful Hint by Carol Guerra
If you’d like to try eating the “bitter” kaki when it’s hard,
instead of waiting for it to become soft and eating that way,
or using it for baking, this is what I do. When the kaki
is still firm, but colored, dip it into a bowl of whiskey or
vodka, place it, stem side up in an airtight container...my
mother used to use a crock that she also made sukimono in,
but I use a large lidded tupperware container. Spoon some
of the whiskey or vodka so it sits in the stem area, just so
a little of it sits there. Seal it airtight in a cool area for 3-5
days depending on how hard the fruit was. After 3-4 days,
rinse & try cutting one...if you still taste a little bitterness,
let it set for another day or two. Once it’s ready, refrigerate
it and it’ll stay hard for a while. It’s really delicious and my
favorite way of eating the “bitter” Kaki! This was something my grandmother, mother, and I have done. Try it!
My favorite is to use whiskey...at first it smells, but it
dissipates and leaves no alcohol flavor.
MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE
The December Shotsuki Service will be in conjunction with the
Bodhi Day Service on Sunday, December 11, 2011.
Families, as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend.
December 2011
DECEASED
Mrs. Kinuyo Doi
70 yrs.
Mr. Douglas L. Kobashi
66 yrs.
Mr. Ishisuke Takano
64 yrs.
Miss Karen Doi
50 yrs.
Mr. Yonetaro Masuda
47 yrs.
Mr. Masaru Nishimura
46 yrs.
Mr. Torazo Tsuji
43 yrs.
Mrs. Aiko Ikuta
33 yrs.
Baby Brook Y. Yano
27 yrs.
Mrs. Toyoko Chiamori
21 yrs.
Mrs. Doris Y. Furumoto
21 yrs.
Mr. Masanosuke Okubo
59 yrs.
Mr. Katsuzo Handa
61 yrs.
Mrs. Shizuye Kubo
13 yrs.
Mr. Koji Kay Yoshimoto
13 yrs.
Mr. Junkichi Kagawa
12 yrs.
Miss Lily Yamamoto
13 yrs.
Mr. Tom Takata
9 yrs.
Mr. Shinji Sasai
7 yrs.
Mr. Harry Teiichi Kubo
6 yrs.
Mrs. Shizuye Kub
13 yrs.
MOURNER
Ms. Eleanor Doi
Mrs. Jean Kobashi
Mrs. Kimiyo Doi
Mrs. Ellen Tsudama
Mrs. Kuni Nishimura
Mr. Bill Tsuji
Mr. Bill Tsuji
Mr. Randal Yano
Mr. Patrick Chiamori
Mr. Roy Furumoto
Mr. Warren Okubo
Mrs. Hiroko Kimoto
Mr. Larry Kubo
Mrs. Irene H. Yoshimoto
Mrs. Naomi Tamura
Mr. Tadashi Kozuki
Mrs. May Takata
Dr. Steven Sasai
Mr. Larry Kubo
Mrs. Flora Doi
New Year’s Greeting Message
Fill out form and send to Julie Doi
3607 Gaynor, Selma, CA 93662
($5.00 donation to Buddhist Church of Parlier)
Return form by: Dec. 18, 2011
Name___________________________
_________________________________
Message Here:__________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
Create your own greetings here
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DIRECTORY OF OFFICIERS
Rev. Sensho Inouye....... 834-3175
Dennis Ikuta.................. 638-4962
Toshie Mori.................... 638-8614
Wes Kubo....................... 638-6758
Glenn Yoshimoto............897-1811
James Goishi.................. 638-5510
Lynn Yoshimoto..............897-1811
Cheryl Koga.................. 638-4669
Curtis Koga................... 638-4669
Julie Doi......................... 896-6354
Karen Shimizu.............. 896-0795
Glenn Nakamichi.......... 896-5240
www.bcparlier.org
DECEMBER
Japanese
3
Rev. Nobuo Miyaji
10
Rev. Nobuo Miyaji
17
Rev. George Shibata
24
Rev. George Shibata
31
Rec. Nobuo Miyaji
成道会
並びに十二月祥月法要
Jodo-E Bodhi Day Service and
Monthly Memorial Service
Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 10:00 A.M.
除夜会
Joya-E Year-End Service
Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 7:30 P.M.
修正会
Shusei-E New Year’s Day Service
Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 8:00 A.M.
upcoming January events
(Sun) New Year’s Day Service............ 10:00am
(Wed) Map Class....................................7:00pm
(Wed) Map Class....................................7:00pm
Address Service Requested
1
4
18
English
Dr. Don Yoshimura
Rev. Kurt Rye
Mr. Ron Hata
Rev. Kurt Rye
Rev. George Shibata
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S POSTAGE
PARLIER, CA 93648
PERMIT #23
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BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER
P.O. Box 547
Parlier, CA 93648
Minister
Church President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Maintenance
Fujinkai Presidents
Newletter Editors
Webmaster
December Buddhist radio broadcast
kfib (am900) Saturday 7:20am
Sunday
Monday
DECEMB E R
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Parlier Class: 1
Taichi
(Parlier Buddhist
Church) 8:00am
DONATIONS FOR THE
BUDDHIST RADIO BROADCAST:
EACH BROADCAST DONATION IS $50.00
If you wish to donate, please contact Rev. George
Shibata of the Reedley Buddhist Church
4
5
Memorial Service
for Mrs. Peggy
Okada
2:00pm
11
Bodhi Day Service
& Monthly Shotsuki
10:00am
18
25
12
Board Meeting &
General Meeting
7:00pm
19
Hana Class
(Fowler)
7:00pm
26
Fowler
Classes:
Taichi: 9:00am
Dharma Class:
10:00am
Sumi: 3:00pm
Calligraphy
1pm & 5pm
Fowler
Classes:
(See Above)
6
13
YBA Xmas Tree
Lane Walk
Night
7:00pm
Fowler
20
Classes:
Taichi: 9:00am
Dharma Class:
10:00am
Sumi: 3:00pm
Calligraphy
1pm & 5pm
Fowler 27
Classes:
Taichi: 9:00am
Dharma Class:
10:00am
Sumi: 3:00pm
Calligraphy
1pm & 5pm
7
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
MAP Class
Rev. Inouye
7:00pm
14
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
CCMA Meeting
Fresno
10:00am
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
MAP Class
Rev. Inouye
7:00pm
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
MAY PEACE AND TRANQUILITY PREVAIL THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
21
28
Welcome Center
9:15am-11:30am
at parsonage
Parlier Class: 8
Taichi and
Welcome Center
(See Above)
Dharma
Discussion
7:00pm
Parlier Class: 15
Taichi and
Welcome Center
(See Above)
CCDC Meeting
Fowler
7:00pm
Parlier Class:22
Taichi
(Parlier Buddhist
Church) 8:00am
Welcome Center
9:15am-11:30am
at parsonage
Parlier Class: 28
Taichi
(Parlier Buddhist
Church) 8:00am
Welcome Center
9:15am-11:30am
at parsonage
Friday
2
9
16
23
30
Saturday
Dharma
3
Discussion w/
Gordon Ah-Tye
8:00am
7th year Memorial
Service for
Mr. Kelly Sasai
11:00am
Church Cleanup 10
(Group 2)
8:00am
Rev. Shibata
Retirement Party
in Visalia
11:30am
17
CCMA Year End
Party and
Sobetsukai for
Rev. Miyaji and
Rev. Shibata
6:00pm
24
31
New Year’s Eve
Service
Parlier
7:30pm