November 2015 - Placer Buddhist Church

Placer Buddhist Church 3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663
(916) 652-6139
th
2015
11月
THE PBC
BULLETIN
113
Year
BCA THEME:
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
2015 PBC
Officers
President
Rich Kawahata
1st Vice President
Ron Kawahata
2nd Vice President
Ed Nakamoto
Recording Secretary
René Yamashiro
Treasurers
Ted Uyeda
Jackie Itogawa
Auditors
Howard Itow
Glen Matsuoka
Editorial
Committee
Rev. Kurt Rye
Jackie Itogawa
Rich Kawahata
Ron Kawahata
Janice Uyeda Kemper
Robert Meyer
Isabel Meyer
Michi Mitani
Fusae Miyamoto
Ed Nakamoto
Joyce Uyeda Parks
Susan Higashi Rumberg
Miwako Yamashiro
Since Shinjin arises from the Vow,
We attain Buddhahood through the nembutsu by the [Vow’s]
Spontaneous working.
The spontaneous working is itself the fulfilled land;
Our realization of supreme nirvana is beyond doubt.
Hymns of the Pure Land Masters #82
Master Shan-tao
We wonder what the future might hold for us.
So we
turn to the Buddhist teachings for guidance and security. Indeed this is what
the teachings are for, but we must reflect how we approach the Buddha and
the teachings. Do we rush through the readings or patiently analyze what it
has to say? And, in rushing, not let ourselves absorb the deeper meaning of
the teachings.
One of the Buddhist concepts that has had the largest impact on me is the
concept of Buddha Nature, the concept that everyone had within them the
potential for enlightenment. My early understanding was that Buddha Nature
is like a gem covered with mud of human attachments, and Buddhist practice
was the method to polish away the defilement of this samara world from this
beautiful gem. In doing so, persons could realize their true potential and then
be able to reach enlightenment. For me, personally, it seemed an impossible
step to make this discovery of my own Buddha Nature. I was fortunate. I
discovered the Jodo Shin Shu Teachings and writings of Shinran.
Shinran teaches another perspective. In the wasan above, Shinran states.
“We attain Buddhahood through the nembutsu by the vow’s spontaneous
working. The spontaneous working is itself the fulfilled land; our realization
of Supreme Nirvana is beyond doubt.”
The word “spontaneous” is a translation of the Japanese word “Jinen” that
can also be translated as naturalness. Shinran is saying that the essence of
realizing nirvana is spontaneous or natural from the viewpoint of Amida or the
Dharma. In effect, we can focus so much on the process of attempting to
understand enlightenment, Nirvana or Buddha Nature that we don’t realize
we are already in the process. The process is already happening, and we
should focus on what is occurring instead of the process itself.
In life, we can see things clearly if we look at what is happening in the moment
instead of how we perceive it. I had many such experiences in my years
working as a mental health professional with people who suffered from
debilitating mental illness.
While I was in college working on my degree, my first internship was at a state
hospital working on the male geriatric ward. I was intimated by working in a
locked-up ward, where the client’s mental illness was so severe that many
had spent most of their adulthood in the hospital. I also knew most of them
had a history of violent behavior that kept them from living in the community.
(continued)
(continued from front page)
My only counseling experience was what I had read in books and learned in class. To make things more
uncomfortable, the patients were about three times my age, making the role of being their counselor seem
ludicrous. I spent 15 hours a week in my internship and got to know the personalities and habits of the 25
residents on the ward. I would take folks out of the ward to go for walks on the grounds, take them on outings
to parks or fast food restaurants, listening to their stories and providing support. Folks would be happy to
see me for it meant getting out and talking to someone.
One of the people I enjoyed most was Frank, someone who had been in and out of the hospital for the last
40 years. He had an outgoing personality, helping other patients when they couldn’t express their needs.
Frank had a temper. That was the main reason he stayed in the hospital, but he worked hard to control it
and, after calming down, would apologize for what he had said or done.
As my experience increased, so did my responsibilities and I began to co-lead group sessions. To be honest,
I was excited to use some of the concepts and terminology I had been learning in class. In one session,
Frank was talking and I asked him a question using my best clinical voice and terminology. He yelled an
obscenity that I won’t repeat and walked out of the group. After the group was over, I found him sitting on a
chair with his arms crossed and obviously still angry. I asked if I could speak to him and he replied “Why
should I talk to Mr. Therapist, it seems he thinks he knows everything already.” After a long silence I said, “I
just want to help.” Frank responded, “Help? Talking that mumbo-jumbo and not being real ‘aint going to
help anyone!” Frustrated and confused, I said “What about our other talks?” Then Frank looked at me and
said calmly “You were a person like me, nothing else, and listening to my old jokes is the best therapy for
me. You tried your school stuff but speak to me real, that is what it’s really about.”
I feel this is the essence of what the wasan says. “The spontaneous (natural) working” is itself the fulfilled
land (Pure Land or Nirvana). We do not need to organize the Dharma into categories. We need to take a
break, step back, and see the Dharma at work. Shinran is making the point that all of these processes are
progressing, without our input. It is like the wind blowing or the rain falling. We can analyze it in scientific
constructs, but we must also experience the wind against our faces and the music of the raindrops against
the windowpanes. We must see ourselves as part of the process, part of the moment and, in doing so, focus
on our own transformation.
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Chanting 101
Want to learn more about Buddhist chanting and, at the same time, improve your skills? Rev. Rye will be
offering chanting sessions on the 16th of each month (unless it falls on a Sunday). Sessions start at 9 AM
and run approximately 20 minutes. Please join us at the next session on Monday, November 16th.
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Dharma School News
By Michi Mitani
Looking Ahead to November
1
Monthly Memorial Service/Eshinni and Kakushinni Service (Shinran's wife and daughter
memorial service). Please remember to turn your clocks back one hour to Standard Time.
Coffee klatch available.
8
Regular Dharma Service
15
Shinran's Memorial Service (Jodo Shinshu's founder's memorial service) with Rev. Ron
Miyamura. Rev. Ron is the son of Martha Miyamura, who passed away this year.
Coffee klatch available.
22
Regular Dharma Service
29
NO DHARMA SERVICE as many families will be out of town
Many thanks to Jeanne Schmidt and Bob Meyer who sold $216 worth of coloring
books at the bazaar. The money will be used to purchase books.
By Susan Rumberg
President Fusae Miyamoto
called the October 4, 2015 meeting to order at 11:07 am. Michi
Mitani led us in gassho.
Food Bazaar
Brief recap of PBWA food sales:
Manju. This year an additional expense was buying the “an.”
Makizushi. Because there were leftovers on Saturday, the amount made on Sunday was reduced
to 550 rolls (from 600 rolls).
Age Sushi. We will reduce the amount we make next year because we had leftovers on both
days. The addition of the tempura booth this year probably affected the sales of other food items.
Chow Mein. Although we ran out at 3:30 on Saturday, we didn’t run out on Sunday.
Crafts Sales.
To date in 2015, $1,966.50 has been donated to the PBC Building Fund from crafts sales.
PBWA Bylaws and Policies & Procedures
The proposed revisions were reviewed and discussed. The final draft will be prepared for review at the Nov.
1st meeting. Copies will also be available in the church office for those unable to attend the Nov. 1st meeting.
The final version will be voted upon at December’s General Meeting.
Placer Ume Taiko Grant
PBWA provides a $200 grant twice a year (in March and October) to PUT. The October grant was authorized
at the meeting.
Eshinni/Kakushinni Service
Please join us on November 1st for the annual service to honor Eshinni and Kakushinni, the wife and
daughter, respectively, of Shinran Shonin.
PBWA officers for 2016
PBWA members were mailed ballots in October for the 2016 officers. The Board of Directors will be
appointed at the Nov. 1st meeting.
Next PBWA meeting:
November 1 (immediately after service).
November Toban:
Loomis
December Toban:
Rocklin/Roseville
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Welcome to PBC!
PBC warmly welcomes new members Kimie Kagawa-Chomel and Bruno
Chomel, who reside in Davis, CA. We are extremely pleased to have them join the PBC family, and we
look forward to getting acquainted at upcoming services and events. Welcome, Kimie and Bruno!
The Editorial Committee strives to report complete and accurate information; however, errors or omissions
can inadvertently occur. In these situations, we apologize and ask that you notify any member of the Editorial
Committee so it can be rectified. Donations are reported based on when they are received by PBC. As
such, donations received before or after the publication deadline may not be shown in the current issue;
however, they will be included in an earlier or later issue.
Member Spotlight
By Michi Mitani
Michael Hatashita
grew up in Southern
California, where his parents, one brother, and two
sisters still reside. For college, Michael came north
to attend UC Davis, where he earned his
undergraduate degree, then went on to UC
Berkeley, where he earned his Doctor of
Optometry. It was while attending college that
Michael met his wife Denise. Happily, they just
celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in
September. The Hatashitas have three sons. Their
first two sons -- Jason and Matthew -- were born in
the Bay Area. In 1981, the Hatashitas moved to
Auburn, and it was there that their third son, Clark,
was born. Michael set up his first optometric
practice in Loomis, then moved his practice to
Citrus Heights in 1986.
Michael first started teaching Dharma School in the
mid-1980s. It wasn't long before he was selected
to be Dharma School’s Superintendent. At that
time, there were only five families attending
Dharma School -- all boys and one girl. The boys
were deeply fascinated with the koi and water in the
front pond, and we used to joke about who would
fall into the pond next. All of the boys fell in at least
once – it was almost like a Rite of Passage! We
eventually purchased a portable basketball hoop
and basketball in an effort to distract the boys from
the pond.
The 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s were years of
tremendous growth in our Dharma School
population. From the original five families, we
expanded to over twenty families! Under Michael's
leadership, we kept very busy. We made visits to
the Sacramento Betsuin, where we were amazed
at the number of students enrolled. We also
carpooled to Marysville, and helped their Dharma
School with their steak dinners. It was there that
our students learned how to serve and bus tables.
We also attended a Reno Gathering, which was a
fun outing. We stopped in Boomtown for a buffet
lunch, then went on to Reno, where one of the
teachers showed us how to make nenjus with
plastic beads and dental floss.
The group’s most memorable excursion was to the
Railroad Museum and Crocker Art Museum in
Sacramento.
At the Railroad Museum, the
students loved climbing into various railroad cars
and acting like engineers. At the Crocker, we
divided into two groups -- the younger students
went with one docent, and the older students and
adults went with a different docent. As it turned
out, the docent for the older group was very
knowledgeable about Buddhist history and art. He
talked about the various art styles from the
different countries into which Buddhism had
expanded. This was a very meaningful excursion
for us!
Over time, Michael’s back became increasingly
aggravated from a previous injury, and he had to
take a leave of absence from Dharma School in
2013. Michael still stays busy, though – working at
his optometry practice; helping the church in any
way he can; and, with Denise, enjoying their five
grandchildren, whose ages range from newborn to
school age. We thank you, Michael, for all that you
do and for all the years you dedicated to Placer’s
Dharma School!
Our Deepest Condolences
to the Family of
Barbara Oseto …… 10/30/1952 - 9/28/2015
December 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 December’s Monthly Memorial Service on December 6th. 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, Haruo “Harry”
Amioka, Betty
Morishige, Sam
Morishige, Nobuko
Fujimoto, Kumaso
Tokutomi, Dan
Nakashima, Masato Bill
Nakashima, Kenneth
Fujitani, Kiyoko
Nishikawa, Masu
Nishikawa, Todd
Goncalves, Carl
Fujitani, Jean and
Fujitani, Shigeru
Meyer, Isabel
Nishimoto, Mark Yoshio
Nishimoto, Marci
Goncalves, Jose
Meyer, Isabel
Nishimoto, Hugo Takumi
Nishimoto, Ted
Hada, Moriichi
Hada, Jane
Nishimoto, Iwami
Nishimoto, Mary
Hasegawa, Betty Tomiko
Shaver, Nancy
Nodohara, Sana
Nodohara, Keiso
Hayashida, George
Takayoshi
Hayashida, Take
Hayashida, Setsuko
Ohnoki, Torakichi
Ohnoki, Bessie
Hayashida, Marie
Okamoto, Michiye
Imajo, Sanaye
Hayward, Shirley Ann
Oseto, David
Okimura, Takeo
Okimura, Ronald
Hirabayashi, Misuye
Hirabayashi, Misao
Okusako, Fred
Semper, Betty
Hiraoka, Toshiaki
Okusako, Goro
Semper, Betty
Hirota, Sada
Hiraoka-Lichtenwalter,
Cheryl
Hirota, Raymond
Sakauye, Shizuye
Toyama, Jean
Ichikawa, Mitsuji
Matsufuji, Gerri
Seo, Misao
Seo, Ben
Ichikawa, Toshio
Matsufuji, Gerri
Shimokon, Toshiye
Nishimoto, Alan H.
Itow, Stanley
Itow, Dennis
Sugioka, Nobuyuki
Sugioka, Hisako
Iwasaki, Molly Iwaye
Kubo, Martha
Sunada, William Isamu
Shiflet, Robyn Sunada
Kajihara, Shigeyo
Nomura, Frank
Takemoto, George Jyoji
Takemoto, Tsugie
Kakiuchi, Kano
Kakiuchi, George
Tanaka, Roy
Tanaka, James
Kashima, Kaichi
Yokota, Ken
Tsuetaki, Moriye
Tsuetaki, Hideko
Kashiwabara, Matsuo
Kashiwabara, Masako
Tsujimoto, Akira
Tsujimoto, Yukie
Kashiwabara, Tom
Tomoso
Kohagura, Hideo
Kashiwabara, Mary
Uyeda, Fuyu
Uyeda, Michiko
Kohagura, Joyce Etsuko
Uyeda, Takayoshi
Uyeda, Michiko
Kozaiku, Asamatsu
Kozaiku, Kenny
Uyeno, Yaichi
Nyikes, Arlene
Kubo, Yoshiko
Kubo, Martha
Wakinaka, Shinji
Nimura, Mae
Kuratomi, Toshio George
Kuratomi, Toshiharu
Watanabe, Koji
Makishima, Shunichi
Yamada, Masao
Masaki, Kazuo
Ikeda, Satoko and
Nishimura, Sadako
Masaki, Kenso
Watanabe, Marcia and
Watanabe, Roy
Yamada, Glenn
Yamasaki, Shigeyo
Yamasaki, Ray
Masaki, Nobuichi
Masaki, Kenso
Yego, Hike Masayuki
Matsumoto, Misako
Matsumoto, Roy
Yoshikawa, Masaki
Yamada, Donald and
Jean
Yoshikawa, Teruko
Mikawa, Sentaro
Mikawa, Ronald
Morimoto, Haruko
Morimoto, Hiroaki
Yoshikawa, Michiko
Hazel
Yoshino, Shizuko
Morishige, Carol Yoshiko
Morishige, Nobuko
Yoshikawa, Michael
Yoshino, Gary
By Janice Kemper
Barbara Kitz’s
first exposure to taiko was in
2001, on the heels of completing chemo and radiation
treatment for breast cancer. She was at a fun run in
downtown Sacramento, and Sacramento Taiko was
playing on the steps of the Capitol. She remembers
that the performance touched her to the core and she
knew, right then and there, that it was something she
wanted to pursue. Fortuitously, she was at an event
in Grass Valley a few months later, and Placer Ume
Taiko (PUT) was there performing. She talked to
Carole Kawamoto that very evening and enrolled in
the beginners’ class.
Barbara was attracted to taiko by the deep sound of
the drums, the intensity, and how it made her feel
inside. She also loved the idea of being part of a
group of performers. Her first instructors were James
Landers and Kelvin Lee, who were much younger,
extremely talented, and definitely worthy of the term
“sensei.” When James and Kelvin left PUT at the
same time to attend university, Barbara was sad and
disappointed. Luckily, Kristy Oshiro took over as
sensei, and Barbara has been so impressed with
Kristy’s talent and patience.
Barbara’s most memorable performance was in
Japan in 2013. Why? Because Taiko had become
part of her personal growth. It stretched her in a way
she never imagined. In her wildest dreams, she never
thought that she could stand in front of a group -- be
it family, friends or strangers -- and perform. And to
play internationally was amazing! She said she will
forever appreciate the support given by the PBC
“family.” In Japan, Barbara loved playing at the
Tsunami Relief Fundraiser and also for a
kindergarten class. The class, in turn, performed for
PUT, which she thought was soooo sweet.
On a personal note, Barbara grew up in a military
family, which traveled between Japan, Kentucky,
Ohio, and Germany. The family settled in the
Sacramento Valley when her father passed away and
she was only in her early teens.
Barbara married her friend, Stan Schulte, 31 years
ago. Since 1988, they’ve lived in Auburn, where they
bought 10 acres in the foothills. On this property, they
built their home, which they completed in 1992. The
property is a work in progress and is her therapy. It
includes a large fenced-in vegetable garden,
small orchard, and a little vineyard, which the
local critters love. Every week, she spends
numerous hours pulling weeds and, at home,
she’s known as the “queen of the weeds.”
Professionally, Barbara is currently a high school
counselor at El Sereno High School in Fair Oaks,
which is part of the San Juan Unified School
District. She is also a licensed Marriage Family
Therapy Counselor. Her husband Stan, also a
licensed MFT, practices in Auburn. Although they
have no children together, Barbara is “Mom” to
many of her former students.
In addition to her career, Barbara stays busy by
working out at the gym, gardening, landscaping,
and reading. She loves to travel and learn about
other cultures and foods. Her favorite flower is
the iris, and she recently joined the local Iris
Society. Her true passion, however, is taiko, and
she looks forward to retirement when she can
spend more time on all of her varied interests.
PUT is indeed fortunate to have such a
passionate, well-rounded individual for a
member!
A Thank-You Message from Bazaar Co-Chairs
With tremendous help from our members, our members’ relatives and friends, and individuals from Northern
California District Churches, the 51st Annual Placer Buddhist Church Food Bazaar was a fantastic success.
It’s great to see everyone contributing in one way or another and working in harmony for the betterment of
the total sangha.
We would appreciate any comments/feedback so we can improve future food bazaars.
Gassho,
Ron Kawahata and Ed Nakamoto
Members, Families, & Friends –
Thank You for Supporting PBC’S 51ST Annual Food Bazaar!
A Big “Thank-You” to Our Donors!
We gratefully acknowledge the donations by our business friends and members. Their generosity helped
make our 51st Food Bazaar a big success.
AUBURN
Westwood Village Senior
Care Home
Eisley Nursery, Inc.
Servicenter Radiator
Magnussen's Auburn Toyota
Longhorn Meat Company
CARMICHAEL
Carol Shindler
CULVER CITY
Bickford Ranch
ELK GROVE
Tracy Huynh
EMERYVILLE
Yokomizo Sport Fishing
FOLSOM
Gekkeikan Sake
GRANITE BAY
Chester Yamada
LOOMIS
Sierra Auto Care
Stephen Macola
Loomis Chinese Restaurant
Green Elephant
Divine Desserts
Pizza Factory
Starbucks Coffee
Pam Chinn
Hebard Insurance Agency, Inc.
Taylor's
Blue Goose Produce
Pineapple Xpress Corporation
LOOMIS (cont.)
Sadako Kudow
Bakers Nursery
Tamiko Hata
The Yogurt Shop
Valley Rock
High Hand Nursery
Taco Bell
Matt McGowan
Vintage Charm Antiques
Marv's Barber Shop
Subway Sandwich
Main Drug Store
Foothill Feed & Gift
Nob & Mae Nimura
Pat Atwood
Loomis Veterinary Clinic
LINCOLN
Zakuro
NEWCASTLE
Newcastle Produce
La Fornaretta
PENRYN
Fast-Pak Deli
Bobby Rogers Union 76 Service
Station
ROCKLIN
Venita Rhea's Café
Edwin's Coffee & Tea
Pottery World
Dobson's
Meeks Lumber & Hardware
Nor Mac
Carl 's Jr.
ROSEVILLE
Ginger's
J&J Body
Susumu Japanese Steakhouse
Cattlemen's
Morgan Creek Golf Club
West Roseville Family Dental
John L. Sullivan Chevrolet
Allan Yamashiro
SACRAMENTO
Arden Park Florist
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Noodles & Company
William Glen
Puddles
Sakura Gifts
Trader Joe’s
Café Vinoteca
The Moppet Shoppe
Paper Garden
Nagato Sukiyaki
Royal Florist
Kiyo's Florist
Osaka-Ya
Geri Lee
Shigeru Fujitani
Kay Miyata
SAN FRANCISCO
Brian Nakamoto
Special Thanks for Supporting Bazaar Games
By Jackie Itogawa
A huge “thank-you” to all who generously donated bingo prizes – too many to list in this limited space!
Another big “thank-you” to our faithful bingo workers – some who have helped ever since we re-started
bingo four years ago, and others who started volunteering more recently. Bingo is fun because it’s a joint
effort of so many friends and relatives.
Two new games were introduced this year -- the Soda Ring Toss and the Dime Toss. These games
attracted varied age groups, and each was a money-maker. Thanks to all who manned the booths and
helped make the games a big success. Finally, a special “thank-you” to Helene Nakamura who diligently
supervised the games.
Nancy Nakamoto and I truly appreciate your giving spirit! Domo arigato to all of you!
Mark Your Calendar and Save the Date
November 2015
1
5
14
15
Monthly Memorial Service,
PBWA Meeting
Senior Program - Apple Hill and
Red Hawk
NC Chicken Throwdown
Hoonko
December 2015
3
6
13
19
20
31
Senior Program - Bingo
Bodhi Day and Luncheon
Monthly Memorial Service
Bonenkai
Wash Rice for Mochitsuki
Mochitsuki
Shogatsu Chicken
New Year’s Eve Service