February 2016 - Placer Buddhist Church

Placer Buddhist Church 3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663
(916) 652-6139
th
2016
2月
THE PBC
BULLETIN
114
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
2016 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
Daniel Cota
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
The universal aspiration that all Buddhists proclaim, regardless of sect, is
“The Three Gems,” or more commonly known as the “Three Refuges.”
This aspiration claims that an individual has taken refuge in the Buddha, the
Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha. The first two -- the Buddha and the
Dharma -- are easy to understand. The third – the Sangha -- is commonly
known, in other schools of Buddhism, to refer to the ordained monks and
nuns. However, in Jodo Shinshu, the concept of Sangha is expanded to
include the entire community of both ordained and lay followers.
This interpretation is unique to Shin Buddhism and has many broad
implications. It takes the idea of the Buddhist community as equal,
regardless of Buddhist education or years of practicing the Dharma. It
demonstrates the idea of Buddha nature as a daily reality rather than abstract
construct.
This idea not only acknowledges the Shin community at the local Temple
level, but is also on a Northern California district level, national level, and
eventually international level. Looking back, I took the experience of being
part of the Seattle Sangha for granted and did not appreciate what a nurturing
group I was a part of. I’ve attended numerous workshops, retreats, and
conferences. As a result, I have Dharma friends from temples throughout
the BCA system. These friends in the Sangha have helped me understand
the Dharma in a way that I would not have by only attending Sunday services
or attending the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS).
It has been said that the Jodo Shinshu path is a life-long endeavor. We not
only learn as time progresses, but we are enriched by our interaction with
other members of the Sangha along our journey. We not only enjoy each
other’s company along the way, but we can learn from others’ experiences
and insights.
In the coming year, let us not only open our hearts to the friendship of our
fellow Sangha members, but also learn from our interactions and sense of
community.
In Gassho, Rev. Kurt
Please join us at PBC’s Buddhist Education Classes.
The February class is scheduled for
Thursday, February 18, 2016,
6:30 PM
By Michi Mitani
We thank the following for their Dana:
 Miwako Yamashiro – for the box of See's "lollypops."
 Clifford Blankenship - $40 to go toward the purchase of flowers, candles, and incense for the naijin.
 Clara Hada - $100 to go toward the purchase of books for the adult education class.
 Bobbie Pilliard - $20 to go toward the purchase of books.
 George and Susan Goto - $30 for Pet Memorial.
Recap of Pet Memorial Service & Installation of Officers:
We had a successful first Pet Memorial Service with Rev. Kurt. From a Christian view, Rev. Kurt stated
that the animals were created for man. However, in the Buddhist way of thinking, animals are part of the
interdependence of all life -- the Oneness of everything on this planet. We realize that the animals which
have been killed have sacrificed their lives so that we can survive. This is why we "itadaku" (honor/ respect)
and say "itadakimasu" before we take a bite. Some Buddhist sects even "itadaku" the plants that are to be
consumed. Our pets, whether dogs, cats, hamsters, etc., have given us much loyalty, companionship,
friendship, and much love. As my two sons have stated many times, "Pets are good listeners." They sit
patiently by your side and listen without judging your statements. You can tell these pets anything, and they
won't reveal your secrets or gossip. For these reasons, pets are beloved, and people will spend almost any
amount of money to keep them happy and healthy!
Installation of PBC officers was done with Rev. Kurt lighting a single candle from the onaijin area (from the
Buddha) to light the candles of those to be installed (to those outside of the Buddha realm). The candles
represent wisdom of the Buddha to those who have the potential to become Buddhas. This was quite an
impressive ceremony with Rev. Kurt lighting the candle of each successive PBC Board member. The Three
Treasures -- Buddha, Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community) were recited to guide the PBC board
members throughout the coming year. Please look for pictures taken by Daniel in the coming bulletin and
website.
Looking ahead to February:
February 7
Monthly Memorial Service with Rev. Kurt. Coffee Klatch available.
Please support Ume Taiko's Super Bowl Bento. Pre-orders should have been
turned in by January 31st.
February 14
Nirvana Day (Shakyamuni Buddha's Memorial) Service with Rev. Kurt.
Coffee Klatch available.
February 16
Chanting at 9 AM with Rev. Kurt.
February 21
Regular Dharma Service with class time.
February 28
Regular Dharma Service with class time.
Reminder
2016 PBC Annual Membership Dues are due – $150 Single; $300 Couple
Please send your payment to:
Placer Buddhist Church, 3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663
By Susan H. Rumberg
President Isabel Meyer called the January 3, 2016 meeting to order at 11:55 AM. Rev. Kurt led us in
gassho.
PBWA Welcomes Its Newest Members
2016 got off to an auspicious start with the addition of three new members. They are Jane McNally of
Roseville, and Karen Kiyo Lowhurst and Amelia Huster of Berkeley. Karen and Amelia are the daughter
and granddaughter, respectively, of member Joyce Uyeda Parks.
Revised PBC Website
Daniel Cota described the new PBC website which will be launched soon. The new format should make it
easier to make changes, but it will always be a work in progress. Daniel requested photos and also members’
“mission statements” which would include thoughts about how we would define what we are, who we are,
what PBC represents to us, etc. Please e-mail statements to: placerbuddhistchurch@gmail.com or to
danielnmicota@gmail.com.
Mochitsuki
Many thanks to everyone who helped make the event another success. The “an” mochi sold out. We started
with 700 lbs. of rice. We had 140 lbs. of komochi left and the current selling price is 2 lbs. for $5.00.
February Toban:
Lincoln/Penryn
2016 Toban Schedule
Auburn/Newcastle:
January, May, October
Lincoln/Penryn:
February, June/July, November
Loomis:
Rocklin/Roseville:
March, August, December
April, September
Next Meeting:
February 7, 2016 (after service)
Reminder
2016 PBWA Annual Membership Dues are due –
$5 for those turning 80 in 2016 and above; $10 for those under 80
Please send your payment to the attention of
Yvonne Yoshikawa or Amy Takemoto by February 28th
Welcome to PBC!
We warmly welcome the following new members to our Sangha:





Karen Kiyo Lowhurst of Berkeley
Daniel Cota of Penryn
Tsuneko Matsumoto of Lincoln
Sadako Morimoto of Auburn
Seiji & Chrisell Morimoto of West Sacramento
Gato’s Corner
By Rev. Kurt
It is my day off and I’m sitting on my couch reading a book. Daniel
is out doing errands, and Saffie is asleep in the back bedroom.
Gato is sitting next to me, looking intently at me. He moves to the
side and I can see a small wrapped package behind him.
Rev. Kurt: What is this? Is it a present for me? It is so nicely
wrapped.
Gato: Open it, open it! I got you something you need. You can
take it to the temple and put it in the entryway, or use it as my
photo in the newsletter.
I slowly unwrap the paper and open the box. I pull out an 8x10
picture of Gato posing on a large purple pillow, looking content
towards the camera. The frame is very elaborate covered with
rhinestones, mirrors, and glitter.
Gato: Isn’t it cool? Can you see how the lighting highlights my whiskers,and the shine in my fur? I thought
you should have this portrait of “Gato the Humble Buddhist Cat” to share with everyone.
Rev. Kurt: It is a nice picture, but we have so much in the church entrance I’ll put it on my desk so I can
appreciate it. Thank you very much.
Gato: You’re welcome. By the way, here is my list; you can choose any item you choose.
Rev. Kurt: List? What is this list? Do you want me to give you something from it?
Gato: Yea, I gave you a gift so you need to give me one. I was thoughtful enough to make a list so to make it
easier for you. I’m so thoughtful, you know.
Rev. Kurt: Gato, just because you give someone a gift, it doesn’t mean they are obligated to give you one
back.
Gato: But that is only fair. I took time to pose for the portrait, and it took the photographer forever to get a good
shot. I needed to show my best side, you know. I also spent so much time and money getting the perfect frame
to match my portrait. I feel it is right I should get something back for all my hard work.
Rev. Kurt: I think you’re missing the whole point of why you give someone a gift. You give someone a gift to
make him or her happy and to show you care for them -- not because you expect something in return. The
Buddha teaches about this. He called it DANA, meaning selfless giving. It is to give without expecting anything
in return . It is a practice to show compassion to others.
Gato: But I am selfless. I made you a list so you didn’t have to think about what to give me.
Rev. Kurt: Gato! Selfless means you don’t think of your needs, only what you can do to help others.
Gato: Lighten up, Pops; I did want to give you my portrait. I guess I was a little overzealous giving you my list.
You know how hard it is for a cat to be selfless, but I’ll give it a try. Let’s call it even and forget about the list,
OK?
Rev. Kurt: Agreed. Shall I make us some hot cocoa?
Gato: Great! Now that the gift thing is all cleared up, may I suggest we have some hot tea instead?
Rev. Kurt: Why?
Gato: I use the cocoa tin to store my mouse tail collection.
Rev. Kurt: Yuk! OK, tea it is.
Happy Birthday to Rose Takemoto!
100 Years Young on
January 18, 2016
Member Spotlight
By Joyce Parks
Since joining the PBC over 20 years ago, David
Unruhe has been a regular fixture at our church.
Whatever the occasion, David could always be
seen helping out either as a leader or behind the
scenes worker. “After I attended PBC’s Dharma
School, Obon Festival and Food Bazaar for the
first time back in 1993, I knew that I wanted to
become an active member of this community,”
says David. He was immediately drawn in by the
camaraderie among members and the warm
acceptance he received. Moreover, David was
deeply inspired by the Buddhist tradition of
reverence for our ancestors and the practice of
formally honoring them through our monthly
Shotsuki Hoyo services and annual services on
Obon and Memorial Day.
Raised as a Methodist in the Venice/Culver City
section of Los Angeles, David attended an allCaucasian church in his neighborhood. Both of
his parents were history teachers. His siblings
include: brother Russ who lived in Santa Cruz
prior to his passing; brother Steve, who lives in
Durham, North Carolina; sister Sue, who also
lives in Durham; and sister Trish, who lives in
Santa Cruz. David’s 92 yr. old father still resides
in Los Angeles so David and his close-knit siblings
make a special point of visiting him on a regular
basis.
While attending Cal State Long Beach, David met
Vicki Taniguchi of Cortez, CA, a small farming
community near Turlock. Both lived in on-campus
dormitories and developed a friendship, but it
wasn’t until after they graduated that they began
dating.
According to David, Vicki’s parents
allowed the two to marry under one condition: that
they marry in a Buddhist church and raise their
children as Buddhists. When David agreed, they
were married in the Stockton Betsuin. After
moving out of Southern California, David and Vicki
initially settled in Orangevale, but moved to
Auburn in 1992. Today, they still reside in Auburn,
and are the proud parents of two grown children son Brandon, age 26, who is currently working on
a Master’s Degree in Teaching at Cal State, San
Francisco; and daughter Erin, age 24, who
received her degree in Speech Therapy from Cal
State, Long Beach.
Prior to his retirement in 2009, David was
employed by the California State Teachers
Association (CTA) where he enjoyed a 30-year
career. His wife Vicki continues to enjoy her
career as a Physical Therapist at Sutter
Community Hospital.
In retirement, David has played a more active role
at the PBC - serving on the PBC Board and the
steering committee for the Senior Program; being
in charge of chicken teriyaki at the annual Food
Bazaar; occasionally speaking at memorial
services; etc. In addition, David was recruited to
serve on the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA)
Endowment Foundation, which is charged with
managing investment funds donated to the BCA
and the Institute of Buddhist Studies. While
employed, he had similar responsibilities with CTA
pension funds.
David also serves as a JACL District Governor
representing Northern California on the National
JACL Board. But a role that David says he finds
most meaningful is as a Docent at the Sacramento
History Museum. In that capacity, he educates
fourth graders on the Japanese-American
internment experience through an exhibit entitled
“Uprooted.” The exhibit is on display each year
from January through March, and coincides with
the fourth grade history curriculum in public
schools. “Since both of my parents were history
teachers, I learned about the internment through
them, but I know that many history books are silent
on this topic,” says David, and added “If I can
enlighten these kids and their teachers about the
blatant injustices that occurred during this period
of American history, hopefully we can prevent this
mistake from happening again to other groups.”
I know I speak for everyone when I say “thank you”
to David for his generous contributions to our
church and community.
March 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 March’s Monthly Memorial Service on March 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
Bollin, Aiko Aileen
Moriguchi, Kazuko
Miyamoto, Takeo George
Miyamoto, Eddie and
Miyamoto, Fusae
Domen, Jinnosuke
Domen, Harue
Nakamoto, Jr., George
Nakamoto, Edward
Domen, Yai
Domen, Harue
Nakamoto, Masaaki
Nakamoto, Etsuko and
Nakamoto, Wayne
Fujitani, Shige
Fujitani, Jean and
Fujitani, Shigeru
Nakamoto, Yuri
Nakamoto, Edward
Goodman, Frances
Ayala, Virginia
Nakashima, Hajime
Nakashima, Kenneth
Goromaru, Masashi
Nakamura, Tsuneko
Nii, George Masaichi
Miyamoto, Fusae
Hada, Letto Morimitsu
Ringle, Michele
Nii, Sansuke
Miyamoto, Fusae
Hada, Yoshiaki
Hada, Clara
Nishikawa, Senemon
Yamashiro, Yoshiko
Hanamoto, Kay
Sasaki, Lila
Nishimoto, Kiyoto
Thomas
Nishimoto, Alice
Hashioka, Naka
Tsujimoto, Yukie
Nishimura, Toichi
Goldberg, Catherine
Hirota, Manshiro
Hirota, Tom
Okamoto, Betty
Johnson, Donna, and
Imajo, Sanaye
Okamoto, Yuzuru
Johnson, Donna and
Imajo, Sanaye
Onga, Ida Chisato
Onga, Ray
Hirota, Tameo
Hirota, Tsutano
Hirota, Raymond and
Yoshikawa, Yvonne
Hirota, Raymond and
Yoshikawa, Yvonne
Horikawa, Hisako
Kayano, Sat
Onishi, Taka
Tokutomi, Dan
Hoshida, Kayo
O’Donnell, Annette
Sakahara, Ura
Morimoto, Hiroaki
Ichikawa, Sumi
Moriguchi, Kazuko
Sugioka, Fudeno
Sugioka, Hisako
Kajimura, Tokuji
Kajimura, Sumi
Sugiura, Satako
Mikawa, Ronald
Kakiuchi, Jitsuo
Kakiuchi, George
Sumida, Tom Uichi
Sumida, Janet
Kaneko, James Susumu
Kaneko, Mae
Sunada, Mary Yoshiko
Sunada, Daniel and
Fuller, Dorothy
Kono, Chizuko
Yamashiro, Yoshiko
Takemoto, Shikayo
Takemoto, Amy
Kozaiku, Shizu
Kozaiku, Kenny
Tanaka, Tatsuno
Tanaka, James
Kozaiku, Toshimatsu
Kozaiku, Kenny
Yamamoto, Ikuzo
Yamamoto, Haruye
Kubo, Shigeichi
Kubo, Martha
Yego, Tadashi
Yego, Takino
Maeda, Rui
Maeda, Shizuka
Yokota, Fukashi
Hada, Clara
Matsuda, Teruo
Matsuda, Hiroshi
Yokota, Sakuichi
Yokota, Ken
Matsuoka, Yasu
Matsuoka, Walter
Yokota, Takaomi Fred
Takemoto, Amy
Mihara, Chiyo
Mihara, Masayuki
Yoshikawa, Kazuji
Charles
Yoshikawa, Hideo
Mitani, Kelvin Kaoru
Mitani, Doug
Joya-e (New Year’s Eve) Service
By Isabel Meyer
As 2015 ended, 37 PBC members rang out the old year and welcomed in 2016. Rev. Kurt explained that at
the end of the service we would each strike the large bell three times at the front door of the church for a total
of 108 times. The striking of the bell acknowledges our attachments and our willingness to improve
ourselves. As the bell was struck, we could feel the vibrations and imagine that these vibrations are like
ripples in the water when a stone is dropped. The ripples symbolize the spread of Buddhism throughout the
world.
Rev. Kurt brought his small Bodhi tree to the service. Daniel had driven from Virginia to California with the
Bodhi tree to make sure it would survive the move. Every night, Rev. Kurt would check in with Daniel: " How
is the tree? " The second question would be, "How are you Daniel?" Later, Daniel was involved in an auto
accident and after finding out that Daniel was fine, Rev. Kurt asked: "How is the tree?"
We toasted the New Year with a small cup of sake. Then we all were served bowls of buckwheat noodle
soup for longevity, with traditional black beans on the side. A big thank you to Martha Kubo and her kitchen
crew. Happy 2016!
Mochitsuki 2015
By Fusae Miyamoto
This year, our Mochitsuki Day was
on Sunday, December 20th. Actually, it
started a month before when 700 pounds of mochi rice
(sweet rice) was ordered and delivered.
On Friday, December 18th, Nob Nimura and Tak
Kawamoto checked out the motors of the rice-grinding
machine. They wanted to make sure everything would
work smoothly on Sunday.
Saturday, December 19th, was a busy day. Ed
Nakamoto, Richie Kawahata, Rod Imai, and Ron
Kawahata washed 700 pounds of sweet rice for
steaming on Sunday morning. Seven hundred pounds of sweet rice would yield over 900 pounds of
mochi.
While the rice was being washed, others were setting up the mochi-making machines and tables. The
tables, which were covered with plastic, are where the mochi would be formed into patties, weighed, and
packaged.
In the kitchen, the preparation of four sets of seiro (a rice steaming unit consisting of three round wooden
baskets and a lid) was in progress. Each unit consists of a base, which sits sealed over a tub of boiling
water. On each base would be three sets of filled seiro and a lid.
At around 5 AM on Sunday, December 20th, Ron Kawahata and Ed Nakamoto started heating the water
and the seiro for steaming the rice. As more help arrived, four stations were set up for cooking rice, and
the kitchen became a busy hub of activity. Each seiro (basket) was filled with rice. It takes about 15
minutes to steam a seiro of rice. The first seiro of rice to be ground was on the bottom. Once that seiro
is taken to the grinding machine and emptied, it’s refilled with uncooked rice and placed on the top of the
stack. Once the cooked rice was ground, it was cut into small pieces, then molded into mochi patties.
Hitomi Hirota, Susie Strom, and Amy Hamada made the Kagami mochi, which are two or three rounded
mochi patties stacked, the smaller one on top. They are used as offerings at the altar on New Year’s Day.
The ones for the church altar consisted of three patties, with the patty on the bottom being approximately
9 inches in diameter, and a mandarin with leaves placed on top of the stack. The ones for the home
consisted of two patties, with the bottom being about 3 inches in diameter.
The rest of the volunteers made the little mochi patties, including a group that made “an” mochi. These
are mochi patties with a ball of sweet azuki beans inside. We ran out of “an” mochi for the last orders so
more was hurriedly made so that all the orders could be filled.
The Dharma School students helped by dusting the rice flour off the mochi and turning them over so the
mochi would cool evenly. As the mochi cooled, we started weighing and preparing one-pound packets.
Another group started filling the mochi orders. Pick-up time was between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.
A group from Nevada County came to visit our church. They observed how we made the mochi patties.
Soon they wanted to help so we showed them how. Shortly after, Rev. Kurt took the group into the chapel
to show them the altar and talked about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
In the meantime, Martha Kubo and her crew prepared sandwiches, hot dog and chili and drinks for lunch.
With the salads and desserts brought by volunteers, we had an excellent lunch. It was an exhausting
morning but we finished by noon ... and another year of continuing this special tradition was concluded.
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.
Mark Your Calendar and Save the Date
March 2016
February 2016
4
Senior Program, Bingo
2-6
7
Monthly Memorial Service
PBWA Meeting
PUT Super Bowl Bento
BCA Ministers' Meeting and
National Council Meeting
3
Senior Program - Bingo
6
Pancake Breakfast
March Monthly Memorial Service
14
Nirvana Day Service
16
Oasaji (Chanting), 9:00 AM
16
Oasaji (Chanting), 9:00 AM
18
Buddhist Education Class, 6:30 PM
20
Spring Ohigan Service
27
Hanamatsuri Clean Up