August 2016 - Placer Buddhist Church

Placer Buddhist Church 3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663
(916) 652-6139
2016
BCA THEME:
8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
Ed Nakamoto
Joyce Uyeda Parks
Susan Higashi Rumberg
Miwako Yamashiro
The Buddhist teachings and rituals can be so different from what people in the
United States think a spiritual tradition is. I know this from personal experience.
When I stepped into the Seattle Betsuin for the first time, I was taken aback by the
beauty of the Onaijin (altar) and the extraordinary service. It was so unlike any
experience I ever had attending Christian services when I was younger. After
years of attending the Seattle temple, the Onaijin came to mean more to me for I
understood everything within the Onaijin had a specific meaning that
demonstrated the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism.
I experienced the same thing in my understanding of the Obutsudan (home
Buddhist altar). I had been following the Buddhist teachings for over two years
before I got my first Obutsudan in Japan. At that time, I was studying Tendai
Buddhism and set up my Obutsudan in the Tendai tradition. In Tendai, the altar
has two of everything -- water, flowers, incense, and food offerings. It was
explained to me that one set represented the Shakyamuni Buddha, and the other
the Tathagata, or symbolic Buddhas.
In the Jodo Shinshu tradition, the arrangement of the Obutsudan is more simple
and straightforward. Traditionally, the Obutsudan houses the GOHONZON
(principal object of reverence). This object can be a statue or portrait of Amida
Buddha. It can also be the Myogyo, which is the six Kanji characters for “NAMO
AMIDA BUTSU.” All of these symbols have the same meaning in our tradition. A
candle is used to represent the light and radiance of Amida and the Dharma. A
flower vase is used to hold fresh flowers to symbolize the impermanence of life,
the teaching that things are in constant change. A small pedestal is used for
holding a food offering, usually Obuppan (rice ball). It can hold other foods that
do not spoil easily, such as bread or sweets. This is not an offering to a deity.
Rather, it expresses the interconnectedness of the Buddha and ourselves. Finally,
a basic Obutsudan set has an incense burner used for offering incense.
Does one need to have a traditional Obutsudan to be a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist?
No, but the importance of having a material object that reminds us of the Dharma
in our homes is effective and beneficial. With our busy daily lives, it is so easy to
get caught up in our mundane concerns and troubles. It is easy to forget the larger
picture of how the Buddhist teachings can guide our lives. If we have a Buddhist
object of reverence, it might catch our eyes during a typical day and take us from
our self-preoccupation to the essence of the Buddha and the teachings. This
reminder does not have to be a traditional Obutsudan. It could be a picture or
statue of the Buddha or something that is a reminder of the Dharma.
The form of our Buddhist reminder is not important, rather it is a way for us to
remember the Buddha and the gratitude for our lives. It is a motivating way to
start the day, by lighting the incense and saying the Nembutsu. Similarly, it is a
comforting way to end the day, calmly reflecting upon what had gone on during
the day.
In Gassho, Rev. Kurt
By Michi Mitani
Many thanks to:
 Isabel Meyer for donation of $250 in memory of Bob Meyer.
 Anonymous donors who contributed to the "Loose Change" bottle. Turned in $139.25 to BCA.
 Rev. Kurt for conducting the PBC Seminar on June 18th and the Dharma Lite Service on June 26th.
 Daniel Cota for picking up the sandwiches and potato salad for the seminar luncheon.
 Darryl Yagi (from Enmanji) who attended the Dharma Lite session and the Reno Gathering on June 26th.
 Daniel Cota and Michi Mitani for chairing the last few services.
 Sumi Tenma for playing the organ for the Monthly Memorial Services.
 Jeanne Schmidt, Daniel Cota, Susan Rumberg, Susie Strom, and Fusae Miyamoto for serving as
greeters.
 All the bakers, including Susan Rumberg, Susan Goto, Jane McNally, Hitomi Hirota, and Michi Mitani, for
providing goodies for the Coffee Klatches.
 Fusae Miyamoto, Jeanne Schmidt, and Grace Yoshikawa for making new Dharma Service Books, which
took 2 days to complete!
 Sumi Tenma for donation of $40 in memory of Shoki Tenma.
 Kathleen Takayama for donation of $100.
Looking Ahead to August:
August 1 – 6
Obon Activities (please refer to schedule later in this bulletin)
August 21
Dharma Lite with Rev. Kurt at 10:00 AM
August 25
Buddhist Education Class at 6:30 PM
August 28
Dharma Lite with Rev. Kurt at 10:00 AM
Note: Due to scheduling conflicts, there will be no Chanting session in August.
********************************************
Recap of First Buddhist Seminar
On June 18th, Rev. Kurt conducted his first Buddhist Seminar.
Upon entering
the hondo, we see the only sources of light are the candles in the naijin. Rev. Kurt pointed out that when a
Jodo Shinshu minister is certified with the Monshu (head Abbot), there is a ceremony that is always held at
night, symbolic of Shinran’s ordination as a Tendai monk at the young age of nine.
Being a history buff, Rev. Kurt discussed the historical significance of Siddhartha Gautama’s life. Siddhartha
was born in 563 B.C.E as a prince into the royal Shakya family. A seer once told his parents, the king and
queen, that their newborn son would become either a strong warrior king or a holy teacher. The king definitely
wanted his son to become a warrior king so he hired the best teachers to teach his son all the martial arts.
In order to stay on this narrow path, Siddhartha was coddled and pampered with all the pleasures of life. He
was spared seeing anything resembling pain, suffering, or unhappiness. One day, however, he left the palace
gates and saw an old man. Needless to say, he was shocked beyond belief! On his next excursions, he
encountered a sick person, then a funeral procession with a dead person. Quite in turmoil after seeing these
unthinkable sights, Siddhartha left the palace gates and encountered a holy man who had a peaceful
countenance. So Siddhartha decided to leave his family, his princely life, and royal responsibilities to seek
the holy life for himself. For six long years, he practiced with the various holy men to no avail. Not finding
answers to his myriad of questions and near death, he took nourishment in the form of rice gruel and sat
(continued on next page)
Recap of First Buddhist Seminar
(continued)
under the Bodhi Tree to meditate. Finally, before dawn, he became enlightened (one who is awakened to
the universal truths). Siddhartha then spent the next 45 years going from village to village teaching the Four
Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and the Middle Path in a language that common people would understand.
After a short break, we gathered back in the hondo to listen to the essentials of Jodo Shinshu as professed
by our founder, Shinran Shonin.
It is said that Shinran was born into a minor aristocratic family in Hino. During this period of history in Japan,
only the aristocratic people were educated and taught Buddhism. After losing both parents by the age of
nine, Shinran was taken to Tendai temple on Mt. Hiei to become a Tendai monk. For 20 long years, Shinran
studied diligently, but had not come any closer to attaining enlightenment.
Shinran left Mt. Hiei and sought another teacher. This new school, called Jodo Shu, spread rapidly and
attracted the animosity of the Tendai monks on Mt. Hiei. The government at that time decided how many
monks would be ordained in a certain school. In order to quell the growing resentment, Shinran and his
teacher Honen were exiled to the hinterland of Japan. Shinran was stripped of his ordination, became “neither
a monk nor layman” and banished to Echigo, a cold place north of present-day Tokyo.
There, Shinran went from place to place to spread the teachings as he had learned from his teacher. No
longer considered a monk, Shinran married Eshinni and raised a family. This was a scandalous undertaking
at the time. He spent the rest of his life writing and clarifying what was important, including the importance of
reciting the Nembutsu, Namo Amida Butsu. Shinran emphasized entrusting ourselves in the Nembutsu with
the assurance that we would one day attain Buddhahood (enlightenment).
After Shinran’s death, his daughter Kakushinni established a mausoleum which became the present-day
Honpa Hongwanji in Kyoto. The direct descendants of Shinran became the head of the newly-formed school
of Buddhism. The eighth head of Monshu was Rennyo, who organized the present-day Jodo Shinshu as
practiced in Japan and America.
As Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, Rev. Kurt pointed out that we need to be mindful of what we say and do as there
are consequences for our actions. We need to be responsible citizens and share our understanding and
teachings with others. Being a Buddhist is a lifelong endeavor of listening and learning the Bodhisattva ideals.
********************************************
Recap of Dharma Lite Service
June 26, 2016
On June 26th, Rev Kurt conducted the first Dharma Lite session, which gave
the Dharma School teachers a much-deserved break. Daniel Cota served as chairperson and set up the
naijin with flowers and fruit, relieving Susie Strom and crew of these tasks. Rev. Kurt put up the Obuppan, lit
the candles and incense, and rang the large bell outside. This service was like many other services
throughout the year except there was no music or Dharma classes.
After reciting the Three Treasures, Rev. Kurt explained that all schools of Buddhism take refuge in the
Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Buddha is the historical Shakyamuni Buddha, but the emphasis in Jodo Shinshu is on Amida Buddha, which
embodies the essence of enlightenment. That concept is hard to grasp so we say Amida represents Wisdom
and Compassion. The statue of Amida is standing and leaning slightly forward to welcome us to listen to the
teachings.
Dharma refers to the laws or teachings of Buddhism depending upon the branch of Buddhism. Hearing the
Dharma is a life-long endeavor. This is why we continue to come to the temple and, hopefully over time, we
understand and absorb some of the teachings.
(continued on next page)
Recap of Dharma Lite Service (continued)
Sangha initially referred to the monks and nuns who chose this path. For Jodo Shinshu members, though,
we are lay people interested in hearing and learning about the Dharma. In our sect, we are a community of
fellow travelers focusing on the present moment and helping others on the path to enlightenment.
Rev. Kurt then took the opportunity to answer questions and clarify some archaic words and phrases, as
follows:
How difficult is it to be born a human? Very difficult. All the right conditions must be met before a person can
be born. How rare is it to encounter the teachings? Very rare. So when we get the opportunity to hear the
teachings we should take advantage of this golden opportunity to learn about our spiritual side, to awaken to
our Buddha Nature.
The word “ocean” is often used in Buddhism as a metaphor. There are still some places in the ocean today
that we don’t know how deep it is. Some people say that these very deep areas are deeper than Mt. Everest
is high!
How do we seek harmony with one another? Through the Buddhist teachings, we discover that we are
connected to one another and depend on other people for many things. We learn to free ourselves of our big
egos and learn to serve others without always thinking of ourselves first.
Probably the words “myriads of kalpas” in the Three Treasures are the hardest to comprehend. “Myriads”
means many. A “kalpa” refers to a timespan of 5,000 years. So “myriads of kalpas” means thousands of
years ... too large a number to wrap our minds around.
Rev. Kurt explained that “Tathagata” can be taken as the action of enlightenment. We recite many sutras
and passages, but do we really understand them? It is great that we can go line by line to get a better
understanding of the important passages, such as the Three Treasures.
When we come to these Dharma Lite sessions, we can ask questions and get clarifications. Our next Dharma
Lite sessions will be on August 21st and 28th at 10:00 AM.
2016 Obon Activities Schedule
August 1, 3, & 5 - Obon Practice, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Please bring your own round fan, folding fan, towel, and castanets.
August 5 & 6 - Obon Food Preparation
We will need help to prepare food for Obon Day. Any volunteers will be greatly appreciated. We ask helpers
to come to church at 8 AM on Friday, August 5th, and 7 AM on Saturday, August 6th. Thank you in
advance for your support!
August 5, 9:00 AM - Newcastle Cemetery Clean-Up and Flower Placement
August 6 – Obon Day
8:00 AM
Auburn Cemetery Service
9:00 AM
Newcastle Cemetery Service
10:00 AM
Rocklin Cemetery Service
11:00 AM
Obon, Hatsubon, and Monthly Memorial Service, with guest speakers Rev. Bob
and Rev. Patti Oshita, followed by lunch, when retirement gift/cake will be presented
4:00 PM
Dharma School to set up the shaved ice, bottled water, and soda booth,
part of their fundraising efforts
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Udon Sales
7:00 PM
Obon dancing will begin
By Susan Rumberg
Notes from the July 31st PBWA meeting will be covered in the September bulletin.
2016 Toban Schedule
Auburn/Newcastle:
January, May, October
Lincoln/Penryn:
February, June/July, November
Loomis:
March, August, December
Rocklin/Roseville:
April, September
Our Deepest Condolences
to the Family of
Michael Takayama ......... 8/24/1959 - 6/21/2016
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 FESTIVAL – SATURDAY, AUGUST 6th
Join us for dancing, entertainment, food, and fun!
Member Spotlight
By Joyce Parks
Miwako Yamashiro and her late husband
Tad joined our Sangha back in 1953. Both
dedicated countless hours to the PBC over the
years and earned the respect and friendship of
many members who, in 2012, were deeply
saddened when Tad passed away. Despite the
challenges of being a widow at age 87, Miwako
remains committed to staying as actively involved
as ever. “I’ve been very fortunate throughout my
entire life, and I want to continue supporting my
church community as long as I possibly can,”
states Miwako.
Born on February 11, 1929, Miwako is the fourth of
seven children born to Yoshizo and Shizuyo
Yoshikawa of Lincoln. She attended Gold Hill
School, a two-room grade school in Newcastle,
prior to her family’s internment at Tule Lake.
There, she attended high school and took English
and Japanese language classes. Once released
from camp, Miwako completed her senior year at
Lincoln High School.
After graduation, she
attended Placer Junior College in Auburn and
earned her Associate of Arts degree in 1948.
On May 3, 1953, Miwako married Tadao
Yamashiro, the son of her parents’ close friends Tadami and Asayo Yamashiro of Penryn. The
couple raised two sons and a daughter who all live
locally. Allan is a Doctor of Pharmacy and Director
of Ancilliary Services at Sutter Davis Hospital,
residing in Roseville. Myra is a retired Fiscal
Consultant with the California Department of
Education, residing in Sacramento, Bruce is Vice
President of Business Operations and Chief
Financial Officer at Sacramento Container
Corporation, residing in Granite Bay. Miwako is a
proud grandmother to Kevin, Keith, Megan, Kara,
and Brett, and she makes a special point of being
actively involved in their lives.
During her children’s formative years, Miwako
chose to play a supportive role at home on the
family ranch. While Tad worked in Sacramento as
a Photogrammetrist for the U.S. Geological
Survey, and later on for the State Department of
Water Resources, Miwako actively participated in
all of her children’s school-related activities. She
was also a full-time caregiver for her in-laws who
lived in the same household, and she also worked
part-time at the Franchise Tax Board. Later on,
she accepted a full-time, permanent position.
In 1991, Miwako retired from state service and
welcomed the opportunity to play a leadership role
at the PBC while continuing to care for her in-laws.
She served as YBA Advisor; Co-chair of Youth
Refreshment at the annual food bazaar (a position
she has held for the last 50 years); and helped
process mochi-making since its inception. From
1991 to 2012, Miwako intermittently served on the
PBWA Executive Council and served a two-year
term twice as President and Co-chair of the
Northern California Buddhist Women’s Association
(NCBWA). She also served as Correspondence
Secretary and Counselor when the Northern
California BWA hosted their national conventions.
Currently, Miwako is responsible for keeping the
website calendar current - a job she says she
enjoys because it allows her to keep apprised of all
upcoming activities and events. She also enjoys
taking classes on Japanese folk dance, tai chi, and
calligraphy, and enjoys attending the Reno
Howakai services. Over the years, she has
enjoyed travels to Japan, Canada, England, and
China, and cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean,
Alaska, and Mexico. Additionally, she has visited
26 states plus Washington, D.C.
When asked what gives her the greatest
satisfaction in life, without hesitation Miwako stated
that it was being able to live long enough to see her
grandchildren succeed in whatever path they
choose. In 2014, Kevin followed in his father’s
footsteps and earned a Doctorate in Pharmacy.
This year, Megan earned a Doctorate in Physical
Therapy, and the youngest, Brett, just graduated
from Granite Bay High School and will be attending
Sierra College in the fall.
“Family means
everything to me,” says Miwako, and added, “If Tad
was here, he would be so proud.”
September 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 September’s Monthly Memorial Service on September 4th. 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, Tsuneyo
Amioka, James
Nakao, Miyao
Matsumoto, Tsuneko
Baba, Henry Toshio
Hirose, Tanya-Li Michiko
Nakashima, Koso
Fujino, Yumi
Sugiyama, Marie
Nii, Kimi
Johnson, Vivian
Nakashima
Miyamoto, Fusae
Hamasaki, Mae
Hamasaki, Hats
Nishimoto, Laurie Ann
Nishimoto, Robert
Higashi, Yukuyo
Yoshikawa, Russell
Nishimoto, Moichi
Nishimoto, Yoshi
Hirota, Akira
Hirota, Raymond
Nishimura, Machiye
Goldberg, Catherine,
Yamada, Chester
Ikeda, Ruth
Regan, Darlene
Nodohara, Koshima
Nodohara, Eugene
Ikeda, Umekichi
Catlett, Pauline
Nomura, Masako
Nomura, Frank
Imajo, Shin
Imajo, Sanaye
Okusako, Noriko
Itow, George
Itow, Dennis
Yoshikawa, Karen
Oseto, Barbara Jean
Lumadue, Sharon
Okusako and Okusako,
Gary
Oseto, David
Kawahata, George
Kiyoshi
Kawahata, Ronald
Shimokon, Minekichi
Nishimoto, Alan H.
Kawamoto, Kikuyo
Kawamoto, Takeshi
Shinagawa-Geisler,
Dorothy Sadako
Geisler-Pinkerton, Dote
Matsuda, Masuo
Matsuda, Hiroshi and
Jabusch, Denise
Straub, Kathy Kyoko
Kubo, Martha
Matsuda, Tom
Matsuda, Hiroshi and
Jabusch, Denise
Tamagawa, Naotaro
Yamasaki, Vincent
Matsumoto, Joe Shigeru
Matsumoto, Tsuneko
Tamagawa, Toki
Yamasaki, Vincent
Miyamoto, Hyakutaro
Miyamoto, Eddie &
Miyamoto, Fusae
Taniguchi, Wasagoro
Mihara, Masayuki
Miyamoto, Kiyoko
Miyamoto, Eddie &
Miyamoto, Fusae
Tokutomi, Amy Emiko
Tokutomi, Dan
Morishige, Hisa
Morishige, Nobuko
Tokutomi, Kevin Jun
Tokutomi, Dan
Nakamura, Shizuko
Nakamura. Howard
Tomita, Yukio
Tomita, Bessie
Nakamura, Tokujiro
Morishige, Nobuko
Uyeda, Shizuka
Uyeda, Jr., Ted
(continued on next page)
September Monthly Memorial Service
In Memoriam
Next of Kin on
Record
In Memoriam
(continued)
Next of Kin on
Record
Uyehara, Masako
Uyehara, Hatsuye
Yamasaki, Emiko
Yamasaki, Vincent
Uyehara, Yutaka
Uyehara, Hatsuye
Yamasaki, Yuki
Yamasaki, Vincent
Uyeno, Shizuye
Uyeno, Todd
Yamashiro, Hatsumi
Yamashiro, Edwin
Yamamoto, Kumaso
Yamane, Aiko
Yokota, Hatsumi
Yokota, Ken
Yamamura, Hiroshi
Nakamura, Naomi
Yokota, Hiroko
Hada, Clara Fujiye
Yamane, Katsuko
Yamane, Aiko
Yoshikawa, Shizuo
Yoshikawa, Russell
Yamane, Tsunejiro
Yamane, Aiko
Japan Trip Update
We are continuing to plan our Fall 2017 trip to Japan. In order to firm up the itinerary
and obtain more accurate pricing, we have been asked to provide an approximate
headcount. Therefore, if you are seriously interested in joining us on this trip, we ask
that you complete the Interest Form below and return it to PBC by no later than
September 1st. Please note that completing this form does not constitute a final commitment on your part. If
you have questions, feel free to contact Rev. Kurt directly at (916) 652-6139.
Fall 2017 Japan Trip
Interest Form
Name(s):
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________
By September 1st, return to:
Placer Buddhist Church
3192 Boyington Rd.
Penryn, CA 95663
Gato’s Corner
By Rev. Kurt
It is the beginning of summer, and we have already had several
days above 100 degrees. Gato and Saffie were warm but,
thanks to the efficient air-conditioning, the house remains
comfortable in the upper 70’s. In the morning, I like to open the
windows to let in the fresh air. The cats enjoy sitting in the open
windows smelling the great outdoors; however, both cats have a
different heat tolerance and this causes dissension.
Gato: It is starting to get hot; I think we should close the
windows and crank up the air conditioning.
Saffie: Oh, Gato, the temperature is just right -- not too hot or too cold -- and I like the breeze.
Gato: I know when it is sizzling, and I’m getting very wilted. I might need to ask Papa Rye to put some ice
in our water bowl to get my heat wave under control. Pops, I don’t want to pass out!
Saffie: Gato, stop being so theatrical. Besides, if you did pass out, no one would notice because you are
asleep all the time.
Gato: Hey! At least I don’t fall asleep in the hallway like you do. We all have to walk around you all the
time. What a pain.
Saffie: I do not! Well at least I don't…
Rev. Kurt: Ok, ok, you two that is enough. I can’t believe you two are debating what is the perfect
temperature. There is no such thing.
Gato: Yes, there is; 72.5 is the perfect temperature.
Saffie: No it’s not. The ultimate in comfort is 78 degrees.
Rev. Kurt: Come on, guys. It is all a matter of personal choice. It is our selfish minds that take something
as simple as the temperature and make it good or bad. The Buddha would point out it is simply the climate
and no judgement is necessary. It is the Middle Path in how we think. It does not have to be one or the other,
it can be the middle way.
Gato: Pops, you’re right. It is not like Saffie and I are comparing the North Pole to Hawaii.
Saffie: Gato, I figure that the middle between 72.5 and my 78 degrees is 75.75 degrees.
Gato: Can we round it down to 75?
Saffie: Gato, then it would not be the Buddha’s middle way. You need to do the math.
Gato: But that 75 degrees makes it too hot, and I would suffer! Besides, I’m the older cat and you should
follow my humble advice.
Saffie: Err… Pops, tell this orange ogre that he is not following the Buddhist teaching of the Middle Path.
He just wants his way and does not even know how to do the math!
Gato: Who are you calling an ogre?
Rev. Kurt: Sigh… So much for the Dharma.
Please join us at PBC’s monthly Buddhist Education Classes. The
August class is scheduled for Thursday, August 25, 2016, 6:30 PM.
2016 Reno Howakai Obon
By Fusae Miyamoto
On July 16th,11 PBC members, including Rev. Kurt, attended the Reno Howakai Obon service and dances at
the Reno Buddhist Center. During the service, Rev. Kurt spoke about his first Obon experiences in Japan and at
the Seattle Buddhist Temple, which were entirely different from each other. He also spoke about the differences at
the Fresno Betsuin and the Ekoji Temple in Virginia. The Sangha at the Fresno Temple was composed mainly of
Japanese Americans and, at Ekoji Temple, there were only a few Japanese American members.
After the service, we went to buy our lunches. As a fundraiser, the Reno Howakai members had made makizushi,
onigiri, combination plates of sushi and teriyaki chicken wings and drumettes, and lots of delicious desserts.
After lunch, we put on our happi coats and danced. It was a little crowded but we all enjoyed ourselves. People
who usually don’t attend the services came to dance with us. With the taiko accompanying the music, it was noisy,
but it added to the dancing spirit. We came home after the dancing, tired but happy. We thank Ed Nakamoto for
taking us to Reno and back.
PBC Board Meeting Highlights
July 12, 2016
The meeting was called to order by Vice President, Ron Kawahata. Reverend Kurt led us in Gassho.
Attendance: Reverend Kurt, Susie Goto, Ed Nakamoto, Ted Uyeda, Darin Hirota, Michi Mitani, Isabel Meyer,
Shizuko Strom, Rene Yamashiro, Ron Kawahata
1.
Minutes were distributed, corrections made and accepted.
2. Treasurer’s Report: Ted covered the monthly receipts and disbursements and included a year to date summary
of receipts and disbursements. $1,250 of donations in memory of Bob Meyer was received. $435 was donated
and sent to BCA for Earthquake Relief.
3. Reports
a.
President’s Report & Correspondence - Thank you notes were received from the Meyer and
Yamamura family.
b.
Minister’s Report: Reverend Kurt gave his monthly report. 45 people attended the spring seminar.
Reverend Kurt is planning the fall and future seminars which will be conducted every spring and fall.
c.
BWA - Shizuko Strom gave an update of the June and July activities.
d.
Social Welfare: Tomodachi bento will be sent out Sunday, July 17th. Ron asked if there are other
members that should be receiving the bento; please let him know.
e.
Membership - Members will be receiving bazaar tickets to sell in the mail.
f.
Dharma School - Michi gave an update and handed out a summary of activities. There will be no
chanting on July 16th.
g.
Senior Program: Ed gave a report and said everyone had a great time at Enmanji. 36 people
attended. A 50/50 raffle was held to defray the cost of the bus. Daniel Cota won the raffle and redonated the winnings to PBC. The next program will be Bingo on August 4th, and a trip to Sparks for
the Nugget rib cook-off will be on September 1st.
h.
Construction: Ron reported the deck is almost done and just needs an additional handrail. The
pine tree at the entry has been propped up. The cherry grove is ready to be mulched and the drip
system has been updated.
4. Old Business
a.
Kumamoto Earthquake Relief - PBC collected $435 and has been sent to BCA.
b.
Hatsubon service - July 19th will be the next planning meeting. Kitchen help start time is 8:00 AM
on Friday and 7:00 AM on Saturday. Rice cooking will begin at 6:00 AM.
c.
Grounds clean-up will be on July 31st at 8:00 AM.
d.
Security - Ron will be looking into a lead for a donation of cameras for the grounds.
e.
Bazaar - Ed said the printing of posters has been done. There are large and mini posters to
advertise the bazaar. Chicken teriyaki tickets have been printed. Next bazaar meeting is August
4th at 6:30.
f.
115th Anniversary meeting. The first planning meeting will be Friday, July 29th at 6:00 PM.
5. New Business
a.
The next calendar meeting will be on August 2nd at 6:30 PM. This will be the planning meeting for
next year’s guest speakers.
The next meeting will be on August 9th at 6:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 7:18 PM and Reverend Rye
led us in gassho.
Respectfully submitted,
René Yamashiro, Secretary
PBC’s Haiku Group
PBC’s Haiku group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM, and all interested parties are welcome.
The following are samples created by the group, which have been translated from Japanese kanji to English,
following the central theme of “Summer.” (Note: When translated to English, the writings do not follow the traditional
Haiku form.)
Haiku
Translation
仏前の 父に供える 新茶かな
青山 徹之
ビク二ツク 家族 友人 揃いけり
At the altar, an offering of new tea leaves for Father.
A picnic, family, and friends get together.
Tesshi Aoyama
短夜や くっきりと見し 慈母の夢
夕暮れの やかまし薄の 夏蛙
I dreamt clearly of Mother in the short night.
In the evening, the noisy frogs sing.
Keiso Nodohara
咽原 敬三
鳥達の 鳴きあふ枝や 夏至の朝 本多 夢人
心太 つるりと滑る 舌の上
On a summer morning, the birds on the branch sing.
The “tokoroten” jelly slip smoothly over my tongue.
Yumeto Honta
短夜に 寝返り打てば 朝明けぬ
抜きん出し 葵の花の 風情かな
西本 句 子
On a summer night, I turned over, it was morning
already.
The beautiful “aoi” flower grows with care.
Tokuko Nishimoto
娘の家の 留守番一人 日永かな
留守宅の ブールの水の 空映す
広田 眸
House sitting alone at my daughter’s, the day is long.
House sitting at my daughter’s, the clear sky is
reflected in the pool.
Hitomi Hirota
虹立ちて 午後は明るく 晴れあがる 酒井 光代
横顔の うつくしきひと サンぐラス
The beautiful rainbow is seen in the clear summer sky.
A side view of a beautiful person wearing sunglasses.
Mitsuyo Sakai
重ねある 夫の古けし 夏帽子
腰のばし 青空仰ぐ 初夏の朝
There is a pile of my husband’s old summer hats.
Stretching my back, I see the beautiful blue sky on
a summer morning.
Yooko Dowling
ダウリング 瑛子
********************************************
Mark Your Calendar and Save the Date
August 2016
1
3
5
6
7
21
25
28
Obon Practice
Obon Practice
Obon Practice
Newcastle Cemetery Clean-Up
Cemetery Services
Obon, Hatsubon, and
Monthly Memorial Services
Post Obon Clean-up
Reno Howakai
Dharma Lite Service
Buddhist Education Class
Dharma Lite Service
September 2016
1
4
6
10
11
16
17
17
18
22
23
24–25
25
26
Nugget Rib Cook off
Monthly Memorial Service
Food Bazaar Meeting
Workday
Tent Up
Asaji (Chanting)
Bazaar Set Up
Dharmaland
Manju Making; Bazaar Set-Up
Chicken Prep
Food Prep
Food Bazaar
Appreciation Dinner
Post Bazaar Clean-Up
TIME VALUED
PENRYN, CA
PERMIT NO. 1
Placer Buddhist Church
3192 Boyington Road
Penryn, CA 95663
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION