February 2014 TORONTO BUDDHIST CHURCH a Jodo Shinshu …tbc.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2014_February_GL_web.pdf“listening” to each of the 23 of us give a capsule summary

E-mail: [email protected]

February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

TORONTO BUDDHIST CHURCH a Jodo Shinshu Temple

1011 Sheppard Ave West, Toronto, ON M3H 2T7 416-534-4302

www.tbc.on.ca [email protected]

February 2014

This year the TBC is proudly displaying

the beautiful artwork by our Kid’s Sangha

on the cover of our Guiding Light!


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

FEBRUARY 2014

Morning Services are held on the weekdays on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am –10:30 am, when a minister is available. As emergencies do come up, last minute cancellations may occur. Thank You

OFFICE

CLOSED

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 MONTHLY

MEMORIAL SVC & FOODFEST 10:30 am Kid’s Sangha 11 am English Service 12 noon Dana Mtg (Eko) 1 pm Japanese Service

3 10:30 am Sr. Karaoke

4

5 7:30 pm Taiko

6 10 am Tai Chi 2:30 pm Buyo

7 8:00 pm Buyo

8

9 REGULAR SERVICE

11 am English Service 12:30 pm Sangha Mtg (Eko) 12:30 pm Shin Fujinkai Mtg (KSR)


11 7:00 pm TBC Management Committee and Board of Directors Mtgs

12 7:30 pm Taiko

13 10 am Tai Chi 2 pm Momiji Ser-vice 2:30 pm Buyo 4 pm Yee Hong Service * 7:30 pm Lecture by Rev. Yanko

14 8:00 pm Buyo

15

16 NIRVANA DAY

SERVICE & SANGHA DAY 10:30 am Kid’s Sangha 11 am English Service

17

FAMILY DAY

18 19 11 am Macassa Lodge 7:30 pm Taiko

20 10 am Tai Chi 2 pm Castleview 2:30 pm Buyo * 7:30 pm Lecture by Rev. Yanko

21 8:00 pm Buyo

22

23 REGULAR SERVICE 11 am English Service 12:30 pm JSBTCWF Workshop (SH)


25 26 7:30 pm Taiko

27 10 am Tai Chi 2:30 pm Buyo * 7:30 pm Lecture by Rev. Yanko

28 8:00 pm Buyo

OFFICE

CLOSED


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

* Events marked with an asterisk are PRIVATE and not open to the outside public

1

2 MONTHLY MEMORIAL SVC SHIN FUJINKAI WINTER WARMUP 10:30 am Kid’s Sangha 11am English Service 12 noon Dana Mtg (Eko) 1 pm Japanese Service


4 Fujinotomo

5 1-3 pm Ohara School 7 pm Taiko

6 10 am Tai Chi 2:30 pm Buyo * 7:30 pm Lecture by Rev. Yanko

7 8 pm Buyo

8 * 1:30 pm Kumamoto Kenjinkai Memorial Service

9 REGULAR SERVICE 11am English Service 12:30 pm Sangha Mtg (Eko)


11 7:00 pm TBC Management Committee and Board of Directors Mtgs


13 10 am Tai Chi 2:00 pm Momiji 2:30 pm Buyo 4:00 pm Yee Hong

14 8 pm Buyo

15

16 HIGAN & KEIRO KAI 10:30 am Kid’s Sangha 11 am English Service


18


20 10 am Tai Chi 2:00 pm Castleview 2:30 PM Buyo

21 8 pm Buyo

22 * 1:00 pm Wakayama Kenjinkai Memorial Service

23 REGULAR SERVICE 11 am English Service


25


27 10 am Tai Chi 2:30 pm Buyo 7:30 pm Lecture on Buddhism with Wilson Sensei

28 8 pm Buyo

29

* 1:00 pm Shiga Kenjinkai Memorial Service

30 REGULAR

SERVICE 11 am English Service


MARCH 2014

Morning Services are held on the weekdays on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00am –10:30 am when a minister is available. As emergencies do come up, last minute cancellations may occur. Thank You


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

Page 4

Regarding Rev. Fujii’s Absence...

Every day brings stories of turmoil and celebration. At the end of December, 2013 the media was filled

with stories about the devastating effects of the ice storm. However, the New Year was greeted with joy

and optimism when around 150 visitors came to the Temple on New Year’s Day to welcome the arrival

of 2014.

The New Year has already brought us some sad news. In late December Rev. Tomofumi Fujii’s father

had to cut his holiday in Canada short due to health issues. Upon his return to Japan he was diagnosed

with terminal cancer and we have recently received word that Rev. Fujii Senior has passed away.

Many of us have our own experiences with family illness and loss and know how crushing it is. We must

now rally around Rev. Tomo and his family and offer them the support and understanding that has

become one of the trademarks of Jodo Shinshu Buddhists.

Rev. Tomo is currently in Japan looking after family matters. While he will return to Toronto in the near

future, his stay here will be temporary as it is necessary for him to move back to Japan reasonably soon

on a permanent basis and care for his family Temple. We have also been consulting with Bishop Aoki

about recruiting a suitable replacement minister to team effectively with Reverend Christina.

In light of the circumstances some adjustments will have to be made. In Rev. Tomo’s absence Rev.

Christina will shoulder the bulk of the ministerial duties in Toronto. We have every confidence in her

ability, energy and courage to discharge this heavy responsibility. However, it will be inevitable in the

near future that services, especially to the cities outside of Toronto, may have to be rescheduled or

re-arranged. Let’s commit to work together to support our ministers in any way we can. We ask you all

to pitch in and help. If you are able to assist with translations, writing articles and working on the

Guiding Light, or some of the multitude of tasks that ministers perform, please contact Pamela or Dianne

at the Office.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and we will report them as soon as possible at

services, in the Guiding Light, and on the Temple Website.

In Gassho,

Susan Ebisuzaki

Director – Religious and Education


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

Page 5

Ring-Around-the-Rosy

The other day I was feeling miserable. It was one of those days when nothing

seems to go as planned and responsibilities seemed to be piling up around me.

You know these days. I am sure everybody has them. I went home and walked

in the door and my husband greeted me cheerily “Hello sweetheart! How was your day?” I immediately felt

my bottom lip jut out and start to quiver before I burst into a fountain of tears. My own self-pity was so strong

you could almost taste it.

My husband came rushing over to me to find out what was wrong, but it was too late. The dam had burst.

I glanced down at my feet and saw my 1.5 year old Atticus sitting there looking up at me and I realized I

needed to pull myself together. I sat down on the floor in front of him and reached out to give him a hello

cuddle and he pushed me back a little. At first I was hurt but then I noticed he kept grabbing for my hand.

Then he took my husband’s hand also and started to demand that we play “Ring-Around-The-Rosy”. There

was no changing his mind. So we stood up and my husband sang and we danced around until we “all fell

down”.

This continued for a little while...until I didn’t even realize I was crying or even upset anymore. I was singing

too and as I looked at my little family as we sang and danced I was reminded about how precious these

moments are. How precious and impermanent. It reminded me that I needed to really cherish and focus on

THESE special moments and not the negative ones. Negative moments come and go as quickly as the

positive ones, and why was I wasting my time thinking about what did happen when right then something

very special was happening.

In Buddhism we recognize that everything is impermanent. It’s funny, isn’t it how much of our time we spend

worrying, complaining and feeling frustrated about things that have happened when instead we could simply

stand up and do something else. As Atticus suggests...forget about that. Just stand up and play Ring-Around-

The-Rosy.

When the waters of the mind entrusting to Other Power enter

The ocean waters of Amida’s Vow of wisdom,

Then in accord with the nature of the true and real fulfilled land,

Blind passions and enlightenment come to be of one taste.

-Shinran Shonin, Hymns of the Dharma Ages

Namo Amida Butsu

Rev. Christina


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

Page13

MY THIRD MAP EXPERIENCE

On Wednesday, December 11, 2013, I flew to Berkeley, California

for my third Minister Assistant Program (MAP). Because of the

distance, I flew out one day earlier and returned day later.

There were 23 MAP attendees ranging in age from the mid 20’s to the

80’s. One, Mr. Shigeki Sugiyama, a retired US Army Lt. Colonel,

enabled the BCA to receive official recognition as Chaplain in the US

Armed Forces. Then there was Blake Honda, a charismatic young

man who worked with youth in crisis. Because of this broad range the in the ages and life experiences of the

attendees, this MAP session was for me the best one yet.

The highlight of the five lectures was one presented by Dr. Daijaku Kinst, a Soto Zen nun. She was a tower

of knowledge and empathy on her topic “Chaplaincy”. She established a wonderful rapport with us by

“listening” to each of the 23 of us give a capsule summary of our roles at our Temples. “Listening is the key

for good pastoral care” was one nugget. “The key ingredients to a Chaplaincy are: Be grounded in your

Faith; be less anxious than the person to whom you are giving care” was another. “One of the things that a

Chaplain does is to provide companionship when the problem is unsolvable” was her last memorable

statements. It goes without saying I was totally in awe of Dr. Daijaku Kinst. I am grateful.

A big part of the MAP schedule was the morning and afternoon services. On Friday, December 13th, we

started with a 7AM service and ended the day with a 9:30 PM Dharmathon. More particulars will follow. I

was fortunate to be “Choso” = Chanting leader twice, once for the first service, and then for the final service.

We chanted Shoshinge and 6 Wasans. For those of you who attended the LDC weekend last November, you

know what a wonderful experience it is to hear the Kodo Hall booming with full voices bouncing off the

walls. Rev. Kusunoki, a Chanting expert, kept us in tune with his pitch pipes and his timing strap, tap …

tap…tap (he wanted 70 to 90 beats per minute.)

With regard to the Dharmathon I mentioned, each of the 23 attendees prepared a 5- to 7-minute Dharma talk.

Two talks were given at each service leaving 13 to give their talks on Friday, December 13th from 7:30 to

9:30 PM. There is no time off at MAP!

My talk emphasized our Canadian experience, Christmas, snow tires, CBC Radio, and our own Dr. Jeff

Wilson’s book, “Buddhism of the Heart”.

During all the meals, I made it a point to chat with as many of the other 22 attendees as I could. All in all, it

was a fantastic experience, for which I am so grateful to the TBC.

Thank you,

Namo Amida Butsu.


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

Page 6

Introduction to Buddhism

In February we will begin a four-part Introduction to Buddhism series on Thursday evenings.

It will include: Pre-Buddhism and how Buddhism came to be, the growth/spread/change of Buddhism

from culture to culture and Jodo Shinshu Buddhism

Any and all questions are always welcome and nobody knows to little or too much, so

please come down and join us if you have the time !

Thursday February 13th, 20th and 27th and March 6th at 7:30 pm.

Gassho,

Rev. Christina

Lets Talk Dharma

Hello Dharma friends! Good news! We are going to begin another series of discussions on the fourth Sunday of every month from January to April. It will begin about 15 minutes after the Sunday service (which ends at noon) and be approximately 30 to 45 minutes long. Please attend if you have the time and inclination. Thank you, Namo Amida Butsu. Dennis Madokoro

Special Lecture Series by Jeff Wilson Sensei

We will be resuming our special lecture series with Jeff Wilson Sensei starting

Wednesday February 26th at 7:30 pm in the Temple Hondo!

This will be a continuation of previous discussions, focusing on the relationship

between Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and other schools of Buddhism.

Please note that these lectures are moving from the 4th Thursday of every month to the 4th

WEDNESDAY.

February 26—————March 26—————April 23————— 7:30pm


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

Nirvana Day Service

February 16th

One of the main holidays in the Buddhist tradition is Nirvana Day. The word ‘nirvana’ translates as the

cessation or end of suffering, and it is on this occasion that we commemorate the Historical Buddha’s final

enlightenment.

Right before the historical Buddha died at the age of 80 he

stated:

All conditioned things are subject to decay. Strive for you lib-

eration with diligence.

This is a perfect occasion to reflect on the Buddhist teachings

of impermanence and how you are actively working in your

life to end suffering. Please join us on this day to share the

light of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

At the Toronto Temple, the Sunday of the Nirvana Day Service has traditionally become paired with Sangha

Day, a day when this group pays respect to any people who have become honorary members in the last year

and any formally welcomes any new members.

Luckily, we all benefit in that the TBC Sangha provides a delicious lunch after the service and this year there

is some talk about some special entertainment!

Five Walls

There are five things which no one is able to accomplish in this world:

First, to cease growing old when he is growing old;

Second, to cease being sick;

Third, to cease dying;

Fourth, to deny extinction when there is extinction;

Fifth, to deny exhaustion.

Ordinary people in the world sooner or later run into these facts, and most people suffer consequently, but

those who have heard the Buddha’s teaching do not suffer because they understand these are unavoidable.

Anguttara Nikaya

Page 7

OBITUARIES The Toronto Buddhist Church wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the families, relatives and

friends of the following individuals who have passed away during the past month.

Mrs. Sadano Ono 97 yrs January10, 2014

Mr. George Uchida (Hamilton) 86 yrs January 11, 2014

Mr. Hisakazu (Henry) Nishizeki 83 yrs January 29, 2014


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

Toronto Buddhist Church Keirokai and Spring Higan

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Following a long tradition at Toronto Buddhist Church, our seniors who will reach 77 years (KIJU), 88 years

(BEIJU), and 99 years (HAKUJU) or more during this calendar year will be honored during the Joint Higan

Service starting at 11.00am. During the service, each honouree will be recognized and presented with a gift

from the Temple. In order to participate in the service, each honoree must submit the below application form

to the Temple before March 8, 2014.

After the service, a special luncheon will be held for our honorees. All honorees and all other seniors who

have given their support to the Temple and are 77 years old or more this year will receive a complimentary

bento. Everyone else may purchase a bento for $10.00.

Bento tickets will be available for purchase in the lobby prior to the morning service. Tickets will be sold on a

first come, first served basis. We regret that the number of bentos will be limited.

Following lunch in the Social Hall, there will be a most enjoyable entertainment programme. We will look

forward to seeing everyone there.

Thank you,

Special Projects Committee

KEIRO KAI

“MILESTONE BIRTHDAY ” APPLICATION FORM

Name: (English) Mr / Mrs / Miss ___________________________________________

If you know the Japanese characters for your name, please write below

Address: ____________________________________________________

City: ____________________________Prov: ____________Postal Code___________________

Date of Birth: ____________________________ Please Circle 77 88 99 100 +

To ensure that preparations for the special honourees is completed on a timely basis

Please return this form to the Temple office by the March 8th, 2014 deadline.

Page 8


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

DANA SCHOLARSHIP FUND INVITES APPLICATIONS

The Toronto Dana Scholarship Committee invites all qualified, graduating

students to apply for a Scholarship.

Eligibility: Students who are members or who are children or grandchildren of members of a temple/church in the

Eastern District of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada and who are planning to attend an

institution beyond high school such as universities, institutes of technology, and colleges are eligible.

Application forms will be available by contacting the office staff.

All applications shall be submitted in writing and accompanied with a Letter of Reference. Amount of scholarship is dependent on monies available each year and is at the discretion of the

Committee.

The selection criteria will be as follows:

If you wish to apply for the Dana scholarship, please contact the office at [email protected] or

416-534-4302 and an application form will be forwarded to you as soon as possible.

* * DEADLINE for scholarship applications is SUNDAY, April 13, 2014 * * All scholarship award winners will be honoured at the scholarship luncheon and presentation which

takes place on Sunday, June 1, 2014 (at the Monthly Memorial/Shotsuki Service at 11:00 am).

Academic results 50

Church activities 30

School and Community Involvement 10

Essay (min 300 words) 10

Total 100

TORONTO DANA 2014 Membership Dues Reminder

This is a reminder that the 2014 Dana membership fee of $15 per member is now due.

The assessment has been increased to defray some of the costs of the upcoming 2015 World Bud-

dhist Women's Convention in Calgary.

Please send a cheque to the Temple for $15 payable to the Toronto Buddhist Church Dana, or give it

to any of the Dana executive, or insert your membership fee in the Dana mail slot in the Temple of-

fice.

Page 9

mailto:[email protected]


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

Page 10

JSBTC WOMEN’S FEDERATION

CALL FOR VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELLERY

A new fundraising initiative this year for the Temple ladies in support of the Women’s Federation will be a

Vintage Costume Jewellery Sale and Tea. You have all heard the saying, “everything old is new.” Well,

lately there is interest in old costume jewellery. So we thought it would be worthwhile to host a Vintage

Costume Jewellery Sale and Tea.

Many of you might have old pieces of jewellery packed away that have not seen the light of day in years. If

you have any vintage (pre-1990) items (even broken pieces) such as broaches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets

or evening bags that can be donated for our Women’s Federation 2015 Conference fundraising it would be

greatly appreciated.

As soon as we have enough inventory for the sale, we will set a date and start advertising.

We intend to invite the greater community to come enjoy our Vintage Costume Jewellery Sale. Bring a

friend and relax over a cup of tea with delicious scones and home baked goodies in the Cafe. Please give

items to Aja Shimizu or June Asano or leave them in the office addressed to either Aja or June.

WF WORKSHOP – FOURTH SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH

There is much work to be done toward the making of craft items that will be sold in the

Marketplace at the 2015 Women’s Federation Convention in Calgary. We will be holding a

workshop downstairs, on the fourth Sunday of each month immediately after the service to

learn various beautiful crafts.

Together we can accomplish more. Please join us. No experience necessary - just the will to help.

Bring a brown bag lunch; tea will be served.

We hope to see you all on February 23rd for our next monthly workshop.

The 15th World Buddhist Women’s Convention Registration Now Open

The 15th World Buddhist Women’s Convention in Calgary – Registration Is Now Open!

The Convention is an opportunity for Jodo Shinshu followers of all ages to come together on an international

scale; meet new people from Japan, the United States, Hawaii and Brazil; learn together, share experiences

and spread the circle of Dharma. The convention now includes both men and women joined together in the

Jodo Shinshu Sangha or spiritual community.

Go to the Convention website: www.wbwconvention.com


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

Winter Warm-up Sunday, March 2, 2014

get a little warmth this winter!

Shin-Fujinkai will be holding its sixth annual Winter Warm-up

luncheon on Sunday, March 2, 2014 after the morning service.

On the menu is Sukiyaki Donburi.

We look forward to seeing you!

**for those wishing to take out, please bring two (2) containers with you * *

Thank you! Shin Fujin-kai

The depth of the Buddha’s benevolence is such that even with birth in the realm of indolence and

pride, the borderland, the city of doubt or the womb-palace, which is brought about only through the

compassion revealed in Amida’s Nineteenth and Twentieth Vows, we meet with a happiness that sur-

passes understanding. Thus the depth of the Buddha’s benevolence is without bound. But how much

more should we realize the benevolence of the Buddha with birth into the true and real fulfilled land

and attainment of the enlightenment of the supreme nirvana. This is not a matter that Shoshin-bo or I

have decided ourselves. Not in any way at all.

Letter written by Shinran at the age of 83.

JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGING CLASSES

OHARA SCHOOL

CLASSES STARTING NEXT MONTH

The Ohara Ikebana Classes will begin on Wednesday, March 5th, 12th, 19th,

26th, April 9th 16th, 30th and May 7th.

All 8 sessions will take place from1:00-3:00 pm in the basement of the Church.

For information, please call the instructor of the class Michiko Mizoguchi at 416-695-8153

Please note that dates are tentative and are subject to change without notice.

For any changes, please see events calendar on TBC website * there will be a charge for materials *

Page 11


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

Page 12

Hoonko

and New Year’s Social

On the January 18-19 weekend, the

Temple welcomed 2014 by having a

vegetarian potluck dinner followed by a

special candlelight reading of Shinran’s

Life (Godensho) by Rev. Fujii and Rev.

Yanko for the Hoonko Eve service.

The next day’s Hoonko service included the special candlelight installation ceremony for the 2014 Temple

Board of Directors and the presentation of the Executive Boards of

the Sangha and Dana. This is a lovely tradition that dates back to

our Temple’s founders who also held a similar candlelight

installation ceremony. The service was followed by the New

Year’s Social.

The luncheon after the service was a joint collaboration of Shin

Fujinkai, Dana and Sangha members. An enormous THANK

YOU! to all those involved in the preparation of the oishi lunch.

The afternoon program kicked off with Dennis Madokoro leading the table games, getting everyone into a

festive mood. The Master of Ceremonies, Kunio Suyama, took over for the entertainment portion and we were

treated to a spell-binding magic act by the Great Horini (George Horii); elegant Buyo dances by Rachel

Kataoka, Amy and Lori Okada; and rousing

Karaoke performances from Paul Nakagawa,

Setsuko Koyata, Kim Nakagawa and Kunio

Suyama (accompanied on taiko by Lori Okada)

respectively.

After the entertainment, there were bingo games

led by Sangha President, Cary Kataoka as well

as never-ending draws for great door prizes. This year again, there were 2 winners of the Jackpot Bingo –

Dave Azuma and Rev. Tomo. Congratulations to both lucky winners!

The Special Projects and Culture Committee wishes to thank everyone for the generous donations but also

those people who it seems always give their time, hard work and support. With sincere apologies to those we

have missed, listed below are just some of those people who come to mind. It is by no means a complete list or

in any particular order: Toke Suyama, Darlene Rieger, Marie Baba, Nobby Shiraishi, Amy & Larry Wakisaka, Cary & Joanne Kataoka and

Family, Yosh & Kunio Suyama, Harry & Margaret Yamada, Donna Winterick-Wilson, Miyo Nakamura, Yuki Kondo,

Akio Ikebata & Joyce Matsumoto, Rick & June Asano,

Tomo & Naoko Fujii, Yasuko Kawahara, Jessie Ebata,

Reiko Mizuyabu, Hedy Iwata, Hamako Yoshida, Judy

Nishii, Kathy Wani, Jean Furukawa, Lily Motomura, Paul-

ine & Toivo Knude, Linda Wakabayashi, Mas Matsuya-

ma, Susan Ebisuzaki, Roy Kusano, Tomo Yoshida, Joanne

Uyede, Dawn Anzai, Diane Mark, Gayle Hayashi and

family, Joanne Omori, Shaly Iwashita, Akiko Nishimura,

Hisaye Allen.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

TORONTO SHIGA KENJINKAI

You are invited to attend the

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & MEMORIAL SERVICE

SATURDAY, March 29, 2014 at 1:00 PM

At Toronto Buddhist Church

Membership can be renewed at the Annual General Meeting Bento tickets are available at $15.00 each Please contact one of the following for tickets: Mrs. Kathy Wani 416-498-1772 Mrs. Joanne Nishikawa 416-438-8919

For further information, please contact: Bob Nishikawa, President at 416-438-8919

Page 14

SUNDAY SPECIAL SPEAKER SERIES

March 30, 2014, 12:30 pm

WILLS, ESTATE PLANNING AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Let’s face it - not only are our parents or loved ones getting on, we’re slowing down too. At the same

time, with the explosion in house prices and financial markets over the past few decades, many are

shocked to realize how valuable their net worth has become. And yet so many have paid too little

attention to looking out for themselves and their families in the event of an unforeseen calamity or

misfortune. We invite all of you to come to the Temple on March 30, 2014 at 12:30 pm to hear Eduardo

(Eddie) Lam speak on the topic of Wills, Estate Planning and Powers of Attorney. Eddie is a straight-

talking, down-to-earth lawyer and Partner of the distinguished Markham law firm of Poon & Ho. He has

represented many members of the Nikkei community including many referred to him by our President.

Please save March 30 for an interesting and necessary talk. Further details will be published in the March

Guiding Light.


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

報恩講

一月十八・十九日

新年会！！！ダーナ・サンガ・新婦人会

ボランティアの皆様

ありがとうございました！

二〇一四年報恩講法要と新年会

今年一月十八・十九日の週末には、二〇一四年を迎えて

ベジテリアン・ポットラック夕食会を開催、その後、特別

な夜の報恩講法要が行われました。翌日の朝の報恩講法要

には二〇一四年の新任理事の就任式やサンガ・ダーナの理

事役員の発表も行われました。そして法要の後、ソーシャ

ルホールで新年会が開催されました。新年会のお昼は新婦

人会、サンガ、ダーナの合同でご提供いただきました。

立派なお食事の準備や片付けに感謝！ありがとうござい

ました！そして午後のプログラムをうまく行って下さった

ボランティアの皆様、ありがとうございました！

６


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

５

©

毎月第１・３日曜日はお寺に行こう！！

１０時半からのキッズサービスに引き続き

楽しいクラスやアクティビティを通して

仏さまの慈悲の心を学びましょう

☆クラス予定表☆

２月２日（日）

２月１６日（日）

３月２日（日）

敬老会のリハーサル

３月１６日（日）

敬老会

キンダーガーテン・小学生のお子さんを

お持ちの方はぜひ一度ご参加下さい

喜寿、米寿、白寿を迎えられる方々に、

長年にわたってお寺のために貢献していた

だいた感謝の気持ちを込めて、表彰状を

送らせていただきます。

該当されます方は、３月４日までにお寺

までご連絡下さい。

なお数え年・満年齢の

どちらでも結構です

３月１6日（日）

午後１２時半より

最近お寺の設備使用の不注意による故障や安全上の問題が増

えています。これからはそれぞれ必要に応じて対策を実施行っ

て参りますのでご了承下さい。

即座、指摘しなければならない幾つかの注意点は台所の設備

および食器食料の手扱いに関する衛生且安全上の点です。最

近、食器洗い機、ガス・ストーブのご使用に関する使い方の不

注意が相次いでいます。不適切な使用、間違った扱い方、また

は電源やガスを切らないで置いてしまったり、いろいろな問題

が起きています。修理の高い故障や危ない事件が実際に起きて

いることが事実です。修理のコスト、修理や掃除に失う時間の

みならず、ガスが流されたままのストーブを見つけた方の安全

性を考えなくてはなりませんので、皆様一人ひとりの最大なる

ご注意が不可欠です。

まず、お寺においてあるほとんどの設備は、我々自宅にある

ような家電製品などとは違って商業工業並みのものを設置して

おりますこと第一に覚えていただきたいのです。ちゃんとお寺

の理事関係の方にしっかりとお使いに当たる正しい扱い方を身

につけていないで、勝手にこれらの設備を使うと大変危ない可

能性がございますので、まずは例の方にご相談いただきたい。

また、台所は食品を取り扱う場所でございますので、なんら

かの料理や食事仕度が行われている時に台所にいる方例外な

く、髪の毛をかぶせるヘアネットや帽子そして手袋を必ず着用

するようお願い申し上げます。

お寺の台所は個人用の施設ではないので、これから特定のお

断りのない出入りの禁止を示すサインを冷蔵庫や台所の扉に表

示して、このルールを実施させていただきます。皆様の安全の

ためにも、ご協力をお願い申し上げたいと思います。

トロント仏教会理事会

安全第一

お寺の設備使用

新しい規則実施


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

４

３月２日（日）英語祥月法要後すぐ

新婦人会が寒い冬に暖かくて美味しい

すき焼どんぶりの販売を行います

テイクアウトの方は

容器をご用意下さい

２０１４年ダーナ会員会費のお知らせ

２０１４年度のダーナ会員費を納めていた

だく時期が来ました。来年のカルガリー市

で行われる第１５回世界仏教婦人会大会の

一部の費用を担うために、今年の会費を

１５＄までに引き上げることにしました。

会費のお支払い方法は「Toronto Buddhist

Church Dana」まで１５＄の小切手を郵送、

ダーナの理事役員へ手渡し、またはトロン

ト仏教会の事務所までお持ちいただくよう

よろしくお願いを申し上げます。

ただし、八十歳を超えている方は名誉会員

となり、会費が無料となっておりますので

ご了承ください。

毎月第四日曜日

２０１５年の第１５回世界仏教婦人会大会の

マーケットプレースで販売されるクラフト品

の作成に向けて大変多くの仕事が残っていま

す。

そのため、毎月の第４週の日曜日には、法要

直後、地下にてクラフト作成のワークショッ

プが開かれます。経験無用、皆様のご協力を

お願い申し上げます。お茶の用意はいたしま

すが、お昼は各自にご持参ください。

１月２６日の最初のワークショップでお会い

することを楽しみにしております。

JSBTCWF ビンテージ宝飾セールの呼びかけ

２０１５年に行われる第１５回世界仏教婦人

会大会に向けての資金集めとして、皆様の不

要となったビンテージ宝飾類のセールとお茶

の集まりを開催します。不要となった(1990年

以前のもの)宝飾類品：ブローチ、ネックレ

ス、イヤリング、指輪、ブレスレットなど(壊

れたものでも)を清水エイジャさん、または浅

野ジューンさん宛てに事務所までにご寄付い

ただければ幸いです。

数がある程度まで達しましたらセールの日時

をお知らせいたしますので、どうぞご協力を

よろしくお願い申し上げます。


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

３

敬

弔

次の方々が御往生されました

生前のご苦労を偲び、謹んで敬弔の意を表します。

大野

さだの様

九十七歳

一月十日往生

内田

ジョージ様

八十七歳

一月十一日往生

西関

久一様

八十三歳

一月二十九日往生

年

忌

（年回）

法

要

次の年にご往生された方は年忌法要が回ってまいります

個別での法事をご希望の場合はお寺までご連絡下さい

一周忌（二〇一三年）

三回忌（二〇一二年）

七回忌（二〇〇八年）

十三回忌（二〇〇二年）

十七回忌（一九九八年）

二十三回忌（一九九二年）

二十五回忌（一九九〇年）

二十七回忌（一九八八年）

三十三回忌（一九八二年）

五十回忌（一九六五年）

第１５回世界仏教婦人会大会

２０１５年カルガリーでの第１５回世界仏教

婦人会大会の参加申し込みが始まりました

本大会は年齢によらず、国際的な規模で浄土

真宗仏教徒の交流を深める機会となります。

北米・日本・南米の仏教徒が一緒になって、

経験を共有しあって、ともに学び、仏様のみ

教えの輪を拡大できる素晴らしいイベントに

なるに違いありません。

男女ともに出席ができるようになりました。

出席ご希望の方は：www.wbwconvention.comまでに

お早めに申し込みください。

（お釈迦様が入滅された日）

２月１６日（日）

午前１１時より

※法要後にランチがございます

http://www.wbwconvention.com


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

２

過ぎてゆく一日一日、めでたきことがあれば、うれしくない

こともあります。去年十二月の末、この周りに流されたニュー

ス・メディアの情報のほとんどはあのアイスストームや長く続

いた停電のことでしょう。しかしながらも、停電や木々の枝が

落下する危険性にもかかわらず、お正月のお参りにはおおよそ

百五十名ほどの礼拝者のご来訪をいただくなど、前向きな喜び

を迎えました。

年が明けて間もなくですが、残念な報告をしなければなりま

せん。昨年十二月、藤井先生のお父様がカナダ来訪の途中、急

に体調が悪化し、やむを得ず予定より早く日本へ帰国しなけれ

ばなりませんでした。帰国後の診断結果により、末期がんであ

ることが発見されました。また、それからまもなく日本での一

月二十四日（木曜）に藤井先生のお父様が急に御往生なされた

との連絡がありました。

我々の多くも身内の難病の苦しみや愛する人の御往生のお別

れの辛さもご存知のことでしょう。藤井家の今の悲しみを共感

し、浄土真宗の仏教徒ふさわしく阿弥陀様の御慈悲を届けるか

のように応援しましょう。

藤井先生は帰国されており、今はそのまま滞在を延ばしてご

家族と一緒に大事な時期を過ごす予定でいらっしゃるそうで

す。お葬式の後、藤井先生はトロントのお寺に戻ってくれるそ

うですが、残念ながらこれはあくまでも短期的な滞在としかな

りません。藤井先生は、お父様の後を継ぐべく、ご家族のお寺

の面倒を見に、なるべく早く日本へ帰国しなければなりませ

ん。大きなトロント仏教会に、たった一人の開教使として残さ

れるヤンコ先生の苦労をなんとか助けようと、理事会はすでに

カナダ開教総長の青木先生と相談して、藤井先生の代わりの候

補者を緊急に探すよう申し込みいれています。

日々変わる事情を受けて、臨機応変に対応しなければなりま

せん。藤井先生の不在の間、お寺の行事などは主にヤンコ先生

が一人で対応してくれます。トロント仏教会の日々の仕事を一

人で背負ってゆくのは大変な事ではあるが、我々はヤンコ先生

の力を信じ、応援しています。しかし、残念ながら普通なら行

われているトロント周辺のそれぞれのお寺の訪問は、しばらく

は停止又は延期になることは止むを得なくなっております。

引き続き皆様のご理解とご協力をいただければと存じます。

この時期に先生たちを支えて、力を貸して上げましょう。お手

伝いできる方（日々の仕事、翻訳、佛心記事作成出版など）事

務所のD

ian

ne

さんかP

am

ela

さんまでお声をかけてください。

日々変わる状況を引き続き監視して、礼拝後のアナウンス

や、佛心、オンラインによる記事などでなるべく早くご報告で

きるように全力尽くします。

合

掌

理事

恵比須崎

スーザン

藤井先生の不在に関するお知らせ


February 2014

GUIDING LIGHT

佛

心

１

二〇一四年二月号

浄土真宗

トロント本願寺

「寒さ」と「暖かさ」

去る、１月２４日午前２時

１３分に藤井朋文開教使のお

父さん、藤井正文先生が滋賀

にてご往生されました。享年

６３歳、あまりにも突然で早

すぎるお別れとなりました。

ご葬儀等で、藤井開教使のお

戻りが延期されましたので、

トロント仏教会の今月のニュースレターを代筆させていた

だきます。

私は昨年４月末のカナダ教団総会にて、開教総長へ選任

されました。まだまだ若輩の私ですが、皆様とともにお念

仏のみ教えをいただき、カナダの地へ根付いていくようお

手伝いさせていただく所存です。私は開教使として日本か

ら着任してからはバンクーバー仏教会に１０年おります。

バンクーバーの冬はとても雨が多く、青空が見えること事

態も稀なところです。

またトロント同様に、朝晩には寒さの厳しい日々もあり

ます。私は日本で高校を卒業した後に、アルバータ州に留

学で来ました。最初の二年間は北に位置するエドモントン

で英語学校へ通い、大学はレスブリッジという南に位置す

る町に４年間住んでいました。アルバータ州は、バンクー

バーのように四季がはっきりしておらず、どちらかという

と「夏」「冬」の二季が印象に残っています。

私は北海道（札幌）出身です。レスブリッジ（正確には

テーバー辺りでしょう）同様に、北海道はジャガイモが特

産品の一つとして知られています。以前、農家の方に美味

しいジャガイモが育つ条件はなんですか？と聞いてみまし

たら、土壌や環境も勿論ですが、美味しいジャガイモが育

つには、「寒暖の差」が必要であると言うのです。その時

私は、「まるで人生のようだなー」と思いました。一日に

「昼」と「夜」があるように、この世は相対的なことが多

くあります。人生において何もかもが満たされている「暖

か」な時ばかりは長く続きません。時として厳しく苦しい

「寒い」時が人生には必ずおこります。

仏教は「苦」をなくする教えではありません。いかにそ

の「苦」を転じて、受け止めて生きていくかを教えてくれ

ます。また、どのように転じるかは、仏様ではなく、親鸞

様でもなく、先生、親でもなく「自分」です。

全てが整えられている温室の中の花よりも、厳しい自然

環境で育つ花のほうが強いものです。私達の人生も、厳し

さがあっても逆境を勝縁として受け止められる強さを持ち

たいものですね。

カナダ教団を代表して、藤井開教使とご遺族には、衷心

よりお悔やみ申し上げます。

南無阿弥陀仏

釈龍也

Documents

February 2014 TORONTO BUDDHIST CHURCH a Jodo Shinshu …tbc.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2014_February_GL_web.pdf“listening” to each of the 23 of us give a capsule summary