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Vol. 59, No. 6 June 2016 REV. USUKI’S PAGE
Wish, Hope, and Prayer
To be a trainer of elephants, one must possess five qualifications: good health, confidence, diligence, sincerity of purpose, and wisdom. To follow the Buddha’s Noble Path to Enlightenment, one must have the same five good qualities. If one has these qualities, then regardless of gender, it is possible to attain Enlightenment. It need not take long to learn Buddha’s teaching, for all humans possess a nature that has an affinity for Enlightenment.
The Teaching of Buddha (364th rev. ed. 2011, pp. 65-66)
I doubt that we thought that being a Buddhist and becoming an elephant trainer had simi-larities. The simple qualities stated in the above passage do make sense. Sound body and mind and sincere intentions are
the fundamental basis for accepting and living a Buddhist life. Yet, even on a good day, why are we then so overwhelmed with everyday encoun-ters filled with anxieties, regret, anticipation and other menacing thoughts that compel us to wish, hope, and pray?
Despite the many wonderful moments in your life, have you not had days that you wished for something good to happen that could ease your mind, such as the hope that your children would continue to prosper? Perhaps you may have given a thought of praying for some magic to flash before your eyes. Even complaining about the traffic or the cost of groceries, or hop-ing for better weather for your upcoming travel can represent tension and anxieties you may
not recognize. It is very difficult to stay con-stantly alert, mindful, strong, caring, optimistic, and real. In the private confines of our minds, uncontrollable emotions are always yearning for the goodness of life. This is the true nature of our existence. We can’t stay emotionally bal-anced and on top of things all the time. Unknowingly, we may reach out for another means of relief.
This is not limited to adults for, as children, we may have had many questions about why we did not get things we wanted or why we were denied certain fun. At such times we may have reverted to wishful thinking. Even as a child, perhaps the thought of prayer came into your mind. We do live in a Christian society where prayer-based supplication and petitionary prayer is an everyday occurrence. Therefore, I am frequently asked whether Buddhists pray. I always answer “NO” and explain why. The fol-lowing is an explanation presented by Seattle Betsuin, in its website section on “Prayer and Nembutsu”:
The Buddhist religion rejects [the above form of] prayer since the basic teaching rests on the Law of Cause and Effect. Buddhism declares that happiness and unhappiness are alike results of actions; that prosperity and adversity are also results of individual actions, words and deeds. Wrong can only be undone by doing Good, which will overcome the effects of a wrong deed. Sin in Buddhism does not mean that one has transgressed against God’s Commandments but all sins are man-made and the well-being of human life is dependent upon the consequences of self-effort, directed by each person working within the Law. No miracles, magic or prayers can change the course of events.
Rev. Shoko Masunaga, San Mateo Buddhist Temple, 1960 (www.seattlebetsuin.com/prayer_and_nembutsu.htm)
mail: [email protected] web: http://westlosangelesbuddhisttemple.org
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Buddhism has mutated into many unique forms since Sakyamuni Buddha in 566 B.C.E. Today, it is very difficult to assess the various schools and teachings as they claim or give us so many ways to enlightenment. Many reach out to the metaphysical and supernatural. Although there are many Buddhist sects that do pray as a major part of their practice, Jodo Shinshu Bud-dhists have nothing to pray to. As stated in the opening passage:
If one has these qualities, then regardless of gender, it is possible to attain Enlightenment. It need not take long to learn Buddha’s teaching, for all humans possess a nature that has an affinity for Enlightenment.
The “nature that has an affinity for Enlighten-ment” is called Buddha Nature in Mahayana Buddhism. Every being has inherent Buddha Nature that makes it possible for him or her to attain enlightenment and become a Buddha from within, not from external factors, and especially not from prayer.
[A]ll sins (suffering) are man-made and the well-being of human life is dependent upon the consequences of self-effort, directed by each person working within the Law. No miracles, magic or prayers can change the course of events.
Rev. Shoko Masunaga
Shinshu Corner
Wish, Hope, and Prayer
Kyosho – The Essentials of Jodo Shinshu
Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Nishi Hongwanji
Tradition: the Honpa Hongwanji is a communi-ty of people joined together by the gladness of a common faith in Amida Buddha. As Jodo Shin-shu Buddhists, we shall seek to be humble and sincere in words and in deeds, to be responsible
citizens of our society and to share with others the teachings of Jodo Shinshu. Understanding fully the principle of causality, we shall not practice petitionary prayer and magic, and do not depend on astrology and superstitions.
Aung San Suu by Barack Obama
Time Magazine May 2-9, 2016 (time.com/4302332/aung-san-suu-kyi-2016-time-100/?iid=sr-link1)
A beacon of hope
Welcoming her into the Oval Office, I was struck immediately by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s quiet dignity. She’s soft-spoken, but is driven by a fierce determination—fortified by 15 years of house arrest—to bring democracy to her beloved Burma. Visiting her at her simple home in Ran-goon two months later, I saw where The Lady had sustained herself by studying Buddhist teachings on love and compassion.
Today, having made the journey from prisoner to parliamentarian and party leader, Aung San Suu Kyi leads a party that won a landslide victory in last year’s election. Daw Suu is now guiding the country’s first civilian government
in more than 50 years. Burma still faces huge challenges, and its success will depend on ending long-running conflicts and upholding the human rights of all ethnic groups and religions. But democracy is poised to deliver a future of greater promise and prosperity.
“We human beings,” she has said, “are so rid-dled with imperfection.” But, she adds, “in spite of the imperfections, democracy still remains a beacon of hope for all of us.” Now more than ever, The Lady remains a beacon of hope for 50 million people reaching for justice, and for mil- lions more around the world.
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Six Little Stories (reference unknown) {1} Once all villagers decided to pray for rain.
On the day of prayer all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella. That’s FAITH.
{2} When you throw a baby in the air, she laughs because she knows you will catch her. That’s TRUST.
{3} Every night we go to bed, without any assurance of being alive the next morning, but still we set the alarms to wake up. That’s HOPE.
{4} We plan big things for tomorrow in spite of zero knowledge of the future. That’s CONFIDENCE.
{5} We see the world suffering, but still we get married and have children. That’s LOVE.
{6} On an old man’s shirt was written a sentence “I am not 60 years old ~ I am sweet 16 with 44 years’ experience.”
BWA NEWS by Connie Yahata
Here’s a recap of our May 1, 2016 meeting. We would like to thank the family of the late Mary Akashi for their donation to BWA. It is accepted with much gratitude.
There is still time to register for the Southern District BCA and BWA Conference which will be held on June 18th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Diego. The registration fee is $65 per per-son; however, note that BWA will subsidize $35 of the fee. The deadline to register is May 20th. If interested, please contact the temple office.
As mentioned previously, our Historian, Jacqui Pierce, collected flyers and photos of 2015 BWA activities and presented a beautiful book for all to view. The current book, along with past years, are located in the meeting room for all to enjoy.
Question – do you have an activity you would like to suggest for our group? Whether it is related to the dharma or purely a social activity, we would like to hear from you.
Please come to our next meeting on June 5, 2016 @ 11:00a.m.
NIKKEI SENIOR GARDENS - Arleta Monthly service - Thursday, April 21
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Connie Yahata
Hanamatsuri Service was held on April 3, 2016. “Hanamatsuri, or ‘Flower Festival’, is held to commemorate the birth of Sid-dhartha Gautama in Lumbini Garden. … During the service, a flower shrine known as hana-mido, is set up in front of the
main altar as a symbol of Lumbini Garden. In this shrine is placed a statuette of the infant Buddha, pointing his right hand toward the heavens and his left hand towards the earth. The sangha offers flowers and pours sweet tea over the image. Kambutsu is the rite of “bathing the body of the Buddha.” This simplified reen-actment of the Buddha’s birth signifies glory and joy that filled the world at this event.” (Jodo Shinshu, A Guide, 3rd printing 2004, pages 131-132)
Immediately following the service, the sangha was treated to a delicious lunch prepared by the “men of ABA”. As always, the chicken teriyaki
was excellent! I hope you enjoy viewing the photos of the day.
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GRADUATION
Service Sunday, June 12
FATHER’S DAY Service and lunch
Sunday, June 19
80 Plus Lunch YARD SALE: 9 am - 3 pm, Saturday, June 25
deadline to drop off donations: Friday, June 10, 2016
NO TVs, no computers, no large furniture
UPCOMING SERVICES AND EVENTS May 20 (Friday): Bingo May 21 (Saturday): Wine-A-Palooza 2 May 22 (Sunday): No service May 23 (next-to-last Monday): 80 Plus lunch May 29 (Sunday): Family service May 30 (Monday): Memorial Day cemetery services
TEMPLE CLOSED June 5 (Sunday): Family service June 11 (second Saturday): Shotsuki hoyo June 12 (Sunday): Graduation service June 17 (Friday): Bingo June 19 (Sunday): Father’s Day service
June 26 (Sunday): Temple and garden
clean-up (no service)
SFVHBT Obon WLA Taiko performs
Sunday, June 26 June 27 (Monday): 80 Plus lunch June 28 & 30 (Tue. & Thu.): Bon dance practice
COME TASTE THE DHARMA!
Join us for Study Class Thursdays at 1:00 PM
Coffee and refreshments, too!
~ Everyone Welcome ~
New WLA Neighborhood Parking Restrictions
Please be aware of the new parking restrictions that may have taken effect in our neighborhood this year. These restrictions were passed by the City of Los Angeles after the petition was filed with the city. The affected area is as follows:
Parking District 49 - North: Missouri Avenue, South: W. Olympic Boulevard West: Barrington Avenue, East: Beloit Avenue
Restrictions: * 2-hour parking 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday only. Vehicles with District No. 49 permits exempted.
* NO PARKING any other time, including Saturday and Sunday.
Please contact the office if you have any questions.
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Adachi, KensaburoAkashi, DavidAkutagawa, TaroAmiya, KatsuyoshiDaly, DeniseFujikawa, MatsukoFujino, HarryGomez, BernardHarada, KakujiHayashi, YoshioHiga, TomohikoHirano, KimikoIkeda, EkiIkkanda, TomInouye, MargaretIshikura, YoshioIwamoto, TomikoIwasaki, Echiko
Kagawa, HarryKagawa, RichKamibayashi, RoyKamikihara, NobukoKamitsubo, AyakoKamitsubo, GuriKato, NobukazuKikunaga, JoeKobayashi, MasasukeKobayashi, TamakoKoyama, ChokichiMaeda, EdithMatsubara, TsurukoMatsuda, SamMatsuura, KanjiroMinato, JoeMiyamoto, YukinoMori, Masaki
Mori, TakaMorikawa, YaeMorioka, KentaroNakamura, TatsunosukeNaramura, ShizueNiiya, GeorgeNishi, NijiroNishi, ToyoNishimoto, AsayoNishimoto, MasaoNishimoto, KitoNoda, MitsuakiOhigashi, ToshiyeOkimoto, YurikoOkita, SetsuyoOyanagi, SumikoOyanagi, TetsuSakahara, Kiyoshi
Sato, MarionShinmoto, GeorgeShirasawa, KatsusukeShirasawa, KeithShirasawa, MatsukoSuzuki, HatsukoSuzuki, TatsuoTakata, IkuoTakayama, TomTakayama, TsuneTakazumi, BunsukeTakazumi, HatsuTakeuchi, BeaTakeuchi, MichikoTanaka, JungoYamada, KoheiYoshii, ChizuruYoshimi, Gerald
JUNE SHOTSUKI HOYO, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2016 (second Saturday)
Arimoto, KotsuyuDeguchi, TaizoFujihiro, ShigekoFujisawa, BenHada, SaichiHarada, ShimanoHayashi, IkutaroHayashi, ShizukoIchikawa, ShojiIkeda, AliceIkeda, FuyeIkeda, MinosukeIkenaga, KumajiInabu, MinoruIshihara, HaruoKaizuka, FredKajiwara, ShimoKato, Shigeko
Kikuma, SatoyeKiriyama, RinkoKishi, AsakoKiyohiro, KensoKojima, SekikoKurosaki, KazumaMachida, MichikoMaruyama, RobertMatsumoto, ChiyoMayeda, KimiyoMayeda, SankichiMorioka, YurikoNagao, EddieNagao, MaryNakagawa, ShioNakamura, JamesNakamura, ToshioNaramura, Glenn
Niida, KosueNimori, ShizukaNishi, KikuoNishikawa, KatsumiNishikawa, YoshioNishiya, SetsukoNunokawa, HenryOshinomi, SumikoOsumi, TerryOtani, TomooOzamoto, TominosukeShimasaki, LillieSumida, EvelynSuzuki, KanenoriTakahashi, LarryTakahashi, NoboruTakemoto, NatsukoTakemoto, Shigeko
Tanabe, ShinkichiTanaka, MasakiTanaka, SatoTashima, JamesTeruya, ZenichiTochioka, RyuhachiTonai, GraceToya, FusajiroUto, MasayukiWatarida, AyameYahata, KuniyeYamanaka, BenYamanaka, GregoryYamanaka, HisakoYamanaka, SayokoYoshiwara, Haruko
JULY SHOTSUKI HOYO, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 2, 2016
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF:
Hisaye SasakiSeptember 12, 1917 - April 28, 2016
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80 PLUS LUNCH - Monday, April 25
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Come One, Come All to the Newly Formed ADULT BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION (ABA)
Since all the major temples (Gardena, Orange County, and Venice) have an ABA, we decided to organize an ABA here. Early bird registration fee is $5.00. Please fill out your information below and return the form to the temple. Thank you. First name Last name Date of birth Address City Zip code Home phone Cell phone E-mail Check number: ___________ Cash: __________
West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple June 2016
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SAWTELLE JAPANTOWN
Point of View
Dr. Jack Fujimoto
Vote, June 5, WLASNC, WLA City Hall
West Los Angeles Sawtelle Neighborhood Coun-cil (WLASNC) is the community link to the City of Los Angeles through Councilman Mike Bonin of the 11th District Office. We are his “eyes and ears” to the Sawtelle JAPANTOWN community.
Three local Nikkei are on the election ballot June 5. If you are a community stakeholder, please mark your calendar to vote. You are a stakeholder if you are a resident, own property, run a business, or belong to any Sawtelle insti- tution. So, many are eligible to vote.
YOUR VOTE FOR WLASNC IS VITAL.
Sawtelle Japantown Community Beautification and Preservation
Sawtelle Japantown would like to increase visi-tors to the community. Parking and traffic pose issues for WLASNC. Also, trash and rubbish pose problems.
At the same time, the City of Los Angeles is fo-cused on preserving residences and institutions in Sawtelle. Our Buddhist Temple is one that has been targeted. Also, Japanese Institute of
Sawtelle is listed. What does this portend? WLASNC can discuss this as an issue.
The Sawtelle Japantown Association has worked to prepare and submit a Sawtelle Community Overlay Plan to the City of Los Angeles planning department. The Plan proposes to balance growth with change.
SAWTELLE JAPANTOWN ASSOCIATION MEETING - Wednesday, April 20
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2016 Southern District Obon Festival Schedule
sorted by date (please contact temple to confirm)
6/11 Arizona 7/02 Senshin 7/23-24 Pasadena, Vista 6/18-19 Valley JCC 7/09 Oxnard 7/24 Pasadena: WLA Taiko
6/25 West Covina 7/09-10 LA Betsuin 7/30-31 WLA, Higashi 6/25-26 SFVHBT 7/16 Santa Barbara 8/06 Las Vegas, San Diego
6/26 WLA Taiko 7/16-17 OCBC, Venice 8/13-14 Gardena
sorted by temple (times given below dates are dance start times) 6/11 Arizona Buddhist Temple 4142 West Clarendon Avenue
6:45 pm (602) 278-0036 [email protected] Phoenix AZ 85019 8/13-14 Gardena Buddhist Church 1517 West 166th Street 6:00 pm (310) 327-9400 [email protected] Gardena CA 90247
8/06 Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha 4110 N Martin Luther King Blvd. (702) 633-4810 [email protected] North Las Vegas NV 89032
12:45 pm Festival: Clark H.S., 4291 Pennwood Avenue Las Vegas NV 89102 7/09-10 Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 815 East 1st Street
(213) 680-9130 [email protected] Los Angeles CA 90012 7:00 pm Sat., 6:30 pm Sun. 7/16-17 Orange County Buddhist Church 909 South Dale Street 7:00 pm (714) 827-9590 [email protected] Anaheim CA 92804
7/09 Oxnard Buddhist Temple 250 South "H" Street 6:00 pm (805) 483-5948 [email protected] Oxnard CA 93030 7/23-24 Pasadena Buddhist Temple 1993 Glen Avenue 6:30 pm (626) 798-4781 [email protected] Pasadena CA 91103
8/06 Buddhist Temple of San Diego 2929 Market Street 6:30 pm (619) 239-0896 [email protected] San Diego CA 92102
Festival: Balboa Park 6/25-26 San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 9450 Remick Avenue
(818) 899-4030 [email protected] 7:00 pm Sat., 6:30 pm Sun. Pacoima CA 91331
7/16 Buddhist Church of Santa Barbara 1015 East Montecito Street 4:00 pm (805) 962-3633 [email protected] Santa Barbara CA 93103
7/02 Senshin Buddhist Temple 1311 West 37th Street 7:00 pm (323) 731-4617 [email protected] Los Angeles CA 90007 6/18-19 Valley JCC 8850 Lankershim Boulevard
(818) 767-9921 [email protected] Sun Valley CA 91352 7:00 pm Sat., 6:30 pm Sun. 7/16-17 Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 12371 Braddock Drive 6:30 pm (310) 391-4351 [email protected] Culver City CA 90230 7/23-24 Vista Buddhist Temple 150 - Building B Cedar Road 6:30 pm (760) 941-8800 [email protected] Vista CA 92083 7/30-31 West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple 2003 Corinth Avenue 6:30 pm (310) 477-7274 [email protected] Los Angeles CA 90025 7/30-31 Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple 505 East 3rd Street 5:30 pm (213) 626-4200 [email protected] Los Angeles CA 90013
6/25 West Covina Buddhist Temple 1203 West Puente Avenue 7:00 pm (626) 913-0622 West Covina CA 91790
WLA TaikoSunday,
6/26!
WLA Buddhist Temple Onaijin Restoration Project
2016 年 西羅府仏教会にしらふぶっきょうかい
お 内陣修復ないじんしゅうふく
プロジェクト
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Onaijin Restoration Campaign Donation form
Name: _________________________________________ Option 1:
$50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $500 $1,000 Other: _
Please make checks payable to: WLA Buddhist Temple and note “Onaijin Restoration” on the memo line.
Option 2:
I pledge $ total, with donations of per month over the next months.
Please make monthly donations to: WLA Buddhist Temple and note “Onaijin Restoration” on the memo line.
Mail To: West L.A. Buddhist Temple, 2003 Corinth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90025
West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple June 2016
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West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple June 2016
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June 2016 Family memorial services, funerals, and other events may not be listed. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Office hours: 10 am - 4 pm (M-F)
phone: 310-477-7274 e-mail: [email protected]
website: http://westlosangelesbuddhisttemple.org/
Bulletin folding toban: Temple
1 [1-3 pm Shigin] 7 pm service and board meeting
2 1 pm Study Class (E) 7:30 pm Taiko
3
6/3-4 (Fri-Sat): Kyokucho,
4 BCA mtgs (Berkeley)
BCAMA, Nat’l Board
5
9:30 am Family service
11 am BWA meeting
6
6/6-7 (Mon-Tue): Long Beach
7 SDMA Fuken
8 [1-3 pm Shigin] [7 pm WLAYC] 7:30 pm Taiko
9 1 pm Study Class (E)
10 11
10 am Shotsuki hoyo Obon: Arizona
12
9:30 am Graduation service
13
Temple closed
14
10:30 am SDMA mtg, LA Betsuin
15 [1-3 pm Shigin] [7-9 pm SJA] 7:30 pm Taiko
16
Omimai 1 pm Study Class (E)
17 7 pm Bingo
18
Southern District Buddhist Conference
(San Diego) Obon: Sun Valley
19
10 am Father’s Day service, lunch Obon: Sun Valley
20 Rev. Usuki off
21 Rev. Usuki off
22 [1-3 pm Shigin] 7 pm Obon meeting 7:30 pm Taiko
23 1 pm Study Class (E)
24 9 am Yard sale set-up
25
9 am - 3 pm 80+ Yard sale
Obon: SFV; West Covina (1-day only)
26
NO service
8 am Temple and garden clean-up Obon: SFV - WLA Taiko
27 12 pm 80+ lunch
28 7:30 pm Bon dance practice
29 [1-3 pm Shigin] 7:30 pm Taiko
30 1 pm Study Class (E) 7:30 pm Bon dance practice
2016 年 6 月 Family memorial services, funerals, and other events may not be listed. 日曜日 月曜日 火曜日 水曜日 木曜日 金曜日 土曜日
オフィス時間：
午前十時 — 午後四時 (月-金) 電話：310 - 477 - 7274
会報作リ
当番:
仏教会
1
[午後 1 詩吟]
午後 7 サービス
幹部ミーテング
2
午後 1 スタデークラス(英)
午後 7:30 タイコ
3
6 月 3-4 (金-土): Kyokucho,
4 BCA mtgs (Berkeley)
BCAMA, Nat’l Board
5
午前 9:30 サービス
午前 11 BWA ミーテング
6
6 月 6-7 (月-火): Long Beach
7 SDMA フケン
8 [午後 1 詩吟] [7 pm WLAYC] 午後 7:30 タイコ
9 10 11
午前 10 祥月法要 お盆: Arizona
12
午前 9:30卒業
サービス
13
お寺休み
14
午前 10:30 開教師会
西別院
15
[午後 1 詩吟] [7-9 pm SJA]
午後 7:30 タイコ
16 17
午後 7 ビンゴー
18
Southern District Buddhist Conference
(San Diego) お盆: Sun Valley
19
午前 10 父の日
サービス/ランチ お盆: Sun Valley
20
宇宿先生休み
21
宇宿先生休み
22
[午後 1 詩吟]
午後 7 お盆
ミーテング
午後 7:30 タイコ
23
おみまい 午後 1 スタデークラス(英)
24
午前 9 ヤード・
セール set-up
25
午前 9 - 午後 3 ヤード・セール
お盆: SFVHBT; West Covina (1 日)
26
NO サービス
午前 8 お掃除 お盆: SFVHBT - WLA Taiko
27
正午 80+中ランチ
28 午後 7:30 盆踊りケイコ
29 [午後 1 詩吟] 午後 7:30 タイコ
30
午後 1 スタデークラス(英)
午後 7:30 盆踊りケイコ
WANTED
Buddhist Artifacts Photos, Service Books, Programs,
Bulletins, Diaries, Letters, Memories, Scrapbooks, Speeches, Sermons, Lectures,
Business Records, Legal Documents, Minutes & Reports, Brochures & Flyers,
Film, Constitution & Revisions, Directories, Handbooks, Membership Lists,
Publications, YBA, YMBA, YWBA, ABA, BWA, Fujinkai, Asoka Fujinkai, Sr. YBA, Jr. YBA,
Sangha Teens, Dharma School Records & Activities
For the
WLABT Archives Collection West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple
Please submit a list of items,
with a short description, to the temple. ~ Thank you ~
[email protected] 310-477-7274
