Transcript
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Los AngelesHompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

815 East First StreetLos Angeles, CA 90012

TEL: 213.680.9130FAX: 213.680.2210

WEB: nishihongwanji-la.org

EMAIL: [email protected]

No. 435 March-April 2016

RIMBAN’S MESSAGE

THOUGHTS ON FUNERALS AND MEMORIAL SERVICES

When I was assigned toBetsuin almost 14½years ago, Betsuin al-ready had four ministersand I remember then wewere very busy with fu-nerals and memorialservices. Over the yearsbecause of the shortageof ministers in the BCAand the decline of ourtemple membership,

Betsuin gradually reduced the number of min-isters. However, the number of funerals andmemorial services was reduced only slightly.Throughout the years, many of our seniormembers have past, leaving much of the re-sponsibilities of planning funerals and conduct-ing memorial services to the youngergeneration, the Sansei. Unfortunately, manyof the Sansei are unprepared or unaware ofwhat to do or why we conduct funerals andmemorial services. It has become apparentthat because of this uncertainty, the way weconduct our services, especially funerals havechanged considerably.To be sure, the economy, a more mobile andchaotic life-style, inter-religious marriagesplays a part in this change. More so, as Bud-dhists, as Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, we shouldtake the time and understand the meaning andimportance of why we conduct funerals andmemorial services the way we do. As you already know, Jodo Shinshu Buddhistsplace a great deal of emphasis on funeral and

memorial services. However, it wasn’t alwaysthe case. When Shakyamuni Buddha passedaway, he asked his disciples not to perform afuneral for him, rather he told them to continuetheir practices. During Shakyamuni’s time and until the late600 CE, funerals were simply chanting sutrasduring the cremation. Funerals and memorial services that are con-ducted within our temples today were greatlyinfluenced from Chinese Confucianism. TheConfucian ideals of filial piety, also know as an-cestral worship, was one of the virtues to beheld above all else, even after death. There-fore, family members of the deceased believedby accumulating merit through virtuous deedssuch as offering food, drink, flowers and chant-ing sutras, could then transfer their merit totheir loved one. When Buddhism arrived in Japan, it kept manyof the memorial traditions from China. Bud-dhist devotees continued to hold memorialservice for the benefit of the deceased. InJapan, prior to Shinran, Buddhist memorialservices were held for the benefit of the de-ceased in their afterlife. It was thought throughconducting services, chanting, making offer-ings … money or food it would appease thesouls of the deceased and they would more orless protect you from harm (bachi) or bring yougood fortune. So this was about our relation-ship with the deceased in the afterlife and ourfortune or misfortune.

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RIMBAN WILLIAM BRIONES

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I live nearby shopping mall so that Isometime go to shopping for my clothesor take my daughters there for shopping.When I visit the mall, I usually stop by atmy favorite stores. However, I hardly findmy size for clothing. I guess there aremany Asian people living around themall so that smaller sizes are quicklyrunning out. After returning from themall, I usually go to their websites andpurchase my size’s clothes via online.

Within a week, they are delivered by FedEx or UPS. It is veryconvenient. When I was a child, I never thought that I would beshopping with a credit card via online.I guess many of you know one of famous online stores calledAmazon. Amazon sells not only books but also games, toys, ap-pliances, TV, furniture, jewelry, car, etc. We can purchase mostof the things from Amazon. They even sell Buddhist family altar. I was surprised a few month ago by reading an article in Japan-ese newspapers and magazines about “Obousanbin.” Obousanmeans a Buddhist minister and “bin” means delivery service.Amazon Japan started selling the “Obousanbin” for those whodo not have their own temple. If you purchase this, obousan ora Buddhist minister will be coming to your home, gravesite, ormortuary to conduct a memorial service. The basic cost of the obousanbin is 35,000 yen (around$350.00). There are some options such as receiving a Buddhistname or having service twice a day at different locations likegravesite service after a memorial service at home. Of course,they ask you to pay them for additional charges.There are many different schools in Buddhism so that the com-pany has around 400 ministers of seven major schools in theirlist from Hokkaido to Okinawa, throughout Japan. According tothe news, the company was contacted by 8,000 people whowere interested in purchasing this service last year.The emphasis of this service by the company is the reasonablecost. Everything is inclusive and there is no need to add anyother costs such as minister’s transportation, ofuse for minister,orei for temple, etc. I would like to share my appreciation to the Buddha-Dharma onthis interesting service. The expense for a memorial service isnot regarded as a cost for the memorial service like a business.The expense for the temple is called “orei,” a selfless monetarydonation to temple to express one’s appreciation and gratitudefor receiving the precious opportunity for us to observe a memo-rial or funeral service. The expense for a minister is called“ofuse,” a selfless monetary gratuity to a minister who deliversor transmits the mind and heart of Amida Buddha by conductinga service. The term ofuse is a translation of Sanskrit term “Dana.” Dana ischaracterized by three purities which is no giver, no gift, and noreceiver. The giver is free of selfish thought, giving ends at themoment of the act. The giver is no longer tied to the objects in-

volved in giving. The giver does not expect any gestures of ap-preciation from the receiver. The gift is free from all attachmentsto the value of the amount or gift. The giver sees no receiver inthe sense of attachment of any kinds in interrelationship with thegiver. Therefore, Dana practice is called “Kisha.” “Ki”means joy-fulness or gladness and “sha”means throwing away attachmentor free from attachment. After Gautama Siddhartha attained enlightenment and becameSakyamuni Buddha, the Buddha started sharing the Dharma tohundreds of thousands people for 45 years. Many of his followersabandoned all of their belongings to become monks and nuns. Itwas not only monks and nuns but also many lay people tookrefuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as their spiritualfoundation. The lay people supported the monks and nuns withtheir utmost respect and reverence and provided foods, clothing,and shelter. In this way, the monks and nuns provided theDharma and the lay people provided the monks and nuns withmaterial goods as their Dana offerings. This is the origin of Danapractice. I recall an interview of a Nisei woman who was interviewed aboutthe history of establishment of temple by a Harvard Universityresearch group. Her statement was, “I still remember my fathersaying that even if you miss a meal, I have to pay my dues tothe church.” This thought has stuck with me ever since. I was re-ally moved by his deep appreciation to Buddha-Dharma and hisfirm commitment and ownership of his temple. His spirit of Danacontinues to influence upon our lives. We are truly grateful that Amida Buddha is always delivering hisservice. It is the Buddha-Dharma. It is delivered to all beings atall times and in all places without any exceptions. Let us expressour deep appreciation and gratitude to Amida Buddha for his de-livery service of the Buddha-Dharma and live a Nembutsu lifecentered by Buddha-Dharma in our daily lives.

Sakyamuni Buddha and Amida Buddha are our father and our mother,

Full of love and compassion for us;Guiding us through various skillful means,

They bring us to awaken the supreme shinjin.(CWS P.380, #74)

DELIVERY SERVICEby Rev. Koho Takata

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REV. KOHO TAKATA

DAIJO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

[email protected]

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WHY JODO SHINSHUby Rev. Kazuaki Nakata

Jodo Shinshu is not a religion suchas the Abrahamic religions which at-tempt to persuade individuals withdogmas to bring forth beliefs with-out question or a philosophy such asthe recondite wisdom of a greatthinker to generate an impressionthat our daily lives are trivial. JodoShinshu is a tool of human scienceto keep focusing our daily lives as

the essential core, to analyze the meaning of our existen-tiality, to improve our communication skills in interdepend-ence, and to manage our stress and complication in ourdaily environment. This is why I adopted Jodo Shinshu asmy Operating System.Every summer in June for the “Summer Fuken,” the min-isters of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) cometogether for a study session. The Fuken is part of theircontinuing education programs. Fuken, (FUkyo-KENkyu-kai) is a Japanese term which means a “study session forresearch and propagation”. Last year, the chairman of theBCA Ministers’ Association, Rev. Jerry Hirano with the sup-port of Bishop Kodo Umezu, asked the ministers to sharewhy they had chosen Jodo Shinshu as their religion. Sub-sequently, in the Fall, the ministers published a handout“Why Jodo Shinshu?” My response to the question withmy statement can be seen at the beginning of this article. As an organization, Jodo Shinshu was formed in Japan byfollowers of Shinran Shonin. When we trace the origin ofJodo Shinshu, we need to explore the development of thePure Land teachings in India and China, where Jodo Shin-shu originated. Shinran Shonin’s understanding of thePure Land teachings came through Honen Shonin. HonenShonin started as a Tendai Buddhist monk but later left theTendai monastery in Mt. Hiei and converted to the ChinesePure Land Buddhism which was taught by Master Shan-tao. When the Chinese Pure Land Buddhism was ex-ported to Japan, it was understood as a monotheistic faith.During the Heian period (8th-12th centuries), the PureLand monotheistic practice encompassed the recitation ofthe Nembutsu as an act of prayer to the merciful Buddhaof Amitabha (Amida Buddha) for the accumulation ofprayer merits. Such understandings of Pure Land Bud-dhism prevailed until Jodo Shinshu practices were estab-lished.The late Rev. Kakuei Miyaji Kangaku, who was one of thetop scholars in Jodo Shinshu, often emphasized that Bud-dhism was exported to various countries and translatedwith their own customs, traditions and cultures after his-

torical Buddha died. When Shinran Shonin encounteredBuddhism, Buddhism returned to its original understand-ing of the historical Buddha. This understanding is JodoShinshu.My initial encounter with Jodo Shinshu took place atRyukoku University in Kyoto to study Jodo Shinshu Bud-dhism as an undergraduate student. I simply wanted tostudy what Shinran Shonin thought and shared. At thattime, I had no idea how or why followers understood andshared his teaching. As I continued to study Jodo Shinshu,I realized how Shinran Shonin shared his understandingof Pure Land Buddhism in a scientific way. Shinran Shonin understanding of Buddhism refuted ideaof Buddhism which was the belief at the time. He intro-duced the concept of Ji-Nen Honi. Ji-Nen Honi is de-scribed by Shinran Shonin as “naturalness” as itsculmination in his Mattosho, Ji-Nen Honi Sho, and others.Naturalnessmeans the spontaneous unfolding of Amida’svow (natural principals) without human calculation or con-trivance. It was also called the “reason of no reason” (mugiwo motte gi to su or gi naki wo gi tosu) – which referred tothe transcendent rationality of effortlessness, meaning-lessness, purposelessness – the reason of non-duality.(Kim and Leighton, 2004) This concept of Shinran Shonin led me to become a fol-lower of Jodo Shinshu. When I received a request to writea response to Rev. Hirano’s question, I had to envisionhow a western-thinker with no knowledge or understand-ing of the Japanese culture, would understand the con-cept. One unique quality of Buddhism is that whenBuddhism is imported into a foreign country, it absorbs thelocal culture, custom, philosophy and even personalthoughts to be locale, rather than imposing its beliefs uponthe people. For example, when Buddhism was exportedfrom India to China, Buddhism was greatly influenced byDaoism and other Chinese philosophies for the translationof Buddhist texts to fit into local Chinese people’s needsand preferences. When Shinran encountered Pure LandBuddhism in Japan, it was absorbed in a way that it fit intoneeds and preferences of the Japanese. This is why PureLand Buddhism was widely accepted in various regions inJapan. When attempting to answer the question, “Why Jodo Shin-shu,” I wanted to make a point to differentiate Jodo Shin-shu from other faiths such as Abrahamic religions andphilosophies. I wanted to make clear that Jodo Shinshuis a teaching of the Universal Truth and it is not dogmatic,

REV. KAZ

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50TH ANNIVERSARY REPORTby Ernest Hida, Chairman

On Sunday, January 24, with manymembers in attendance, a special serv-ice, the Auspicious CommemorationService For Transportation Of AmidaBuddha Statue And Altar For Restorationin Kyoto (Gosenbutsu Kyosan Hoyo),was held for the closing of the onaijin.This ceremonial closure of the screensto the onaijin preceded the subsequent

removal and packing of the main altar and the ornamentalfixtures to be sent to Kyoto for restoration. This was anunique, moving, and once in a lifetime experience. Fol-lowing this service, another brief service was held in theonaijin to remove the Amida Buddha statue, which wastaken to the Wisteria Chapel for temporary storage beforebeing taken to Kyoto. The statue was carried carefully byRimban Briones to the Wisteria Chapel accompanied bythe rest of the ministers, komons, president, president-elect and the Wakayabashi Company President and hisstaff. The altar from the Wisteria Chapel was brought tothe hondo and is now being used as the temporary mainaltar. Soon after, the Wakabayashi Company’s staff begandismantling the main altar and the ornamental fixtures,and packing it for shipping. The shipping container waspacked on January 28 and headed for the Port of Los An-geles. On January 30, a short service was held to remove thestatue of Amida Buddha from the Wisteria Chapel with ourBishop Umezu, our ministers, komons, president andpresident-elect.After the restoration is completed, it will be shipped backto Los Angeles in October, and the Re-dedication Servicewill be held on November 6. We invite everyone to thisspecial serviceto re-dedicate the beautifully restored on-aijin and to celebrate the 111th Anniversary of theLAHompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and its 85th Anniver-sary of its Betsuin status.During the commemoration service on January 24, twopresentations were made to the 50th Anniversary Com-mittee. President Pamela Tabata of the BuddhistWomen’s Association presented a check for $7,000.00 asa donation to the 50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign.The BWA will be celebrating its 100th Year Centennial An-niversary in 2018 and for their Centennial Project, they willcover the cost of restoring the scroll of Prince ShotokuTaishi, the First Great Patron of Buddhism in Japan in the

Ernest Hida

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Donation from Hollywood Buddhist Church

l-r: Rimban Briones, Judy Izumo (HBC president),Ernest Hida (50th Anniversary Chairperson), & KenjiHatakeyama (Betsuin president).

Donation from BWAl-r: Rimban Briones, Pam Tabata (BWA president),Ernest Hida, & Kenji Hatakeyama.

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ONAIJIN CEILING PANEL DONOR NAME INSCRIPTIONS

I sincerely hope that this notice finds youin good health and in the joy of the O-Nembutsu, Namo-Amidabutsu. In the year 2019, our present Betsuinbuilding and onaijin (temple altar) will be50 years old. In conjunction with the50th Year Anniversary Celebration, weare refurbishing the entire onaijin (gen-

erally taking place every 50 years). All of the onaijin arti-cles was sent back to Japan for refurbishing, which willtake approximately 9-10 months. Meanwhile, we are plan-ning to repair the roof above the onaijin and repair and re-place the water-damaged walls and ceiling tiles.The ceiling tiles will be replaced by new panels with beau-tiful images of flowers re-lated to Hongwanji and itsteachings as shown in theattached picture. On the re-verse sides of these panels,plans are to inscribe thenames of the 50th Anniver-sary donors. Because thedonors’ names will need tobe inscribed before beingshipped here, the deadlinefor the donors’ names to be inscribed on the panels willbe July 31, 2016. Those wishing to have names inscribedon the ceiling panels, must submit donations or pledgesby this date. Thank you for your cooperation and support. In Gassho,Shoichi Sayano, Chairperson50th Anniversary Projects Committee

Shoichi Sayano

7th Century and of purchasingan incense table to be placed infront of the scroll. President Judy Izumo of theHollywood Buddhist Churchpresented a check for$25,000.00 as a donation to the Fundraising Campaignand in appreciation to the Betsuin for their annual supportof their church. HBC celebrated its 100th Year CentennialAnniversary last year and made their donattion from theirCentennial fundraising efforts.Other 50th Anniversary fundraising programs include theDharma School students with their on-going plastic recy-cling project that raised around $1,000.00 so far, and theDharma School Teachers annual Paso Almonds salewhich raised around $15,000.00.A big thank you to organizations for their fundraising ef-forts for the 50th Anniversary and individual donors fortheir generosity. We thank you very much for yourpast support and we sincerely look forward to your con-tinued dedicated support. Let us put our hearts and mindstogether and work together for a wonderful and meaning-ful 50th Anniversary celebration of the temple in 2019 tohonor our Issei pioneers and past members for the legacythey left for us and to continue this legacy for our futuregenerations.Gassho, Ernest Hida, 50th Anniversary Chairman

(50 Anniversary Report - continued from page 4)

Wakabayashi Co. staffer disassembling items in the onaijin.

Betsuin members help to carry onaijin article out of the hondo.

(Additional photos on page 9)

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SPRING OHIGAN SERVICEby Rev. Koho TakataThe Buddhist communities in Los Angeles are remindedof the coming Higan, a time to reflect on the human con-dition and examine the options open to us through the In-finite Wisdom and Compassion of Amida Buddha. Themembers of Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji BuddhistTemple and their families are invited to attend one of theSix Major Services in the Hongwanji tradition, the SpringHigan Rededication Service which will be held on Sun-day, March 20, 2016 at 10:00AM. The guest speaker forthe service will be Rev. Tetsuo Unno of the former ministerof Buddhist Churches of America and one of faculties ofour Nishi Dharma Center for English Service and Rev. Kiy-onobu Kuwahara of Co-Director of Center for Buddhist Ed-ucation of the Buddhist Churches of America for JapaneseService.Higan is an abbreviation of “To-Higan” which literallymeaning “to reach the other shore.” In Buddhism, theworld of suffering is referred to as “this shore” and theworld of Enlightenment is called “other shore.” The term Higan comes from the Sanskrit word Paramita -“gone to other shore,” and suggests the Six Paramitas ofcharity, morality, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom.Various sutras teach that six paramitas or perfections ofpractice are the way of reaching the other shore from thisshore.In Jodo Shinshu, the observance of Higan is simply theexpressing of our gratitude to Amida Buddha for awaken-ing us to Boundless Compassion and Wisdom. Our partin this observance would be to put into action the Com-passion which comes to us vertically from Amida Buddhaand to apply it horizontally in our relation with man andother living beings on this earth. This appreciation in ourdaily life is the Jodo Shinshu way of expressing our grati-tude and thanksgiving for the wondrous virtues extendedto us unconditionally and equally for all just like the sun’sray which falls on the earth. In conjunction with Spring Higan Service, we are fortunateto hold a Spring Higan Seminar entitled “Life of Awaken-ing: Namo-Amidabutsu” on Saturday, March 19, 2016.The seminar will begin with opening service at 9:00am andend with closing service at 3:00pm. For English speakingattendees, Rev. Tetsuo Unno will be speaking in themorning session and Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara in the af-ternoon session. For Japanese speaking attendees, Rev.Kiyonobu Kuwahara will be speaking in the morning ses-sion and Rev. Tetsuo Unno in the afternoon session. The

HANAMATSURI SERVICEby Rev. Koho TakataThe members of Los AngelesHompa Hongwanji Buddhist Templeand their families are invited to at-tend the annual Hanamatsuri Serv-ice, which is the observance ofSakyamuni Buddha’s Birthday Serv-ice to be held on Sunday, April 3,2016. The guest speaker for theservice will be Rev. Tesshi Aoyama of BCA MinisterEmeritus delivering Dharma messages both in English andin Japanese.It is a day of joy and a great significant for all Buddhists.We call the observance “Hana-matsuri” which means a“flower festival.” Sakyamuni Buddha was born in India onApril 8 about 3,000 years ago. At that time, the earth wassaid to have shaken in six directions (north, south, east,west, up, and down), flowers blossomed everywhere,Devas or gods filled the air with music. Heavenly beingscattered flowers from sky. The newborn infant Buddhaimmediately stood up and then took seven steps to thenorth. Then he pointed his right hand to the heavensabove and pointed his left hand to the earth below and,with the voice of a lion, spoke the following words; “In theheavens above and on earth below, I alone will becomethe Honored One.” With each step that he took, a lotusflower blossomed under his feet. This is why we call thiscelebration “Hana-matsuri” or a “flower festival”. Many of the rites that are observed during Hanamatsuriare based on the events we are told happened at the timeof Prince Siddhartha’s birth. The Hanamido or miniaturefloral altar of bright flowers provides the setting of thebeautiful Lumbini Garden where he was born. The statueof the baby Buddha with its arm extended illustrates thevirtues of Amida Buddha reaching out to all beings and thepouring of sweet tea on the statue represents the gentlerain that fell in Lumbini Garden and bathed the baby Bud-dha. May we all realize the meaning of his appearance inthis world, so that we may humbly accept and understandhis teaching as a way of our lives. Let us all gather to cel-ebrate the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha, who guided byWisdom vitalized by Compassion continue to aspire to de-velop the person, both ourselves and others, that we mayall fulfill the ultimate meaning of life.This celebration of the Buddha’s birth will bring together adiverse group of Buddhists from many rich traditions whoshare in the single purpose of celebrating the birth of Sid-dhartha Gautama who became enlightened as Sakyamuni

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DID YOU KNOW?by Eiko Masuyama

How fortunate that the Los Angeles Bet-suin BWA was able to travel south fromCalgary, after a memorable 15th WorldBuddhist Womens’ Confer-ence, May29-30-31, to Lethbridge (Alberta), andthe Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta.The group was led by Rimban William

Briones and his wife, Rev Nobuko Miyoshi. Also attendingwere, BWA president, Pam Tabata, and former BWA pres-idents, Setsuko Nakahara, Jean Kondo (Roy), AmyMiyakawa, and Tsuruko Iwohara, Also, attending theconference were former temple presidents, Shoichi andwife, Nobuko, Sayano, Fujiyoshi and wife, Chieko Ya-mamoto, and Ernest Hida. Completing the Betsuin groupwere Susan and Roy Tanaka, Annette and Roger Kakita,Suzette Kawaguchi, Kayo Uno, and Eiko Masuyama.The trip extension was arranged by Ernest Hida of Amer-ican Holiday Travel. The Betsuin entourage was greetedwarmly by Rev. Yasuo Izumi, Professor Ichikawa (son offormer Rimban Tatsuya Ichikawa of Seattle), and an in-formative video presentation, followed by a wonderfulluncheon prepared by the Toban Groups, where all formsof “connections” were made. Mrs. Kay (Ikuta) Oda, wifeof Rev. Harold Oda, was unable to attend conference, buther younger sister, Noriko Ikuta Sugimoto of Toronto,greeted and joined us for lunch, as did her niece, BrendaIkuta of Lethbridge and many of the BWA ladies. RetiredProfessor and Mrs. Akira Ichikawa graciously guided anddined with our group. Professor Ichikawa connected withBeverly Yahata and Hannah Nishimoto of W.L.A., whoshared information about the family of Rev. Gikan Nishi-naga (at WLA 1950-1957, at Betsuin 1949); ProfessorIchikawa is also, brother of Nori Kurashige (Venice) andmet Mrs. Iwohara, mother of Rev. John Iwohara, who hehad previously met at the Venice Hongwanji Temple. The Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta (BTSA inCanada) was incorporated officially in 2007, with formerseparate Jodo Shinshu temples: Lethbridge BuddhistTemple, est. in 1948 (including Picture Butte BuddhistTemple, est. 1943, dissolved in 1992), Raymond BuddhistTemple (est. 1929), Lethbridge Honpa Buddhist Temple(est. 1967), Rosemary Buddhist Temple (est. 1952), andCoaldale Buddhist Temple (est. 1943). These seven tem-ples were within a 70 mile radius and shared ministers formost of the latter part of the 20th century. Of the group,the Raymond Buddhist Temple was the oldest, havingbeen established in 1929, in a center populated by Japan-ese-Canadian from the late 19th century. The reason the largest center in the area, Lethbridge, did

not establish a temple until 1948 is that Japanese-Cana-dians, until then, were not allowed to reside within the cityand were allowed entry only with a permit issued by theRoyal Canadian Mounted Police. It was not until 1949 thatJapanese-Canadians were allowed to vote in Canadianelections! Thank you to Professor Akira Ichikawa for informationabout Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta and other de-tails of visit.

* * * * *Donations to nishi Archives and library

By Masako Mary Shingu: Polo shirt with sagari fuji (wis-teria) embroidered in gold. Framed panorama photo in commemoration of Ohtani,Kosho (Monshu) Visitation and Memorial Services for PastMembers and those who died in World War II, at HompaHongwanji Rafu Betsuin, November 15, 1951, donated byGarrett Okita.In the photo are: Rimban Kow, Rev Kiriyama (fromJapan), Reverends Kumata, Yamamoto, Nagafuji, Haya-jima, Kuwatsuki, E. Unno, T. Unno, Nishinaga; Chigo par-ticipants: Bruce Shinohara, Akemi Shinohara, Gerri Nii(mother of Garrett Okita); Boy Scouts: Sadao Kimura,Morio Takahashi; Jack Iwata, Yutaka Shinohara, Eizo Ma-suyama, Ben Nakamura, Shigemi Aratani, and SadaoSadamoto.Thank you all (named and unnamed) very much.

2016 MEMBERSHIPDRIVE

Valid from January 1 through December 31, 2016$250 peR eACH MeMBeR of A HoUSeHolD

$150 foR ADDiTionAl fAMilY MeMBeRS (SAME ADDRESS UP TO AGE 21 YEARS OLD)

CHECKS ARE PAYABLE TO: l.A. HoMpA HongwAnJi BUDDHiST TeMple

Payments may be made in full or by installments throughout the year of 2016

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BUDDHIST STUDIES FOR TEENSEITAIKYO MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE

(EITAIKYO SHOTSUKI HOYO)by Rimban William Briones

Eitaikyo literally means the “perpetual chanting of sutras.”This is because for as long as our temples are in exis-tence, memorial service are held for our loved ones whohave passed. It is a time for those who are living to ac-knowledge and express our gratitude to our past membersand loved ones. For it is through their dedication that ourtemple continues. And, most importantly, it is through theirtransmission of the teachings, that we are able to hear theDharma today.In 1931 the Eitaikyo Fund was established to provide theBetsuin with financial security for the long term. Donorswho make contributions to the fund on behalf of their lovedones, are recognized and their loved ones name is placedinto the Betsuin’s Eitaikyo Memorial Book that is placed inthe altar. In doing so a sutra is chanted in memory of yourloved one on the month and day of their passing for aslong as Betsuin is in existence.However, beginning March 2016, we will begin conductingeitaikyo Monthly Memorial Services (Eitaikyo Shot-suki Hoyo.) Services will be held on the second Sundayat 1:00 PM of each month for all those individuals listed inthe Eitaikyo Memorial Book on their memorial month. Let-ters well be sent out a month in advance as a reminder toattend your loved ones Eitaikyo Monthly Memorial Service.We hope you will take this opportunity to show your ap-preciation to your loved ones and to listen to the Buddha-Dharma.

February of 2015, Rev. Kaz Nakata started offering thecourse of intensive Buddhist studies to teens that belongto Boy Scout and Girl Scout at Nishi Betsuin. During the2015, they learned the essential teachings of Buddhism inEnglish, Chinese, Japanese and Indian Sanskrit. From thisissue of the temple newsletter, they would like to sharewhat they have learned in the course and each studentwrote the article of the particular topic in Buddhism. Wehope you will enjoy how they enjoy learning Buddhism atNishi.

Buddhaby Cara Tao

Siddhartha Gautama was a prince born in India. He hadhigh expectations to become a great king. Siddhartha’sfather, King Suddhodana, did not want his son to see thatlife was suffering, so he hid all of life’s imperfections aswell as he could. Siddhartha’s father also shielded himfrom religion. While Siddhartha grew up, he was veryhappy and unaware of the suffering outside of the palace. At the age of 29, on his first trip, he went through the East-ern Gate with his servants to meet his subjects. Duringthis trip, he saw an old man. One of his servants ex-plained to him that growing old happens to everyone atone point. This sparked interest in Prince Siddhartha. Hethen took another trip through the Southern Gate to seehis people. On this trip he saw a sick man. On his tripthrough the Western Gate, he saw a funeral for a deadman. His servant explained to him that death was the fateof everyone. On his last trip, he left through the NorthernGate in which he saw a monk. All of these sights encour-aged Siddhartha want to overcome aging, sickness, anddeath.Soon after, Siddhartha decided to leave his life as a futureking and become a monk. He left the palace on his fa-vorite white horse, Kanthaka. Kanthaka was a very skilledand strong horse who was very attached to Siddhartha.He sought for answers to all of the suffering. In an attemptto find answers, Siddhartha joined a group of five ascetics.He limited himself to the bare minimum of one grain of ricea day, with the exception of no food at all for a day. Sid-dhartha often blacked out and collapsed. After six yearsof the practice, he finally came to the conclusion that as-ceticism was not the path that would help him succeed athis quest. He then came down the mountain sand washedhimself in the Niranjana River. The daughter of the villageelder, Sujata, offered Siddhartha milk porridge. He happilyaccepted. After reclaiming his health Siddhartha sat downunder a large Bodhi tree and vowed not to leave until he

(continued on page 10)

OBON MEMORIAL LANTERNS

The Obon Memorial Lanterns willbe displayed during our ObonFestival. The tassel of eachlantern will be personalized withthe name of the departed lovedone along with his/her Buddhistname (if desired). Donation foreach lantern is $25.00. Applications are available at theBetsuin office from May 1, 2016.

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MARCH - APRIL 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 9

The ceremonial closing of the onaijinscreen panels and being locked byRimban.

BETSUIN PHOTOS

Onaijin pieces placed in the hallways before being packed and shipped.

Onaijin pieces being packed into a container truck

2015 Oseibo Program

New Year’s Eve 2015Roy Tanaka strikes the bonsho as RevKaz looks on.

Dharma School mochitsuki

ABA men (l-r: Roy Tanaka, Glenn Saita,Richard Odagawa, & Lonny Quon) offersausage and eggs at the BEC Breakfast BWA ladies preparing chirashizushi

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MARCH - APRIL 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 10

(Hanamatsuri - continued from page 6)Buddha. Hanamatsuri Service, sponsored by the Los An-gles Buddhist Temples Federation, will be also held onSunday, April 3 at 1:00pM at the JACCC.

found his the truth and the answers he was seeking. A little while after, Siddhartha suddenly became free of theunawareness of suffering that causes old age, illness, anddeath. He had become awakened, which means he be-came enlightened. At the age of 35, Siddhartha Gautamabecame the Buddha, or “Enlightened One”After obtaining enlightenment, Buddha decided to teachhis teachings with the five monks whom he studied withfirst. At first they looked at him with doubt, but theycouldn’t resist his new inner strength and confidence.They also noticed that he had reached the goal they hadsought. These five men were then became Buddha’s dis-ciples. The three treasures were then obtained as theBuddha, the Dharma, and the Sanga. Buddha completely ignored the caste system in India andconsidered everyone as equals. He then spread theDharma throughout India and influenced the many peoplehe came in contact with. The people who looked up tohim were spread out over the social hierarchy. They alsocrossed many kingdoms which soon spread to many othercountries including Vietnam, China, and Japan.Still spreading his ideas, he reached his last destinationat a place called Vaisali. He was ill. At the age of 80 yearsold, Sakyamuni Buddha died. His last Dharma talk, hetold his followers to follow the Dharma and reminded themthat everything is impermanent.

registration is available at temple office. The deadline willbe on March 12, 2016. The registration fee is $15.00 in-cluding lunch and refreshments. We encourage all of youto Listen to the Buddha-Dharma and apply it to our dailylives.

(Rev. Nakata - continued from page 3)mystical or a teaching of creationism. On a side note: My family recently welcomed our thirdchild, Akika on January 15th. Akika is a baby girl. You willhave a chance to meet her at our Nishi Sunday servicesGassho

Of course Shinran Shonin rejected this believe. Unfortu-nately, many Jodo Shinshu Buddhists still have this mis-conception of why we do memorial services. You canimagine if we’re unclear about memorial services and theafterlife, just imagine what our non-Buddhist friends thinkabout these issues.As Jodo Shinshu Buddhists, family memorial services area time to reflect upon our lives and how we are continuallybeing influenced by our loved ones and how we have ben-efited by their existence. Our chanting, burning incense, bringing flowers and os-onae is nothing more than an acknowledgement to the factthat we are able to enjoy the benefits of the lives of thosewho have passed before us. To truly acknowledge thisfact and express our gratitude is a true manifestation ofthe memorial service. So as we conduct funerals or memorial service, it is anopportunity for us to reflect upon the Truth of our exis-tence. To realize the countless causes and conditions thatenabled us to be who we are and the numerous lives thatare responsible for our existence. To truly understand this,we are able to inwardly realize the wisdom and compas-sion of Amida Buddha and outwardly live with gratitude forthe life made possible for us by loved ones. The realizationof this truth moves us forward to the future knowing thatthe thoughts, words, deeds of our loved ones continue toembrace us.With this in mind, I hope you have a better understandingof why we conduct funeral and memorial services.

(Rimban Briones - continued from page 1)

(Spring Ohigan - continued from page 6)

Buddhist Teens - continued from page 8)

Betsuin Jihoeditor-in-Chief: Rimban william Briones

english editor: elaine fukumoto photos: Koichi Sayano and glen Tao

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MARCH - APRIL 2016 BETSUIN JIHO PAGE 11

KOHAKU UTAGASSEN 2016The Red Team Won!

IN MEMORIAM

The Nishi Betsuin extends its deepest condolences to thefamilies of the following members who have recen1tlypassed away. May the family members find solace andcomfort in the Nembutsu. --Namo Amida Butsu

november, 201520 Yoriko Machikawa25 Koki Nozawa Yawata29 Shizue Kasukabe30 Clara Chiyoko Funatsu

December, 20158 Lillian Kinuko Nakamaru18 Tetsuo Shoji26 Teddy Shoichi Matsui27 Iwao Hagiwara28 Hatsue Hitomi

January, 20161 Sam Isamu Nakagawa2 Toshiko Kiuchi12 Mike Minoru Takimoto12 Susumu Shimabuku12 Shiro Nishida

Sunday, April 10, 20167 AM - 10 AMDonation: $6Betsuin Kaikan

niSHi BoY SCoUT TRoop 738

PANCAKEBREAKFAST

LIFE OF AWAKENING

Namo Amida ButsuSaturday, March 19, 2016

9:00 am- 3:00 pm

gUeST SpeAKeRS:

Registration fee: $15 includes obento lunch To reserve a seat and to order a bento lunch,

please send in your name & check payable to:

lA Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

Mail to: lA Betsuin ohigan Seminar 815 e. 1st St. los Angeles, CA 90012

Deadline March 12thThis seminar has been made possible by the lA Betsuin Buddhist education Committee

Rev. Tetsuo Unno

Rev. KiyonobuKuwahara

SPRING OHIGAN SEMINAR

HATSUMAIRIINFANT PRESENTATION SERVICE

Hatsumairi is translated as the“First Visitation” and is often re-ferred to as the Infant PresentationService. The LA Betsuin will hold its annualHatsumairi Service on Sunday, May22nd in conjunction with the Gotan-ye Service which is the observanceof the birth of the Jodo Shinshufounder, Shinran Shonin. The ministers and the dharma school teachers will be con-ducting the Hatsumairi Service for any infant up to one (1)year of age. To those who are interested in participating in the Hat-sumairi, the application form is on the next page. If thereare questions, please contact the Betsuin office.

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8th ANNUAL

MARCH 12, 2016$20.00 per plate

Dinner 4:OO PM – 7:00 PM BINGO 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM

MENU: TERIYAKI STEAK and SALMON • GREEN SALAD • GREEN BEANS • RICE

Meals will be packed as "TAKE OUT" DINE IN and enjoy your meals with family and friends along

with a game of BINGO, raffle, and silent auction.

The number of meals to be sold will be limited.Unclaimed dinners will be donated after 7:00 pm

NO MEALS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR

All proceeds will go to the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.

SURF AND TURF DINNER

PRESALE ONLY

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HATSUMAIRIMay 22, 2016

REGISTRATION FORM

nAMe of CHilD: _____________________________________________________

BoY ____ giRl ____ BiRTHDATe: __________________________________

pARenTS’ nAMe: ____________________________________________________

eMAil:_____________________________________ _________________________

Tel: _______________________________________________________________

ADDReSS:__________________________________________________________

________________________________________ Zip: ______________

pleASe SUBMiT THiS foRM To THe BeTSUin offiCe BY: MAY 8, 2016

lA Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple815 e. 1st St.

los Angeles, CA 90012Tel: 213-680-9130

email: [email protected]: 213-680-2210

nAMe inKAnJi

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

MARCH 2016

9

28

21

14

7

27

20

13

6

5432

30

23

29

22

16

1211108

2625

19

24

17 1815Board Meeting 7:30 pm

Go-Meinichi-ko 1:30 pm

1

Regular Service 10:00 am

31

Regular Service 10:00 amSurf and Turf

Fundraising Dinner 4-9 pm

Ohigan Seminar9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Ohigan Service10:00 am

BCA Ministers Meeting @ Visalia BCA National Council Meeting @ Visalia

Girl Scout Sunday10:00 am

Tannisho-A Record inLament of Divergences

Rev Furumoto7:00-8:30 pm

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism(Japanese)Rev. Nakata

10:00-11:00 am

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism(Japanese)Rev. Nakata

10:00-11:00 am

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism(Japanese)Rev. Nakata

10:00-11:00 am

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism(Japanese)Rev. Nakata

10:00-11:00 am

Seeking a Final Solution to Life,Guided by Shinran and...Rev. Unno 10:00-1130 am

Jodo Shinshu for TeensRev Nakata 11:30-12:15

Jodo Shinshu for TeensRev Nakata 11:30-12:15

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

APRIL 2016

8

27

20

13

6

26

19

12

543

21

22

28

21

151110

97

2524

18 23

16

17

14

3029

Go-Meinichi-ko 1:30 pmRegular Service 10:00 am

Regular Service 10:00 am

Regular Service 10:00 am

Hanamatsuri Service10:00 am

Butsuren HanamatsuriService 1:00 pm

FDSTL Conference@ Sacramento

Shoshin Nembutsu-ge(Shoshinge)Rev Takata

6:30-7:30 pm

Shoshin Nembutsu-ge(Shoshinge)Rev Takata

6:30-7:30 pm

Intro to the Three PureLand SutrasRev Furumoto7:00-8:30 pm

Intro to the Three PureLand SutrasRev Furumoto7:00-8:30 pm

Contemporary Issues &Jodo Shinshu Perspective

Rimban Briones7:00-8:30 pm

Contemporary Issues &Jodo Shinshu Perspective

Rimban Briones7:00-8:30 pm

Contemporary Issues &Jodo Shinshu Perspective

Rimban Briones7:00-8:30 pm

Contemporary Issues &Jodo Shinshu Perspective

Rimban Briones7:00-8:30 pm

Traditions of Nishi HongwanjiRev. Kodani7:00-8:30 pm

Traditions of Nishi HongwanjiRev. Kodani7:00-8:30 pm

Traditions of Nishi HongwanjiRev. Kodani7:00-8:30 pm

Board Meeting 7:30 pm

Jodo Shinshu Rtual onDeath and Dying (JPN)

Rev Takata10:00 - 11:00 am

Jodo Shinshu Rtual onDeath and Dying (JPN)

Rev Takata10:00 - 11:00 am


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