SEIKURO OF YAMATO-MYOKONIN Rev. Sensho Inouye

BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER
P.O. Box 547 360 Newmark Avenue
Parlier, Californiaf93648
Phone: (559) 646-2844
DIVERSITY IN ONESNESS, ONENESS IN DIVERSITY
November 2012
SEIKURO OF
YAMATO-MYOKONIN
Rev. Sensho Inouye
Last month, I wrote about Osono of Mikawa. This month let me tell you about
Seikuro of Yamato - another very well known myokonin who really appreciated
the Nembutsu teaching. When he was young, even though he was married, he
indulged in gambling and drinking because his hard working was never rewarded
and always poor. Even when his wife became ill from overwork and dystrophy,
he had no money to buy medicine for her. at her death bed, his wife said to
Seikuro, “Please refrain from drinking and gambling, and please take good care
of our daughter.”
Seikuro wept like a baby and regretted his past deeds. It was around this time
of his life that he started listening to the Nembutsu teaching. The following
episode tells how earnestly he lived his Nembutsu life.
One day, when he got back home from a visit to the temple, he found out that
his money was missing. “I cannot find the ten dollars that I had hidden under this
mat, but I am happy that I had at least some money for the robber to take.” His
friend asked, “Why are you happy being robbed”
Seikuro replied, “Sometimes, I also have the temptation to steal, but, because
I am fortunate enough to be blessed with the “ears” to listen to the Buddha
Dharma, I am allowed to be the person who is robbed, rather than the person
doing the robbing. Therefore, I am most happy.
At that moment, Seikuro could not but feel he was embraced in Amida Buddha’s
limitless compassion even though he was full of remorse of his sinful minds.
Thank you, Seikuro-san, for showing us the essential core of Nembutsu
teaching through your own life.
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our
appreciation to the following for their generous donations
TEMPLE
Windle Family
Medaka no Gakko
Memorial for Mas Kimura...........................................................$100.00
Orei for use of facilities...............................................................$500.00
MEMBERSHIP DUES:
Mr. Kay Kobashi
DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE:
Mr. & Mrs. Shiz Kimura..........................$20.00
Mrs. Sawae Kimura.................................$20.00
Mrs. Jean Kobashi....................................$20.00
Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa..................$75.00
Mrs. Miyo Ohara...........................................$20.00
Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro...................................$20.00
Mr. Kaz Yoshimoto........................................$20.00
Agenda for the General Meeting to be held on December 10, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the temple.
BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER
General Meeting Agenda
December 10, 2012
7:00 PM
1. Call meeting to order
2. Quorum
3. Minutes
4. Treasurer’s report
5. Minister’s report
6. Committee reports
A. Religious
B. Publications
C. Membership
D. Maintenance
E. Calendar 2013
F. Finance
G. V & P
7. Report on by-laws
8. Other business
9. Adjournment, Gassho
*Note: The Monthly Board Meeting will be held in conjunction with the General Meeting.
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THOUGHTS FROM THE SANGHA
By Toshie Mori
Necessity of Humility and Humbleness
Toshie Mori
There was an article in the Fresno Bee in Other Opinions section recently titled “Learning about Humility
through Unemployment” that grabbed my attention. Normally I pass over this section quickly without
giving it a thought, but not that day. It was written by a woman, whom I shall call Suzy, was proud of her
position of power and totally identified herself with her work of 32 years. But one day she was laid off, a
job she expected to have until retirement, with these words by the human resource person when handed her
walking papers, “layoff is not personal, it’s just a business decision”. These words could be said only by
those who are working. To those being laid off it becomes very personal as it changes the course of your
life, your stature in society and the ability to take care of your family. She went on to describe the difficulties
of accepting the loss, drowning in the cesspool of jobless seekers, short reprieve from this pain through
temporary jobs, sending out countless resumes and cover letters from her computer. She described her
computer as a lifeline and a black hole from which the correspondence is sent out, but seldom comes back.
Slowly her pride and self importance were chipped away and what was left was emptiness and humility.
She used to think that those who weren’t working or supporting themselves were just lazy but after her
layoff she saw them differently. Now, each time she passed a beggar on the street corner with a sign, she
understands her mistaken way of thinking, that there may be a legitimate reason for their unemployment.
As she put it ‘she got kicked off the high horse of disdain towards those she couldn’t relate to’, and now,
she actually feels grateful for this experience. She says humility helped lift the cocoon of superiority and
arrogance that she had wrapped around herself. She understands what it’s like to feel out of control and
to need help; that she couldn’t have pulled through this alone and realized she wasn’t alone. There were
myriads of “unemployed” who were going through similar experience who helped her to see things as they
should be seen. As I read this article I realized why I was so intrigued by her words. Although I’ve never
experienced being laid off or fired from a job, I totally saw myself in her words. I could literally see myself
wrapped in this cocoon of superiority. It was all about me, my ego and foolishness. When anything is full
and overflowing it can’t accept anything more. More room has to be made.
Since then, I’ve been thinking how this affects my listening to the Buddha Dharma. Was I listening but
not able to hear completely because I am full? Am I judging the messages from Senseis with my calculating
mind? Answer was emphatic yes. We all need reminders and others to help unload the deeply ingrained
self importance. For Suzy, it took losing her job. For me, it was through Suzy’s experience. She helped
me to unload my ego so that I have room to think and reflect. This is the amazing, working power of Amida
Buddha, 24/7. Amida’s light (wisdom) shone through Suzy and reflected on me so I was able to clearly see
the real me. However, there is no purpose to just feel the self worth or see what I am really about. What’s
most important is that these experiences direct me towards Amida’s wishes and aspirations, which is to
awaken me to the reality of life, to receive the heart of the Buddha to reach the ultimate goal of becoming
a Buddha so that I may eternally be at peace and be happy. When I became aware of that reality I was
overcome by the warmth and compassion of Amida Buddha. This is what Amida wants for me. How grateful
I am not alone, that Amida is constantly with me guiding me towards that goal. There is nothing left for
me to say, but namandan-bu. And thanks to everything that surrounds me through whom Amida’s light and
compassion shines through, even the newspaper.
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BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2012
I. Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 7:21 by
President Dennis Ikuta. Gassho was led by Reverend Inouye.
II. A quorum was established with members present: Dennis
Ikuta, Reverend Inouye, Glenn Yoshimoto, Steve Sasai, Yuki
& Toshie Mori, Gail Hachiya, Curtis & Cheryl Koga, & James
Goishi.
III. Minutes – September 10, 2012 were read. Steve moved to
accept the minutes. Curtis seconded the motion. The motion
was passed.
IV. Treasurer’s Report – Glenn Yoshimoto went over the report
for September 2012. Toshie moved to accept the treasurer’s
report. Yuki seconded the motion. The motion was passed
V. Committee Reports
A. Minister’s Report – Reverend Inouye reported the following
items:
The Eitaikyo scroll that was stolen will possibly be replaced with
an appropriate book from the Hongwanji in Japan. Reverend
Inouye’s nephew in Japan will look into it for the church.
10/10/12 – CCDC Minister’s meeting in Fresno at 10:00 a.m.
10/10/12 –Curtis’ discussion group at 7:00 p.m.
10/12-14/12 - FBWA Conference at the Doubletree Hotel in San
Jose Reverend and Mrs. Inouye and Kaye Kozuki will attend.
10/16/12 – Caregivers Support Group meeting in Fowler at
7:00 p.m.
10/20-21/12 - Reverend Inouye will be speaking in Salinas for
an Eitaikyo Service.
10/26/12 - Reverend Inouye will attend an appreciation banquet
at CSUSan Jose in honor of Yosh Uchida, for achievement in
judo.
10/28/12 - Monthly Shotsuki Service at 10:00 a.m.
11/4/12– Sangha Gathering at 10:00 a.m.
11/17/12 – Q/A with Reverend John Iwohara @ 3:00 p.m.
11/18/12 – Eshinni/Kakushinni/November Shotsuki @ 10:00
a.m. with Reverend Iwohara
B. Maintenance Report – James Goishi reported no new items.
It was decided to have a Yard Cleanup on Saturday, November
17th
C. BWA Report – Gail Hachiya reported the following events
in addition to those dates that Reverend Inouye had reported
on: 10/27/12 – Group 2 Clean-up @ 8:00 a.m. 10/28/12 – For
the Shotsuki Service Reedley and Parlier will be in charge of
refreshments. 10/28/12 – Yard Sale Drop Off; Barbara Goto
and Denise Kusunoki are in charge. 11/3/12 – Yard Sale from
8:00-12:00. Men folk are asked to come out to help.
D. Finance Report – Dennis will contact The Mutual Fund
Store for recommendations.
E. V & P Report – Curtis reported on the first caregivers
meeting. Dr. Sheriffs did an outstanding job discussing how to
work with and care for people who are in need. The Caregivers
Support Group will meet in Fowler on Oct. 16 and Nov. 27
at the Fowler Buddhist Church at 7:00 p.m. and will be led
by Gay Mukai. There will be a V & P meeting in Reedley
on October 24th at 7:00. Everyone is welcome to come. The
Combined Service on Super Bowl Sunday will be held in
Reedley on Sunday, February 3, 2013.
F. Future Direction Planning Committee/Ministerial
Affairs – Dennis reported on the classes that Reverend
Harada is bringing to Central California. Also of note were the
meditation sessions that OCBC holds. There was discussion
about the opportunities for the MAs ranging from tokudo
to kyoshi to kaikyoshi. Curtis shed some light on the MA
program and what it was and is designed to do. Each path and
role for MAs is dependent on the goals and wishes of the MAs
and resident/supervising minister and how far they wish to go. There are over 100 certified MAs in the BCA and many of them
have continued on to the next step for their tokudo. Dennis spoke
to Ray Arifuku about making some obutsudans as gifts for new
members. At the FDP Committee meeting Kaye asked if there
was a way to help advertise to a broader range of people, not
only to the Parlier community. It was suggested to advertise in
the Reedley Exponent. It was announced that Reverend Rye will
be leaving the Fresno Buddhist Temple and moving to Virginia
shortly.
G. It was M/S by Toshie and Curtis to accept the committee
reports. Motion passed.
VI. Old Business
A. Ohigan Service went well.
B. Buddhist Education Classes with Reverend Harada was
covered – V. F. above.
C. New Members – Recruitment, gifts, recognition and dues
were discussed. Dues for the first 12 months would amount
to ½ the rate. The next 12 months would be ¾ the rate, and
the next 12 months would be at the full rate. Curtis looked
into the obutsudans at the JSC Bookstore but were somewhat
expensive.
VII. New Business
A. Burglar Alarm System – After discussion it was agreed
upon to look into the costs of such a system. There is a need
to deter would be vandals and burglars, before it is too late for
consideration. Dennis will look into the costs.
B. Reverend Rye’s Departure – It was M/S/C by Curtis and
Gail to send a monetary farewell gift.
C. Sangha Gathering – A work in progress. Curtis thanked
everyone for attending. Timing needs to be worked out. Needs
to be kept short and simple. Sensei addressed group from
the floor rather than the podium which made it up close and
personal.
D. Forum for Yonsei – Scheduled for Saturday, November
24th at 9:00 a.m. Breakfast or soup will be served. Cheryl will
work on topics and format of forum as well as call families.
BWA may be asked to call members for a count.
E. Transportation for CBE – BWA was asked to call for a
headcount to see if anyone would like to attend the classes. The church will try to organize rides for those interested. If
anyone could drive, let Dennis know. The next class will be
held at the Fresno Dharma Center on November 5th at 7:00
p.m. Parlier will host the December 5th class. The session is
entitled, “Buddhsit Views of Life and Death”.
F. Meditation – Dennis discussed the possibility of having
meditation at our Sangha Gatherings. It will be discussed at the
Future Direction Planning Committee meeting.
G. Elections – Ballots will be mailed out as soon as possible so
that elections of cabinet members can be held at the November
12th meeting. The 2012 General Meeting will be held at the
meeting in December. Information for the General Meeting
will be in the December newsletter.
H. Yard Sale – Drop of for the November Yard Sale will be
on October 28th after the monthly memorial service.
VIII. Next meeting will be on Monday, November 12th @
7:00 p.m.
IX. Adjournment – MSC by James and Glenn. The meeting
was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Gassho – Closing gassho was led by Rev. Inouye.
Respectfully Submitted,
4
buddhist women’s association
By Irene Kozuki, BWA Newsletter Writer
I hope the calm that I associate with October will
continue into November. We thank the men and women
of group 2 for cleaning and the women from Parlier/
Reedley who prepared refreshments for the October
Monthly Memorial Service and took care of the usual
activities. With meetings for the board, planning
committees, Sangha gatherings, tai chi, discussion
classes, MAP sessions, etc. the need for keeping things
clean and friendly (delicious) is appreciated often and
sincerely. The BWA has the Yard Sale coming up
on November 3 and will welcome helpers to organize
the donated items on October 28 from 1- 3 pm. Call
Denise or Barbara if you can help on either of those
days. Kaye was our delegate to the Federation BWA
Conference in San Jose and said it was very good.
We will hear about it at the BWA general meeting
scheduled for November 17 after Omigaki (everyone)
and clean up (group 3). Please attend the meeting
after. In November the BWA sponsors the annual
service in memory of Eshinni, Kakushinni and all past
BWA members. The monthly memorial service will
also be observed. We welcome Rev. John Iwohara
of the Venice Buddhist Church as our guest speaker.
On Saturday, Nov. 17 at 3 PM, there will be a Q&A
session, followed by a group dinner out. Please join
us. Many look forward to the Tofu potluck lunch we
will have after the service on Sunday. Gail H., Miyo
O., Fusa I., and Yuki G. are organizing the luncheon
that will follow the service on Nov. 18. Tobans will
be calling to get a count and some idea of what type of
food is coming. There are a couple of other interesting
activities this month:
in bringing interest and support back to our temple. It
really is a team when you think about how many times
they come, often with their adult children, each their
own talents and cooperative friends to “help out.”
They have been on hand to help with cooking chow
mein, setting up the yagura, assisting in a dharma
talk, providing entertainment or refreshments, always
helping. Curtis and Cheryl set a standard of devoting
their time, talent, and energy unselfishly toward the
continuation of activities, services, and interest in the
Parlier Buddhist Church. Curtis and Cheryl are both
teachers and leaders that add the special element of
Buddhist teachings to all they do. It’s one thing to
barbecue chicken or cook the otoki meal and another
to regularly teach the Dharma Class and attend all
the Ministerial Assistant classes on top of that. They
each provide the support of each other’s endeavors.
A masterful classroom teacher, Cheryl knows how
to motivate and maintain enthusiasm in learning
complex things and shares that expertise with Curtis.
Curtis has more leeway to take on responsibilities
that require time and his own hands-on management.
He quietly represents us in the church negotiations
and business, prepares for Dharma classes, takes care
of some maintenance chores and outreach. He is the
person who approaches visitors to our church and
welcomes them. After a full day at school, Cheryl
arrives at evening gatherings with refreshments to
share. They take the “next step” to ideas by actually
executing them. They do it all and they do it together.
Thank you to Cheryl and Curtis Koga and Happy
Thanksgiving to everyone.
Nov. 5 in Fresno at 7 PM, Rev. Harada’s lecture
– call Kaye if you need transportation, on Nov. 27, a
meeting of the caregivers support group at 7 PM in
Fowler.
Thought for the Month
That takes us right up to Thanksgiving, though
sometime soon we will plan to visit our members that
aren’t able to attend church activities. Right after the
Thanksgiving holidays, we will help host the CBE
Lecture on Monday, Dec. 3 at 7 PM.
by Mertle Masumoto
“ A bitter persimmon will
evenually turn into a
sweet persimmon.”
I want to linger on the idea of Thanksgiving a little.
It is a lead-in to speak of Curtis and Cheryl Koga and
give thanks because this team has been instrumental
5
MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE
The November Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday, November 18, 2012.
Families, as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend.
novemBER SHOTSUKI
DECEASED
MOURNER
Mrs. Haruye Mihara
63 yrs.
Mr. Arthur Mihara
Mr. Shunzo Kurokawa
54 yrs.
Ms. Arlene Kurokawa
Mrs. Ryu Kurokawa
44 yrs.
Ms. Arlene Kurokawa
Mr. Masaitsu Furumoto
48 yrs.
Mr. Roy Furumoto
Mr. Shozo Kubo
34 yrs.
Mr. Larry Kubo
Mr. Kakuichi Sunamoto
33 yrs.
Mrs. Terry Tsuji
Mr. Heiichi Sasai
32 yrs.
Dr. Steven Sasai
Mrs. Hide Yamashiro
30 yrs.
Mr. James Suehiro
26 yrs.
Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro
Mr. Kazuo Yagi
24 yrs.
Mr. Kyoichi Yagi
Mr. Shimeo Yagi
20 yrs.
Mr. Kyoichi Yagi
Mr. Shaw Yorizane
21 yrs.
Mrs. Cheryl Koga
Mrs. Sakino Nakamichi
21 yrs.
Mr. Toshiye Nakamichi
Mr. Kanichi Yoshizaki
78 yrs.
Mrs. Takako Kanemoto
Mr. Toraichi Yamada
57 yrs.
Mr. Minoru Yamada
Mrs. Shizuye Nemoto
22 yrs.
Mr. Tommy Hayashi
Mrs. Ruby Chizuko Yorizane
10 yrs.
Mrs. Cheryl Koga
Mrs. Peggy Okada
1 yr.
Mr. George Okada
Mr. Robert Kusunoki
1 yr.
Mrs. Denise Kusunoki
PARLIER BWA
YARD SALE
Saturday,
November 3rd
8:00am-Noon
6
7
8
Center
Megan Mori (559) 471-6002
Contact for tickets: Fresno Buddhist Church (559) 324-8730 or
Megan Mori (559) 471-6002
Price: $12
Contact for tickets: Fresno Buddhist Church (559) 324-8730 or
a bread roll and
a dessert!
have deep pit
greenwill
beef, lunch
*The
pilaf,
ricepit
beans,
have
deep
a bread roll and
Price: $12
Where:
Fresno Dharma beef, green
a dessert!
beans,
rice pilaf,
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
Date: December
2,2012
Fresno Dharma
Where:
Center
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
Date: December 2,2012 *The lunch will
Deep Pit Lunch
Deep Pit Lunch
CCYBA Fundraiser
CCYBA Fundraiser
Rev. Sensho Inouye....... 834-3175
Dennis Ikuta.................. 638-4962
Toshie Mori.................... 638-8614
Wes Kubo....................... 638-6758
Glenn Yoshimoto............897-1811
James Goishi.................. 638-5510
Kaye Kozuki.................. 646-2538
Gail Hachiya.................. 637-0444
Curtis Koga................... 638-4669
Julie Doi......................... 896-6354
Karen Shimizu.............. 896-0795
Glenn Nakamichi.......... 896-5240
www.bcparlier.org
upcoming DECEMber events
1
3
10
13
(Sat)
(Mon)
(Mon)
(Thu)
National Board JSC.................................
CBE in Parlier.............................7:00pm
Board Meeting.............................7:00pm
CCDC Meeting............................7:00pm
NOVEMBER
Japanese
English
DECEMBER
Japanese
English
3
10
17
24
1
8
15
22
29
Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto Rev. Kurt Rye
Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto Dr. Gene Tsukamoto
Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Kurt Rye
Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Kurt Rye
Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto
Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto
Rev. Kakei Nakagawa
Rev. Kakei Nakagawa
Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto
Dr. Gary Mukai
Rev. Kurt Rye
Rev. Kurt Rye
Mr. George Teraoka
Rev. Kurt Rye
Eshinni Memorial & Shotsuki Service
Sunday, Nov. 18 2012, at 10:00 A.M.
Speaker: Rev. John Iwohara
BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER
P.O. Box 547
Parlier, CA 93648
Minister
Church President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Maintenance
Fujinkai Presidents
Newletter Editors
Webmaster
NOVEMber Buddhist radio broadcast
kfib (am900) Saturday 7:20am
Address Service Requested
DIRECTORY OF OFFICIERS
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S POSTAGE
PARLIER, CA 93648
PERMIT #23
NovemBER
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
DONATIONS FOR THE
BUDDHIST RADIO BROADCAST
EACH BROADCAST IS $50.00
If you wish to donate, please contact Rev.
Kurt Rye of the Fresno Betsuin.
Sangha
4
Gathering
10:00am
1 Year Memorial
Service for
Robert Kusunoki
4:00pm
11
5
Rev. Harada’s
Lecture at
Fresno DC
7:00pm
12
Parlier
Board Meeting
7:00pm
18
Eshinni MS &
Shotsuki Service
w/ Rev. John
Iwohara
10:00am
25
19
V & P Meeting
Parlier
7:00pm
26
2
Parlier Class 8
Taichi
(Parlier Church)
8:00am
Welcome Center
9:15am11:30am
9
16
Omigaki 17
cleanup
Group 3 & everyone
Parlier BWA Mtg.
after clean-up
Q&A w/ Rev. John
Iwohara 3:00pm
23
24
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
Fowler 13
Classes:
Dharma Class:
10:00am
Sumi: 3:00pm
Calligraphy
1pm & 5pm
Mah Jong 14
9:00am
CCMA Mtg.
Fresno 10am
Curtis
Discussion
Class 7:00pm
Parlier Class 15
Taichi &
Welcome
Center
Fowler 20
Classes:
Dharma Class:
10:00am
Sumi: 3:00pm
Calligraphy
1pm & 5pm
21
22
Care Givers
Meeting
Fowler 7:00pm
Saturday
Parlier Class 1
Taichi
(Parlier Church)
8:00am
Welcome Center
9:15am11:30am
6
Fowler
Classes:
Dharma Class:
10:00am
Sumi: 3:00pm
Calligraphy
1pm & 5pm
Fowler 27
Classes:
(see above)
7
Friday
Parlier
BWA
Yard Sale
8am-12pm
10
CCYBA
Conference
at Fresno
8:00am
V & P Retreat &
Leadership Mtg.
7:00pm
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
Yonsei
Forum
9:00am
28
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
3
Parlier Class 29
Taichi
(Parlier Church)
8:00am
Welcome Center
9:15am11:30am
MAY PEACE AND TRANQUILITY PREVAIL THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
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