OSONO MIKAWA-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
October 2012
OSONO MIKAWA-MYOKONIN
Rev. Sensho Inouye
Shinran Shonin classifies all teachings taught by Shakyamuni Buddha into Four. 1. Verticalgradual 2. Vertical-transcendental 3. Crosswise-gradual 4. Crosswise-transendental.
The Vertical means to attain the Buddhahood by going up fiftythree stages step by step through
the betterment of self. The Crosswise means to be born into Amida Buddha’s Pure Land as you
are. The gradual means to progress step-by-step, and the Transcendental means to transcend the
step-by-step process.
The Jodo Shinshu teaching is the Crosswise-transcendental teaching. The essential core of
this Jodo-Shinshu is clearly stated in the Chapter No. one of the Tannisho. It says:
“When we believe that we are to be born in the Pure Land being saved by Amida Buddha’s
inconceivable Vow, there rises up within us the desire to utter the Nembutsu. At that moment we
share the benefit of ‘being embraced and not forsaken’. We should know that Amida’s Original
vow does not discriminate whether one is young or old, good or evil, and that Faith alone is of
supreme importance, for it is the vow that seeks to save the sentient beings burdened with grave
sins and fiery passions.”
Therefore, if we have Faith in the Original Vow, No other good is needed because there is
no good surpassing the Nembusu, nor should evil be feared, because there is no evil capable or
obstructing Amida Buddha’s Original Vow.”
The Myokonins really appreciated this Nembutsu teaching. Moreover, their daily life lived
in the gratitude to the Amida Buddha’s compassion, gave the influence on the other people also.
Hearing from the myokonin is one of the means for us to understand the Jodo Shinshu Teaching.
Myokonin Osono’s friend, one day, asked her”Would you answer one question about Shinjin?”
Osono simply replied, “There is nothing to consider, or even to talk about. Amida Buddha has
already confirmed our birth into the Pure Land.”
Thank you, Osono-san, for showing us the essential core of Jodo Shinshu in the simple way.
Namu Amida Butsu
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TEMPLE
The Buddhist Church of Parlier would like to extend our
appreciation to the following for their generous donations
Mr. & Mrs. Shiz Kimura
MEMBERSHIP DUES:
Mrs. Natsuko Kimura
Ohigan........................................................................................... $20.00
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Guerra
DONATIONS by ISSEI MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND MEMBERS:
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Tsuji............................. $500.00
DONATIONS for MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE:
Mrs. Sumiko Ebisuda...............................$20.00
Mr. & Mrs. James Goishi.........................$20.00
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Guerra........................$25.00
Mrs. Kikuye Hirakawa.............................$20.00
Mrs. Takako Kanemoto............................$20.00
Mrs. Jean Kobashi....................................$20.00
Mr. Kay Kobashi......................................$25.00
Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Koga...........................$50.00
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Koga.............................$50.00
Mrs. Denise Kusunoki.............................$40.00
Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Miyakawa.......................$50.00
Mr. & Mrs. Yuki Mori....................................$25.00
Mrs. Toshiye Nakamichi................................$20.00
Mrs. Miyo Ohara...........................................$20.00
Mrs. May Takata............................................$20.00
Mr. Frank Yokoyama.....................................$20.00
Ms. Akiko Yorizane.......................................$20.00
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Yoshimoto........................$20.00
Mr. Kaz Yoshimoto........................................$20.00
Mr. & Mrs. John Yukawa...............................$20.00
OBONDONATION:
Ms. Setsuko Yotori...................................$20.00
THOUGHTS FROM THE SANGHA
By Curtis Koga
As we age, encounter major life events, or face our own mortality, often we search for things. We may ask questions
– “What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life?” I know, I know, no one asks questions
like these. Maybe the questions you ask yourselves are more like “How can I better handle life? How can I be happy?
What has life got in store for me? How can I win at the casino?”
Wouldn’t it be nice to know how to be truly happy? I know everyone has challenges and life can be a bumpy road.
I also know everyone wants to be able to better handle the challenges and bumps in the road. Believe it or not, our
Jodo Shinshu Tradition has some answers to our questions (excluding the one about how to win at the casino). How
do we find answers? One way is to seek a better understanding of our tradition. To that end, the Center for Buddhist
Education will be coming to our Central California District to provide opportunities to learn more about the interaction
of Buddhism and our everyday lives. Rev. Marvin Harada, resident minister of the Orange County Buddhist Church
and Co-Director of the Center for Buddhist Education, will be offering classes at various temples throughout our
Central California District. The classes are on the first Monday of each month. All the classes will be from 7:00 pm
to 8:30 pm. The first class will at the Fowler Buddhist Church on Oct. 1. (See the schedule in the newsletter. There is
a class scheduled in Parlier in December). Buddhism and especially our Jodo Shinshu tradition can be such a rich and
meaningful part of life. If you are looking for insights that can help you in your day-to-day life, why not try one of these
classes. Rev. Harada is an excellent teacher and the classes will be well worth your time. If you need a ride, call me at
(618-1528) and we’ll arrange something.
In addition, there are other opportunities to learn and experience the Buddha Dharma at our Central California
temples. There is a list of these classes with dates, time, and subjects in the newsletter. The classes at the various
temples are open to everyone.
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Buddhist Education Program
Lectures, Classes, Discussions, Meditation and Dharma Talks
Fall 2012 Schedule
Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) Center for Buddhist Education (CBE),
in conjunction with the Central California District
Lectures
CBE Monthly Monday Evening Lectures - 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Suggested Donation $5
October 1 – “Life of the Buddha and its Meaning for Us Today”
Rev. Marvin Harada, Co-director, CBE
Buddhist Church of Fowler
210 S. 9th St., Fowler, CA 93625, Tel. 559-834-2077
November 5 – “Fundamental Teachings of Buddhism”
Rev. Marvin Harada, Co-director, CBE
Fresno Betsuin Dharma Center
2690 E. Alluvial Ave., Clovis, CA 93611, Tel. 559-442-4054
December 3 – “Buddhist Views of Life and Death”
Rev. Marvin Harada, Co-director, CBE
Buddhist Church of Parlier
360 Newmark Ave., Parlier, CA 93648, Tel. 559-646-2864
Last Wednesday of the month - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
October 24 and Nov. 28, “Introduction to Buddhism” with Rev. Kurt Rye
Fresno Betsuin Dharma Center (see address above)
Buddhist Discussions in English
Second Wednesday of the month - 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Buddhist Church of Parlier
360 Newmark Ave., Parlier, CA 93648, Tel. 559-646-2864
Tuesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 23, Nov. 6, 13, 27, Dec. 4, 11 - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Question and Answer Sessions with Rev. Kakei Nakagawa
Fresno Betsuin Dharma Center
2690 E. Alluvial Ave., Clovis, CA 93611, Tel. 559-442-4054
Meditation for Beginners
Fridays, October 19, Nov. 9, 16, 30, Dec. 14, 21 - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Led by Rev. Kakei Nakagawa
Fresno Betsuin Dharma Center
2690 E. Alluvial Ave., Clovis, CA 93611, Tel. 559-442-4054
Dharma Talks in Japanese (日本語での法話)
Third Sunday of the month, 1:00 p.m. by Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto
Reedley Buddhist Church
2035 15th St., Reedley, CA 93654, Tel. 559-638-2146
Dharma Class in Japanese (佛教、真宗、写経)
Every Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon by Rev. Sensho Inouye
Buddhist Church of Fowler
210 S. 9th St., Fowler, CA 93625, Tel. 559-834-2077
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BOARD MEETING september 10, 2012
By Kaye Kozuki, Acting Secretary
The Parlier Buddhist Church Board meeting was this month.
called to order by Dennis Ikuta on Sept 10, 2012. There was no report from Publications.
Gassho was led by Rev. Inouye.
Finance: Dennis made the quarterly report on the
Those in attendance were: Dennis Ikuta, James Issei Memorial and the Investment accounts. Both
Goishi, Curtis & Cheryl Koga, Gail Hachiya, accounts have good gains for this quarter.
Glenn Yoshimoto, Steve Sasai, Toshie & Yuki V & P: Calvin reported that the Vintage Garden
Mori, Rev. Inouye, Neil Okino, Calvin Doi, and Open House and Tour was a success. Many people
Kaye Kozuki.
attended. On Sept 18, Fowler will host a Care
The Aug. 13 minutes were read and approved.
Givers Support meeting with Dr. Alex Sherriff, a
Treasurer’s Report:
Glenn went over the geriatric specialist, as the guest speaker. After, there
Treasurer’s report for Sept. Toshie made a motion will be a discussion led by Gay Mukai.
to accepted the report and James seconded. Motion Motion to accept these reports was made by Steve
carried.
and seconded by Curtis, motion carried.
Minister’s Report:
Old Business: Discussed new member dues and
9/12 – CC Minister’s Meeting
what to include in the welcome packages to give to
new members. Dennis is looking into having a small
- Curtis’s Discussion Group to meet
9/15 – Rev. Inouye going to Dinuba Buddhist Church obutsudan constructed.
New Business: A. Sangha Gathering is the new
for a Service
9/16 – Movie “Hula Girl’s” to be shown at Parlier name for our added monthly get togethers scheduled
for the first Sunday of each month. Some of the
Buddhist Church with curry luncheon following
activities that will be incorporate are: short dharma
9/18 – Care Giver Support Group with Dr. Alex talks by the minister assistants, explanations of the
Sherriffs, geriatric specialist as the guest speaker
naijin, sutras, chanting, stories and games for the
9/20 - CCDC Meeting in Fowler
youngsters. The Board is hoping that everyone will
come to these new activities at the church.
9/22 – Q & A with Rev. Laverne Sasaki at 3p
9/23 – Ohigan/ Monthly Memorial Service with B. To promote Buddhist Education and the MAP
training, Rev. Harada co-director of CBE (Center
Rev. Laverne Sasaki as the guest speaker
9/30 – Nembutsu Seminar with “Chanting” as the for Buddhist Ed) will be coming every month to have
Sangha gatherings at different temples throughout
topic of discussion, lunch following
CC. They will be held on the first Monday of
10/1 – Rev. Harada to speak in Fowler to the
every month starting at 7p. Everyone is welcome to
Sangha 7-8:30pm followed by class for Ministers
attend and there will be a charge of $5 per session.
Assistants
Training classes will be held for the minister
10/7 – Family Day at the Parlier Buddhist Temple
assistants following the gatherings from 8:30p. The
The Oct. Monthly Memorial Service will be first gathering will be Oct 1, 2012 in Fowler. Parlier
changed to Oct 28 instead of Oct 21.
will host in Dec 2012 and June 2013.
BWA: Kaye thanked the ladies and men of Group 3 C. Our church showed the Japanese movie “Hula
for cleaning the church in Aug. They gave the stove Girls” for its member with a delicious chicken katsu
special attention and now it glistens. Group 1 will curry luncheon cooked by Sho Higuchi on Sept
be cleaning on Sept 22 instead of Sept 15.
16. He finished the luncheon with shave ice for
The Ohigan/Monthly Memorial Service will be everyone.
held on Sept 23 with Rev. Laverne Sasaki as the Steve made a motion to adjourn and James seconded.
guest speaker. It will be followed by an autumn Gassho was led by Rev. Inouye.
lunch planned by Kathy Yano and Christine Goss. Next meeting: Oct. 8, 2012
There is a $5 charge. Thank you to Fusa Ishimura
for providing the refreshments for the board meeting Respectfully, Kaye Kozuki
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buddhist women’s association
By Irene Kozuki, BWA Newsletter Writer
The expected cooler weather we associate with
the Fall Ohigan was slow to arrive, but maybe it
just seemed warm because of the many activities.
There were various meetings to plan for the future,
interesting sessions sponsored by the Vision and
Preservation Committee and the Betsuin, Tai Chi
class resumed back at the church social hall, and the
Welcome Center continues to provide fellowship.
Thank you to Cleaning Group 1 and the men that
helped clean the church on September 22. Everything
was clean and ready for the Q&A session with our
guest speaker Rev. LaVerne Sasaki and the service
and lunch the following day. We appreciate the lunch
arranged by Christine Yano-Goss and Kathy Yano
with Gail Hachiya helping. Desserts were made by
Gail Kozuki, Lynne Yoshimoto, Lynda Okino and
Gail H. We thank Sue Sasa for her donation of 14
boxes of foil wrap. It comes in handy for wrapping
sandwiches and taking leftovers home.
- please come to the first Sangha Gathering at the
Parlier Church on Sunday, October 7. Details will
follow, but save the date and inform your families. A
few more notices: The October monthly memorial
service will be held on October 28 instead of Oct.
21. However, cleaning group 2 will still clean on
Sat. October 20. Refreshments will come from the
Parlier/Reedley districts. The drop-off for yard
sale items will be October 28 from1-3 PM. The yard
sale is the following Saturday, November 3, from 8
AM – noon.
I want to pick up where I left off in June thanking
some of our members who do so many things for the
church behind the scenes. James Goishi deserves to
be in the spotlight all by himself. He is the “Go to
Man” for any questions about the church property
itself or any of the activities that are associated with
it. Not only is he the hands-on problem solver who
makes repairs or calls the right people to fix what he
can’t, but he represents us at the CC and BCA level and
offers wise advice about how to get things done. Not
limited to being an administrator or board member,
he is the active member who rolls up his sleeves and
picks up the paint brush, or the BBQ tongs, or the
screwdriver, and his ojuzu and makes the Buddhist
Church of Parlier a temple that defies the odds and
remains a happy, active, harmonious place to gather
with others to know the compassion of our sangha.
You may not have heard about the break-ins the church
has sustained in the past few months. The first person
we call is James. James makes the assessment of
damage and fixes the broken window or replaces the
locks. I suppose he makes the police report and notifies
the insurance company as well. We take advantage of
his experience and thoroughness. On top of all the
responsibilities he assumes for us and the church,
he managed to visit his elderly mother nearly every
day, spending meaningful time in service to others.
We are very, very lucky that James remains able to
continue all his good work. There are a multitude of
things he has done over the years and all of us can
probably contribute many more instances. I want to
thank James for what I believe he did personally for
me – those clever table lifters made of PVC pipe help
us work comfortably without back pain at the folding
tables when we chop and slice food. It’s just an
example of the kindness he shows us in his own way.
I truly believe “we couldn’t do it without James.”
Having a movie followed by lunch in September
was a fun activity for us. Thanks to the efforts and
technological expertise of Cheryl and Curtis Koga,
we had excellent projection. “Hula Girls” is an
enjoyable story with which one could draw parallels
to our own situations. Thank you to Kaye Kozuki for
loaning us her DVD. We benefited from the talents
of volunteer chef Sho Higuchi for a lunch in keeping
with the movie’s setting. The chicken katsu curry
was delicious and came with the perfect condiments.
Since it was a warm day, the Hawaiian shave ice really
hit the spot, and it was nice to see the young children
of the temple community help out with taking orders
and serving the shave ice so that our older members
wouldn’t have to stand in a line to get theirs. Thank you
to Sho and all who helped and those who attended. It
was good to see friends from outside the area (Selma,
Diamond Bar, Fresno) there to join us.
On the first Monday of every month, from 78:30 PM, Rev. Harada of the Center for Buddhist
Education will speak at rotating temples of CC. The
first one will be on Oct. 1 at the Fowler church.
There will be a $5 charge. Rev. Harada believes
that Buddhist education is so important that he is
bringing Buddhist education to us rather than having
us go to the CBE in Berkeley. Another ongoing
event, a Caregiver Support Group, will meet on
the 3rd Tuesday of the month. If someone needs
a ride for either of these continuing meetings, call
Kaye Kozuki. And something new for our members
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MONTHLY MEMORIAL SERVICE
The October Shotsuki Service will be on Sunday, October 28, 2012.
Families, as well as all members and friends are encouraged to attend.
OCTOBER SHOTSUKI
DECEASED
MOURNER
Mrs. Miyoko Yoshimoto
56 yrs
Mr. Kazumi Yoshimoto
Mr. Alan Kiyoshi Miyakawa
52 yrs
Mr. Kelvin Miyakawa
Mrs. Yoshi Masuda
48 yrs
Mrs. Ellen Tsudama
Mr. Hatsuno Tanaka
44 yrs
Mrs. Timo Watamura
43 yrs
Mr. Bill Watamura
Mrs. Masako Sanada
39 yrs
Mr. James Nakao
39 yrs
Mrs. Yoshiye Nakao
29 yrs
Mrs. Kasumi Suehiro
38 yrs
Mrs. Matsuko Suehiro
Mrs. Shime Saito
34 yrs
Mr. Yshichiro Nakadachi
57 yrs
Mr. Alan Nakadachi
Mr. Masaki Ohara
41 yrs
Mrs. Miyo Ohara
Mrs. Tami Ohara
30 yrs
Mrs. Miyo Ohara
Mr. James Noboru Kozuki
16 yrs
Mrs. Irene T. Kozuki
Mrs. Sada Yamamoto
17 yrs
Mr. Jimmie Yamamoto
Mr. Muneo Nakamura
13 yrs
Ms. Gail Nakamura
Mrs. Momi Miyakawa
8 yrs
Mr. Kelvin Miyakawa
Mrs. Mary Sachiko Okubo
7 yrs
Mr. Warren Okubo
Mrs. Chiyoko Kurokawa
7 yrs
Ms. Arlene Kurokawa
Mr. Masanobu Kimura
6 yrs
Mrs. Sawaye Kimura
Mrs. Fumiye Yamanaka
1 yr
Mr. Tom Yamanaka
PARLIER BWA
YARD SALE
Drop-off: Sunday, Oct. 28th
1:00pm-3:00pm
YARD SALE
Saturday, November 3rd
8:00am-Noon
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DIRECTORY OF OFFICIERS
Minister
Church President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Maintenance
Fujinkai Presidents
Newletter Editors
Webmaster
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
september Buddhist radio broadcast
kfib (am900) Saturday 7:20am
OCTOBER
Japanese
6
13
20
27
Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto
Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto
Rev. Kakei Nakagawa
Rev. Kakei Nakagawa
NOVEMBER
Japanese
3
10
17
24
English
Mr. Rod Hata
Rev. Kurt Rye
Dr. Gordon Misaki
Rev. Kurt Rye
English
Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto Rev. Kurt Rye
Rev. Hidehito Sakamoto Dr. Gene Tsukamoto
Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Kurt Rye
Rev. Kakei Nakagawa Rev. Kurt Rye
upcoming november events
(Mon)
(Mon)
(Sat)
(Sat)
(Sun)
CBE Fresno Dharma Center.....7:00pm
Board Meeting.............................7:00pm
Q/A with Rev. John Iwohara......3:00pm
Church Cleanup.......................... 8:00am
Eshinni/Kakushinni Service..... 10:00am
October Shotsuki Service
Sunday, Oct. 28 2012, at 10:00 A.M.
Speaker: Rev. Sensho Inouye
BUDDHIST CHURCH OF PARLIER
P.O. Box 547
Parlier, CA 93648
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12
17
17
18
Address Service Requested
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S POSTAGE
PARLIER, CA 93648
PERMIT #23
OCTOBER
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
Lectures by
Rev. Marvin
Harada at
Fowler B.C.
7:00pm
7
8
Parlier
Board Meeting
7:00pm
Dharma
Gathering
10:00am
14
15
(Cont.) FBWA
Conference
in San Jose
21
Yard Sale
Drop Off
1:00pm
2
Fowler
Classes:
Dharma Class:
10:00am
Sumi: 3:00pm
Calligraphy
1pm & 5pm
9
Fowler
Classes:
Dharma Class:
10:00am
Sumi: 3:00pm
Calligraphy
Fowler 16
Classes:
(See Above)
Care Givers
Support
Group 7:00pm
22
Sensei to
Salinas B.C.
Eitaikyo
Shotsuki 28
Service
10:00am
Wednesday
29
Fowler 23
Classes:
Dharma Class:
10:00am
Sumi: 3:00pm
Calligraphy
1pm & 5pm
Fowler 30
Classes:
Dharma Class:
10:00am
Sumi: 3:00pm
Calligraphy
1pm & 5pm
Thursday
3
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
Parlier Class 4
Taichi
(Parlier Church)
8:00am
Welcome Center
9:15am11:30am
Friday
5
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
Parlier Class 18
(see above)
12
13
42nd FBWA Conference
in San Jose
19
20
26
27
Welcome Center
9:15am11:30am
24
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
31
Fowler
Class:
Mah Jong
9:00am
6
MAP in Berkeley (Thur-Sat)
Mah Jong 10
Parlier Class11
9:00am
Taichi
(Parlier City Park)
CCMA Mtg. @
8:00am
Fresno 10:00am
Welcome Center
Curtis
9:15amDiscussion Class
11:30am
7:00pm
17
Saturday
Parlier Class25
Taichi
(Parlier City Park)
8:00am
Welcome Center
9:15am11:30am
Church
Cleanup
Group 2
8:00am
DONATIONS FOR THE
BUDDHIST RADIO BROADCAST
EACH BROADCAST IS $50.00
If you wish to donate contact Rev. Rye at
the Fresno Betsuin: (559) 442-4054
DIVERSITY IN ONENESS, ONENESS IN DIVERSITY