BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE February 2014 Web Edition

the Padma
BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE
February 2014
Web Edition
Our Vision
A Community Where Our Spiritual Life And True Self Can Be Realized
Our Mission
To Live A Life Of Joy In The Nembutsu And Share The Dharma With Others
the Padma
February 2014
BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Sun
2121 Channing Way, Berkeley, California 94704 (510) 841-1356
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
WEB EDITION
Fri
Sat
1
NOTE: For temple matters, please contact Rev. Matsumoto at (510) 841-1356
or leave a message on the temple answering machine.
Temple web: www.berkeleysangha.org
Temple e-mail: [email protected]
2
3
Gagaku Practice
11 am –1 pm
4
5
6
7
9:30 am Comb Dharma Family/
Shotsuki Hoyo Svc
Flower Arrangement
Workshop
10 am – 12 noon
Regular Dharma School
classes
9
10
9:30 am Nirvana Day Service
11
12
13
14
Crafts 10 am – 1 pm
Regular Dharma School
classes
Padma Articles
Due
Temple Bd Mtg
7:30 pm
16
17
9:30 am Dana Day Service
BBWA Bento Luncheon
18
Padma Newsletter
6:30 pm
19
20
21
27
28
Gagaku Practice
6 – 7:30 pm
Regular Dharma School
classes
23
24
25
9:30 am Dharma Family Svc
Crafts 10 am – 1 pm
Regular Dharma School
classes
8
BBT Bazaar Meeting
7pm @ Old Temple
26
15
Flower Arrangement
Workshop
10 am – 12 noon
22
FUTURE DATES TO REMEMBER
February 2 - Dharma Family Service & Shotsuki Hoyo
February 9 - Nirvana Day Service
February 16 - Dana Day Service; BBWA Bento Sale
February 25 - Bazaar Planning Meeting
March 2 - DFS & Shotsuki Hoyo
March 9 - DFS & Pet Memorial Service
March 16 - Spring Ohigan Service & Potluck
~ DHARMA SCHOOL ~
This is the time of year when the Temple directories
are updated. Please let Stacy Uyeda know if there are any
changes that we may have missed (phone number, e-mail
address, etc.) by sending a message to:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ LOST & FOUND ~
There are two nice black women's jackets that have been
left at the temple. One is a sports type; the other is a dressy,
boiled wool type. Both are size medium. They are in the Old
Temple in a box labeled Lost and Found. If not claimed
during the year, they will be donated to a clothing drive.
[This month we offer you another reprint from the archive of long, old articles.]
Monku-tare!
A foolish being: as expressed in the parable of the two rivers of water and fire, we
are full of ignorance and blind passion. Our desires are countless, and anger, wrath,
jealousy and envy are overwhelming, arising without pause; to the very last moment
of life they do not cease, or disappear, or exhaust themselves.1
MONKU IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE JAPANESE WORDS. It is also one of the
things I do best, and it aptly describes who I really am.
I grew up in a home where Japanese was seldom spoken, so I have very little
memory of having heard that language early on. However, three words stick out in
my mind. I suppose it's because my parents said them to me on a daily basis. The
words are ganko (stubborn), wagamama (selfish) and monku-tare (complainer). You
can see from these words what kind of child I was and what kind of person I still am.
I love to monku. I complain if it's too hot; I complain if it's too cold. If my schedule at work
is filled, I gripe about being too busy; if it's relatively clear, I whine about having nothing to do.
If my wife makes a big dinner, I tell her that I’m on a diet; if the meal is small, I ask why she's
trying to starve me.
Monku is the one thing I'm very good at. And I would guess that the same holds true for all
of us. We love to monku, don't we? We wouldn't know what to do if we couldn't complain about
something or someone. We're all bunch of monku-tare. And here's the very simple reason why:
We are human, therefore we monku.
We could also say, we monku, therefore we speak. The word itself is quite revealing.
According to the dictionary, monku doesn't just mean “complaint;" it also means, "words or
expressions." These two definitions seem to indicate that complaining and communication go
hand in hand. That is, it is not merely that we complain, using words. Rather, we invented
language, just so we could monku. The writer, Jane Wagner, apparently said it this way, "I
personally think we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain.”
To be human is to monku. We monku about everything and everybody, from the moment
we're born until the moment we die. Babies monku about being hungry; children monku about
being told what to do; parents monku about their ungrateful kids; spouses monku about each
other; the infirm monku about being ill; the elderly monku about being old; we all monku that life
is too short. If we couldn't monku, we wouldn't know what to think, say, or do. We exist,
therefore we monku. We monku, therefore we are.
And, there is also a special feature about monku that makes us love it even more. It is that I
may have a right to monku about you, but you do not have a right to monku about me. When I
point my finger at you, it because I know that I'm right. But if you dare to complain about me,
then you must be crazy, emotional, selfish, ungrateful, or just plain wrong. That's the great thing
about monku. It's based in my firmly held belief that the world revolves around me. Therefore, I
get to monku and you don't.
[continued on the next page]
[continued]
Shinran Shōnin understood this about us. Although he didn't use the word
monku-tare, he called himself and all the rest of us bonbu - foolish beings. In the
words above, he says that, from the moment we are born until the day we die, our
ignorance and desires arise without cease. We are completely wrapped up in
ourselves, thinking that the world revolves around me. I'm right and, if you don't
agree with me, you're wrong. You do things my way, or I'll monku about you until
you do. This is what we are: bonbu - foolish beings; monku-tare.
And yet, Shinran follows the words above with this phrase,
When we, who are so shameful, go a step or two, little by little, along the White
Path of the power of the Vow, we are taken in and held by the compassionate heart
of the Buddha of unhindered light.
The depth of Shinran's religious awakening is revealed here, as he talks about the life of the
nembutsu follower - a life empowered by the Buddha’s Vow and supported by the compassion of
immeasurable life.
I believe that he is saying this: I will be a monku-tare until the day I die. Yet, through the
working of Namu Amida Butsu, for the first time I become truly aware that I am a monku-tare,
and I come to see just how shameful of my existence really is. I know that it is not good to monku,
so I try as hard as I can to stop doing it. But I cannot help myself. I am, therefore I monku. I
monku, therefore I am.
And yet, with this growing sense of shame there arises a deep sense of gratitude, and I begin
to realize what it really means to be a monku-tare. All that I do is monku, monku, all of the time.
And yet, in spite of the way I am, the compassionate depth of life continues to give itself to this
monku-tare, allowing me to live, eat, breathe, work, love and be loved. Allowing me to monku.
I come to see that everyone and everything in life compassionately allow themselves to
become the objects of my monku. In this way, they allow me to awaken to my true self. They give
meaning and perspective to my life. I am able to do true monku - the thing I do best, and become
a real monku-tare - my true self. And at the same time, because my monku has become true and
real, I am able to become truly free of it for the first time. I become free from the chains of my
monku, free from my obsession with myself, free to appreciate you, all life and myself as we are,
and free to live with all beings in oneness and harmony.
Therefore, I would like to say "thank you" to everyone for allowing me to become a true
monku-tare. But then again, why should I? I mean, you wouldn't listen to me anyway, or you'd
just twist it around for your own benefit! You really don't care! You'd rather just watch TV! You
always…! You never…! You just ….! Namandabutsu, Namandabutsu, Namandabutsu.
Namu Amida Butsu
Rev. D. Matsumoto
February 2014
1
Shinran Shōnin, Notes on Once-calling and Many-calling, Collected Works of Shinran, p. 488.
PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE
In our New Year’s Dharma message, Reverend Matsumoto spoke to us about the
WOOZ Maze in Vacaville. Matsumoto-sensei discussed the pitfalls and achievements
one experiences when going through a maze. In the end, the moral of the message was
“it is not about the arrival so much as the getting there.”
As we closed 2013, we were deluged by articles titled the best/worst/most shocking/
best dressed, etc. of 2013; articles that looked back at the year. I am sure that you
reminisced about the events of the past year and thought back to how far you came and
how you grew.
Here at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple, we enjoyed many events in 2013 ourselves.
Looking back, two of our highlights included our hosting an Obon celebration that
required our dance circle to stretch the length of our Temple and, of course, our
Satsuki Bazaar that was well attended and well staffed. Although these events occur
every year, no two instances are the same, as attendees to each change. What can be
said is that the spirit of our community remains the same.
Within our Temple structure, change has occurred. Susan Gabriel, a member of our
Board for more than 14 years, has stepped away from the Board although she is still
involved with many other activities with us. Patty Fujiwara has graciously agreed to
help serve by taking Susan’s place on the Board. Lucy Hamai, after coming back to
serve as co-president, has completed her term. She will continue to serve as an integral
member of the Board. We thank Susan and Lucy for their efforts over the years and
thank Patty for taking on the responsibility of caring for our Temple. Ron and I, too,
are honored to have been asked to assist the Temple by serving as co-presidents.
We have various changes slated for the current year, including replacing windows on
the Old Temple and performing upgrades to our sound system in the Hondo. Our
Board will continue to work to make this the best Temple we can.
We are not sure where we will be at the end of this year but look forward to taking this
journey with you and ask that you join us and the Board on our excursion into the
maze that 2014 offers.
Gassho,
Takashi Nikaidoh and Ron Hiraga
BBT Co-presidents
COMBINED DHARMA FAMILY SERVICE &
SHOTSUKI MEMORIAL SERVICE
Sunday, February 2, 2014
9:30 am
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATE!
Shotsuki Hoyo Service – February
2, 2014,
9:30 AM
The following persons will be remembered during the Shotsuki Hoyo (monthly memorial
service) for February.
Toshiyo Adachi
Donald P. Delcollo
Sakuichi Egawa
Arata Fujikawa
Sawae Futatsuki
Sannosuke Hiraoka
Koichi Ichiyasu
James Asami
Hanae Doi
Amy Melissa Erickson
Sugino Fukumori
Sadako Hammonds
Chiyeko Hori
Takeko Ikeda
Ofui Baba
Shizuyo Doi
Nicholas Fernandez
Taro Fukumori
Kinji Hiramoto
Denzo Horiike
Shintaro Imazumi
Shigeichi Iwasaki
Junichi Kami
Matsuji Kikawa
Grace S. Matsuoka
Taki Morishita
Edwin A. Mutobe
Kameo Nakamura
Kozo Nitta
Faith Sasaki
Mary Hifuno Suto
Michiye Izumi
Jiro Kato
Yunosuke Kusayanagi
Mokutaro Morimoto
Uta Morishita
Sadao Nakagaki
Kujuro Nishimoto
Saki Jio
Tsuto Kawakami
Kazuo Onitsuka
Gary Hiroshi Sasaki
Hirao Tabuchi
Chiyoko Matsunaga
Emiko Morishita
Yoshitaro Morishita
Harry Y. Nakahara
Chise Nitta
Tsutano Ouye
Steve Sasaki
Shizue Tabuchi
Kenji Takamoto
Jennifer S. Tasaka
Kasumi Yonekura
Yasu Yoshiura
Shizutoshi Takeda
Ruth Uchiumi
Yoshio H. Yoshimura
Tsuneyo Takita
Ichiro Yamasaki
Nobuko Yoshiura
Note: If there are any additions, corrections or deletions to the above list, please
notify the Berkeley Buddhist Temple at 510-841-1356.
COMBINED DHARMA FAMILY SERVICE
&
SHOTSUKI MEMORIAL SERVICE
March 2, 2014
9:30 am
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATE!
Shotsuki Hoyo Service – March
2, 2014,
9:30 AM
The following persons will be remembered during the Shotsuki Hoyo (monthly
memorial service) for March.
Thomas Arima
Kimiyo S. Bloom
Satoru Fujikawa
Keiko I. Fukui
Masao Handa
James Hansen
Jinichi Hashizu
Kiyoshi Hataye
Toki Hataye
Tom T. Hataye
Shizuo Hiramoto
Sumi Irikin
Mitsue Ishizue
Thomas T. Kimura
James Kurata
Rev. Haruyoshi Kusada
Henry Kuwada
Chiyo Kuwai
Naoya Matoba
Frank T. Matsui
Shizuo Matoba
Yutaka Matoba
Glenn Matsunaga
Yoichiro Matsunaga
Seizo Mayeda
Aiko Miike
Dean Muranishi
Yukito R. Nagahisa, Sr
Frank T. Nishikai
Denji Nakabayashi
William Nakatani
Tokuo Nitta
Hayaji Oda
Kazuko Oda
Minoru Oki
Masami Oda
Misao H. Okano
Akira Okita
Chiyome Sakamoto
Etsu Sato
Judd M. Sato
Tokutaro Sato
Fusao Tagumi
Fujiye Takaha
Tametaro Takahashi
Wataru Takahashi
Akira Takemori
Haruko Takemori
Tsuneyo Tanaka
Hisayo Tasaki
Yukino Terazawa
Tomeko Tsuchihashi
Gregory Unno
Katsumi Unoki
Naoki Wakaye
Waki Wakaye
Kyo Waki
Kyujiro Waki
Mary Wakida
Tomo Watamura
Michizo Yokota
Bill Kiyoji Yokoyama
Hatsuyo Yokoyama
Takashi Yoshimura
Note: If there are any additions, corrections or deletions to the above list,
please notify the Berkeley Buddhist Temple at 510-841-1356.
My Surprise Party
By Diane Ames
“Surprise!” shouted three unnerving voices. “Happy 68th birthday!” And up from behind the furniture
sprang a jaundiced, emaciated ghoul, obviously Disease, hand in hand with her best friend and ally, the
withered hag Old Age. Death, now faceless in his stereotypic long black cape and carrying his scythe,
popped out of the closet.
“First,” I said when I caught my breath, “if you’re the Buddha’s four evils, where’s Birth?”
“Oh, she’s semi-retired because of modern obstetrics.”
“And second, it isn’t my birthday at all! My birthday’s in April!”
“Is that so?” said Old Age. “Oh dear. I guess I’m getting memory problems.”
“No matter,” said Death in an unearthly voice. “Let’s celebrate now. After all, nobody knows
whether they’ll live until their next birthday. Just ask me.”
“And it’ll be a great party!” said Disease. “See, we’ve prepared a delicious buffet made up of all
the things your doctors won’t let you eat or drink any more. And we have some very special entertainment
planned! We’ve brought in a special troupe of Mara’s demons (they’re not just for Buddhas any more)
who specialize in giving the elderly nightmares about how they’ll end up! On with the show!”
At this the obese demon Diabetes produced a vision of me on kidney dialysis. Then she ushered
in the demon Heart Disease, who showed me keeling over. The Arthritis demon did an unforgettable
imitation of me in a wheelchair. The Cancer demon waved my family tree, on which everybody on every
twig got cancer in their 70s; the Osteoporosis demon performed a skit in which I broke my hip in some
trivial fall and spent months dying slowly in a nursing home. Then they all performed the can-can around
a grave marked Diane Ames.
“Stop this morbidity!” I cried. “I’m very much alive and kicking back! I invoke the protection of
Manjusri of the 2000s, the Buddha of modern medicine!” And that cosmic Buddha appeared in his white
coat to hurl his best weapons at them: my diet sheet, my exercise program, my numerous medications,
and my stable of doctors. The demons sullenly retreated, chorusing, “You can’t win in the end! You can’t
win in the end!”
“So?” I replied. “If life’s joys have been compared to sweet berries you eat on the edge of a
crumbling cliff, I’m still determined to eat them while I can! Besides, the Buddha taught us to make the
best use we can of this precious human life, not to waste it moping because it will end.”
“And when the end comes?” said my tormentors as they sadistically unveiled a gigantic cream
cake covered with birthday candles, slathered it with whipped cream, and ate it all themselves because
it’s not allowed on my diet.
“Then I’ll need help. As long as I’m emotionally convinced I’m the center of the universe, my own
death is unthinkable. I can only hope that before I die, I will be able to realize that I’m not. And Amida, the
principle of infinite compassion, can help me to do that if I let him.”
NIRVANA DAY SERVICE
February 9, 2014
9:30 AM
Coffee social following service.
Dana Day Service
February 16, 2014
9:30 AM
Guest speaker
Rev. Dr. Daijaku Kinst
Institute of Buddhist Studies
Sponsored by Berkeley Buddhist Women's Association
Bento luncheon following service
SATSUKI BAZAAR MEETING
The 2014 annual Satsuki Bazaar planning time is here!
FIRST BAZAAR MEETING WITH BAZAAR CO-CHAIRS,
SARA JOTOKU & RUSSELL WARE
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
7 PM
in the Old Temple
All chairpersons and interested persons are asked to attend this kick-off meeting.
Berkeley Buddhist Temple expresses condolences and deep sympathy
To the Family of
Mr. Minoru Nojima
Shaku Shu Sen
April 20, 1915 - December 30, 2013
and
To the Family of
Mrs. Hisako Masunaga
Shaku Ku On
August 3, 1917 - December 31, 2013
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu
***********************************************************************
The following is a list of special service years. If you have a departed relative who has
passed away in any of the listed years and would like to make arrangements for a
memorial service, please contact Rev. Matsumoto at (510) 841-1356.
***********************************************************************
2014 MEMORIAL SERVICE SCHEDULE
YEAR
2013
2012
2008
2002
1998
1990
1982
1965
1915
SERVICE
1st Year
3rd Year
7th Year
13th Year
17th Year
25th Year
33rd Year
50th Year
100th Year
Dana Day Service and Luncheon
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Daijaku Kinst,
Institute of Buddhist Studies
Commemorating the spirit of community service and giving as exemplified by
Lady Takeko Kujo, 1887 – 1928
Sponsored by the Berkeley Buddhist Women’s Association
Please reserve obentos by February 7, 2014
---------------------------------------------------------Tear------------------------------------------------------------DANA DAY OBENTO RESERVATION FORM
NAME: __________________________________________ Phone No. ______________________
______ Qty. Adult obentos (regular)
x $10
= $____________ Qty. To Go ____
______ Qty. Adult obentos (vegetarian)
x $10
= $____________ Qty. To Go ____
______ Qty. Child obentos
x
= $____________ Qty. To Go ____
$7
Total Due:
$____________
----------------------------------------------------------Tear-------------------------------------------------------------------------BERKELEY BUDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP FORM FOR 2014
Name: ____________________________________________ Phone No.______________________
Address: __________________________________________ E-mail: ________________________
Dues:
[ ] $10.00 (under 70 years old)
[ ] $6.00 (over 70 years old)
For luncheon and membership please make check payable to Berkeley BWA and mail to:
BERKELEY BWA
Attention: Maya Murashima - Yonemura
2121 Channing Way
Berkeley CA 94704
From each member’s dues, $1.00 goes to the National Dharma School Fund and $1.00 to the National Dana Fund
Berkeley Buddhist Women’s Association
Centennial Celebration Fund Raiser
Four beautiful items have been donated to the BBWA as Raffle
Prizes: 2 Japanese Design Quilts, 1 Hand Knit “Sampler” and 1
Hand Crochet Bedspread.
The raffle drawing will be held:
Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 12:00 noon at the
Berkeley Buddhist Temple
2121 Channing Way, Berkeley CA
Donation: $5 per ticket or $20 for 5 tickets
Hand Knit Sampler Need not be present to win
To purchase or order tickets, please contact BBWA CoPresidents, Caroline Fernandez or Yuki Otake at (510) 841-1356
or by email at [email protected].
Volunteers Still Needed !
The BBWA will celebrate 100 years of gratitude on Sunday,
September 28, 2014. We have selected Buddhist Women:
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow as our theme.
Japanese Design Quilt The BBWA has reserved the El Cerrito Community Center for
our Centennial Celebration Luncheon. It is a wonderful venue,
where we have twice participated in the J-Sei Family Festival.
Japanese Design Quilt Hand Crochet Bedspread With this auspicious event just a few months away, we must begin
to prepare now. Are you a good organizer? We need people to
help with tasks such as arranging the luncheon, compiling the
commemorative booklet, publicity, typing, etc. We hope our
talented members will come forward and volunteer. You don’t
have to be a BBWA member to help! We need you to make it a
wonderful and meaningful event.
If you would like to help, please contact Caroline Fernandez or
Yuki Otake at (510) 841-1356 or by email at
[email protected]. Thank you in advance.
Please contribute to the
Berkeley Buddhist Women’s Association
Dana Day
Canned Food Drive
January 1 to February 28, 2014
Bring your non-perishable food items to the Temple for pick-up
Food will be donated to the
Alameda County Community
Food Bank
Your dana will be greatly appreciated!
TELEPHONE COORDINATORS: SUSAN GABRIEL & LENA YIN
FEBRUARY TOBAN:
Chmn:
Mimi Kagehiro
Cochairs: Susan Kajiwara, Denise Lapidus
Rosalyn Tonai & Grant Din, Janey Egawa, Masako Hayashida*, Amy & Sady Hayashida, Alan Hirahara, Yo Hiraoka*,
Shigeo Hoki*, Dina Honda, Ron & Mimi Kagehiro, Susan & Shige Kajiwara, (Barbara & Gary Kitagawa), Denise Lapidus,
Nikki Lethridge, Pam Matsuoka, Molly Momii*, Masayo Oda*, John Oshima, Tamiye Umawatari*, Shizuye & Suenobu
Yamasaki*, Liane Yasumoto*
*Denotes disabled and/or elderly – Toban duties optional.
MARCH TOBAN:
Chmn:
Vicki Chin
Cochairs: Denise Gervais, Gary Oda, Irene Wells
Vicki & Gene Chin, Arline & Alfred Chinn, Suzanne Furuya, Lorraine Nobuye & Detlev Gempf, Denise Gervais, Mari
Mayeda & Albert Kutchins, Annette Lys*, Lisa & Andy Mayeda, Amiko Mayeno, Kimi Morimoto*, Judy Nakaso, Gary Oda,
Mae Takeda*, Julia & Yosh Tokiwa*, Sam Uchiumi*, Irene & Russell Wells, Diane Furuya & Milton Wong.
*Denotes disabled and/or elderly – Toban duties optional.
*
PADMA STAFF:
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Rev. Matsumoto, Gene Chin, Pauline Fong, Susan & Al Gabriel, Lucy Hamai, Yo Hiraoka, Norman Hirose, Ellen
Jorgensen, Keiko Kawakami, Emi Matsunaga, Yuki Otake, Mae Takeda, Scott Takeda, Edythe Vassall, and Yae
Yedlosky.
FLOWER ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP
Dates & Time:
Saturdays, February 8 & 15, 2014, 10AM
Contacts: Lucy Hamai; Yufuko Kurioka <[email protected]>
What we do
We will meet twice a season to arrange flowers.
Yufuko’s background is a Sogetsu school, so the
basic principles of flower arrangement what we
will learn would be based on that tradition. Our
practice, however, is not a formal one. Our first objective is to have fun together.
We will compose arrangement using plants from
our (own/friends) gardens and regular flower
shops. And we use our own flower vases. We use
materials from our everyday life and then bring the
flower arrangement back to our everyday life.
We will learn the following: (i) how to create a
space with three branches; (ii) how to balance the
color and shape; (iii) how to remove parts to bring
a feeling of the motion to the arrangement.
What you need
Bring your own pair of gardening clippers & a flower vase.
If you have a garden, please bring:
• A few branches from your trees (willows,
pines and plum trees are great);
• Green leaves from your plants (e.g., fern,
eucalyptus -- you need green leaves);
and
• Flowers (e.g., camellia flower, nandina
shrub leaves & berries – ideally different
sizes and colors of flowers).
Don’t worry if you cannot bring any or all of these
items. We can share and Lucy and Yufuko will also
bring plants for general use.
FLOWER ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP
Donation
The fee is $5 per class. Anything that we do not
spend on flowers will be given to the Temple.
Yufuko Kurioka
Yufuko has studied the tea ceremony for 14 years
under the Yabunouchi school in Kyoto and the
Omotesenke school in the Bay Area.
She studied Flower arrangement in Kyoto with the
Sogetsu School and was awarded her instructor
certification in 2000.
She received her Jodoshinshu ordination (tokudo)
in 1998.
MAY 2014
Help us create the best Silent Auction ever! You would
like to help, but don’t know what to donate? May we make
a few suggestions? Brand-new or like-new, preferably in
its box:
Artwork: Japanese artwork, house-ware, ceramics, paintings, photographs…
Electronics: iPhone, iPod, iTunes, Wii, cell phone, MP3 player, digital camera….
Entertainment: civic light opera tickets, movie passes, Lawrence Hall of
Science…
Gift Certificates to your favorite restaurant, fun centers, spa treatment, massage...
Kitchen appliances: perhaps an unopened wedding gift?
Services or lessons: yard-work, construction, swimming, SAT, math, reading,
music………
Sporting event tickets to: As, Giants, Raiders, 49ers, Sharks, Bears, Cardinal,
tee-times at golf courses, auto-racing……….
Travel: spare frequent flyer mileage…..
Weekend Get-Away: donate your condo for a weekend in Tahoe, Reno, Hawaii,
wine country, Monterey bay…..
Contact Silent Auction Co-Chairs: Grant Din or Miki Adachi (650-573-9373)
SHOP AT SAFEWAY TO EARN MONEY FOR THE TEMPLE Renew or sign up with your Safeway Club Card today! Sign Up Your participation can mean hundreds of dollars for the Temple. • Go to eScrip.com • Click on “1‐Sign up” • Enter your Club Card number • Group ID#155954856 Renew Today* If you participated last year, renew so the Temple continues to earn contributions. • Go to eScrip.com • Click on “YES RENEW!” • Enter either your phone number, email or Club Card number *For uninterrupted contributions, you must renew annually by November 1. After November 1, you can still renew to begin earning again! Remember Effective Nov. 1, 2013, in order for your Safeway purchases to generate contributions for the Temple, you must pay using one of the following methods: • Debit Card or Safeway Gift Card • Check or SmartCheck • Cash BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE Board of Directors Meeting December 10, 2013 Attendance: Rev. David Matsumoto, Lucy Hamai, Ron Hiraga, Don Hamasaki, Emiko Katsumoto, Kiyoshi Katsumoto, Judy Kono, Dii Lewis, Miri Nikaidoh, Takashi Nikaidoh, Emi Nakao, Gary Oda, Wayne Sugihara, Russell Ware, Yuki Otake, Judy Fujimoto. Proxies: Denise Lapidus, Lena Yin. Guest: Patty Fujiwara Co‐president Ron Hiraga called the meeting to order at 7:20PM with opening gassho led by Rev. Matsumoto. Ron introduced guest Patty Fujiwara, who will begin her term as a Board Member in January 2014. NOVEMBER MINUTES: Kiyoshi Katsumoto moved to accept the November minutes; seconded by Wayne Sugihara and passed. MINISTER'S REPORT: Rev. Matsumoto presented a written report for the period 11/12‐12/10/2013, which included the following: 7 meetings; 3 consultations; 2 Family Memorial Services; 11/13 Special Class w/ IMOP ministers, JSC; 11/17 BBT Hoonko Service w/ IMOP guest speakers Rev. Sekiya & Rev. Endo; 11/22 JSC gathering; 11/23 Visit by Gov‐General Sonoki & Hongwanji officials to the BBT; 11/23 gathering w/ Hongwanji officials; 11/24 BBT DF & Shotsuki Memorial Service; 12/1 BBT Bodhi Day Service; 12/8 BBT DF & Shotsuki Memorial Service. Upcoming Events & Activities: 12/15 BBT Temple Clean‐up; 12/18 BDMA Bonenkai, SF; 12/31 BBT Joya‐e (Year End) Service; 1/1/14 BBT Shusho‐e (New Year) Service; 1/5 BBT Shotsuki Memorial Service; 1/12 BBT DFS, Installation, & New Year Party and Rev. Matsumoto @ Hoonko Service, Palo Alto BT. Rev. Matsumoto reminded the Board that in 2014 Shotsuki Memorial Services will take place on the first Sunday of each month. Guest Speakers for 2014 services include 2/16 (Dana Day) Rev. Daijaku Kinst; 3/16 (Spring Ohigan) Rev. Seigen Yamaoka; 7/13 (Obon/Hatsubon) Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara; 9/21 (Fall Ohigan/Keirokai) Rev. Masao Kodani; 10/19 (Eitaikyo) Rev. Reynold Fujikawa; 11/23 (Hoonko) Rev. Dean Koyama. In his report on the ministerial assistants, Rev. M noted that Matthew Hamasaki is studying hard in preparation for his acceptance to Ryukoku University, Kyoto, and that Elizabeth Chu has begun to serve as an assistant on occasion. TREASURER'S REPORT: Satoshi Steimetz issued a written report for 11/1 thru 11/30/2013. CORRESPONDENCE: Co‐president Lucy Hamai passed the correspondence binder as well as the sign‐up sheet to provide 2014 Board meeting refreshments. REPORTS BY AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS BBWA: Yuki Otake announced the 2014 BBWA Cabinet as follows: Co‐presidents ‐Caroline Fernandez & Yuki Otake; Vice‐president ‐
Diane Ames; Treasurer‐ Maya Murashima‐Yonemura; Recording Secretary ‐Evelyn Nakano Glenn; Corresponding Secretary‐ Sadako Delcollo; Membership ‐Fumi Matsubara; Advisor‐ Marrie Yamashita. Yuki reported that the BBWA will have a Raffle Fund Raiser with prizes including 2 Japanese design motif quilts and a hand‐crochet double bed spread. Tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. DHARMA SCHOOL: Rev. Matsumoto complimented the Dharma School on its most effective Bodhi Day program. JR. YBA: VP Noel McGuire issued a written report for November 2013 which included the following: 1) 11/3 BBT Chapter meeting ; 2) 11/2 BD Jr. YBA meeting @ San Mateo (Attendees=Maya Haruyama & Skye Nikaidoh; Advisors= Akemi Hamai & Takashi Nikaidoh); 3) 11/2 BD Jr. YBA Conference Meeting @ San Mateo; 4) 11/9 Central California Jr. YBA Conference @ Fresno (Attendees=Celeste Furuya, Maya Haruyama, Noel McGuire, Skye Nikaidoh & Akira Rouche; Advisor=Takashi Nikaidoh); 5)Community Service Projects=Food Bank with Dharma School; Asian Mental Health Services "Share the Spirit" program; J‐Sei Flavors of Spring Fund raiser; 6) Future Events= 1/11/14 BD Winter Leadership Workshop at Concord; 1/31‐2/2/14 BD Tahoe Ski Trip; 7) Future Meetings= 12/8/13 BD Jr. YBA meeting @ OBC & 12/15/13 BBT Jr. YBA meeting. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS RELIGIOUS COMMITTEE: Art Nishimura sent an updated 2014 service calendar. Rev. Matsumoto noted he will consider a videotaped Dharma Talk for 1/12/14. Also he is looking for a guest speaker for the 11/9/14 Esshini/Kakushinni Service. PLEDGE/MEMBERSHIP: Mimi Kagehiro reported that there are 235 individual pledge members. To date, 25 members have yet to pay their pledges. GARDEN MAINTENANCE: Dick Adachi and Scott Takeda are retiring from the garden staff. Ron Hiraga will ask Dick and Scott for input on setting up a duty list for maintaining the Temple grounds, and he will contact Jim Furuichi about the garden service used for the Temple apartments. The Board deeply appreciates the many hours Dick and Scott have volunteered to maintain the Temple gardens and grounds. APARTMENTS: Ron HIraga reported that the Fulton Street renovations are completed , with Milrand Builders doing wonderful work. A check was received from the Channing Way apartments. OTHER REPORTS: NEW YEAR'S SERVICE & PARTY: Ron HIraga reminded all that bento lunches need to be ordered by 12/26/13 and that the Board provides raffle prizes for the party attendees. Letters have been sent to the Temple's guests and Takashi Nikaidoh has agreed to be the master of ceremonies for the party. PHILIPPINE TYPHOON RELIEF FUND: Emiko Katsumoto reported that the Sangha generously donated $2505, which will be sent to the BCA Relief Fund. COMMEMORATIVE BOOK: Emiko Katsumoto noted that final proofing has been completed, and the file sent to the printer. She estimates that the cost to print 400 hardcover copies will be approximately $7000. CHAPEL OF THE CHIMES NICHES: Gary Oda reported that 25 people have expressed an interest in purchasing niches at the Chapel of the Chimes. Gary hopes to schedule a site visit for 1/26/14 and would like Board members to attend as well. 2014 BOARD ELECTION RESULTS: Takashi Nikaidoh reported that the seven candidates on the ballot were approved. Serving the term 2014‐2016 are new Board member Patty Fujiwara and returning members Dii Lewis, Gary Oda, Don Hamasaki, Denise Lapidus, Dina Honda, and Ron Hiraga. 2014 EXECUTIVE BOARD VACANCY: Ron HIraga announced that Judy Fujimoto is stepping down as Recording Secretary, though she will continue as a Board member. The proposed 2014 Executive Board is as follows: Co‐presidents‐ Ron HIraga & Takashi Nikaidoh; 1st VP Religious‐ Art Nishimura; 2nd VP Social‐ Lena Yin; 3rd VP Membership‐ Ron & Mimi Kagehiro; Recording Secretary‐ Emiko Katsumoto; Treasurers ‐Satoshi Steimetz & Kiyoshi Katsumoto; Finance‐ Eric Lindquist; Auditor‐Dennis Sakurai. Lucy Hamai moved to accept this Board slate; seconded by Judy Kono. Emiko Katsumoto clarified that she will serve as Recording Secretary for one year only. Lucy Hamai moved to accept the Board slate with Emiko's length of term amendment; seconded by Judy Kono and passed. BDC & BCA MEETINGS: Lucy Hamai reported the following: 1) The next BDC meeting will take place on 1/23/14 at the BBT, with Emi Nakao and Judy Fujimoto preparing the 6:30 PM dinner for the attendees. 2) The 2014 BCA assessment is $107.25 per Temple member, which is paid in quarterly installments. 3) The YAC conference for high school age students takes place 1/24‐1/26 at the JSC. 4) The Pacific Seminar and the Ministers Fuken will both take place at the JSC. 5) The BCA has sent out a combined Social Welfare and Sustaining Membership donation request letter to members. BCA NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING: The next meeting will take place from 2/28‐3/1/14 in Bellevue, WA. The BBT officially sends Rev. Matsumoto and Co‐presidents Hiraga and Nikaidoh. However, Lucy Hamai also encourages other interested members to attend as important issues are discussed that affect not only the BCA but Buddhism nationally. NEW BUSINESS 2014 E‐SCRIP CHANGES: Emiko Katsumoto reported that only debit cards or cash may be used for E‐scrip purchases; credit cards are no longer accepted. Also, participating organizations are no longer required to donate a percentage of their E‐scrip monies to a nutrition program. TEMPLE CAMPING TRIP: Mike Nagamoto and Dina Honda are planning to revive the BBT Camping Trip tentatively scheduled for August 1‐3, 2014. TAIKO CLASS: The Board gave permission to Lucy Hamai to form an Ad Hoc Committee to explore organizing a BBT taiko class. Joining Lucy on this committee are Dii Lewis, Patty Fujiwara, and Wayne Sugihara. Rev. Matsumoto will be an advisor. YAC CONFERENCE: The Board approved Judy Kono's request on behalf of YAC to hold an Iron Chef Contest in the Social Hall on January 25, from 4‐7PM. YAC is responsible for setting up their event and cleaning up after it. MINISTER'S SALARY ADJUSTMENT 2014: Rev. Matsumoto excused himself from the meeting. Kiyoshi Katsumoto moved to table discussion of the minister's salary and benefits until the January meeting; seconded by Wayne Sugihara and passed. Thank you to Emiko and Kiyoshi Katsumoto for ordering and picking up the obento dinners from Tokyo Fish. Thank you to Don and Joanie Hamasaki for the holiday candy treats, to Yuki Otake for the strawberry manju, and to Emi Nakao and Emiko Katsumoto for the tangerines. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40PM with closing gassho led by Kiyoshi Katsumoto. Respectfully submitted by Judy Fujimoto Please contact a Board member is further clarification of these minutes is required. Pledged members through December 29, 2013
The following members have pledged in amounts ranging from $150.00 to $1000.00. Amounts are not
intended to correspond to the alphabetical listing below. Pledges sent in after this date, may not have
yet been processed and any omissions will be published in subsequent issues upon advisement. The
temple gratefully acknowledges your generous contributions and thanks you for your dana and
understanding.
Suzanne Furuya
Scott Hortstein & Antonia Glenn
Toshiko Iwata
Robert Kaneko & Cathleen Jones
Takashi Nikaidoh & Miri OConnor
Dennis & Alberta Tsuchida
Yasuyo Wolfe
Pledged members for 2014
Kiyoshi & Emiko Katsumoto
Eric & Mary Lindquist
Masnsurali Nurmuhammad &
Nurjehan Gulamhussein
Harold & June Sano
Edythe Vassall
Russell & Amy Ware
Thank you to all temple members for your generous and continued support!
For any questions, please call Ron & Mimi Kagehiro (510-841-1356) or email [email protected]
2140 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 510.809.1460 www.BuddhistChurchesofAmerica.org
IBS RYUKOKU LECTURE SERIES
Guest Speaker: Prof. Nobuhiro
Fukagawa
“Issues in Jodo Shinshu Propagational Studies”
Wed., March 19 & Thurs. March 20, 2014 6 pm - 9 pm
Jodo Shinshu Center - Berkeley, CA
Free and Open to the Public
For IBS course offerings & news, please visit: shin-ibs.edu
THE INSTITUTE OF BUDDHIST STUDIES & BCA CENTER FOR BUDDHIST EDUCATION PRESENT
PACIFIC SEMINAR - 21ST CENTURY 2014
SPRING SESSION:
The Benefits of a Life of Shinjin
Guest Speaker: Prof. Nobuhiro
Fukagawa
Department of Shin Buddhist Studies, Ryukoku University, Kyoto, Japan
Resident Minister, Sainen-ji Temple, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Saturday, March 22, 2014
9 am - 4 pm
Gardena Buddhist Church 1517 West 166th Street, Gardena, CA
Seminar sessions in Japanese and English
Prof. Fukagawa will present his keynote presentation in Japanese with an English translation by Rev. Mutsumi Wondra. The
afternoon schedule will include:
 A second lecture in Japanese by Prof. Fukagawa, moderated by Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara, CBE Co-Director.
 A lecture in English by Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto, Director, IBS Center for Contemporary Jodo Shinshu Studies, moderated by Rev. Marvin Harada, CBE Co-Director and Resident Minister, Orange County Buddhist Church.
 A dialogue with Prof. Fukagawa conducted in Japanese and English.
The registration fee of $30 includes lunch, and is due by March 8. Online registration and other details can be found online at
www.BuddhistChurchesofAmerica.org (click on CBE). BCA Southern District members are urged to register through their
respective temple; contact Rimban William Briones: email: [email protected] or phone: (213) 680-9130. For general information, call CBE at (510) 809-1460 or email: [email protected]. This seminar is presented by the Institute of Buddhist Studies
(www.shin-ibs.edu) and the Buddhist Churches of America Center for Buddhist Education (CBE). It is graciously hosted by the
Southern District Ministers Association and Buddhist Education Committee.
PACIFIC SEMINAR - 21ST CENTURY 2014
SUMMER SESSION:
Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 6, 2014
Sea of Suffering, Ocean of Compassion
at the Jodo Shinshu Center, Berkeley, CA
Keynote Speakers: Rev.Tetsuo Unno & Prof. Mark Unno
Honored Guests: Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno & Mrs. Alice Unno
More information coming soon at www.BuddhistChurchesofAmerica.org
J-Sei NEWS
Join us for our 23rd Annual Crab Feed on
Sunday, February 9 at the El Cerrito Community
Center located at 7007 Moeser Lane. Early seating
is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Late seating is from 5:30 to
7 p.m. Takeout is available from 4 to 6 p.m.
We also will honor Sakura Kai for its 40-year
history of providing lifelong learning, health
promotion, and growth of Japanese-American
culture and traditions. The impact of Sakura Kai
Senior Center spans many decades and has
enriched the lives of approximately 1,000 people.
Contact the J-Sei office for dinner tickets: $40 in
advance, $45 at the door; children 12 and under
$15. A raffle drawing for $500 cash or a twonight stay in Monterey with a Monterey Bay
Aquarium Pass will be the grand prize. Drawing
Tickets: $2 each or $10 for six tickets. Be sure to
order your tickets today!
Make checks payable to J-Sei and mail them to:
J-Sei, 2126 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
or email [email protected].
PAID CAREGIVERS NEEDED
Did you know that J-Sei has a caregiver registry
that matches home care workers with older adults
who need assistance in their home? If you are
looking for paid work as a caregiver and have
experience working with older adults, you make
want to join our registry.
Call Miyuki at (510) 848-3560 for more
information.
FLAVORS OF SPRING
Flavors of Spring is J-Sei’s NEW signature event.
Join us on Friday, April 11, 2014 for an evening of
delightful tastes and sips from Bay Area
restaurants,
caterers,
wineries,
and
microbreweries.
Live music throughout the historic Julia Morgandesigned Berkeley City Club will provide the
perfect ambiance for a grown-up Friday night.
Individual tickets are $75, with sponsorship
opportunities also available. We expect over 300
people to join us for this lively event.
We are asking community members to put us in
touch with anyone in the food, wine, and beer
industry who would like to host a tasting station at
this wonderful event. Also, we are looking for
business sponsors who would gain great exposure
from this event.
Please call Diane at (510) 848-3560 with your
contact!
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
The J-Sei YAB is the latest investment in youth to
bridge our younger and senior generations. The
2014 J-Sei YAB will be the second year of
building individual youth skills with community
service opportunities. Community service
projects occur year-round. Students can
participate in one or many of the activities that
take place throughout the year. Give a few hours a
year or a few hours every month!
Please call Diane at (510) 848-3560 for more
information.
Services And Information
Berkeley Buddhist Temple
Services
Visitor Information
Our regular Sunday program begins with a Family
Service at 9:30am. A Dharma talk is available after the
Family Service while Dharma School classes are
convened for students.
Please feel free to ask any of our greeters for
information. We are here to assist you with whatever
level of participation you may be seeking.
Special Services
January 1
Shusho-e
February 9
Nehan-e
March 16
Ohigan
April 6
Hanamatsuri
May 11
Gotan-e
July 13
Kangi-e
September 21
Ohigan
November 16
Hoonko
December 7
Jodo-e
December 31
Joya-e
New Year's Day Service
Nirvana Day
Spring Equinox
Flower Festival
Birthday of Shinran
Obon
Autumn Equinox
Shinran Shonin Memorial
Bodhi Day
Year End Service
A Shotsuki Hoyo (Monthly Memorial) Service is held the
first Sunday of each month.
Whether you are here to satisfy a slight interest or to
make a more personal connection, we wish you well and
hope that you will be visiting us again soon.
Membership Information
Membership is open to all who view our Temple as their
religious home and seek the Buddha-Dharma.
To join, complete a membership form, have your name
entered on the membership roll and support the Temple
through a pledge and participation.
To inquire about becoming a member, please speak with
our Membership Chair or Minister.
Dharma School
Our Dharma School (Sunday School) has classes from
preschool through high school. Our teachers are happy
to discuss the appropriate level of spiritual enrichment
for your child.
Monthly Discussions
In our discussions, we strive to experience the BuddhaDharma with our entire selves – with our bodies (quiet
sitting and other forms of meditation), voices (chanting
and other liturgy) and minds (study and discussion).
Our sessions focus on ways in which Buddhist teaching
and practice can impact our everyday lives. Each session
will take up a different topic and so you are welcome to
attend any or all sessions.
All interested persons are welcome to attend. Please
invite your friends! We hope to see you!
Berkeley Buddhist Temple
2121 Channing Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
10:00am – 1:00pm
Phone: 510-841-1356
email: [email protected]
web: www.berkeleysangha.org