BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE September 2013 Web Edition

the Padma
BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE
September 2013
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
September 2013
BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Sun
2121 Channing Way, Berkeley, California 94704 (510) 841-1356
Mon
1
Tues
Wed
2
WEB EDITION
Thurs
3
4
Fri
5
Sat
6
NO SERVICES
Gagaku Practice
11 am –1 pm
8
9:30 am
9
11
12
Crafts
10 am -1 pm
13
14
15
16
Dharma Family Service
First Dharma School
Class of the Year
Taige-kai: Temple
Etiquette
22
Padma Articles Due
Temple Bd Mtg
7:30 pm
J-Sei Family Festival
at El Cerrito Community Center
9:30 am
10
Dharma Family Service
No Dharma School Class
Sangha Icebreaker in Courtyard
9:30 am
7
17
Padma Newsletter
6:30 pm
23
Combined Dharma
Family/ Fall Ohigan
Service
24
18
19
20
21
26
27
28
Gagaku Practice
6 – 7:30 pm
25
Crafts
10 am – 1 pm
Potluck luncheon following service
29
9:30 am Combined Dharma
Family/Shotsuki Hoyo
Service
30
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]
FUTURE DATES TO REMEMBER
September 1 - No Service
September 8 - DFS; Sangha Ice-breaker
J-Sei Family Festival @ El Cerrito
Community Center
September 15 - Taige-Kai; Dharma School Starts
September 22 - Fall O-Higan Service & Potluck
Luncheon
September 29 - DFS & Shotsuki Hoyo
October 20 - Eitaikyo Service
October 27 - DFS & Shotsuki Hoyo
TELEPHONE COORDINATORS: SUSAN GABRIEL & LENA YIN
SEPTEMBER TOBAN:
Chmn:
Judy Kono
Cochairs: Emily Ushijima, Patty Fujiwara, Wes Fukumori
Ryoichi & Michiko Anzai, Wes & Julie Fukumori, Patty Fujiwara & Carl Wilmsen, Jim Furuichi, Dale Haratani, Judy
Kono, Sandy Lee, Harry & Shizu Okino, David & Emily Ushijima, Roy & Alice Wakida, Kiyo Eshima*, Tomoko
Hamamoto*, Norman Hirose*, George & Lily Kagawa*, Taye Oda*, Makoto & Amy Oto*, Chiyo Pohan*, Emma Saito*,
Ron Manning & Julie Kono.
* Denotes disabled and/or elderly - Toban duties optional.
Chmn:
Caroline Fernandez
Cochairs: Miki Adachi, Evelyn Glenn
OCTOBER TOBAN:
Miki Adachi, Willlie & Caroline Fernandez, Jean Fujikawa, Gary & Evelyn Glenn, Dii Lewis & Joyce Oishi, Dana
Nakagawa, Jimmy & Janie Nehira, Michael Rimkus, David Ringle, Tsuyuko Hooki*, Don & Fumi Matsubara*, Minoru
Nojima*, Toshi Sato*, Gen Bandoc & Traci Fernandez, Daniel & Margie Young, Geina Palacio.
* 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.
I Bow to You
Bowing, like other Dharma practices, can be considered a technology. It’s actually a
method for changing one’s consciousness.1
NAMASTÉ “I BOW TO YOU.” To bow before another—a simple act, a humble act, an act of
profound significance. The Venerable Heng Sure, director of the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery,
is well-known for his practice of bowing and repentance. He once performed a three-year
bowing pilgrimage for world peace, a journey that began in Pasadena, ended in Ukiah, and
included over one million prostrations. Rev. Heng Sure reveals that bowing is an important
Buddhist practice, “an antidote for pride,” which teaches us respect and increases our goodness.
Buddhists throughout the world are encouraged to bow as an act of respect, gratitude, and
goodwill. Indeed, bowing to another, with palms together, is a gesture performed in many Asian
cultures to express a greeting, request, thankfulness, reverence or a prayer. In India, the gesture is
a salutation known as namasté, which literally means, “I bow to you.” People customarily greet
another with a slight bow and palms pressed together in front of the chest. They might exchange
the word “namasté” or simply bow wordlessly.
In Jōdo Shinshū, the practice of bowing involves two physical acts: gasshō and raihai.
GASSHŌ 合掌 (“joined palms”), according to Revs. Kodani and Hamada, is based on the
practice of añjali. Performed by “simply placing the palms and ten fingers together at chest level
and at a 45 degree angle,” gasshō is “the symbol of the multitude of different things being, at the
same time, One.”2 The nenju 念珠 (“thought-beads”) “encircles the hands in gasshō, with the
tassel or strings hanging below the two palms and the two thumbs resting lightly on the beads.”3
With this simple act, we are encouraged to realize the oneness of ourselves and Amida Buddha.
RAIHAI 礼拝 (“acknowledge-revere”) is the physical posture of revering or worshipping
the Buddha. With palms together in gasshō, we bow deeply from the waist in order to express
our reverence for the Buddha. According to Revs. Kodani and Hamada, the form of bowing that
we generally use in BCA temples is “performed by sitting or standing erect, bowing one’s head,
forming … gasshō, and bowing the body from the waist to a 45 degree angle.”4
Our appreciation of bowing in Jōdo Shinshū may differ from that of Rev. Heng Sure or
other Buddhist teachers. However, I think that we can still learn a great deal from them. For in
America and the West, we are just not used to bowing. Nor are we very good at it. It seems like
we are just too filled with pride and self-consciousness to humble ourselves before another.
And so, says Rev. Heng Sure, bowing is a necessary “technology” or “method” that can
bring about a change in our pride and arrogance. Actually, it’s really a brilliant technique. For,
even while our minds still cling to our love of self, our bodies can lead us to a new way of life.
By bowing before another, even wordlessly, as an expression of respect, gratitude and goodwill,
gradually, little-by-little, our hearts and minds can someday catch up and reach the world in
which our bodies already dwell.
So, I bow to you, friends, loved-ones, strangers and enemies.
I bow to the boundless wisdom and compassion that pervades our hearts and minds.
Namasté. Namasté. May we all live in peace and harmony.
Namu Amida Butsu
Rev. David Matsumoto
September 2013
1
From “The Low Down on Bowing and Repentance Practice,” an interview with Rev. Heng Sure, by Loc Huynh, in 2005
Dharma Mirror, http://dharmamirror.org/fall05/131TTBbowing.asp.
2
Masao Kodani & Russell Hamada, Traditions of Jodoshinshu Hongwanji-ha (Los Angeles: Pure Land Publications, 1995), 31.
3
Kodani & Hamada, 29.
4
Kodani & Hamada, 32.
COMBINED DHARMA FAMILY SERVICE
&
SHOTSUKI MEMORIAL SERVICE
September 29, 2013
9:30 am
Shotsuki Hoyo Service – September 29, 2013, 9:30 AM
The following persons will be remembered during the Shotsuki Hoyo (monthly
memorial service) for September.
Toichi Ariyoshi
Kiyoaki Hamamoto
Takayo T. Hiramoto
Akio Kino
Arthur W. Long
Waseko Nagahisa
Iku Nakaso
Kanki Oda
Keiko Ono-Moores
Helen Y. Sato
Gihei Tanada
Iyono Wakida
Otoichi Yoshida
Masano Fujinaga
Dr. Lawrence K. Harada
Richard Imazumi
Kazuko B. Kono
Misako Miyamoto
Yonezo Nakagaki
Yoshiko J. Nakaso
Koto Okita
John T. Sakai
Shizue Shiozaki
Tora Tanada
Sumiko Yamamura
Tsuruko Yoshida
Ai Hamamoto
Chiyoko Hiramoto
Mary Ishiura
Mine Kubo
Sayuri Lily Miyamoto
Matahei Nakahara
Mishi Nojima
Sozaemon Okita
Gentoku Sakiyama
Matsu Taketa
Edward H.Tsukimura
Hinaye Yokota
Note: If there are any additions, corrections or deletions to the above list,
please notify the Berkeley Buddhist Temple at 510-841-1356.
Nebulizers
By Diane Ames
I surveyed my new asthma paraphernalia gloomily. The drug warnings about the
prednisone said to contact your doctor if you suddenly go blind. The warnings
that came with the nebulizer said that if this device is not disinfected at least
every other day, the user will die. Yes, this was serious stuff.
At this point Death fluttered into the room again. This time he was dressed
up as the Maya see him, in a colorful Maya skeleton suit with a real human skull
for a head.
“Your first nebulizer!” he said. “How cute! And prednisone. Your lungs
must be a mess.”
“These things are temporary!” I snapped. “I’m recovering from the
pneumonia, but it’s made my asthma worse.”
“Which in turn will make you vulnerable to yet more lung infections, which
will mess up your blood sugar, which will make you even more vulnerable to
infections. You Buddhists call it dependent co-origination.”
“Have you ever wondered why you have few friends?”
“Actually I have quite a social life. Sooner or later, everybody meets me.”
“It’s funny how you keep making Buddhist points.”
“Buddhism again! Your Buddha founded that religion to deal with me, and
it hasn’t gotten rid of me in two thousand years.”
“In the first place, don’t take all the credit! The idea was to deal with birth,
disease, old age, and death, and all the human suffering in between. In the
second place, the Buddha knew that we’ll never get rid of you. He set out to
teach us how to live with, among other things, that fact.”
“So after all these years of studying the Dharma, have you found out how
to live with it, now that you personally are old, sick, and staring me in the face in
the foreseeable future?”
“No, but I will or I’ll die trying.”
At this Death smiled sardonically and fluttered out of the room whistling,
“I’ll be seeing you.”
TEL: (510) 841-1356
Berkeley Buddhist Temple
2121 Channing Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
August 20, 2013
Dear Sangha Members,
We hope this letter finds you abiding peacefully and well within the Amida
Buddha’s Compassion-Wisdom light.
In the month of September we will be observing the traditional celebration of Fall
O-Higan. At our temple we will have a special O-Higan service on Sunday, September
22, 2013 beginning at 9:30 AM. Guest speakers will be Minister's Assistants Edythe
Vassall and Tara Umemoto. Our annual Fall O-Higan and Keirokai potluck luncheon
will follow the service.
Please come and join us in celebrating this auspicious occasion. An envelope has
been enclosed for your thoughtful donation. The Temple greatly appreciates your kind
generosity.
In Gassho,
Berkeley Buddhist Temple
Missing the Kansho & Cicadas in Kyoto
Mali McGuire
The sound was unlike any other. The ringing quickened and as it did, sound waves swept the
room, causing my spine to straighten and my focus to intensify. It was beautiful to hear the
Kansho every morning, it's echo surrounded by the still summer air of Kyoto and interrupted by
the occasional cicada chirp. It was mornings like these that I spent in Japan as a part of the
Young Buddhist International Cultural Study Exchange. Waking up on warm, summer mornings
to attend 6 a.m. Hongwanji services was the highlight of my trip.
As I sat seiza, I was surrounded by my new friends from Brazil, Canada and Hawaii. We sat
chanting Sanbutsuge in the Amida-Do. I couldn't believe it was our last morning here. Only nine
days ago, we had arrived and toured the amazing Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha grounds. Touring
the Amida-Do and the Goei-Do, going up on the Goei-Do Onaijin, seeing the ancient Noh stages
and changing chambers and gardens was surreal. The antique old woodcarvings and shoji screen
paintings preserved to their original time periods were breathtaking. The next day we explored
historical sites significant to Shinran Shonin’s life: his birthplace at Hino, where he studied on
Mount Hiei, where he passed at Suminobo and his final resting place at the Otani Mausoleum.
From place to place I was bewildered by the beautiful, ornate temples. The views from Mount
Hiei were spectacular, overlooking Kyoto and the bay.
As my legs ached from sitting on the tatami, and we continued to chant Sanbutsuge, I
thought back to one of the hottest days we had while in Japan, in Hiroshima. Watching the
Japanese countryside rush past my window on the Shinkansen (bullet train), we couldn't wait to
meet the Japanese Jr. YBA chapter awaiting us at the Hiroshima Betsuin. As we drove through
downtown, it saddened me to see how new the buildings were, and thinking that they were not
new because of a new development, but out of recovery and rebuilding. Seeing the prefectural
dome that still stands on the river will forever stay in my mind, always reminding me of the
strength of Japan. To end our day on a happier note, we had the opportunity to have a barbecue
with the Hiroshima chapter. Despite the language barrier, it was fun to discuss with them pop
icon, Katy Perry, and favorite movies.
Sanbutsuge came to a close, and we were escorted to the Goei-Do to chant Shoshinge and
Wasan. As we crossed the bridge and settled on the cool tatami, I reminisced on my times I
stayed with the Sasakis at the Seishouji Temple in Osaka. From the traditional Japanese
breakfasts, feeding deer at Nara and taking a local ceramics class I realized the true meaning of
hospitality. Both Sasaki-San and Hidemi-San (my host family members) were so welcoming,
generous and thoughtful, planning so many exciting outings and making sure we felt
comfortable. I could not thank them enough for their thoughtfulness and Dana for all they had
given us and provided us the opportunity to embrace the Japanese culture first hand. As it came
to the last day with the Sasakis, I realized that my stay in Japan was also coming to a close.
The echo of the Wasan filled the hondo with warmth as the sunlight grazed the jagged
rooftops. I thought to myself, this was a trip of a lifetime: full of amazing sights, incredible
experiences and such welcoming people. As the chanting came to a close, I put my hands
together and began to recite the Nembutsu and I realized how grateful I was to the Hongwanji,
the BCA and my temple, all the new friends I had made and all the memories I would cherish
from the YBICSE trip.
You can experience Mali's trip through her photo album at:
https://www.icloud.com/journal/#7;CAEQARoQWzah50z0y2Rjit5Gr2P6cA;AA952BE0-450A-4ABA-AD4BD01627F953AE
DHARMA FAMILY SERVICE
September 8, 2013
9:30 AM
No Dharma School class today. Please join the Dharma School
in the courtyard for a Sangha ice-breaker activity.
J-Sei Family Festival following service and Tea Time.
DHARMA SCHOOL BEGINS
September 15, 2013
9:30 AM
September 22: Dharma School class.
September 29: Dharma School ice cream social instead of class!
FALL O-HIGAN SERVICE
and
KEIRO-KAI POTLUCK
Sunday, September 22, 2013
9:30 AM
Fall O-Higan and Keirokai Potluck Lunch immediately following the service. Please check your toban
month in the Temple Directory for your lunch offering and duties.
Temple members aged 77 or older (or who will turn 77 this year) are invited to
the Keiro-kai luncheon and do not have to bring a lunch dish for the potluck.
Fall O-Higan Potluck
JULY, AUGUST………………………….SALADS
SEPTEMBER……….ONIGIRI & RICE DISHES
ALL OTHER MONTHS…………MAIN DISHES
JULY…………………………SERVE
AUGUST…………………….SET UP
SEPTEMBER……………CLEAN UP
Taige-kai (体解会)
Berkeley Buddhist Temple
Study Session
The Berkeley Buddhist Temple invites you to take part in a gathering to
learn and experience (体解 taige) the Path of the Buddha.
*********************
Temple Etiquette
The What, How & Why
of Shin Buddhist Services
*********************
Sunday, September 15, 2013, at 9:30 am
All interested persons are welcome to attend. Please invite you friends! We
hope to see you at the Taige-kai!
Berkeley Buddhist Temple
2121 Channing Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 841-1356
Berkeley Buddhist Temple expresses condolences and deep sympathy
To the family of
Jiro Fujii
Esho-in Shaku Kyo Sen
January 2, 1925 - June 24, 2013
To the family of
Gordon Toshiro Kono
Shaku Ken Toku
July 17, 1941 - July 18, 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.
***********************************************************************
2013 MEMORIAL SERVICE SCHEDULE
YEAR
2012
2011
2007
2001
1997
1989
1981
1964
1914
SERVICE
1st Year
3rd Year
7th Year
13th Year
17th Year
25th Year
33rd Year
50th Year
100th Year
BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE Board of Directors Meeting June 11, 2013 Attendance: Rev. David Matsumoto, Lucy Hamai, Ron Hiraga, Susan Gabriel, Don Hamasaki, Emiko Katsumoto, Kiyoshi Katsumoto, Judy Kono, Miri Nikaidoh, Takashi Nikaidoh, Art Nishimura, Gary Oda, Wayne Sugihara, David Ushijima, Russell Ware, Yuki Otake, Judy Fujimoto. Proxies: Denise Lapidus, Emi Nakao, Lena Yin. Co‐president Ron Hiraga called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM with opening gassho led by Rev. Matsumoto. MAY MINUTES: Judy Fujimoto corrected the date of the May minutes to May 14, 2013. Kiyoshi Katsumoto moved that the May minutes be approved as amended; seconded by Russell Ware and passed. MINISTER'S REPORT: Rev. Matsumoto presented a written report for the period May 14‐June 11, 2013, which included the following: 13 meetings; 1 consultation; 2 Funeral/Memorial Services; 1 Makuragyo & Family Consultation (home); 5/16 IBS Commencement, JSC; 5/18‐5/19 Satsuki Bazaar; 5/21 Bazaar Cleanup; 5/21 JSC Gotan‐E Service; 5/26 BBT DF & Shotsuki Memorial Service; 6/2 BBT DFS & Graduation Service; 6/9 BBT DFS & Taigekai, "BLEND". Upcoming Events include: 6/16 BBT DFS; 6/17‐6/25 Trip to Kyoto, Japan (Meeting w/ Dr. Takamaro Shigaraki; International Symposium and Translation Workshop @ Ryukoku University; meetings with Ryukoku professors; planning meeting for 2014 Ryukoku Lectures; 6/22 Address at Kyoto Graduate School Union of Religious Studies; 6/23 Late Bishops' Memorial Service @ BBT via Skype Dharma Talk.) 6/25 Bon Odori practice #1 @ BBT; 6/30 BBT DS & Shotsuki Memorial Service; 7/5‐7/7 CBE‐IBS Pacific Seminar, "Ajatasatru & Shinran" @ JSC. Minister's Assistants Report: Edythe Vassall and Matthew Hamasaki will actively assist in conducting services in June and July. Edythe will conduct the 6/30 memorial service at the Colma BCA monument. TREASURER'S REPORT: Satoshi Steimetz sent in a written report for the period 5/1‐5/31/2013. Bazaar funds have not yet been added to the General Fund. CORRESPONDENCE: Co‐president Lucy Hamai passed around the correspondence binder. REPORTS BY AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS BBWA: Yuki Otake reported the following: 1) the Colma Cemetary visit and service has been rescheduled from 6/23 to 6/30, followed by lunch at the San Mateo Bazaar; 2) the BBWA Food Sale will take place at the 7/13 Obon Festival; 3) 8/17‐8/19 are the dates for the Rummage Sale fund raiser; 4) 5/25 is the next BDBWA meeting @ SACBC where planning will begin for the 2019 World BWA Convention, Labor Day Weekend, San Francisco. On behalf of the BBWA, Yuki thanked the Board for the BBT donation from the Bazaar proceeds. DHARMA SCHOOL: Rev. Matsumoto reported on the 6/2 DS Graduation Service, which was the last service of the 2012‐2013 school year. There were four high school graduates Michael Adachi, Arianna Bondoc, Mali McGuire, and Maya Kato. Dharma School begins again on 9/8. JR.YBA: Mali McGuire submitted a written report for May 2013 which included the following: 1) BBT Jr. YBA Officers for 2013‐
2014 are President Tomi Lewis, Vice‐President Noel McGuire, Treasurer Kinji Steimetz, Corresponding Secretary Celeste Furuya, Recording Secretary Maya Haruyama, Relgious Chair Kylie Bondoc, Publicity Max Buchholz, BBT Chapter BD Representative Skye Nikaidoh, Advisors Takashi Nikaidoh & Robin McGuire; 2) BD Officers for 2013‐2014 Publicity Chairpersons Maya Haruyama and Noel McGuire, responsible for Community Service Events & Directory; 3) Events Attended= 5/11 BD Jr. YBA Meeting @ Alameda (Mali McGuire, Noel McGuire and advisor Robin McGuire), 5/25‐5/26 BD Volleyball Tournament @ Alameda Point with participants Michael Adachi, Kylie Bondoc, Celeste Furuya, Maya Haruyama, Mali McGuire, Noel McGuire, Skye Nikaidoh; Future Events=6/9 BBT Jr. YBA meeting, 6/29 BD End of the Year Picnic @ Pt. Richmond, 6/29 BBT Chapter End of the Year Event (Dinner, Movie, Sleepover at BBT), 7/5‐7‐7 BD San Luis Obispo Retreat, 8/31 Central Calif. Jr. YBA volleyball Mixer. Rev. Matsumoto noted that Mali McGuire has been chosen to attend this summer's Honganji Exchange Tour. Kiyoshi Katsumoto moved that a sembetsu of $200 be given to Mali; seconded by Wayne Sugihara and passed. J‐SEI: Yuki Otake reported that J‐Sei is sponsoring a seminar "40+:Live Better Longer: on 7/20 at the Buena Vista United Methodist Church, Alameda, with registration from 9:30‐10AM and the event from 10‐11:30AM, and the J‐Sei Family Festival is scheduled for Sunday, September 11, 11AM‐3PM at the El Cerrito Community Center. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS RELIGIOUS COMMITTEE: Art Nishimura presented an updated June 2013‐June 2014 calendar, noting that on 12/1/13 Bodhi Day Service, the Dharma School will have a presentation followed by a Coffee Social. A Tea Time will follow the 12/8 service. Rev. Matsumoto informed the Board that in 2012 the Berkeley Higashi Honganji increased the orei given to the Obon Dance instructors. Judy Kono made a motion to increase the orei given to Mme. Hanayagi and to EileenTanaka; seconded by Lucy Hamai and passed. PLEDGE/MEMBERSHIP: Mimi Kagehiro sent in a report stating that there are 197 members from 138 family units. BUILDING MAINTENANCE: Kiyoshi Katsumoto reported that window in the Old Temple building are increasingly difficult to open and close. He will ask Craig Griffin to research some estimates for window replacement to present to the Board. GARDEN MAINTENANCE: Kiyoshi Katsumoto consulted with Dick Adachi about readjusting the timers for the lawn sprinklers. APARTMENTS: Ron Hiraga reported that a Fulton Street apartment will be vacant at the end of June and that a check was received from Channing Way. Kiyoshi Katsumoto asked Ron if the apartment garden service could trim the avocado tree located in the Fulton Street parking lot. OTHER REPORTS BAY DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING: Lucy Hamai reported on the 5/30 BDC meeting at SFBC, noting that BD Family Conference is scheduled for 11/8/14 with the site TBD, that seven BBT students will attend the 7/5‐7/7 BD Jr. YBA retreat in San Luis Obispo, and that the SFBC will participate in the 6/30/13 Gay Pride Parade. OBON: Emiko Katsumoto reported that the July Toban, assisted by June and August, will take care of refreshments for dancers and teachers, city permits have been applied for, and Craig Griffin has noticed Temple neighbors about the event. Judy Kono will ask the JSC if its parking lot may be used for practices as well as the dance and will alert Rev. Yamada as to this availability. Takashi Nikaidoh volunteered to be the Obon program chair. SATSUKI BAZAAR : Ron Hiraga reported on the evaluation meeting held at the end of May with preliminary financial numbers indicating that 2013 did at least as well as 2012. He acknowledged the Lapidus Family who donated back to the Temple their first prize raffle winnings. The 2014 Bazaar Chairs will be Russell Ware and Sara Jotoku. Kiyoshi Katsumoto asked the Board to consider renting portable grilling units as the present BBQ pits are in need of much repair. CENTENNIAL FUND: Kiyoshi Katsumoto reported that Satoshi Steimetz asked to keep the Centennial Fund as a separate line item in the budget until all outstanding expenses are paid. NEW BUSINESS YELLOW PAGES: Ron HIraga inquired as to whether the Temple should keep its separate Yellow Pages listing at a rate of $53 per month ($642 per year). Emiko Katsumoto made a motion to discontinue the BBT's separate Yellow Pages listing; seconded by Art Nishimura and passed. TEMPLE EVENT DVDS: Gary Oda volunteered to enter into the office computer hard drive copies of Temple events presently on DVDs. Emiko Katsumoto will see that Gary receives the DVDs in question. TEMPLE JANITORIAL SERVICE: Kiyoshi Katsumoto informed the Board that it might be time to evaluate the present Temple cleaning service. Gary Oda volunteered to be the liaison for the Board and will contact Wes Fukumori, who originally set up the cleaning service contract. 2014‐2016 BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Hiraga asked that the Board to suggest names of possible candidates to serve the term 2014‐2016. Takashi Nikaidoh will contact those members whose terms end this year about continuing to serve for another term. Thank you to Don and Joanie Hamasaki for providing the refreshments for the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by Ron Hiraga at 9:19 PM with closing gassho led by Rev. Matsumoto. Respectfully submitted by Judy Fujimoto Please contact a Board member if further clarification of these minutes is required. BERKELEY BUDDHIST TEMPLE Board of Directors Meeting July 9, 2013 Attendance: Rev. David Matsumoto, Lucy Hamai, Ron Hiraga, Don Hamasaki, Judy Kono, Dii Lewis, Miri Nikaidoh, Takashi Nikaidoh, Gary Oda, Wayne Sugihara, David Ushijima, Lena Yin, Yuki Otake, Judy Fujimoto. Proxies: Dina Honda, Emiko Katsumoto, Kiyoshi Katsumoto, Denise Lapidus, Emi Nakao, Art Nishimura. Co‐president Ron Hiraga called the meeting to order at 7:32PM with opening gassho led by Rev. Matsumoto. JUNE MINUTES: Co‐president Lucy Hamai moved that the June minutes be approved; seconded by Lena Yin and passed. MINISTER'S REPORT: Rev. Matsumoto issued a written report for the period June11 through July 9 which included the following: 4 meetings; 2 FAC meetings; 3 Memorial/Funeral Services; 4 Obon practices; 6/17‐6/25 in Kyoto, Japan, with 6/19 meeting w/ Dr. Takamaro Shigaraki, 6/20 International Symposium @ Ryukoku University, 6/21 Translation Workshop @ Ryukoku University, 6/22 Address @ Kyoto Graduate School Union of Religious Studies, 6/23 Meetings w/ Ryukoku professors, 6/23 Skype Dharma Talk for Late Bishops' Memorial Service @ BBT, 6/24 Planning meeting for 2014 Ryukoku Lectures; 6/25 Telephone consultation and return from Japan; 6/16 & 7/7 DFS @ BBT; 6/30 BBT DF & Shotsuki Memorial Service; 7/2 & 7/5 Meeting w/ CBE @ JSC; 7/5‐7/7 CBE‐IBS Pacific Seminar, "Ajatasatru & Shinran", JSC; 7/5 "Nirvana Sutra" Lecture @ JSC. Upcoming Events: 7/9 & 7/11 Obon practices @ BBT; 7/12 BDMA Meeting, San Mateo; 7/13 Ohakamairi Services @ Sunset View Cemetary & Mausoleum and Chapel of the Chimes; 7/13 Bon Odori, BBT; 7/14 BBT Obon/Hatsubon Service; 7/20 Stockton Buddhist Temple Obon Service; 7/21 DFS, BBT; 7/21 Funeral Service for Jiro Fujii, BBT; 7/28 DF& Shotsuki Memorial Service, BBT; 8/4 Buddhist Church of Oakland Obon Service. Rev. Matsumoto reissued to the Board copies of the "Our Aspiration" statement for the Sangha to examine and consider. TREASURER'S REPORT: Satoshi Steimetz sent in a written report for the period 6/1 to 6/30/13. Ron Hiraga noted that the Bazaar income has yet to be added to the General Fund and that he will ask Satoshi for clarification of the June Public Relation expenses. CORRESPONDENCE: Co‐president Lucy Hamai passed the Correspondence binder to the Board. She noted that the BDK is offering a new free publication. The Board suggested that Lucy request from the BDK 50 copies in Japanese and 100 copies in English of "Messages from the Buddha, " which will then be placed in the Hondo entryway for attendees to take. REPORTS BY AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS BBWA: Yuki Otake reported that the BBWA will hold a Sushi Sale at the 7/13 Bon Odori and the BBWA rummage sale will take place on 8/17‐8/18 with many volunteers needed. Also the BBWA will sell chicken wings and shaved ice at the 2nd Annual J‐SEI Family Festival to be held 9/8 at the El Cerrito Community Center. DHARMA SCHOOL: no report. JR. YBA: Mali McGuire issued a written report for June‐July 2013 which included the following: Events Attended=6/8 BD Jr. YBA Meeting, Palo Alto (Mali McGuire, Noel McGuire, Skye Nikaidoh, Advisors: Takashi Nikaidoh & Robin McGuire); 6/29 BBT Jr. YBA Sleepover (Maya Haruyama, Skye Nikaidoh, Advisor: Matthew Hamasaki); 7/5‐7/7 BD San Luis Obispo Retreat (Michael Adachi, Kylie Bondoc, Maya Haruyama, Nikki Honda, Mali McGuire, Noel McGuire, Skye Nikaidoh, Advisors: Akemi Hamai, Jeff & Robin McGuire, Takashi Nikaidoh.) Events Being Planned= 3/29/14 BD Conference @ SACBC with Skye Nikaidoh, the Chapter Representative on the Planning Committee. Takashi Nikaidoh reported that at the San Luis Obispo Retreat Rev. Bridge directed the attendees on service procedures and then had all 4 services run by the students with Dharma Talks given by the Youth Ministers' Assistants. J‐SEI: Yuki Otake reported that the deadline is 7/31/13 for photos and event dates to be submitted for the 2014 J‐SEI Community Calendar. She also noted that J‐SEI has just initiated the process of examining potential sites for a future J‐SEI community center and that the 2nd Annual Family Festival will take place on 9/8 at the El Cerrito Community Center. STANDING COMMITTEES RELIGIOUS COMMITTEE: Art Nishimura sent in an updated calendar. Rev. Matsumoto noted at the 9/22 service both Tara Umemoto and Edythe Vassall will speak and that IMOP ministers will speak at the 11/17 Hoonko Service. Rev. M also reported that Rev. Kuwahara (JSC) feels that IMOP ministers should attend a Temple Board meeting to better understand how a Temple functions, and so, in the near future the Board should expect IMOP ministers to visit one of our meetings. PLEDGE/MEMBERSHIP: Mimi Kagehiro reports no activity this month. BUILDING MAINTENANCE: Ron Hiraga reported that Craig Griffin would like more clarification on the type of replacement windows needed for the Old Temple. The Board wishes estimates for double‐paned windows, double‐hung with screens, for the entire Old Temple building. GARDEN MAINTENANCE: no report. APARTMENTS: Ron Hiraga reported that all Channing Way units are occupied with a reimbursement check received from this building. The Fulton Street building has a vacancy at Unit #2 to which Kuwada Reality plans to make some repairs. The Board requests that Jim Furuichi to find a contractor and take bids for this construction work. OTHER REPORTS LIBRARY: Lucy Hamai requests that the Board fund the acquisition of new books for the BBT Library. Judy Kono made a motion that up to $200 be allocated for the purchase of new books at Lucy Hamai's discretion; seconded by Lena Yin and passed. OBON: Judy Kono reported that the Obon Odori will take place from 6:30 to 8PM on July 13. Craig Griffin has organized the stage crew, the refreshments committee is organized, Takashi Nikaidoh will be the program chair, Lena Yin will sell coffee and water, and the BBWA will sell sushi. BBQ PITS REDESIGN: Russell Ware will head an ad hoc committee (Kiyoshi Katsumoto, Craig Griffin, Wayne Sugihara, and some of the BBQ Steak chairs) to consider repair and/or replacement of the BBQ pits. NEW BUSINESS CHAPEL OF THE CHIMES NICHES: Gary Oda presented the history of the BBT niches at Sunset View and the possibility of purchasing niches at Chapel of the Chimes. Lena Yin proposed that Gary Oda research the acquisition of niches at Chapel of the Chimes and make a report to the Board at a future meeting. BOARD ELECTIONS: Takashi Nikaidoh interviewed those Board members whose term ends in 2013 as to whether each would like to serve another 3 year term (2014‐2016). Gary Oda, Don Hamasaki, and Ron Hiraga agreed to serve another 3 year term. Susan Gabriel will not return, and Dina Honda is considering serving again. The Board is asked to suggest Temple members who might be interested in serving on the Board. TEMPLE SOUND SYSTEM: Discussion was tabled until the next Board meeting when Dii Lewis will present a report. AUGUST SUBSTITUTE SECRETARY: Takashi Nikaidoh volunteered to be the substitute recording secretary for the August Board meeting as Judy Fujimoto will not be available. Thank you to Ron HIraga and David and Emily Ushijima providing refreshments for the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by Ron Hiraga at 8:45 PM with closing gassho led by Rev. Matsumoto. Respectfully submitted by Judy Fujimoto Please contact a Board member if further clarification of these minutes is required. BERKELEY BUDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Cabinet Meeting on July 14, 2013
PRESENT: Caroline Fernandez (co-President), Yuki Otake (co-President), Denise Gervais
(Corresponding Secretary), Judy Nakaso (Recording Secretary), Maya Murashima-Yonemura (Treasurer).
PROXY: Marrie Yamashita (Advisor), Diane Ames (First Vice President), Fumi Matsubara (Membership).
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Co-President Caroline Fernandez opened the meeting with gassho at 12:00 p m.
PRIOR MONTH’S MINUTES: (no minutes for May, June minutes to come from Caroline and Yuki next month)
TREASURER’S REPORT: Maya Murashima Yonemura
1. Maya submitted a written financial report for May 31, 2013
a. Receipts: BBWA 2013 Dues: Georgia Daikai, Ami Oki, Fumi Matsubara.
b. No checks were written in May
2. Maya submitted a draft written financial report for June 30, 2013
a. Receipts: Donations from Maya Lemmon for Colma Cemetery Service; Berkeley Buddhist Temple from
the Bazaar; Obon Sushi checks: Lucy Hamai, Suzanne Furuya, Joyce Oishi, Keiko Kawakami, Irene Wells
and Maya Murashima.
b. Checks written: Colma Orei: Edythe Vassall and Matthew Hamasaki; Masako Oishi Scholarship Recipients:
Mali McGuire, Maya Kato, and Michael Adachi.
Motion to approve Treasurer’s Reports. (MSC: Yuki/Denise).
MEMBERSHIP: No report.
CORRESPONDENCE: Denise Gervais
1. Thank you card received from Edythe Vassal for Colma Cemetery orei.
2. Michael Adachi sent a thank you card for his college scholarship award.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Rummage Sale – August 17-18, 2013 – Please bring donations to the temple, during office hours, and leave a message.
We need volunteers to help price the donations, starting August 10th; Emiko Katsumoto will place ads in newspapers. We will
ask Matthew Hamasaki to list it on social media (e.g., Facebook and Craigslist).
2. Interfaith Panel – November 10, 2013 – No report.
3. J-Sei Family Day – September 8, 2013 – We will make chicken wings and shaved ice again this year – The Temple has a
shaved ice machine. Yuki will ask Russell Ware to help us with the shaved ice booth. We will pre-sell to the Temple first –
we will sell a box of rice with chicken wings for $5.00; and preparation of the chicken will be on Friday night (Sept. 6th).
4. BBWA’s 100th Anniversary – We received a generous anonymous donation. We will discuss other plans on August 25th.
5. Quilt Raffle tickets – We will get tickets printed up to sell in September. Since we have more quilts (4+), we will sell tickets
at $5 each and 5 for $20.00. The winning tickets will be drawn in January 2014 on Dana Day.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Ohigan/Keiro Kai – Looking for ideas for senior gifts. It will be our usual potluck. Yuki will contact the Dharma School
for ideas – for September 15th.
2. Ho-on-ko – Fundraiser Craft and Sushi Sale for BBWA’s 100th Anniversary in November.
3. BBWA 2014 Cabinet Slate – Ballots will go out in November. We need candidates by October (the Padma deadline is
October 13).
NEXT MEETING: August 25, 2013 (to discuss BBWA’s 100th Anniversary)
MEETING ADJOURNED: Caroline Fernandez adjourned the meeting by leading gassho at 1:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Nakaso, Recording Secretary
Attachments:
Treasurer’s report for month(s) of: May 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 (draft; pending bank statement)
eScrip Fundraising Program Shop at Safeway to earn money for the Temple Renew or sign up with your Safeway Club Card today! Renew by Nov. 1 If you participated last year, renew your commitment to the Safeway eScrip program so the Temple continues to earn contributions. OR • Go to eScrip.com • Click on “YES RENEW!” • Enter either your phone number, email, or Club Card number More information at www.berkeleysangha.org or contact Maya Murashima Yonemura 510‐528‐6994 or [email protected] Sign Up Your participation can mean hundreds of dollars to the Temple. It’s free, quick and easy. • Go to eScrip.com • Click on “1‐Sign up” • Enter your Club Card number • Group ID#155954856 Survey on Shin Buddhist music - follow-up
Scott Mitchell
Institute of Buddhist Studies
The following survey is a follow-up to my original survey on Shin Buddhist music.
This survey is a listener-response survey designed to measure people's
subjective feelings about different types of music. If you participate, you'll hear
different selections of music, and provide short responses. To take the survey,
visit the link below. Thank you!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y6JZZVG
BCA Center for Buddhist Education – Fall Programs
Jodo Shinshu Center 2140 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
www.BuddhistChurchesofAmerica.org Phone: 510-809-1460 E-mail: [email protected]
PUBLIC LECTURE: Monday, September 16, 2013 7:00 - 9:00 pm
D.T. SUZUKI’S HISTORICAL MISSION IN A NUTSHELL:
To Flip the Polarity of the Western Intellectual World by
Affirming the Infinitely Creative Urge at Work at the Center of the Buddhist Universe
Guest Speaker: Rev. Wayne Yokoyama
Nishi Hongwanji International Center, Kyoto, Japan. Translator of Gomonshu Koshin Ohtani’s The Buddha’s Wish
for the World and The Buddha’s Call to Awaken and Shinmon Aoki’s Coffinman: The Journal of a Buddhist Mortician
Saturday, October 5, 2013
JAPANESE SEMINAR
The 2013 International Ministerial Orientation Program (IMOP) Ministers will be the featured speakers.
Details TBA. This program will be presented in Japanese.
October 18-19, 2013
MAKING THE DHARMA CONNECTION
On the Yellow Brick Road to Inclusion
A Dharma School Teachers’ Continuing Education Seminar
Registration: $100 due 10/1
Early Registration: $75 due 9/18
Download flyer/forms & Register online
With Guest Speakers:
Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto
(IBS & Berkeley Buddhist Temple)
Kiyo Masuda, Educational Resource Specialist
Saturday, November 2, 2013
WAKE UP & BE ALIVE!
The 7th Annual Baby Boomers’ Seminar
Keynote Speaker:
Rev. Masao Kodani
Registration: $75 due 10/20
Early Reg. $60 due 9/29
BCA Member Rate: $50 due 9/29 Register online
Senshin Buddhist Temple
November 5-8, 2013
2013 INTERNATIONAL HONGWANJI OVERSEAS PROPAGATION EXCHANGE
(IHOPE)
Hongwanji International Ministers: Opening Wide the Dharma Gate with a Generous Heart
A gathering of Jodo Shinshu ministers & minister’s assistants. See registration guidelines online.
For more details, downloadable flyer/forms or to register online, visit www.bcasites.net
2 A
F
F
S
,S
11:00
E C
7007 M
Schedule of Performances: 11:30am Sakura Kai Taiko
12:15pm Genyukai Berkeley (Okinawan
Music and Dance)
12:45pm Awa Odori
8
‐3:00
C
C
L
,E C
, CA
Back by popular demand...please join us for the 2nd
Annual J‐Sei Family Fes val. Celebrate Grandparents
Day surrounded by culture and families. Come enjoy
tradi onal Japanese demonstra ons, food, and hands‐
on ac vi es for all ages. Planned indoor and outdoor
ac vi es include:



1:30pm
East Bay Seiha Koto Ensemble

2:00pm
Sen mental Strummers
(Ukulele)

Sponsored by J‐S

Shibori (cloth dyeing)
Food Booths
Gyotaku Fish Rubbing Art
Japanese Wood Joinery
Origami Making
Ikebana






Sake Tas ng
Sushi Making
Manju Making
Bonsai Design
Kite Making
Otedama Making
We hope you will join us in celebra on of Grandparents
Day and make this a mul ‐genera onal family
tradi on. Free Admission. (510) 848‐3560 I www.j‐sei.org
info@j‐sei.org
Mountain View Buddhist
Temple A.B.A.
- presents -
featuring LIVE MUSIC from SOMETHIN’ ELSE
Remember the good old days of going to dances from
Sacramento to Central Cal? Remember holding up the walls,
guys on one side, gals on the other?
Even if you don’t, join us in dancing to music from times gone by
and reliving those moments to benefit the MVBT.
Performance by the original members of Somethin’ Else,
one of the biggest names at the dances of the ‘60s and ‘70s,
playing the soulful sounds that made them famous.
More information and easy online registration at
http://sites.google.com/site/abadance
WIN A FREE GALA DINNER AND SAY
ARIGATO TO JAPANESE AMERICAN
WORLD WAR II VETERANS
GO FOR BROKE NATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER’S
Saturday, October 12, 2013
THE WESTIN BONAVENTURE HOTEL & SUITES IN LOS ANGELES, CA
FEATURING
OF
T
NG THE
E DELICIO
I OUS CUISINES
C
(ROYYÊS RESTAURANTS
ROY YAMAGUCHI
UC
S A
S)
AND AKIRA
R HIROSE
E (MAISON
A O AKIRA)
TO ENTER: Submit a 250-500 word essay on one of three topics:
• Describe a Nisei soldier story or experience, and explain why it is
meaningful to you.
• Explain how the Nisei soldier experience is relevant to today’s generation.
• Present an innovative way of teaching the Nisei soldier story to today’s
youth (elementary through college, any or all levels).
DEADLINE: Submit essay via email by Thursday, September 12, 2013 to
[email protected]. Attach as Microsoft Word or PDF document.
NOTIFICATION: Winners will be notified by email on September 25, 2013.
The winning essays will be presented at our Gala Dinner and posted on the
Go For Broke National Education Center website: www.goforbroke.org.
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 3
Nehan-e
March 17
Ohigan
April 7
Hanamatsuri
May 12
Gotan-e
July 14
Kangi-e
September 22
Ohigan
November 17
Hoonko
December 1
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
last 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