May 2016 - White River Buddhist Temple

May 2016
Volume 55 Issue 05
Living the Life of the Nembutsu
Reverend Koshin Ogui, Resident Minister
WHITE RIVER BUDDHIST TEMPLE
3625 Auburn Way N., WA 98002
Temple Phone: 253-833-1442
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 855, Auburn, WA 98071-0855
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wrbt.org
Facebook: facebook.com/WhiteRiverBT
Email: [email protected]
Greetings from Reverend Koshin Ogui
What is Money?
Money is money. However, it has the possibility of making one’s life rich or miserable.
Money may sometimes make changes in one’s character, or create a feud between siblings.
Money may lead to feelings of animosity between parent and child or even within the
members of a organization.
It depends on our view of money matters, whether as an individual or as a member of an
organization. Money is important in our life. However, if one becomes blindly attached to money, it often
brings misery to oneself or to an organization, and they become a slave to money.
In my 55 years of experience serving various temples, I have learned that a temple operation is different from
other businesses. When a temple is financially strained, it seems the members become concerned and cooperate to establish a sound foundation which leads to more active participation. On the other hand, it often
seems the members become quite complacent and reluctant to actively participate when the temple is financially sound. Another revelation is that when a temple has a large fund, the leaderships feel embarrassed to
have a lesser amount than when they started.
There are Japanese expressions, “Money becomes alive when used wisely!” and “When money is unwisely
spent, it is dead money!”
The purpose of temple funds should be to used to enhance the happiness of and benefit all the members religiously, educationally and socially. Let us not simply be pleased with building up funds.
Gassho,
Reverend Ogui
Message from the Chairperson
Once again, our Sangha has just completed another successful major fundraiser - the
Chicken Dinner fundraiser. The food was delicious, there was great cooperation to meet a
common goal, people were able to sit and visit with old and new friends, and most importantly, everyone had a smile on their face! There are way too many people to thank
here but please know that we are very appreciative of everyone’s willingness to put in
long hours for the benefit of the Temple. Special thanks goes to Charles Natsuhara who
chaired this fundraiser!
Please be sure to read our Planning Committee’s article on Page 2 of this newsletter. A strategic plan for
our Temple is one of the most important undertakings that we, as a Temple, have taken on and is critical for
us to thrive in the future. We need your help to succeed and I encourage you to complete a questionnaire (or
interview) to share your thoughts about our Temple, the relevance of Buddhism in your life, and any ideas
you have. This is your opportunity to shape the future of our Temple!
What goes on at those mysterious board meetings? If you ever have any questions about what we do in
board meetings, you want more information or clarification about something that you have heard, or have an
item to bring to the boards attention, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. I am happy to provide you with information rather than have you guessing! The board represents you and I welcome
your comments. At the April board meeting, Deidre Lorenze was introduced as a new board member. I
would like to extend my appreciation to Deidre for accepting the position. Welcome to the board, Deidre!
Rev. Ogui will be out of the office from May 15 (after service) through May 29. Please direct all email
communication to [email protected]. For emergencies, call or text me at my phone and I can assist with
making arrangements with a supervising minister.
Sharon Kosai
May 2016
The White Path
Volume 55 Issue 05
May Shotsuki Hoyo Monthly Memorial Service
May 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM
According to our Temple records, the following people passed away in the month of May. Family and
friends are cordially invited to attend the Shotsuki Hoyo Monthly Memorial Service on Sunday, May 1st at
11:00 am. If any names have inadvertently been omitted, please email [email protected] or speak with Rev.
Ogui to correct our records.
Masao Mikami
2001
Frank Takishima
1971
Frank Fujimura
2003
Hanako Yanagawa
1974
George Mitsuo Hiranaka
2003
Sachiko Hirose
1978
Masaru Kato
2008
Tokuyo Komoto
1985
Bill Yaguchi
2011
Takeyoshi Jack Koga
1993
Gladys Gisi
1999
George Shoji Terada
2014
Risako Kawasaki
2000
1 year
~
2015
3 year ~
2014
7 year
~
2010
13 year ~
2004
17 year ~
2000
25 year ~
1992
DESIGNATED MEMORIAL SERVICE YEARS To schedule a family memorial service, please contact
[email protected] or speak with Rev Ogui.
Condolences
The Temple extends its deepest sympathies to Bill and Norma Geenty for their loss of Norma’s mother.
Planning Committee Update
Phase II of our Planning Process is well underway. The most critical aspect of Phase II is collecting data
from as many sources as we can to better understand Shin Buddhism’s (in general) and WRBT’s (more specifically) place in American society. This is where we need you.
During May we will be interviewing (either face-to-face or by written questionnaire, your choice) as many
people as we can (both Sangha and visitors). We guarantee this will not take up a huge amount of your
time, but the information will be invaluable.
If you would like to participate please add your name to the signup sheet in the foyer at temple or
simply contact us ([email protected] or call Roger Fukai) to get on the schedule.
This is a win-win as we need your help and it is your opportunity to shape WRBT’s future. Thank you in
advance.
BCA National Council Meeting Dharmathon
As I mentioned in my previous article, during this year's national council meeting 5 of BCA's newest ministers gave dharma talks. You can now view 4 of these messages by going to YouTube.com and entering
Dharmathon in the search window. I thoroughly enjoyed these messages and encourage you to check them
out.
Buddhist Education Committee
If you have a couple of hours a month, please consider joining the Buddhist Education Committee. The
Buddhist Education Committee plans for guest speakers for services, seminars, and workshops for the year.
If you have ideas or thoughts about speakers that you would like to see at White River Buddhist Temple,
you need to make yourself heard and join the committee! If you are interested or have questions about the
committee or what else they do, please contact Rev. Ogui for further information.
Gotan-e Service Notice
In this month's newsletter you will find an invitation for the Gotan-e service, with the Rev. Dr. Akira Takemoto as our guest speaker, to be held on Sunday, May 15th. An envelope is enclosed for your convenience.
For those who receive their newsletter electronically, envelopes will be available at the Temple.
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BUDDHIST WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Year Round Donations
April - May - June
Non-Perishable Foods & Toiletries (canned & dried foods, peanut butter, toothbrush/
toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, etc)
We will continue to disperse donations to various non-profits in Auburn and Kent.
The 2016 BWA Cabinet:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Auditor
Norma Geenty
Darlene Yamada
Deidre Lorenz
Pat Kawabata
Gayle Takemura
Ladies of the Sangha—please join the White River Buddhist Women’s Association. Your participation and
ideas are welcome. Please see Gayle Takemura, membership chair; Norma Geenty; or Darlene Yamada if
you would like to join!
April – May - June. Your donations of non-perishable food items will assist our local food banks in
providing necessary food to children during the summer months when they do not receive school lunches.
Peanut butter, jam/jelly, canned meats and fish, and healthy snacks (nuts/dried fruit) will help in this collection.
Scarf making for winter 2016. Vivian Geocaris, chair. On Saturday, March 26, eight BWA ladies met at
the temple at 9 a.m. Although there were fewer people this year to help with the scarf making, a number of
scarfs were made and are packed and ready for distribution later this year to various organizations. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
VA Puget Sound Fisher House – Char, Sally, Wayne, Gayle, and Karen prepared another delicious meal for
veterans and active duty military and their family members on March 14. Our home-cooked meals are always received with appreciation.
Prepared this evening was sukiyaki, rice, miso shiru, apple pie, and
brownies.
BWA Gift Card Fundraiser starts April 3! Pay regular price for gift cards for gifts or for your everyday
gas & groceries! Order forms are included with this newsletter. Please turn in your orders by Sunday, April
24, to Karen or Darlene. Receive your gift cards here at the temple on Sun, May 8.
May 1, Sun, 12 noon - Dorothy Yaguchi Memorial and Dedication.
Through perseverance and with
Mary Cogger’s green thumb and driving force, the Dorothy Yaguchi project is complete. Following regular
Sunday service, there will be a short, outdoor ceremony. Rev. Ogui will conduct a dedication ceremony,
with chanting and offering of incense. Light refreshments will follow.
May 16, Mon, 3:15-7:00 p.m. - VA Puget Sound Fisher House.
have any ideas for a meal, please see Char.
May 22, Sun, 12 noon – BWA general meeting.
A sign-up sheet will be posted. If you
Please note this date on your calendar.
Year Round Collections
Coins for diapers (collection jar in lobby)
Recycle lightbulbs (collection box in lobby)
Newspaper and towels for needy animals (give to Darlene Yamada)
BWA gratefully acknowledges receipt of a donation from Karen Murakami.
If BWA members wish to submit items for the newsletter, please email them to Darlene Yamada at:
[email protected].
Gassho,
Norma Geenty, BWA President
ABA News
Our condolences to Bill & Norma Geenty on the passing of Norma’s mother in Hawaii.
Thank you to Pat Kawabata for teaching the March men’s cooking class. The lunch was delicious and
everyone enjoyed it. The next men’s cooking class will be on Monday May 9th at 10:00 am.
SAVE THE DATE: The Temple picnic will be on Sunday, June 12, 2016 after service on the temple
grounds, rain or shine (indoors if rain). The picnic is a potluck and is open to all. More information will be
posted on the bulletin board at the Temple, or contact [email protected].
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Gold/Silver/Platinum Collection
We finished our first ever fundraiser for the precious metals collection. What a great fundraiser it was! Sherry Hansen took all that had been donated to a dealer and WRBT netted a reasonable amount for our effort. It
should be noted that only the gold was accepted by the dealer. Silver is trading very low on the market so it
does not make it worthwhile to sell. Those non-gold items, including donated gold-plated costume jewelry
and also silver items will be given to WRBT to sell at the fall bazaar. If you wish to have your unsold item
returned to you instead, please contact Sherry and she will see that it is returned to you. Thank you to all who
donated, it made a big difference in the general fund bottom line.
Teriyaki Chicken Spring Fundraiser
We have just finished our Teriyaki Chicken Spring Fundraiser. I hope everyone is taking a well deserved
rest. We had great weather, a very nice crowd and sold out on the chicken. I want to thank everyone for
helping out on all of the various jobs and providing generous donations, including donations to the bake sale
and plant sale, in order to make the fundraiser a success. Please thank friends and relatives that you recruited to help us out. It is great to see all the people coming together, catching up with friends and getting a
chance to visit. A reminder that the wrap-up meeting for the fundraiser is onTuesday, April 26th at 7:00
PM. Thank you again for all of your help in supporting the temple.
Charles Natsuhara, Spring Fundraiser Chair
50/50 Raffle Results
Thank you to all for your support of our 50/50 Raffle. We sold 775 tickets and Roger Fukai was the
big winner of the raffle, which is half of the ticket sales. Congratulations to Roger!
THANK YOU….

Dennis Nishimura for pressure washing the sidewalk in front of the Temple.

Sherry Hansen for coordinating the
beautiful entrance sign monument
from start to finish. This project was
funded 100% by donations, without
the use of general funds.

Roger Fukai for procuring and setting up the new computer and laptop
after our office computer became
permanently inoperable.
Newsletter by Email
If you would like to receive your
newsletter by email, please contact [email protected]
TIMELESS FAVORITES COOKING CLASS
The next session will be held on Saturday, May 7th at 10:00
am. Pat Kawabata will be teaching how to make Cabbage
Rolls cooked in dashi. This will be followed by 2 desserts instruction by LuAnn Kato for making Sakura Mochi and
Ohagi by Katie Komoto. These recipes are adaptations the
ladies have made to their favorite recipes.
The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the back hallway
or contact [email protected].
The Sakura Mochi is wrapped in the Kwanzan pink cherry
tree leaves and the time to gather them is NOW before the
leaves turn dark green and bitter. Call Lilly Kato at
[email protected] for instructions on preserving the leaves.
ECOSANGHA - What WRBT is Doing
Education:
Including bulletin board, pamphlet, & info in library.
Reducing Reusing Recycling:
Reuse: reusing plastic bags, paper, and containers
Recycle: Bins for compost and recycle.
Official Wildlife Habitat
Member of National Wildlife Federation.
Provide food, water, shelter for wildlife.
Growing native plants and pollinators.
Using organic fertilizers from recycled waste.
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Donations
The Temple gratefully acknowledges the following donations received and recorded from March 10th
through April 17th, except for spring fundraiser donations which will be listed in the next newsletter.
Please contact Ron Murakami, Treasurer, regarding omissions or corrections by phone (253) 845-3062, or by
email to [email protected].
Hanamatsuri Service
Mr Randy Okimoto
Ms Melissa Rankin
Mrs Joan Rodgers
M/M Itsuo & Yuri Shiotani
Mrs Gayle Takemura
Mrs Tomeko Lloyd Taketa
Mrs Betty Tanaka
Ms Laurie Tanaka
M/M Alvin & Mitsuko Terada
Mrs Connie Toda
Toyoshima Family
M/M Stan & Mary Tsujikawa
Mr Joe Watanabe
M/M Al & Janis Yamada
Mrs Carolyn Yamada
Ms Darlene Yamada
Mrs Yoshiko Yamada
M/M Bob & Mitzie Akiyama
M/M Randall & Eva Chun
M/M Shirley Kanda & Roger Fukai
M/M Bill & Norma Geenty
Mrs Charlene Grinolds
Mr John Hamakami
Mrs Rits Hamamura
Mrs Audrie Hayes
Mrs Yuki Iwai
Mrs Lilly Kato
Mrs Rosie Kato
Mr John Kitagawa
Mrs Katie Komoto
M/M Mark & Sharon Kosai
M/M Wayne & Sally Mizuki
M/M Ron & Karen Murakami
Mr Charles Natsuhara
Ms Kathryn Natsuhara
Monthly (Shotsuki) Memorials and Other Memorial Donations
Anonymous
49th Day Memorial Service for George & Lily Komoto
Mrs Michi Chihara
49th Day Memorial Service for George & Lily Komoto$
Mrs Monica Furtick
In memory of Frank Natsuhara, Mas Kato, Bill Yaguchi,
Naomi Shima Martin, Rose Teraoka, Tad Kato,
Mits Hamakami, Chiyeko Nishimura, Mae Yamada,
Josie Taketa, Hank Miyoshi, Sunao Iwai, Roy Taketa,
Dorothy Yaguchi, Tiny Taketa, Ben Taketa, Sut Kato,
Yooko Watanabe, George Komoto, Lily Komoto
Mrs Charlene Grinolds
In memory of Barbara Tsuji
Beta Lim-Kato
In memory of Satoru Kato
Beta Lim-Kato
In memory of Ted Tadao Komoto
Mrs Amy Kato
In memory of Satoru Kato
Mrs Lilly Kato
49th Day Memorial Service for George & Lily Komoto
Mrs Lilly Kato
In memory of George Taketa and Misao Tsukamaki
Mrs Lilly Kato
3rd Year Memorial for Satoru Kato
Mrs Rosie Kato
In memory of George & Lily Komoto
Mr John Kitagawa
In memory of Hiroto Mizoguchi
Mr John Kitagawa
In memory of George & Lily Komoto
Jill Komoto and Greg Komoto
49th Day Memorial Service for George & Lily Komoto
Jill Komoto and Greg Komoto
Forwarded 49th Day Memorial Service donations
in memory of George & Lily Komoto
Mrs Katie Komoto
3rd Year Memorial for Sut Kato
Mr Charles Natsuhara
In memory of Frank Natsuhara
Ms Kathryn Natsuhara
In memory of Frank Senji Natsuhara
Mrs Betty Tanaka
In memory of Dennis Tanaka
Mrs Betty Tanaka
In memory of Maki Yamada and Yoshio Horiuchi
Ms Laurie Tanaka
In memory of Dennis Tanaka
Ms Laurie Tanaka
In memory of Maki Yamada and Yoshio Horiuchi
Other Donations
Anonymous
M/M Randy & Eva Chun
Mrs Yukiko Dow
M/M Shirley Kanda & Roger Fukai
M/M Bill & Norma Geenty
Mr Gary Ikeda
Mr Gary Ikeda
Mr Gary Ikeda
Mrs Yuki Iwai
LuAnn Kato
Mrs Haruko Mamiya
Chad, Valerie, & Eric Rawlinson
Mrs Sakiko Taguchi
Toyoshima Family
Ms Darlene Yamada
unspecified
Ohigan
Higan-E
In memory of Twinky and Sniffles
Higan & Pet Memorial - Pebbles & Shirley
Flower Fund donation
Thank you
Thank you
Higan-E
In memory of Zoe
general donation
In appreciation for Buddhism 101 Class
In appreciation
Higan Spring
In memory of all my pets I had the privilege of knowing
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2016 Pledge Totals
March 1 – 31, 2016
Thank you for your support in 2016!
Date
04/06/16
PLEDGES DECLARED
Additional
Total
$5,085
$22,930
Contributors
42
DOLLARS COLLECTED
Additional
Total
$7,765
Amount Not Specified for Internet Publishing
Yoshiko Yamada
Darlene Yamada
Betty Tanaka
James Dodobara
Laurie Tanaka
Randy Okimoto
$12,505
Alice Nishimoto
Ikuko Dodobara
Welcome New Members
Welcome new members, Billy and Elisha Scott. They have joined the Sangha and were presented with their
montoshikishos and nenjus by Rev Ogui at the Hanamatsuri service.
Dharma School News
Dharma School students performed a play titled ”Birth
of the Buddha” on Hanamatsuri. Students made the
puppets and the posters for the different scenes. Valerie
Rawlinson, Eric’s mom, helped by playing the role of
the queen and drawing the scene of the palace. Ruth
Terry acted behind the scenes as our “wrangler” and
prompted students. Mary Cogger Introduced the play
as well as the different scenes.
Build a Birdhouse
All Welcome!
Sponsored by Dharma School.
May 22nd 10:00 A.M.
Make a house of your own
or help a child build theirs.
See Mary or Ruth for details.
Photo by: Joe Watanabe
Hanamatsuri
Congratulations to Andrew Zyskowski and Sarah Folz on the birth of their son Kennedy Roosevelt Stewart
- Taubman. Their infant son was introduced at our Hanamatsuri Service on Sunday, April 10th, as they
pledged to guide the spiritual growth of their baby in front
of Amida Buddha.
Thank you to Yuri Shiotani, Katie Komoto, Mitsuko Terada, Ikuko Dodobara, Yoshiko Yamada, Darlene Yamada, and Janice Yamada for decorating the Hanamido for
Hanamatsuri. Thank you to the following for the donation of flowers: Mitsuko Terada, Charles Natsuhara,
Katie Komoto, Kim Komoto, Jessica Kosai, and the garden of George and Lily Komoto.
Thank you to Charlene Grinolds for coordinating the
Hanamatsuri lunch.
Photo by Kim Komoto
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Save the Date:
May 1st - 2 Events

Dorothy Yaguchi Memorial
Dedication in the garden immediately after service. Light refreshments
to follow.

Life Transitions: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
(Community Speaker Series by Nikkei Horizons)
Considering end of life issues? Wondering what to do? This workshop covers:

Essential documents in case you become incapacitated

Documents to ensure your wishes are carried out

Information to share with your family
Katie Berenstein, speaker, is an experienced elder law and estate planning attorney.
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Sunday, May 1st)
Location: White River Buddhist Temple
3625 Auburn Way North, Auburn WA 98002
Tuition: Suggested donation at the door: $10 Nikkei Horizons Annual Member, $15 Non Nikkei Horizons Annual Member
Newsletter Editor
We are looking for a volunteer to collect monthly newsletter articles and put them into a newsletter format.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word or Publisher very helpful. This can be done remotely and only takes
a few hours a month, depending on skill level.
If interested, please contact [email protected]
Seattle Buddhist Temple Speakers
Friday, April 29 at 7:00pm
“The Importance of Hearing Shin Buddhism” with Rev. Dr. Nobuo Haneda (Session in English)
(Suggestion Donation $10)
Saturday, April 30 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Registration $20) AND
Monday, May 2 - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Registration $10)
“Jiko manzoku no Jodo kara no sukui” with Rev. Dr. Nobuo Haneda (Session in Japanese)
-Shinran Shonin no O-jo kan Saturday, June 4 - 9:30 am
“Gandharan Buddhist Texts: What the Oldest Extant Buddhist Manuscripts Tell Us About Early Buddhism” with University of Washington PhD Candidate Joseph Marino. He is a member of the Early
Buddhist Manuscripts Project led by Professor Salomon at the University of Washington.
(Suggested Donation $10)
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**Views expressed in articles by individuals do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed
to the Temple or Sangha members**
Reverend Ogui’s Formal Temple Office Hours
Wed - Sat 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Sunday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Religious or other consultations and home visitations are encouraged to be made by appointment Wednesday through Sunday. However, Reverend Ogui is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have a non-emergency need for minister assistance, please call the Temple phone (253) 833-1442.
If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a message and Rev Ogui will return your call as
soon as possible.
If you have an emergency need for minister assistance, call Rev. Ogui's cell phone.
During Rev. Ogui’s absence between May 15 - 29, please contact [email protected]. If it is an
emergency, contact Sharon Kosai at her phone.
To Email the Temple office: [email protected]
To Email Rev Ogui: [email protected]
Mailing Address: White River Buddhist Temple
PO Box 855
Auburn, WA 98071 - 0855
White River Buddhist Temple
PO Box 855
Auburn, WA 98071-0855