Buddhist Aphorisms for Everyday Life BY REV. HARRY GYOKYO BRIDGE OCCASIONALLY I GET AN EMAIL with a quote from Shakyamuni Buddha, whether sent by a friend or just a general email that someone else shares – there are often similar Face- book or Twitter posts too. Usually they are nice, positive sentiments, but I often find myself wondering – are these really Buddhist? Sometimes they might be in- terpretations of a Buddhist idea; other times, they are actually quoting some- thing else and attributing it to the Bud- dha! There is even a website devoted to determining whether a “Buddha quote” is real or not, called fakebuddhaquotes. com! Short, positive quotes can be nice for a quick pick-me-up, but sometimes they are just too simple to be really meaningful, even if they are real. I came up with one recently: “As- sume Nothing, Appreciate Everything.” I like to think it’s pretty good! The first part, “assume nothing,” is trying to re- mind us not to take anything at face value, especially our own opinions. When things seem obvious is when we should be asking questions! It is con- nected to the Buddhist idea of aware- ness, which is what I want to focus on this month – in fact, it is the theme for Dharma School for October! The second part, “appreciate CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Minister’s Message 1 & 2 President’s Message 1 & 5 Dhama School News 2 Keiro Kai Luncheon 2 29th Annual BCO 2 Golf Tournament Ad BCO Obon 2016 3 10th Anniversary Jodo 4 Shinshu Center Flyer Momiji Kai News 5 OBWA News 5 In Memoriam 5 Busshin Deadline Info 5 29th Annual BCO 6-8 Golf Tournament Info and Forms Hidden Legacy Info 9 BCO Halloween 2016 10 Information Flyer October Shotsuki 11 Service Calendar 12-13 IN THIS ISSUE VOL 59 NUM 10 OCTOBER 2016 OMG OCTOBER: THIS MONTH IS going to be crazy-busy! First is the Jr. YBA Fundraiser on Sun 10/2 – come meet and support our High School Youth group as they kick-off the 2016-17 year. Fri 10-7-Sun 10/9, I’ll be in Bellevue, WA for the FBWA Conference (with Gayle and the BCA Bookstore). Unfortunately, this means that I’ll miss the Keirokai Apprecia- tion Service/Luncheon. Congratula- tions and best wishes to all our Senior members! Sat 10/15 is our Life Enrichment Program (see details, pg 5). Mon 10/17 is the BCO Golf Tournament in El Cerrito. Sat 10/22 is the BCA Jodo Shinshu Center 10th Anniversary (see pg 4), and Sun 10/30 is the Dharma School Hallow- een Party (see pg 10). This year, we’ve CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 President’s Message BY ROBERT NOGUCHI
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Buddhist Aphorisms for Everyday Life BY REV. HARRY GYOKYO BRIDGE
OCCASIONALLY I GET AN EMAIL
with a quote from Shakyamuni
Buddha, whether sent by a friend or
just a general email that someone else
shares – there are often similar Face-
book or Twitter posts too. Usually they
are nice, positive sentiments, but I often
fi nd myself wondering – are these really
Buddhist? Sometimes they might be in-
terpretations of a Buddhist idea; other
times, they are actually quoting some-
thing else and attributing it to the Bud-
dha! There is even a website devoted to
determining whether a “Buddha quote”
is real or not, called fakebuddhaquotes.
com! Short, positive quotes can be nice
for a quick pick-me-up, but sometimes
they are just too simple to be really
meaningful, even if they are real.
I came up with one recently: “As-
sume Nothing, Appreciate Everything.”
I like to think it’s pretty good! The fi rst
part, “assume nothing,” is trying to re-
mind us not to take anything at face
value, especially our own opinions.
When things seem obvious is when we
should be asking questions! It is con-
nected to the Buddhist idea of aware-
ness, which is what I want to focus on
this month – in fact, it is the theme for
Dharma School for October!
The second part, “appreciate
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Minister’s Message 1 & 2
President’s Message 1 & 5
Dhama School News 2
Keiro Kai Luncheon 2
29th Annual BCO 2 Golf Tournament Ad
BCO Obon 2016 3
10th Anniversary Jodo 4 Shinshu Center Flyer
Momiji Kai News 5
OBWA News 5
In Memoriam 5
Busshin Deadline Info 5
29th Annual BCO 6-8 Golf Tournament Info and Forms
Hidden Legacy Info 9
BCO Halloween 2016 10 Information Flyer
October Shotsuki 11 Service
Calendar 12-13
IN THIS ISSUE
VOL 59 NUM 10
OC
TO
BE
R 2
016
OMG OCTOBER: THIS MONTH IS
going to be crazy-busy! First is the Jr.
YBA Fundraiser on Sun 10/2 – come
meet and support our High School
Youth group as they kick-off the
2016-17 year. Fri 10-7-Sun 10/9, I’ll
be in Bellevue, WA for the FBWA
Conference (with Gayle and the BCA
Bookstore). Unfortunately, this means
that I’ll miss the Keirokai Apprecia-
tion Service/Luncheon. Congratula-
tions and best wishes to all our Senior
members! Sat 10/15 is our Life
Enrichment Program (see details,
pg 5). Mon 10/17 is the BCO Golf
Tournament in El Cerrito. Sat 10/22
is the BCA Jodo Shinshu Center 10th
Anniversary (see pg 4), and Sun
10/30 is the Dharma School Hallow-
een Party (see pg 10). This year, we’ve
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
President’s Message BY ROBERT NOGUCHI
OCTOBER 20162
AnniversariesCONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
everything,” is related to gratitude.
Gratitude is sometimes portrayed as
a key element of Jodo Shinshu, if not
the key element. But my question has
always been, “Gratitude for what?”
For the material items I have? For the
compassion of the Buddha that en-
ables my birth in the Pure Land when I
die? For the simple fact that I am alive?
When we start digging in and asking
questions, maybe we fi nd that the
answer to the question, “What should I
be grateful for?” isn’t so simple. “Appre-
ciate Everything” tries to address this,
suggesting that we are often not aware
of the compassionate teaching energy
that comes from the Buddha. The Dalai
Lama is reported as saying that he even
views his enemies as his teachers.
But does the aphorism work?
I like it, but again, maybe it’s too
simple or leaves too much room for
interpretation. Hopefully it points in the
right direction – to continue listening
to the Buddha’s teachings, to try and
be aware and mindful, and to appreci-
ate everything we experience. Maybe
it’s too obvious and too diffi cult at the
same time. Ultimately, it’s just words.
But whatever Buddhist aphorisms we
encounter, let’s use them to try and
come to a deeper understanding and
experience of Namo Amida Butsu.
BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS,
our Dharma School Classes will have
begun! And we are already letting
you know about our Halloween Party
on October 30!! The fl yer is includ-
ed and we hope you can attend. We
love to see children, teens, Moms,
Dads, Aunties, Uncles, Grandparents,
and honorary family try to take a bite
out of the elusive hanging powdered
donuts!! We’ll have games, prizes,
lunch and of course, the Haunted
House!
Happy Birthday We wish a happy birthday to Emiko
Masamori, our one student born in
September. Wishing you a wonderful
year!
Dharma School News BY MAYA LAWRENCE
OUR KEIROKAI SENIOR
Appreciation Service is on Sunday,
October 9 at 10:00 AM. Follow-
ing the service we will have Happy
Hour in the Social Hall, followed by a
luncheon. We will be sending an
invitation to Keirokai members -
please keep an eye out and RSVP!
Non-Keirokai members can attend
too - we will be sending an email with
details as the date approaches..
Keiro Kai Appreciation Service & Luncheon 2016
OCTOBER 20163
BCO Obon 2016
OCTOBER 20164
buddhistchurchesofamerica.org For more information email: [email protected]
Saturday, Oct 22, 20168:30am - 7:00pm
Commemoration and Memorial Service
Commemorative Events Jodo Shinshu Center214 Durant Ave. Berkeley, CA 94704
Jodo Shinshu CenterRealizing the Vision
10thAnniversary of the
NOW THAT OUR MAIN
fundraisers for the Church, the Bazaar
and Obon, are behind us, hopefully,
we will be able to plan some activi-
ties for the remainder of the year at
our upcoming meeting on Thursday,
September 1. Suggestions we have
discussed so far are a movie, visita-
tions to some institutions, etc., and
of course, going out for lunch. The
coming meet will include the regular
mini service and the usual Yoga with
Patti, our wonderful instructor.
Momiji Kai News BY NANCY YAMAMOTO
THE OBWA WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR
their generous donations:
• Michael Endo in memory of Mrs. Chieko Endo’s 7th year service
• Maya Murashima in memory of Sumi Murashima’s Hatsubon service
We’d also like to thank:
• Everyone who helped with Obon preparations and Obon- it was a great
success with your help!
• Those who contributed to the success of our greeting card fundraiser a
success- those who created the cards and those who generous purchased
them.
• Renie Grohl for the beginning knitter kits for our new knitting project,
knitted caps for local hospitals. Watch for our next workshop if you would
like to participate.
OBWA News BY LINDA TAKAGAKI
President’s MessageCONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
invited the Gakuen students and
Youth Club players and their families.
AND…don’t forget Monthly Evening
Service and Discussion (Wed 10/12-
7pm) and Study Class (Sat 10/29-
2pm).
Keirokai: Our annual salute to
BCO’s Senior members (75 and old-
er) is Sunday, October 9th, starting
with Service at 10am, followed by
the Keirokai Appreciation Luncheon
and program. If you, or someone you
know is turning 75, please notify the
Church offi ce so they can be invited
to the event.
BEC Life Enrichment Program:
On Saturday, October 15th, the
Buddhist Education Committee will
present Hidden Legacy: Japanese
Traditional Performing Arts in the
WWII Internment Camps, a one-hour
documentary of pictures, fi lm clips,
performances and interviews with
interned Japanese-Americans, and
how they enriched the camps with
song and dance. The program will
be hosted by BCO member Shirley
Muramoto, who will also perform on
the koto.
Please join us for these fabulous
October events!
OCTOBER 20165
IN MEMORIAM:The Buddhist Church of
Oakland extends its deepest
condolences to the families of:
Takashi Otsuka
July 1, 2016
Kimiko Sasaki
July 8, 2016
Sylvia Nomura
August 8, 2016
May the family members fi nd
comfort and solace in the
Nembutsu, Namu amida butsu.
DEADLINE FOR NOVEMBER 2016 BUSSHIN ARTICLES:SEPTEMBER 30th
BUDDHIST CHURCH OF OAKLAND 29th ANNUAL BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT
Dear Members and Friends:
The Buddhist Church of Oakland is proud to sponsor its 29th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament to be held at the Mira Vista Golf & Country Club, 7901 Cutting Boulevard, El Cerrito, CA 94530 on Monday, October 17, 2016. It is with deepest gratitude and appreciation to the many participants and donors over the years that we are able to continue having this annual event.
We are, once again, offering corporate sponsorships to invite local community organizations, companies or individuals to further participate in the church’s programs including community outreach. Three levels of corporate sponsorship are available. Each level provides corporate representatives to participate as well as opportunities to identify your company or business in our program and at the golf course.
Other opportunities include providing a donation that could be used as a raffle or door prize. We also ask you to consider supporting this fundraiser by being a hole sponsor for the tournament. In recognition of your monetary donation of $100 or more for the hole sponsor, a sign advertising your business or your personal sponsorship will be displayed at one of the 18 tee areas and will be acknowledged in the printed program.
A list of the types of sponsorships and donations are on the second page. In order for your donation to be properly acknowledged in the program, please complete and return the form on Page 2 to the church by FRIDAY, September 23.
Your consideration of supporting this event is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Keiju Terada, Committee Chair
Committee Members: Michael Endo, Mary Hiromoto, Eric Ikeda, Linda Minamoto, Edward Mon, Peter Nakaso, John Neishi, Ron Nomura, Jeff Suda, Ted Tanisawa, Gary Tominaga, Janet Tsukahira
825 Jackson Street ● Oakland, California 94607 ● (510) 832-5988 ● TIN: 94-1498382
OCTOBER 20166
BUDDHIST CHURCH OF OAKLAND 29th ANNUAL BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT
Please submit this form with enclosed envelope with checks made payable to the BUDDHIST CHURCH OF OAKLAND
Yes to Corporate Sponsorship:
□ Gold Sponsor $2000- one four-some including carts, meals, and hole sponsor sign designating Gold Sponsor. Display company-provided banner at the tournament banquet, and one page advertisement in the tournament program booklet.
□ Silver Sponsor $1000 - one two-some including cart, meals, and hole sponsor sign designating Silver Sponsor. Display company-provided banner at the tournament banquet, half (1/2) page advertisement in the tournament program booklet.
□ Bronze Sponsor $500 - one player including cart, meals, and hole sponsor sign designating Bronze Sponsor. Display company-provided banner at the tournament banquet, one-third (1/3) page advertisement in the tournament program booklet.
□ I wish to be a hole sponsor for the 2016 BCO Golf Tournament. The minimum donation is $100. The name you wish to have appear on the hole sponsor sign:
825 Jackson Street ● Oakland, California 94607 ● (510) 832-5988 ● TIN: 94-1498382
Monday, October 17, 2016 Mira Vista Golf & Country Club
El Cerrito, CA
OCTOBER 20167
Buddhist Church of Oakland 29th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament
Monday, October 17, 2016 Mira Vista Golf & Country Club
7901 Cutting Boulevard, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Entry Fee: $200.00 per player (Includes green fees, cart, tee prizes, range balls, bento box lunch, buffet dinner, and door prize ticket.)
2016 EARLY OCTOBER INDEX WILL BE USED.
Deadline: All registration forms must be received by October 3, 2016.
Tournament Scoring Format: Stroke play. You may play with your chosen foursome or enter as pairs or singles. There will also be an All Women’s Team Flight.
Registration: 9:30 am; Bento Box Lunch pick up at Registration Shotgun Start: 11:00 am; Buffet Dinner and Awards: 5:30 pm
Individual Low Net Prizes also awarded. Dress Code for players and guests: Collared shirts (No tee shirts, tank tops) are required. Long pants or golf shorts (No tennis, gym or short shorts. No denim). Mandatory soft spiked golf shoes (No tennis shoes). Hats and cell phone use are not permitted in clubhouse.
Please complete and detach. Check payable to Buddhist Church of Oakland at 825 Jackson Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Sunday services greeters; Straighten hondo the week before Etaikyo (11/6); Etaikyo refreshments; After-Shotsuki set-up; Weekend garden clean-up; Busshin collation; Wed evening Dharma service and Study Class