Reactions to the Passing of the Buddha BY REV. HARRY GYOKYO BRIDGE Message from the President BY LINDA MINAMOTO NIRVANA DAY IS THE commemoration of the death of Shakyamuni Buddha. As far as our special services go it is a minor one, and yet still very significant. The death of the Buddha is recorded in at least two sutras, the Mahaparinibbana Sutta of the Pali Canon (“Nibbana” is just a different pronunciation of Nirvana), and the Mahayana Mahanirvana Sutra. In addition to these textual ac- counts, there is also a famous type of painting which records this event, and includes images of the various beings that came to be present at the Bud- dha’s passing into Nirvana. In addition to followers and disciples, there are also gods, bodhisattvas, and animals. One significant aspect of these beings is that their reactions can be divided into two types: those that are crying and weeping (the humans and animals), and those that look calm and serene (the Bodhisattvas). The humans and animals, still caught up in the 108 de- filements, are mourning the loss of their teacher, whereas the Bodhisattvas have realized various aspects of the Dharma and have attained much deeper at- tainment. Thus, rather than weep, they understand impermanence and empti- ness and are not overcome with grief. Lately, I have wondered if this could perhaps teach us about the various stages of loss that we go through when we lose a loved one. Very often when a loved one dies, we experience deep sadness – sometimes we are even over- come with grief. But as time goes by, this sadness is lessened, and is replaced by a deeper joy and appreciation. We may also find that a calm acceptance has replaced the more turbulent emo- tions we felt at first. Although we may experience both of the reactions found in the Nirvana Image, it is important to understand CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 HAPPY NEW YEAR! I CAN’T BELIEVE that two years have passed and my two-year term is ending. The time has passed more quickly at times and slow- er at other times than I had anticipated (perhaps, the middle way?). It genu- inely has been my honor to serve as President of BCO. The fact that things were accomplished and our temple is in good shape is a result of the whole sangha working together. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone’s help and support. I am very grateful to the Board and especially to my Ex- ecutive Board: Robert Noguchi, Jon Takagaki, and Steve Terusaki, Presidents Elect, Gayle Noguchi, Vice President (Religious), Mark Shimamoto, Vice President (Business), Doris Okano, Recording Secretary, Carol Thunen, CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Minister’s Message 1 & 5 Message from the 1 & 3 President Youth Club News 2 Momiji Kai News 2 President Elect’s 3 Message Dharma School News 4 Buddhist Education 5 News Jr. YBA News 5 In Memoriam 5 Institute of Buddhist 6 Studies Flyer February Shotsuki 7 Service Gift Card Donation 8 Food Drive 9 Omigaki 2014 10 Calendar 11-12 Busshin Deadline Info 12 IN THIS ISSUE VOL 58 NUM 2 FEBRUARY 2015
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Reactions to the Passing of the Buddha BY REV. HARRY GYOKYO BRIDGE
Message from the PresidentCONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
Corresponding Secretary, Norman
Abrahamson, Treasurer, Gary Lawrence,
Assistant Treasurer, Ron Nomura and
Norman Yoshida, Financial Assistants.
Of course, it goes without say-
ing that the guidance from Reverend
Harry Bridge has been invaluable.
And, my job was so much easier due
to the efforts of Doris Okano and Mary
Hiromoto. Our Busshin Editor, Joyce
Yokomizo, as well as Pam Kato, who
does the Busshin layout, have been
especially patient with me and my
habitual tardiness in submitting my
articles. I am very grateful to all of
these individuals.
In December, we had another
successful mochitsuki. Thank you to
everyone who came out to help. It is
a lot of work but it is also a lot a fun.
I heard a lot of laughter and joy from
the helpers. Thank you Jr. YBA and
parents for the delicious udon lunch
that you provided.
On New Year’s Eve, we held our
Joya-E service. Following the service,
we served the traditional soba noo-
dles. We had a great crowd; approxi-
mately 130 people. Thank you to Steve
Terusaki, Mark Shimamoto and Ron
Nomura for chairing the preparation
of the soba noodles and all those who
helped. Also, thank you to Gloria Fu-
jimoto for the mandarin oranges and
green onions and to Namie Naito for
the homemade kuromame.
December was particularly excit-
ing this year. I went to Hawaii with my
daughter, Mariko, to watch George
Washington University (GWU) play
basketball in the Diamond Head Clas-
sic. Not only did GWU win the tourna-
ment but Mariko got engaged. I was
the offi cial photographer which was a
bit of a challenge for me!
On New Year’s Day, the Minamo-
to’s had their traditional oshogatsu. It
was a day to enjoy family, friends, and
delicious food. My daughter, Tara, was
home from New Orleans which is al-
ways a treat.
As I look back at the past two
years, I have much to be thank-
ful for as President. I have had the
pleasure to meet many members
who I did not know before and to
get better acquainted with mem-
bers I already knew. I wish all of you
a Happy, Healthy and Fulfi lling 2015!
In Gassho, Linda.
Linda Minamoto accepts the generous donation from the BCO Golf Tournament.
FEBRUARY 20154
Dharma School News BY MAYA LAWRENCE
THE DHARMA SCHOOL TEACHERS he
wish you all a very Happy New Year!
The Federation of Dharma School
Teachers’ Leagues is sponsoring an
art contest, with each district’s win-
ning art entries displayed at the yearly
conference. This year, the conference
is in Los Angeles on the last weekend
in April. Our Dharma School will work
on art entries in January and February.
Our theme is “Gratitude.”
The Asian Pacifi c Fund is again
sponsoring an art contest: Growing
Up Asian in America. If you would like
to enter, here is the link: http://asian-
pacificfund.org/what-we-do/awards/
growing-up-asian-in-america-awards.
Their theme this year is “celebrating
our roots.”
Welcome to Sophie Arbelide. So-
phie is in 11th grade and has joined the
Jr. YBA and the Dharma School.
We are once again sponsoring a
Food Drive for the Alameda County
Food Bank. Please help us collect at
least 300 items. The food bins will be in
the foyer of the Hall. Please count your
items before you put them in, and mark
them on the tally sheet above the bin.
We’ll have an Ice Cream Sundae Sun-
day on March 8th if we meet our goal!!
Thank you to Lou Minamoto who
counted the spare change from our
CBE Jar. =You all donated $200!
Thank you to all the Dharma School
students who came out for Mochitsu-
ki. And thank you to the Jr. YBA for a
great lunch!
Our Eightfold Noble Path theme
this month is Right View. As Buddhists,
we strive to see things as they truly
are. Easily said, but often diffi cult to
achieve. So, we keep on practicing…
We would like to thank our very gener-
ous donors:
Karen Hashimoto and Tomita Shima-
moto for donating art supplies.
Happy Birthday to Joshua Lang,
our lone Dharma School student born
in January. We wish you all the best!!
FEBRUARY 20155
Buddhist Education News BY GAYLE NOGUCHI
IT IS MY PLEASURE AND PRIVILEGE
to continue serving in the role of Vice
President, Religious for the Buddhist
Church of Oakland. I would like to
thank the Buddhist Education Commit-
tee as well as the BCO sangha for mak-
ing this past year rich with learning and
growing together. We are blessed to
have the nembutsu teachings so avail-
able and accessible to us.
Our Buddhist Education Commit-
tee strives to offer Dharma Services
and educational programs that serve
the needs and interests of our sangha.
If you would like to help plan upcoming
services and programs please come
to our next Buddhist Education Com-
mittee meeting on Sunday, March 15th
during refreshments after the Spring
Ohigan Service for adults. Your sug-
gestions and participation are welcome
and much appreciated!
COMING UP IN FEBRUARY:
Please join us on Wednesday, Febru-
ary 11th at 7:00 p.m. for our monthly
Evening Dharma Service and Discussion
with Reverend Harry Gyokyo Bridge. It
is free and open to all adults and young
adults interested in Buddhism. It’s a
great way to introduce people to BCO
and Jodo Shinshu so if you know of
someone who’d like to learn about Bud-
dhism, please bring them!
We also will have our monthly Dharma
Study class with Reverend Bridge on
Saturday, February 21st from 2:00-
4:00 p.m. This is another opportunity
to listen to the Dharma and learn more
about Buddhism. Free and open to the
public, no prior knowledge of Bud-
dhism is required.
Our next Dharma Chat will be on Sun-
day, February 22nd. An informal gath-
ering of adults immediately following
the Dharma Family Service, Dharma
Chat will surprise you with the amazing
and wonderful things you’ll learn about
our sangha members.
Jr. YBA News BY KELSEY HIROTA
HAPPY NEW YEAR! IN LATE
December, we had a holiday party
celebrating the winter holidays and
the new year, both at the Holiday
Ice Rink at the Embarcadero Center
and at the church. Thank you to
Brittany Nakamura and Erika Medina
for organizing it, as well as Mrs.
Nakamura for chaperoning everyone
to San Francisco. Also, thank you to
all the parents who brought food and
helped decorate/clean up afterwards!
This month, we attended a Bay
District meeting, and some members
from the YBA attended a leadership
workshop at the Buddhist Temple of
Alameda. They learned concepts such
as conducting meetings and complet-
ing group projects. We also taught
the Dharma School kids in a lesson
teaching Right View. Thank you to ev-
eryone who helped out, especially Ra-
chel Hirota for chairing! See you next
month and have a happy 2015!
Minister’s MessageCONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
that we do not become enlightened.
A part of the sadness and loss always
remains with us. And if we fi nd that
the calm serenity of the bodhisattvas
is found within us, it is not because
we generate it ourselves – instead, it is
due to the compassion and wisdom of
Amida Buddha, working on us, trans-
forming us in the midst of our unen-
lightened lives. Namo Amida Butsu
IN MEMORIAM:The Buddhist Church of Oakland extends its deepest condolences
to the families of:
Fumiyo Honda, October 30, 2014
Raymond Otake, November 7, 2014
May the family members fi nd comfort and solace in the
Nembutsu, Namu amida butsu.
FEBRUARY 20156
INSTITUTE OF BUDDHIST STUDIES 2 1 4 0 D u r a n t A v e n u e , B e r k e l e y , C A 9 4 7 0 4 - 1 5 8 9 E - m a i l : i n s t i t u t e o f b u d d h i s t s t u d i e s @ s h i n - i b s . e d u
Dear Friends of IBS at the Buddhist Church of Oakland: Thanks to the foresight and leadership of many of our BCA members, we have created a scholarship fund to financially assist our ministerial students as they prepare for their future, as our ministers. I am especially grateful the many Buddhist Church of Oakland members who have already donated to the Friends of IBS Ministerial Scholarship Fund. As we are all painfully aware, the cost to seek education, at any level, for any kind of vocation, is in a steady climb. The BCA ministerial path is no different, and all for good reason. With the growth and diversity of our communities and Sangha, which is a good thing, our ministers must have a full and deep understanding of Jodo Shinshu, Buddhism, its history, and its historic place among other religions and cultures of the world. In addition to this, they must train in and master the ceremonies and rituals of our Jodo Shinshu lineage in order to serve at our temples. This requires a minimum of three years of full-time postgraduate study. At the time of this writing, we have received a grand total of $86,980.00, and I am pleased to report that we have already begun the distribution of funds to our students. The support from our BCA membership has been steady, and at this point in time, we have reserve funds. This is more than I could have hoped for last year when we began this project, but it is good news for our students on the BCA ministerial path here at IBS, to know that our members are willing to help in their endeavors. May I ask for your continued show of support by considering including our Friends of IBS in your annual giving? Thank you! Gassho, Rev. Seigen Yamaoka Vice President for Development Institute of Buddhist Studies
-----------------Please cut and enclose with your check-----------------
Yes! Please count me in as a Friend of the Institute of Buddhist Studies. I understand that these funds will be used directly to support the endeavors of our BCA ministers of tomorrow, who wish to study at the Institute of Buddhist Studies. Checks can be made payable to IBS, with the notation “Ministerial Scholarship” on the memo line. Please mail to: IBS, 2140 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704. Please note that your contributions to the Institute of Buddhist Studies are tax deductible.
Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Rev., Dr. )__________________________________________________________________ This donation is from my organization ____________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________ City______________________ State ___ Zip code_____________ Phone (______)_________________ E-mail _________________________ Temple affiliation ______________________________________
FEBRUARY 20157
2015 February Shotsuki Memorial ServiceFebruary 8, 2015 at approximately 10:45 (following Family Dharma Service)Sermon by Rev. Harry Gyokyo Bridge
Family and friends are invited to attend this monthly memorial service for those listed below. If any errors appear in the list
below, please notify the church offi ce at (510) 832-5988 at your earliest convenience. For next month’s Shotsuki Service,
please see the Busshin calendar.
Mr. Hiroji Aochi
Mr. Arata Akahoshi
Mr. Nobuta Akahoshi
Mrs. Fusa Doi
Mrs. Kiku Fujii
Mr. Arata Fujikawa
Mrs. Kuni Fujimoto
Mrs. Junko June Fujita
Mr. Fudekichi Fukuda
Mr. Itaro Harada
Mrs. Seki Harada
Mr. Toshiyuki Jack Harada
Mr. Masatoshi Hashimoto
Mrs. Yoshiko Hashimoto
Mrs. Akino Henmi
Mr. Sataro Hirai
Mrs. Koyoshi Idehara
Mrs. Hatsu Igaki
Dr. Charles Ishizu
Mr. Harvey Clay Johnson
Mr. Suejiro Kanada
Mr. George Kanagaki
Mr. Naoichi Kaneshige
Mr. Keijiro Kataoka
Mrs. Masuko Kataoka
Mrs. Sakae Kataoka
Mr. Wes Kawabata
Mr. Tad Kawamura
Mr. Shuzo Kawaoka
Mr. Rikizo Kido
Mr. Sagao Kido
Mr. Toshiharu Kimura– 3rd year
Mr. Jinpachi Kitagaki
Mrs. Mieko Kitagaki
Miss Kimi Michelle Kleven
Mr. Thomas Koizumi
Mr. Kotaro Komoda
Mrs. Taka Kono
Mr. Kashichi Matsui
Mrs. Nobuko Matsui
Mr. Saburo Matsui– 13th year
Mr. Shigeru Matsumoto
Mrs. Toku Matsutani
Mr. Jisaku Minamoto
Mrs. Tokio Minamoto
Mrs. Yukiko Mitsueda
Mrs. Hatsu Miyamoto
Mr. Fujitaro Miyauchi
Ms. Shigeko Mizuki
Mr. Sam Mizusaki
Mrs. Sakae Mori
Mr. Yukio Mori
Mrs. Hisa Murakawa
Mr. James Murashima
Mr. Tran Ngoc My
Mrs. Shizue Nakai– 3rd year
Mrs. Kei Nakamura
Mr. Masayoshi Nakamura
Mr. Shozo Nakamura
Mrs. Toki Nakamura
Mrs. Tei Nakao
Mr. Harry Nakaya
Mrs. Tase Nakayama
Mrs. Judy Narasaki
Mrs. Hisa Natsuhara
Mr. Jinpachi Nishimura
Mr. Shosuke Nobori
Mrs. Yae Nobori
Mrs. Hisae Noda
Mrs. Hatsuko Nomura– 1st year
Mr. James Susumu Nomura– 17th year
Mr. Mitsuo Okashima
Ms. Fumiko Okawachi
Mr. Kazuichi Oseto
Mr. Nihachiro Sakaki
Faith Sasaki
Mr. Toyohiko Sata
Mrs. Mitsu Shigaya
Mr. Taizan Shimizu– 1st year
Mrs. Hatsumi Shohara
Mr. George Soga
Mr. Frank Takahashi
Mrs. Hina Takahashi
Ms. Tsuruko Takahashi
Mrs. Yana Tanaka
Tani Family
Mr. Jitsuo Tani
Mr. Itsuzo Taniguchi
Mr. Mitsugi Taniguchi
Mr. Edward Tanita
Mrs. Tora Toji
Mr. Sakitaro Toyofuku
Mrs. Same Toyofuku
Mrs. Shizu Tsuboi
Mr. Tamotsu Tsuchida
Mr. Teruki Tsuchida
Mr. Hikotaro Tsuda
Mrs. Ei Tsujimoto–50th year
Miss Fumiya Umemoto
Mrs. Sachiko Umemoto
Mr. Marc Umetani
Mr. Kenji Urushibata
Mrs. Ura Urushibata
Mr. Kazuhiko Uyeno
Mrs. Hana Wada
Mr. Joe Wakayama
Mr. Harold Wong
Mrs. Kajiko Yamasaki
Mrs. Kimi Yamashita
Mr. Kaheiji Yokomizo
Mr. Eiichi Yoshida
Mr. Kamehisa Yoshida
Mrs. Kino Yoshida
Mr. Hikoichi Yoshioka
Mr. Kiichi Yoshioka
Mr. Kisaku Yoshioka
Mrs. Nao Yoshioka
Mr. Don Jiro Yoshisato–33rd year
Mrs. Kimiye Yoshiura
Mr. Craig Matthew Young
Mr. Chosaburo Yuto
FEBRUARY 20158
FOOD DRIVE
FEBRUARY 20159
Omigaki 2014
FEBRUARY 201510
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Family Dharma Service Installation of Board Officers, 10:00-11:00 am Annual General Meeting 11:15 am-12:15 pm New Year’s Luncheon - Board 12:15-1:30 pm
2 Line Dancing, Social Hall, 1:00-2:30 pm Karaoke, Social Hall, 7:30-9:30 pm
3
4 Board of Directors Meeting, Small Chapel 7:00 pm
8 Family Dharma Service 10-10:45 am Shotsuki Memorial & Adult Dharma Service 10:45-11:30 am Jr. YBA Udon Luncheon 11:30 am-1:00 pm Busshin Collation-Dharma School
9 Wanto Shodo Kai Issei Kaikan, 10 am-12 Noon Karaoke, Social Hall, 7:30-9:30 pm
10 EBYAL Issei Kaikan, 7:00-9:00 pm
11 Evening Dharma Service & Discussion, 7:00-8:30 pm
15 Nirvana Day Service 10:00-10:45 am Dharma Chat 10:45-11:30 am Ashland Howakai 5:00-6:30pm
16 President’s Day (Office Closed)
17 Oakland Fukuoka Sister City Association General Meeting Issei Kaikan, 7:00-9:00 pm
18 Youth Club Board Meeting, Issei Kaikan 7:00-8:30 pm
19 Momijikai, Small Chapel 10:00 am-2:00 pm Gakuen (Adult) Issei Kaikan, 6:30-8:30 Business Committee Meeting, Small Chapel 7:00-9:00 pm
20
21 Gakuen Issei Kaikan, 9:00-12:00 pm
22 Family Dharma Service 10:00-10:45 am Lady Takeko Kujo & OBWA Members Memorial Service 10:45-11:30 am OBWA Meeting 11:30-12:30 pm Dharma School Family Activity
23 Wanto Shodo Kai Issei Kaikan, 10 am-12 Noon Karaoke, Social Hall, 7:30-9:30 pm
24 EBYAL Issei Kaikan, 7:00-9:00 pm
25 BCA Minister”s Association Meeting, San Diego, CA Asian Health Services Monthly Meeting Social Hall, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
26 BCA Minister”s Association Meeting, San Diego, CA Gakuen (Adult) Issei Kaikan, 6:30-8:30
27 Busshin Articles Due BCA National Council Meeting San Diego, CA
28 Gakuen Issei Kaikan 9:00-12:00 pm BCA National Council Meeting San Diego, CA
FEBRUARY 2015
FEBRUARY 201511
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Family Dharma Service 10:00-10:45 am Dharma Chat 10:45-11:30 am
2 Line Dancing, Social Hall, 1:00-2:30 pm Karaoke, Social Hall, 7:30-9:30 pm
3
4 Board of Directors Meeting, Small Chapel 7:00 pm