February 2003Ministers Message by Reverend Kakuyei Tada
Continued from January 2003
Another book is entitled "Shin Buddhism - Bits of Rubble Turn into Gold" by Dr. Taitetsu Unno. This is his second book and was just published by a major publisher (Doubleday) and is now available at any major bookstore. Dr. Unno is a very similar scholar and minister to many of us. A few years ago, he spoke at our Fall Higan service. Like his previous book "River of Fire: River of Water", this i sa collection of his essays of 34 chapters in dealing with the religious and spiritual life of Shin Buddhism. This book explains a way of appreciating and enjoying a Shin Buddhist life, rather than a scholastic and theological explanation.
I would highly recommend both books, not only to understand the Jodo Shinshu teaching, but also to appreciate and enjoy a true Jodo Shinshu life. All of these books should be available to all of the members from our library. The writings in the back of the book cover are as follows:
"Interest in Buddhism continues to grow throughout North America, and more and more readers are moving beyond the familiar Zen and Tibetan traditions to examine other types of Buddhism. In Shin Buddhism, Taitetsu Unno explains the philosophy and practices of 'Pure Land Buddhism.' Today, there is growing interest in the teaching of Shin Buddhism in America. Shin Buddhism has been relatively unknown outside of the Japanese-American Jodo Shinshu community. Due to more publications on books and also through the effort by the Institute of Buddhist Study, there has been growing interest among the American public." In Jodo Shinshu, the deep hearing is the key practice. Dr. Unno eplains deep hearing in his book.
"The goal of deep hearing is to bring about a fundamental change in one's life, such that one realizes liberation and freedom in the midst of worldy entanglements, daily responsibilities, and constant agitations."
As members of the Buddhist Churches of America, it's an appropriate time to know and appreciate the teaching of Shin Buddhism. Jodo Shinshu life is not for an intellectual and theological conquest, but rather to increase awareness of the value of this precious life and realize a true and real peace and happiness through the teaching of Nembutsu. It's not how much you know and understand the teaching of Jodo Shinshu that makes a true follower of Nembutsu an intellectual and scholar. It is, instead, how appreciative and thankful that you become, and aware of the total acceptance of Wisdom and Compassion of Amida Buddha that leads you to become a true and real Nembutsu follower. More recently, the temple received a copy of "Coffinman" by Shinman Aoki, who is a Buddhist mortician living in Japan. The book contains his journal from the prospective of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. This book is now available in our library.
News Around the Temple by Ann NagakiHow is everyone doing with his or her New Years Resolutions? It seems like our Temple has had a lot of parties and get togethers this month. To start off, the ABA has their usual New Year's Party, which about 70 people attended. Matsy's catered the dinner and did a super job on the meal - it was a real tret for the wives who didn't have to cook for the evening. We had entertainment for the evening - the Choir had a couple of songs they sang and a novelty number, "Me and my Shovel" that they are practicing for the NW Convention entertainment. Our Choir director, Jeanne Ozawa, has a lot of patience teaching a choir ranging in ages, the majority of which are 70-87 years old. Thanks Jeanne - you're so special! We also had door prizes adn Bingo was played. After all this, many tables of card playing were done - some tables sounded like they were hot tables or players. It was a fun evening!
A small group of our Temple members made a special effort to rise early for a 7:30 a.m. special St. Shinran service held on January 16th. Those who attended were treated with a traditional Japanese morning breakfast, plus a few other side dishes made by Mrs. Tada and others.
We would like to thank the Ontario Country ladies for doing their Toban duties for the Hoonko Services. Zenzai was served with some tsukemono. Our guest speaker was Reverend Ken Fujimoto, from Lodi, California. He took time from his busy schedule. Thanks Sensei!
The Temple General Meeting was held on January 26th, immediately after the Adult Services in the Hondo, with Mike Iseri conducting the meeting. Prior to the meeting, the installation was held for the new Temple Board Members. Also, the Fujinkai held an installation for some reelected and new members. At this time, Ann Nagaki presented "okesa's" to our 2002 new Fujinkai members. They are Mary Nakamura, Midge Teramura, Mary Oyama and Helen Okai. Following the meeting, the congregation was treated to a lunch. On the menu was barbecue chicken, rice, several kinds of salad, lots of side dishes, and yummy desserts. Thanks to all who helped in making the rice and salad and to others who brought in the extra dishes - it was all appreciated very much.
Now that we are in the 2003 year - it's time for "Dues" and "Pledges" for the new year. Just a reminder that "Fujinkai Dues" are being accepted by Ann Nagaki now.
Everyone Take Care and a "cheery hello" to our shut ins.
Email from 12/8/02 Study Class Led by Kathy Chatterton
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgement; more experts, but less solutions; more medicine, but less wellness.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've clenaed up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split teh atom, but not our prejudice. We have higher incomes, but lower morals; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.
These are the times of tall men, and short character, steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition. These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.
It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to forward this message and make a difference...or just hit delete
Feb 2003 Bulletin
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