Article recently publised in the Argus Observer about IOBT can be found here at: Buddhist Religion.
Learn more about Buddhism.
Article recently publised in the Argus Observer about IOBT can be found here at: Lifelong Learners.
Learn more about how a local group found out more about Buddhism.
In keeping with the 750th Shinran Shonin Memorial, we maintained the theme "Yononaka Annon Nare: May Peace and Tranquility Prevail Throughout the World".
We had the pleasure of having Socho Koshin and Mrs. Mayumi Ogui as our guests, along with Rev. Dr. Nobuo and Mrs. Tomoko Haneda. Delegates from the Northwest District were present along with other delegates from Canada and Utah. One of the early pleasures was receiving registration from the University of Washington YBA which included not only UW, but other schools, and some of our own Temple youth who are now in college.
Friday night registration was held at the Temple, where guests were greeted with dinner. Not having a hotel/convention center that could house everyone and conduct the convention all in one place, the Temple was where we provided "hospitality" food and refreshments after their long trips.
Meanwhile, youth and adult teams alike met at the Ontario Middle School gym for a friendly dodgeball tournament. Seeing this brought back memories of the 60's and 70's when we'd have large youth delegations and basketball and volleyball tournaments at northwest conventions. The joy and enthusiasm on the participants' faces actually brought tears to my eyes, finally seeing a rebirth of athletic team competition at convention.
Saturday marked the beginning of activities at Four Rivers Cultural Center. Guests were met with wide varieties of homemade goodies not only for the morning, but for breaks all day long. The opening service was held in FRCC's theatre where the onaijin was displayed with prominence not only in its size and appearance, but with the presence of ministers, ministers assistants and youth ministers assistants.
The Gatha Project performed during opening service was dedicated to Mrs. Chizuko Iwanaga, arranger of Nembutsu. This project had its early beginnings in 2008 with Rev. Joshin Dennis Fujimoto toying with the notion of combining the basic elements of this gatha with not only Nembutsu chanting, but with singing and Taiko. The vision did not stop there; the effort would be a combined effort of ALL Northwest Temples and not just Idaho-Oregon. With assistance from Donna Sasaki of Tacoma Buddhist Temple, a master CD was created for all the Temples to rehearse from. Early in the morning before opening service, a final rehearsal was held, together as a group. When performed before the entire audience, the spirit of Oneness shined through so clearly, with voices from all the Temples loud and clear.
Dr. Haneda was well received for his keynote address "Shinran's Peace and Tranquility That Comes Out of His Dynamic and Creative Life", following the opening service. The participation of Socho Ogui, Dr. Haneda, our NW Ministers and others was outstanding. Several workshop choices were avilable during three different sessions. The Peace and Tranquility Art Project went all day with contributions from everyone. The basic backdrop was that of a tree. Members of the Sangha made their own additions to make the project whole. This was yet another group effort which demonstrated not only Peace and Tranquility, but the concept of interdependence as we examined the end result and the path the participants had taken from the roots up.
Before the banquet, many gathered in the FRCC lobby for the social hour. Throughout the day, interaction of not only old friends, but new friends was apparent. The presence of the BCA Bookstore and manager Jeffrey Kimoto along with Darcie Kameda of Hoseki Designs and bookstore volunteer Johnny added a very large selection of merchandise from which to choose. Robert Noguchi, Campaign Manager, was on hand to bring us up to date on current status. And representatives from Kintetsu were available to provide information about the tour movements to Japan for the 750th in 2011.
Unlike some banquets where there is a mad dash for seats, the reserved seats created a more casual atmosphere for our guests. Socho Ogui's address kept the audience alert and entertained. The performance by the UW YBA was a real treat.
The evening was full with the FRCC museum being open, art display by Temple members, two movies (Hula Girls adn Amerian Pasttime), and a Casino Night complete with a craps table and nine blackjack tables. And, some of the youth opted to go bowling. The agenda was full and was designed to have something for everyone.
Sunday, things were winding down. Closing service would be the last service before lunch and goodbyes. So well received was the gatha project, they were called upon to perform again at closing service. IOBT's Polyphonic Choir also performed a number at closing service as well.
Many aspects of the convention were noteworthy, but when you look at the entire event, the interaction of so many guests was apparent. Their spirits were high. They were enthusiastic. They were excited. They were happy. In visiting with subcommittee chairman, they generally didn't feel their contributions were extraordinary. Yet, with the coordination of efforts including registration, transportation, workshops, services and performances, fun activities, great food and all the other contributions to the cause, everything seemed to be in sync. Everyone did their part. So well did things go that the end result far exceeded the sum of their parts. It was a wonderful example of the Sangha coming together, organizers and attendees alike, to make this convention a rousing success.
The atmosphere was so positive that osaisen collected for the Zaidan Fund was unusually high compared to previous efforts. Bookstore sales far exceeded projections. And, Campaign BCA raised over $11,000 in the course of the event which helped to exceed the district's goal. Not only that, but another $5,000 was contributed after the event as a direct result of the convention.
Something that makes Ontario unique is that its a small town where friends and neighbors help each other at every turn. Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, as host hotels went out of their way to accommodate our guests. While the Best Western was not a host hotel, they also put their best foot forward in welcoming our guests. FRCC has had many Japanese on their board over the years, some of whom are Temple members. The caterer for FRCC is a Temple member. And, many of the helpers with transportation, catering and slide show production were our non-Buddhist friends and relatives. So, the success of this event is a credit not only to our Temple members, but to all who attended and also a credit to others in our community who worked so hard to help us. We sincerely appreciate the generous support of you all for a most memorial convention.
Mike Iseri, IOBT NW Convention Chairman
Dear Ministers and Temple Presidents:
I hope this letter finds you and your Sangha cherishing the light of Amida's guiding compassion. recently, I was contacted by temple members Fred and Nancy Nakatani regarding their 8 year old granddaughter Natalie, who is battling leukemia.
With the urgency immediate, the Buddhist Temple of San Diego held a Bone Marrow registry and screening on February 7 in hopes to find a bone marrow match for Natalie. The event was very successful. Now I am urging your temple and Sangha members to help SAVE A LIFE.
The San Diego temple acted very quickly to setup the screening event. The screening was administered by the San Diego Blood Bank. If your temple sets up a screening, please check with your local blood bank or similar agency on procedural setup.
Natalie is of Japanese-Chinese ethnicity. The family lives in Pleasant Hill, CA. Natalie is currently receiving chemo treatments in San Francisco. Unfortunately, with the agressiveness of the disease, her doctors say the best option is receiving bone marrow from a donor match.
Although we were aiming for an ethnic match, the turnout of various ethnic groups was wide-spread. It was very encouraging to see the number of people of various ethnic groups, not knowing who Natalie is, stepping forward to help save a life.
Understanding the urgent need to outreach the public and knowing that bone marrow candidates must be between the ages of 18-61, the screening process is fast and simple: fill out necessary paperwork, swab the inside of both cheeks for samples and then personnel will explain the procedure moving forward if you are asked to return as a viable candidate for donating bone marrow.
If your temple has conducted a Bone Marrow Screening, then individuals are automatically registered in the Bone Marrow registry. In the event a candidate has moved and has not updated their contact information with the registry, it may be likely that their name has been removed. Please have your members check with the agency on current contact information. A candidate will also be removed from the list when they reach the age of 60.
A web site is now available online introducing Natalie and others who face the similar disease. The facebook page is: Save Natalie
I would like to thank Socho Ogui and Michael Endo for allowing me to share this information with you. If you need further assistance or would like more information, I will be happy to offer much support. Please get the word out and participate in the Bone Marrow Screening.
Every bit is a big boost in helping save not only Natalie's life, but the lives of others.
With deepest appreciation in Gassho,
Ralph Honda, Buddhist Temple of San Diego, rkhayh@aol.com
In the wake of the catastrophic 7.0 earthquake that struck the island of Haiti on January 12, 2010, the Buddhist Churches of America has initiated a fundraising drive. While it is true that IOBT, BCA, JSC, etc. have funding needs of their own that must be tended to, it is also true that disaster relief is desperately needed in Haiti.
If you would like to contribute to this fund, you may remit your check payable to Buddhist Churches of America, noted for HAITI RELIEF, to the Temple by February 22. The Temple will submit these donations as a group to BCA.
If you have questions regarding this effort, you may contact Rev. Dennis, Mike Iseri, or Rev. Michael Endo, Executive Assistant to the Bishop at 415.776.5600, ex. 22, or at shakuensho@aol.com.
Thank you very much for your cooperation with this important relief effort.
Greetings! Happy Hanamatsuri (Buddha's Birthday, April 8th)! It's been an exciting time here at the BCA Center for Buddhist Education. In March, the first official Tokudo Shurai (preparation for the first step in the BCA/Hongwanji ministerial ordination ritual) began here at the Jodo Shinshu Center. This time-honored tradition has historically taken place in Kyoto, Japan and is now taking place, in part, here in the U.S., at the Jodo Shinshu Center. We are honored to help in this important process!
CBE's first workshop on Caregiving, Funeral and Memorial Rituals was a rare opportunity for addressing the dharma and the practical aspects of these Jodo Shinshu rites of passage. We hope to make video excerpts available online in the coming months.
At the same time, we have an overflowing assortment of programs for the BCA community and friends. We thank you for your ongoing support and welcome your suggestions and comments. Please go to: Center for Buddhist Education
to find out more.
The BCA 21st Century Campaign continues to go forward in an attempt to secure the future of Jodo Shinshu in America.
Since moving to the Jodo Shinshu Center, the IBS has enjoyed a growth in the number of students. At the August 15th Trustee Meeting, it was announced that in the fall 2008 Semester, there are 14 IBS students and 29 students from the Graduate Theological Union attending Buddhist classes. There is the establishment of a chaplaincy program at IBS through association with two Buddhist Chaplain Centers. A major step has been taken to work toward the accreditation with the Western Association of Colleges and Universities.
The Center for Buddhist Education continues to develop strong programs for BCA members. In a month, four or five programs are presented with great response from the BCA membership at large. Programs for youth, Dharma School students and teachers, young adults, temple leaders are being conducted.
There is activity and growth because the BCA has a campus which focuses and enhances the programs being conducted.
The members of the Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple have always supported the educational programs of the BCA. Our temple members have been strong supporters of the BCA 21st Century Campaign. Some members continue to donate over and above their original pledge. We are grateful to all members who have contributed to the great cause of educational programs at the Jodo Shinshu Center.
The campaign continues. We ask all of our IOBT members to participate in the great endeavor of securing the future of our Buddhist Teaching in the United States. Please support the campaign.
Rev. Joshin Dennis Fujimoto
Pure Land Joggers and Striders (PLJS) is a club for runners, walkers, and anyone else who might stretch and exert a muscle or two during the course of the week. The IOBT Chapter of the Pure Land Joggers and Striders will be starting up this spring. Stay tuned for further information in the next few months, or contact Rev. Fujimoto at 208.707.2021
Meditation Sessions (Shin Buddhist Seiza) Sitting and Walking Meditation, are being offered at IOBT on Thursday Evenings from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday Mornings from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. The fee is $5.00 per session for non members.
Members of the Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple practice Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, which originated in twelfth century Japan. The Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple was dedicated in 1947. The public is also invited to visit and join Sunday Services. Children's Dharma School Service is at 10:30 a.m.; Adult Service is at 11:00 a.m.
Reverend Joshin Dennis Fujimoto
Idaho Oregon Buddhist Temple
286 SE 4th Directions
PO Box 397 (mailing address)
Ontario, Oregon 97914
541-889-8562 (office)
541-889-8662 (fax)
9:00 am - Meditation
10:00 am - IOBT Choir Practice
10:30 am - Adult Study
10:30 am - Dharma School Class in Room #1
11:00 am - Adult and Dharma School Service
Seattle Betsuin
Tacoma Buddhist Temple
White River Buddhist Temple
Spokane Buddhist Temple
Oregon Buddhist Temple
Buddhist Churches of America
The site is dedicated to the Shinran Shonin 750th Memorial being held in February 2010.
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