January 2003Ministers Message by Reverend Kakuyei Tada
It is gratifying to know that more English Jodo Shinshu books have been published and become widely available than ever before. Starting with "The Collected Works of Shinran", published by Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha, which is the complete English translation of Shinran Shonin's writings. Although this book is the work of scholars, it is an indispensable book for Shinshu Buddhist students to help them understand the teaching by Shinran Shonin. It took two decates to finish the translation project.
A popular book "Ocean: An Introduction to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in America" written by Dr. and Reverend Kenneth Tanaka, former professor at the Institute of Buddhist Studies, has become a best seller among BCA members. It is an excellent introductory book on the basic teaching and tradition. A leading national publishing house introduced "River of Fire, River of Water" by Dr. and Reverend Taitetsu Unno, retired professor at Smith College. It is intended to explain Jodo Shinshu Buddhism to the general public. A well known Japanese writer, Hiroyuki Itsukkis, wrote his first English book, titled "Tariki". This is a collection of his essays on Shinran adn Rennyo Shonin, and was published in this country. Mr. Itsuki spent a few years away from his writing life to attend Ryukoku University to learn about Jodo Shinshu. His Japanese book on this subject is still widely read in Japan.
Today, these books are sold at large bookstores throughout the country, or through the internet, around the world. There is no doubt that this has generated a great interest to both BCA members as well as the general public. It is an encouraging trend, particularly for the Jodo Shinshu in America. Recently, I have received two English books on Jodo Shinshu or Shin Buddhism. The first book was printed in Japan by the Hongwanji International Center, in Kyoto, Japan. The second is written by Dr. and Reverend Taitetsu Unno, author of "River of Fire, River of Water", which was published by a well known publishing house - Doubleday. This second book by Dr. Unno is titled "Shin Buddhism - bits of Rubble Turn into Gold". It is 270 pages, and has a glossary and index. The book from Japan, "Jodo Shinshu - A Guide", has 173 pages with 4 useful appendixes and a convenient index. This new publication of Shin Buddhism is an introductory book in dealing with basic knowledge of our religion. The subject begins with the life of Sakyamuni Buddha, his basic teaching, the life of Shinran Shonin, the teaching of Pure Land Buddhism - Jodo Shinshu. It also explains the Hongwanji's tradition, its organizational structure, and other related subjects. It clarifies Buddhist etiquette, observances, death rites, traditions and so on. It gives basic information regarding Jodo Shinshu. No doubt this book provides the fundamental knowledge of the teaching and traditions of Jodo Shinshu according to the Hongwanji. Unlike the popular book, "Ocean", it doesn't use a question and answer format, but rather is written as a text book for a study class. However, if you can read it together with "Ocean", you would be able to have a better and clearer understanding of Jodo Shinshu in general. For beginners, the book should be a good way to know about Jodo Shinshu and its tradition. For this reason, this book is highly recommended. I urge anyone who is interested in our religion to read it.
To be continued
News Around the Temple by Ann NagakiWell, it looks like the year 2002 is almost gone - hope it was a good and healthy one, too. Now that most of us are Seniors, Seniors - each day is a plus if we can get out of bed and enjoy another day.
We just finished the Temple Year End Party with the Ontario Country Ladies doing their duty as tobans. We had a delicious lunch of spaghetti, relish sticks, jello, french bread, cookies and drinks - mm mm good! Thanks ladies! Even Santa Claus made his appearance - might add a good one, too!
Several Fujinkai members and spouses took a "time out" from their usual duties at the Temple by going to Jackpot for an overnighter. We had our own private bus from the Cactus Pete's Connection, so it was nice and very enjoyable. You should see when lunch came around - never have I seen so many rice balls. Sure did taste good. Also, all those snacks that were passing around - have to mention that Shiz Inouye made her Crispix snack for each of us - they were yummy! I just had to ask for the recipe. I think we all would give thanks to the Fujinkai for helping out on the expense of this trip.
The Fujinkai had a year end party with Matsy's doing the catering. Boy, are we getting spoiled - not having to cook, etc.! Each Fujinkai that was in attendance received a beautiful Poinsettia plant. For some entertainment we had "Bingo" with Yas Teramura and Hideo Harada doing the calling. Thanks guys!
In November, Ruth and Hideo Harada, and Reverend and Mrs. Tada went to the nursing home for visitation. Have to thank Mary Kameshige for making up goodies to take to our shut ins. I know they enjoyed the Christmas cactus plant and a smiling Santa Claus for their rooms.
The New Year is approaching upon us soon, so I would like to wish everyone a "Happy New Year" and don't forget your resolutions! Take care.
Dharma School News by Mary Ann Shimojima
I would like to thank Grant Saito for being chairman the last Sunday of November. You sure are growing up Grant, and you do a nice job!
The children made Bodhi leaves on the 1st Sunday in December to put on the Bodhi tree for our special Bodhi Day service on December 8th. It is always nice to hve a service that is a little different. On December 15th, Sandy Belknap gave the Dharma talk in Reverend Tada's absence. Thank you Sandy. The last day of our Dharma School service for 2002 is December 22, with the visitation of Santa and lunch. In preparation for hosting the 2004 Northwest Buddhist Convention in Ontario, we are promoting our convention at the 2003 convention in Portland. One of the things is making onion dolls for the tables at the banquet. So, the children will be helping to make some of these dolls in January.
Happy Holidays to all of you and see you in 2003!
Newly Elected/Re-Elected Board Members
The newly elected/re-elected board members for the 2003-2005 term are:
Newly Elected Board of Trustees
The newly elected board of trustees for the 2003-2005 term are:
The Oregon Buddhist Temple invites you to the 56th Annual Northwest Buddhist Convention. Mark your calendars and join us February 7, 8 and 9 at the Doubletree Inn/Lloyd Center in Portland, Oregon.
The theme of this year's convention is "Putting the Pieces Together" and there are some very interesting workshops and events planned for both adults and children. We're very pleased to have Reverend Tetsuo Unno be the keynote speaker Saturday night.
Kicking off the event Friday night is an "Iron Chef" competition. Come see what the various teams will cook up when the secret ingredients are revealed to them right before the competition. Has your temple entered a team yet?
After the workshops on Saturday and before the sumptuous banquet Saturday night, you can relax and enjoy a wonderful show of hula dancing - Keniki's Wahini Polynesian Review. The banquet choices for adults include Mesquite Grilled Salmon, New York Strip Steak and as always, a Vegetarian choice will be provided. Kids will be happy to choose from a pre-set list of favorites for both their lunch and banquet meals. Of course, the adults get lunch too - a choice of an Italian Club or Vegetarian sandwich with beverage and dessert. And while we're on the subject of food, you can order a take-home bento for just an additional $10 to be picked up after the convention ends on Sunday!
Costs for this year's convention are as follows:
You must make your own hotel reservations by calling either 1-800-222-TREE(8733) or 503-281-6111. Be sure to mention that you are attending the convention to get the special rates of $112 for a single/queen bed, $122 for a double/two queen beds, with each additional person being $15. The hotel will be very helpful in getting you set up, but please make your reservation by January 12th, 2003 or convention rates might not be available!
Registration forms will be sent out soon. See your temple convention representative with any questions or contact Tammy L. Herold - Registration Chairperson at the Oregon Buddhist Temple. Come join the fun!
January 2003 Bulletin
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