You may view other editions of the bulletin from the listing to the right.
Good day to you all! The students of the IOBT Dharma School recently participated in our "Name That Sensei" Contest. Much the same as naming a new puppy, we wanted to fairly pick a new name for the new IOBT Sensei. There was a tie between Rev. Dennis and Joshin Sensei, but as the Dennis' outpolled the Joshins 7-4, we have decided to go with Rev. Dennis. Effective this month, all Newsletter articles will be signed off in this manner. Of course, you may call me anything you like...as long as it is printable. Thank you Dharma School
This month, we look forward to the Father's Day Picnic on June 19, and to the Japan Nite Obon Festival June 25. This event has been moved up this year from the killer heat of July to June 25th. THIS year, it will probably snow! The Obon Service will maintain its traditional date in July. In Japan, outdoor dancing called Bon Odori was added to the Obon observance. Lanterns were lit to "welcome" or "send off" the spirits of ancestors. In the Shin Buddhist perspective, the services, the offerings, the dancing, and the lanterns are our expressions of gratitude towards those who have passed on before us. We are to recognize the continuation of their influence upon our lives. Obon is a time for reflection.
Separating the Odori from the Obon observance is an innovative move on the part of IOBT. We will watch and review this move carefully. We should avoid removing the religious significance of the event with priority given to fundraising activity.
Preceeding the Japan Nite Obon Festival will be the Father's Day Picnic! Back home at the Oakland Buddhist Church, their annual Bazaar takes place during the Father's Day weekend. All dads are resigned to work their shifts and then some...many on both days. We are very fortunate here at IOBT, where we can just show up and be treated like a King for a Day...and let the women do some of the work for a change. That thunderous roar you hear and feel is not another thunderstorm passing overhead, nor is it a California earthquake beneath us. That roar is the stampede of Fujinkai feet as they march out of my corner. Am I in trouble now!
As I stand here alone, I am reminded of a quote by Shinran Shonin, "When I ponder the compassionate vow of Amida, established through five kalpas of profound thought, it was for myself, Shinran, alone." (Tannisho)
In this famous quote, Shinran bares himself completely and to the core. This is his spiritual conclusion; that the vow of Amida works for his benefit alone. The spiritual equation is personal, and not social. Further, the teachings are essential for our spiritual well being only if they are applied. If we do not come to the same conclusion as Shinran, our own spiritual quest is incomplete.
As we enter our season of festivities, please be reminded that the temple is not a social hall or a cultural center that needs our time and energy. The temple is guardian to the teachings that are essential to our spiritual well-being. We benefit from the teachings, and in gratitude, we support the activities of the temple. First, we come and recognize that the Nembutsu teachings provide us clarify, strength, and perspective. Then, we support the temple that is guardian to these precious truths. Finally, the temple grows from the power of our collective acts of personal gratitude. If this is not a cyclical and reciprocal process, the temple will die. All this begins with our personal sharing of Shinran's conclusion. [Rev. Dennis]
Gassho......Raihai.....
Finally, maybe we can say "rain, rain, go away - come back another day"...the days of sunshine sure feel good!
We would like to thank the guys at the Temple, treating us ladies with a delicious barbecue chicken lunch on Mother's Day. Also, thanks to some of the ladies for bringing extra side dishes and desserts to complete the lunch. Okay ladies, it will be our turn to treat the guys on Father's Day on June 19th. According to my list, Ontario Country will be Tobans, Ann Nagaki will be taking over the raffle drawings in place of Taka Okita and Kay Teramura. We need to thank them for all the many, many years they had taken care of the raffle.
May 2-5th Meals on Wheels was taken care of by Midge Teramura and her helpers. Thanks to all who helped on this community service.
Hats off to Brady Kameshige and Laurel Saito for being selected to attend the BCA Youth Retreat this summer. Congratulations!
It's hard to believe that we are talking about Obon Festival already. As most of you are aware, it is almost a month earlier than usual. This is the first time it will be held in June to avoid extreme heat temperatures. Co-chairpersons, Tracy Nakamura and Howard Matsumura have had two meetings already. So many of the parents have reached the point where our bodies have finally shifted into low gear and we wonder where our muscles have gone to. There will be some changes made and we're thinking of another item to add. Once again we are asking each family for a cash donation for the expense of the chicken, vegetables, rice, sugar, shoyu, or whatever you can think of. Be sure to tell all your friends about the date change. Work schedule will be attached to the bulletin.
National Buddhist Women's Conference will be held in Fresno, CA, October 7-9th this year. Sign up sheet on the bulletin board. We need to know pretty soon so we can decide whether to fly or go on charter bus.
Wednesday Activity Day will continue throughout the summer. We had some volunteers making some lunches, which has been nice, and at the same time we were cleaning some things out of the church freezer. Amazing what we can come up with! Card players don't mind what we eat - if nothing we go and get $1.00 hamburgers.
May Nursing Home and Home visitation was done by Mary Nakamura, Sanami Nakano, and Rev. Dennis Fujimoto. The shut-ins appreciated your visit - it's a long day after day for them.
Fujinkai meeting will be held on June 5th after adult services
Laurel Saito and Brady Kameshige have been accepted to the week long 2005 BCA Youth Retreat in Sacramento, CA. The theme for the retreat is "SEEK THE TEACHINGS ADN SHARE IT WITH OTHERS." The conference will take place July 4-10, 2005. Congratulations you two, it will be a great experience to learn about the Dharma, meet new kids, and ahve a good time. We are proud of you both!
We ended our last day of Dharma School on May 22 with the Gotanye service. The children then decorated cup cakes for an early Fathers Day present, since we are off in June. Then, we had a great lunch together at Wendy's and then on to Sunset Lanes for bowling. It was a fun day for all.
Our summer Dharma School Trip is July 14- 17th to Portland. We will visit the Oregon Buddhist Church and Rev. Gibbs, go to OMSI and the Oregon Zoo.
Don't forget the Malheur County Fair and our Happy Bowl booth which starts Aug. 3-6th. We start on August 1st, serving the Chamber of Commerce for lunch. Everyone please help!!
Kids, have a great summer and we will see you in September.
May 1st: Chairman - Lois Saito
May 8th: Mothers Day combined family service
May 15th: Chairman - Mary Ann Shimojima
May 22nd: Chairman - Karen Hata
Idaho Oregon Buddhist Temple
286 SE 4th Directions
PO Box 397 (mailing address)
Ontario, Oregon 97914
541-889-8562 (office)
541-889-8662 (fax)
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10:30 am - Adult Study
10:30 am - Dharma School Service
11:00 am - Adult Service
11:00 am - Dharma School Class
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