You may view previous editions of the bulletin from the listing to the right.
The month of June is stacked with something special every weekend. June 4, we will honor Eshinni and Kakushinni, the wife and daughter of Shinran Shonin. June 11, we recognize Lady Ohtani. Both of these services provide opportunity to share what these women have contributed to our Jodo Shinshu tradition.
June 18, we observe Father's Day. It is always a rare treat to see so many dads around the Temple grounds at one time! They all work very hard, not only to benefit their families, but also to benefit the Temple. Through their efforts, our Temple is maintained and we receive this opportunity to hear the Teachings of the Buddha. The Buddhist Teachings form the foundation for the proper perspective. Through this perspective, we are enabled to live a life of fullness and constant growth. On Father's Day, we recognize their efforts.
Japan Night is the main event of the month. Sometimes the Obon Festival is described as ancestor worship. I don't think this is a very good description. This makes it sound as though we come running out of our huts in grass skirts and just start dancing! To recognize the efforts and the visions of our fathers and their fathers is deep reflection. Through their struggles, we receive the karmic effects of benefit...causes and conditions were formed in the past that created the opportunities that surround us today. Through deepest reflection, we recognize the multitude of conditions that have come to surround and nurture our lives. So much so, that our own efforts are rather insignificant in comparison. This is the proper perspective. Once the egotistical vision of ourselves is removed, humility replaces arrogance...compassion replaces anger...our lives become whole rather than fragmented. The Buddhist teachings lead us to moments of depth...through the depth arises appreciation...gratitutde for this one opportunity at life. This is what the Nembutsu teachings are about.
.......GASSHO...........RAIHAI
Rev. Dennis
The Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple Sangha Taiko Group encourages its members to recognize the purpose and direction of our group as a Buddhist Taiko group. We have our roots in the Japanese American Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Taiko movement that began in the early 1970's.
The playing of the drums is an expression of Horaku (Joy or delight of the Dharma). The powerful sound of the drums is the compelling voice of Amida Buddha. The voice of compassion and acceptance calls out to each of us, Namo Amida Butsu. We, the players, are the members of the Sangha. Despite our attachments to this world of birth and death (Samsara), we become enabled to hear Namo Amida Butsu, the calling voice of the Buddha. The sticks used to hit the drums (Bachi) represent the Dharma, the teachings that connect the enlightened realm of the Buddha to the defiled realm of man.
To play is in attempt to connect the harmony of the universe...the harmony of the Three Treasures...the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. To play is our expression of gratitude and appreciation for having been enabled to hear the Buddha and to receive the teachings. We play in true respect and deep humility for being given this unique opportunity. We play with great joy!
Now that weather has warmed a little...all of a sudden we have a million things to do and that means a lot of Temple activities coming up sooner than we think.
We had our first Sunday Pet Memorial Service for our pets. It was a very lovely service with Rev. Fujimoto giving the sermon on pets. Also, each name of hte pets was read aloud for those who wanted their pets to be honored. A time to share was given by Sharmon Sadamori about her pet rabbit.
Mother's Day was certainly enjoyed by the Mother's. Thanks to the temple men folk for doing the chicken barbecue and to others who brought some side dishes to complete the meal. Each mother received a pot of geraniums. Bingo was played with the proceeds going toward the Sunday coffee hour.
A family service and potluck lunch was held with a combination of several members being honored, the end of Dharma School for the summer, and GotanE service all at one time. First being honored was Kathy Chatterton, who is retiring from teaching for 32 years, and Brady Kameshige and Laurel Saito, high school graduates. Congratulations to our graduates and Happy Retirement to Kathy!
Home and Care Center visitation was done by Mae Nakano, Ann Nagaki and Sharmon Sadamori, accompanied by Rev. Fujimoto and Quicker. Those visited were masumi Hayashi, Yoshie Hironaka, Yoshiko Okano, Kaz Morinaga, Bertha Atagi, Ginger Sakano, Toshiko Takahashi and Harry Okita.
Japan Nite Obon Festival will be coming around the corner soon. Our Co-Chairprsons, Howard Matsumura and Sherri Kitamura had a couple of meetings already. This will be our 60th year of Obon Celebration. We are adding a few side attractions prior to the Obon Dancing. Special 60th logo T-shirts will be available for sale. This is a big event so we will be asking for lots of help and donations towards this event. If you're planning to donate items, be sure to bring them early to the Temple. Also, we are asking for a $10 donation for the chicken...see Mae Nakano or Ruth Haada and we would like each family to bring a homemade pie or nice pastry for dessert to sell.
Thanks to Kazuko Kuramoto, Shiz Inouye and Yasuko Kino for their time for Temple sitting during Sunday May 28th from 1-4 and Monday, May 29th from 9-12 during Memorial Weekend.
Don't forget Fathers Day is coming up...sorry ladies, its up to us to get things ready. It will be the usual barbecue chicken, rice balls and salad. Others may bring in side dishes of your choice. There will be door prizes given out, you must make a donation to receive door prize tickets.
June 4th will be the Fujinkai Meeting after adult services.
May 7: Mary Ann Shimojima was chairman.
May 14: Combined/family service for Mother's Day. Had a very nice lunch and bingo. Honored high school graduate, Laurel Saito, as she will be gone for the state tennis tournament next week. Brady is gone this weekend for the state golf tournament.
May 21: Combined/family service for Gotanye. Last day for Dharma School Year-end gifts were given to all the children, teachers, advisors, organist and Rev. Dennis. Honored high school graduate, Brady Kameshige. Also honored Lois Saito for 10 years as a Dharma School teacher. Congratulations to graduates Laurel and Brady and to Lois for her dedication to the Dharma School!!!
Another congratulations goes to Grant Saito for being accepted to the 2006 BCA Youth Retreat in Sacramento from July 3-9th. This was such a big success last year for Laurel and Brady, that this should be another successful year. Great going, Grant.
Happy Summer Vacation to all the students!!!
We are happy to announce that Murakami Scholarships have been awarded to Brady Kameshige and Laurel Saito, recent graduates of Ontario High School. We congratulate these young people for their accomplishments throughout their school careers. Whether we are talking about grades, athletics, school activities, church or community service, they both set wonderful examples that they and their families can be very proud of. The amount for the scholarships this year is $750.00 each. Congratulations Brady and Laurel!
Special thanks to our Pull Tab donors. In 2005, the recycling program raised $7000!. The goal for this 2006 year is $10000. Keep pullin for the RMH. Keep saving those tabs for the Dharma School...we do make a difference!
May Temple Cleaners: Tom and Suzie Nishihara, Kazuko Kuramoto, JIm and Kiku Hondo, HIromi Beppu, Yosh and Joan Suyematsu, Marc, Matthew and Ashley Suyematsu, Ray Tameno and Grant Kitamura.
May 2006 IOBT Bulletin helpers: Shiz Inouye, Kiku Hondo, Mary Nakamura, Lorinda Hasegawa, Mary Kameshige, Jimmy Hondo, HIdeo Harada and Ruth Harada.
Idaho Oregon Buddhist Temple
286 SE 4th Directions
PO Box 397 (mailing address)
Ontario, Oregon 97914
541-889-8562 (office)
541-889-8662 (fax)
10:00 am - IOBT Choir Practice
10:30 am - Adult Study
10:30 am - Dharma School Service
11:00 am - Adult Service
11:00 am - Dharma School Class
Site design, hosting and maintenance by JW2E - Web sites for small business.