You may view previous editions of the bulletin from the listing to the right.
Although the seasons, this year, seem to change by the day or by the hour, June is upon us. Our main event for the month is Japan Nite. Each year at the end of June, we enjoy this festive portion of our Obon observance. During Obon, we encourage ourselves to direct our thoughts to the many, many conditions that align themselves in perfect manner to allow our lives to unfold as they do.
We are only able to notice a limited number of these countless conditions. America is a young country with only a couple hundred years of history. The Japanese-American community often makes reference to themselves by generations that we only need one hand to count. Our own minds have difficulty to acknowledge relatives beyond those we can physically touch and know. We may know our parents and grandparents. We may know our children and grandchildren. A few might know the generation beyond those. The stream of parents and grandparents who have led to our lives are not only important but critically necessary components of our own existence. If even one person in our history of parents and grandparents did not exist, we would not be here today.
Aside from our human connections, we also have networks of conditions that bring us the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the vehicles we drive, and on and on ad infinitum. The things that sustain our lives are infinite. The networks that bring us each of these are also infinite. To even begin to see all these networks that make our lives livable, sharable, and meaningful is both mind-boggling and humbling. This is where we enter the realm of Buddha.
The Buddhist teachings make reference to Kalpas; a measure of time beyond comprehension. Sometimes it is described as the time it might take to count the grains of sand lining the Ganges River. By speaking of Kalpas and of time frames beyond our comprehension, attention is brought to our limited framework through which we think we know the world. When it is said that the Buddha is all around us, it does not mean that there is a deity or god watching over us. What is meant is an acknowledgement of the network of conditions that extend into the infinite future, the infinite past, and throughout the infinite now. This network of conditions exists for each of us whether we are aware of them or not...whether we are Buddhist or not.
All these elements are infinite and beyond our comprehension. Because of this, the knowing of them cannot be acknowledge that we get and store in our heads. It is an awareness of reality that we awaken to. Through this awareness, we can see and know our integral connection to all of reality and to all of life. Appreciation of life and humility in living emerge naturally and not from any degree of practice. This is the Nembutsu we are dancing about and sharing with each other during Japan Nite. Please come out and take part in teh connections of life and the dancing of joy!
Gassho,
Rev. Dennis
Come and celebrate Father's Day on June 20th. A BBQ chicken lunch will be served in the social hall after Sunday Service. Raffle tickets are $1 a piece. Potluck Dessert and Salad/Side Dish: Ladies, if your last name begins with A-K, please bring a dessert. If you last name begins with L-Z, please bring a salad or side dish.
Mrs. Kayoko Fujimoto, wife of the late Rev. Hogen Fujimoto, BCA Minister Emeritus, and mother of Rev. Kenshin Ken Fujimotor of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin and Rev. Joshin Dennis Fujimoto of the Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple, was awarded teh 2010 Spring Conferment of Decorations (Kunsho) from the Government of Japan. Mrs. Fujimoto received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays for her contributions towards the promotion of cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. The medal presentation was made by the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo on May 12, 2010 at which time Mrs. Fujimoto was unable to attend. Mrs. Fujimoto will receive her award from the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco on June 10, 2010.
The last day of Dharma School was May 16th. Alia Mizuta House was presented a certificate from the BCA and a gift from Dharma School for her graduation from Vale High School. After service we had a nice lunch with cake and balloons at the Far East. Laurel Saito was home from Cambodia and was able to help in the celebration of Alia and the last day of Dharma School.
This years Dharma School trip will be to Sun Valley on July 17th and 18th. We will see the Shoshone Ice Caves, Craters of the Moon and an ice skating show. Please let Mary Ann know if you are interested.
Also, Attention Everyone!!! The Malheur County Fair and our Happy Bowl Booth will soon be upon us. The date is August 2nd - 7th. Everyone please help when you can.
Kids...have a fun, safe summer, and we'll see you in the fall.
Designated Memorial Service Years for 2009. To schedule a family memorial service, please contact Reverend Fujimoto. 1 Year = 2008, 3 year = 2007, 7 year = 2003, 13 year = 1997, 17 year = 1993, 25 year = 1985, 33 year = 1977 and 50 year = 1960.
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
11:00 am - Family Service
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