You may view previous editions of the bulletin from the listing to the right.
In many ways, the Meditation Marathon has already begun. Meditation can be an examination and exploration of the mind in its breadth and depth. We can read and understand the purpose of the event...education and recognition of Shinran...appreciation of family and friend whether they are here or whether they have passed...awareness of our connection to the continuum of reality...promotion of the temple here and of Shin Buddhism in America. But still, the question arises in each of us, "Why are we doing this?" Our personal reaction emerges. Arising are thoughts of doubt, discomfort, reluctance. What will participation be like? Will the walk be mindful, purposeful, positive, connecting? Or, will it be mindless, monotonous, draining, like weeding onions? The doubt and reluctance are signal that the ego is hard at work to protect the usual shell of self. The ego says to stay in the comfort zone where it is safe...don't commit...dont get trapped.
We are being asked to move beyond the shell of self...beyond the comfort level of the familiar. Does it seem that the people who complain about the temple always doing "the same oldthing" are the same ones who hesitate to join in on "something new, unusual, and never been done before"?
We are fortunate to be part of the Buddhist Sangha. More than any other teaching, ours is a teaching of calm, reason, harmony and peace. Through centuries our record speaks for itself. We look at the conflicts in the world today, and the record still stands. We are not the ones at war. The Buddhist teachings deserve recognition and promotion. The world needs Buddhism. Please participate in the Meditation Marathon and our own small effort to let others know about these teachings of depth and substance.
Gassho,
Rev. Dennis
Finally we're getting some sunshine. It makes us feel good and want to stir around a little; as have lots of things to do in March, so stay healthy everyone!
Rev. Fujimoto has been really busy promoting the Shinran Shonin 750th Memorial by doing a 24 hour Meditation Marathon which will be held at the Temple Hoondo by circling around in meditation. He is asking everyone to participate at different times so that some one will be there throughout the 26.2 hours. For those who have difficulties with walking, they may meditate seated. Rev. has the list so be sure to see him for a time slot. This is something new but should give us the opportunity to participate in this special celebration. Each Temple is asked to do some kind of commemorate in honor of Shinran Shonin 750th Memorial. Theme: "Yononaka Annon Nare", "May Peace and Tranquility Prevail Throughout the World".
Over 30 Sangha members attended the NW Buddhist Comvention on a chartered bus that was provided by the Temple. We all like to have to give our thanks to the Temple to do this for all of us; it's like a Fun Bus. My, oh my, you should see when it is lunch time; it was bento with inarizushi, rice balls, tsukemono, chicken, nishimi, and all kinds of snacks and cookies, etc. The theme of the convention was "Coming Home to the Nembutsu" with speakers, Rev. Midori Kondo from Lihue, HI, and Rev. Dean Koyama, from Mt. View Buddhist Temple. The speakers were excellent and workshops were good and we had an enjoyable time. We were all so proud to see our YBA members participate in the opening and especially the closing where all the YAC members led the services with the chanting. From our Temple, participants were Brady and Mimi Kameshige and Laurel and Grant Saito. From my point of view, I was so proud of our members.
Note: Don't forget IOBT BWA donations for our "Dana Project" - for the month of February we are helping in our community and we are asking everyone to participate. This year it was decided to help with the Payette Senior Citizens who are in dire need of Meals on Wheels as well as the upkeep of their building because of a water flood in their kitchen and hardwood community room. See Ann, and I'll take any delayed donation.
Thanks to Mary Kameshige for making a card table cover to replace the worn out felt cover with all the fuzzy balls. It was appreciated very much.
We enjoyed Mimi Kameshige's Time to Share. Her talk was about the Youth Retreat that she attended during Martin Luther weekend at the Buddhist Studies in Berkley, CA. As Mimi says, she got to meet with her "Buddha Buddies" again.
Fujinkai meeting will be held March 2nd after adult services.
Sandy Belknap has a great article on the Northwest Convention hosted by the Seattle Betsuin. IOBT had a great representation by the Dharma School and Sr. YBA members for closing service on Sunday. The "Buddha Buddies" have certainly made great, lasting, friendships. Keep up the good work kids!
For the month of March, we will have the first ever 26.2 meditation marathon starting from March 15th and ending with our Ohigan Service on March 16th. Rev. Dennis has sign up sheets going around, and we would like to have ALL the Dharma School children participate at one time or another. This is to commemorate the 750th memorial of Shinran Shonin.
March 2nd: Mary Ann Shimojima Chairman
March 9th: Karen Hata Chairman
March 15-16: Meditation Marathon
March 16th: Ohigan Family Service
March 23rd: Sandy Belknap Chairman
March 30th: Lois Saito Chairman
Just came back from the 61st NW District Convention hosted by the Seattle Betsuin at the Doubletree Guest Suites and was really proud of our former and present Dharma School students that were there. It was so nice to see Laurel Saito, Brady Kameshige, Grant Saito and Mimi Kameshige with all their "Buddha Buddies". The theme was "Coming Home to the Nembutsu"...certainly was very fitting.
This year convention was especially nice. IOBT had all 4 Youth Minister Assistants up on the Onaijin at Closing Service on Sunday (this was 4 out of 8) sitting along with all the Senseis. That in itself was very impressive! Laurel gave a really nice Howa expressing her reflections of seeing all her "Buddha Buddies" once again and what they have all learned from the YAC retreats that they have attended. Grant did the settaku during the chanting of the Juseige. Brady and Mimi were up there, too. So we had half of the Youth Minister Assistants that were sitting on the Onaijin. They all looked so nice with their black robes and Okesa on. Good job!! That was great for IOBT! All Youth Minister Assistants wer also a part of the Opening Service.
IOBT and Dharma School are very proud of all of them. Observing, it was obvious that the YAC has done a good job of teaching all the youths about our religion, Buddhism.
Mimi Kameshige was elected as the Secretary of the NWYBL. Congratulations!
Overall, the convention was very nice. The guest speakers were Rev. Midori Kondo from Lihue Hongwanji Mission in Hawaii and Rev. Dean Koyama from Mt. View Buddhist Temple. Our turn will be coming soon in 2010.
Thank you to Mary Nakamura, Mae Nakano, Mary Kameshige, Jimmy and Kiku Hondo, Lorinda Hasegawa, Karen Hata, Delores Wood and Hideo and Ruth Harada for helping with the bulletin!
Thank you to Hasebe Farms for removing the snow from the Temple parking lot and the sidewalks.
Designated Memorial Service Years for 2008. To schedule a family memorial service, please contact Reverend Fujimoto. 1 Year = 2007, 3 year = 2006, 7 year = 2002, 13 year = 1996, 17 year = 1992, 25 year = 1984, 33 year = 1976 and 50 year = 1959.
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
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