You may view previous editions of the bulletin from the listing to the right.
March is upon us. How wonderful to see the beginnings of transformation all around us. The ways of the farmer key upon the transformations in nature. Japanese culture also places high respect and appreciation upon the transformation and change that surround us. Seasons change...dormant plants begin to green...buds become flowers...children grow.
The teachings of Shin Buddhism also allude to the transformation of shallow and self-centered individuals to grow to become deeper and other-centered Bodhisattvas. The story of the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha is one in which the foremost condition of accepting enlightenment is that all other beings would also attain enlightenment. The realization is that the attainment of enlightenment is empty unless others are also included. This is the reason that the historical Buddha Shakyamuni decided to share the teachings. This is also the reason that the Buddhist community, the Sangha, became more important than ever before through the development of Shin Buddhism. Shin Buddhism places emphasis on the fanily and the community, and not just the individual.
The placement of Sangha as one of the Three Treasures is too often overlooked or considered to be an afterthought. True meaning and value in life comes in our interaction with others and is never found in isolation. For the Shin Buddhist, the ego-less state that Buddhist practice strives to attain is not done by minimizing and eradicating the ego...it is done through the sharing of life and by expressing our concern and compassion for others.
Coming to the Temple, sitting in service together, and participating in the temple life is not done to learn about compassion, but to live it. The Temple is the place that allows us to focus our concern for others. The Temple allows for shared experience to emerge. We each seek a life of value, meaning and depth. The Temple is just such a place that combines each of these with rich history, deep tradition, and elegant ritual.
Many of us were able to attend the recent Northwest District Convention in Portland. Our own Sangha grew there as we added Frenchy, Shea, Mrs. Cottrell, additions to the Hondo, Shimojima, Gledhill and Nakano families, as well as Grant and Laurel. Sangha was evident and magnified, as were the Buddha and the Dharma. We were able to invite the rest of our NW District to attend next year's convention here in Ontario. As we gear up to host fellow Buddhists from the four corners of the universe, the Three Treasures and particularly the meaning of Sangha will be reflected in our efforts.
Participate fully and enjoy it!
Gassho,
Rev. Dennis
My how time flies - looks like spring is around the corner with nice weather we have been having. Somewhat chilly, but it still lifts our spirits up.
Forgot to mention about our dear friend, Thuan Merritt, who lives back east by remembering and thinking about us at the IOBT Sangha each year by sending us all a monthly planner calendar booklet, which we all enjoy to keep up with our appointments, etc. Thanks Thuan!
Northwest Buddhist Convention was held in Portland, OR this year. I didn't go this year because of my stroke, etc., but listening to those who attended, they enjoyed the conference. Thanks to the Temple for the Charter Bus and to our BWA for taking care of member registration. Remember everyone, it will be our turn to host the 2010 NW Convention. If you have any ideas or suggestions, we'd like to hear them as we will be having a Convention meeting soon.
Activity Day is still going strong - we start around 10:00 a.m. and have a lunch and then have an afternoon session of playing Shanghai cards. Come and join us - it's like therapy (I'm speaking for myself), good for the mind and at the same time, fun. We have some clever cooks who can make a meal with leftovers or something simple, but very tasty. At times, the cook goes on a strike - we'll settle for a hamburger.
Month of February has been designated as Dana Month for the National BWA. Each Temple BWA decides on their own whom they want to help out in their area. It hasn't been decided as yet, but we're asking all BWA members to turn in their donation ASAP to either Sandy Belknap or Ann Nagaki.
We would like ot thank the Temple and BWA for their generous monetary help to the Special Olympics. Weiser, ID was hosting the Japanese group of about 80 delegates, coaches and interpreters, plus host families, and prepared a Japanese dinner.
To all of our shut-ins, we wish you a Good Day!
IOBT BWA meeting will be held on March 1st after adult services.
We had our Valentines party on February 1st, a little early due to some conflicts. The students were busy giving their cards and treats to the other students and teachers. The teachers fixed a taco, salad, finger jello and cookie luncheon. Thanks kids for all the nice cards and treats.
We had a nice taiko session on February 8th with the Sangha Taiko group. The students, parents, and teachers are practicing a number for Hanamatsuri. Thank you Sangha Taiko, it was fun. After taiko, we had a combined Nirvana Day Family Service. February 15th was the NW Buddhist Convention in Portland, Quinn Spencer represented our Dharma School. February 22nd will be a lesson on kindness.
March 22nd will be our OHIGAN Family Service at 11:00 a.m.
After hours of quandary over the off-and-on lighting of our bingo board between Yas Teramura, George Yanagawa, Ken Ozawa and myself, it was decided we should consult and use Nolan Matsumoto's expertise on electrical matters.
"Bingo!!", it was right up his alley; he knew what needed to be done, so on his off-hours, he came and reviewed the set-up, and now we have a working Bingo board again.
Thank You Nolan, and if you happen to see him on the streets of Ontario, you can thank him too!
We performed in Weiser for the Japanese Special Olympics team and their host families. It was a wonderful experience. That audience probably understood the titles and meanings of our pieces more so than our regular audience. At the end of the evening, we had our picture taken with the entire team and support staff. It was a really fun night. We are planning on going to Mountain Home on March 12th to see Portland Taiko perform. We were able to visit with several of their performers after their children's taiko workshop at the NW district convention. Portland Taiko is a very dynamic and innovative group that always puts on a professional and entertaining show.
The Northwest District Convention was held this past month in Portland, hosted by the Oregon Buddhist Church. As part of the Closing Service, a MAP Certification Ceremony was held and officiated by Socho Ogui from the headquarters of the Buddhist Churches of America. IOBT was represented by Mrs. Anne Spencer and Ms. Sharmon Sadamori. Each received a MAP Certification, MAP robes and special Okesa. Socho Ogui holds the Okesa over the burning incense to symbolize that they are imbued with the essence of the Dharma. They also each received HOMYO or Buddhist Names recorded on their certificates. Anne received the name of RENSHO, "To Live as a Lotus". Sharmon received the name of Seisui, "Pure Water". Here at our Temple, they will join Honorary MAP Connie Shimojima, and Active MAP Kathy Chatterton as very capable Minister Assistants. We have already benefited from their efforts to learn and to share the Dharma and look forward to their continued participation and guidance within our Sangha. Congratulations Anne and Sharmon!!! Congratulations IOBT!!!
I chose Mae Nakano to interview because she is a long time family friend and a very special church member. This is all of the interesting facts that I found out about Mae that I might have never known.
Mae has been to 20 temples! She has three Oneju. Her favorite chant is the Juseige. Her childhood ambition was cooking. I especially love her Coconut pie and Strawberry Rhubarb pie, which she has made often for me! Her fondest memory and proudest memory was when she got a hole in one golfing. Her wildest dream and biggest challenge is winning the lottery. Her alarm clock is not set. However, she is just used to getting up at around 5:00 - 6:00 am. Her first job was clerking. At a dime store! Her favorite time of the year is Autumn. When Mae was 9, she was in Vale attending school and her favorite food was spaghetti. Her favorite food right now is a rib steak. She had a dog when she was a child. However, she does not have any pets currently.
Guided by Wisdom and Compassion...Fully recognizing the Principals of Impermanence and Interdependence...We strive for Peace within and Harmony with others.
Thank you to Mary Nakamura, Mary Kameshige, Jimmy Hondo, Karen Hata, Shiz Inouye, Delores Wood and Hideo and Ruth Harada for helping with the bulletin!
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
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.