You may view previous editions of the bulletin from the listing to the right.
April was packed with events and activities from the first week to the last, so it seemed like an easy month would be a good idea...but no, May is just as full! It is good to have choices and good to have action, so here we go again!
Last month a very substantial amount of money was collected at the temple to go towards the relief efforts in Japan for the earthquake/tsunami/reactor disaster. It has been eye opening and heart warming to see the quick, decisive, and generous reaction by temple members and community friends alike to support this cause. In Nampa, Sangha Taiko joined other talented performers to stage a show for the Idaho Japan Aid benefit concert. Again, a substantial amount was donated to assist the tragedies in Japan. May 1, yet another benefit program will be held at the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario. Each of these events helps us to recognize that the repair and relief in Japan will take years and years. We dont want to lose site of this just because we can change the channel or the next and next global situation occurs.
The Nembutsu teachings tell us that we are ordinary people, and as such, we are not capable of responding equally and fairly. Did we feel the close connection to Japan because of the roots of family and friends, or of the teachings at the temple? Did we feel the same for the tragedies in Haiti, Chili or China? We do not respond equally and fairly...we respond with choices, decisions and judgements that are based on our own self-centered and limited perspective. We want to recognize our limited capacity that stands in contrast with the infinite and unlimited wisdom and compassion symbolized by Amida.
As we recognize our self-centered motivations, we are also brought to recognize the other that surrounds and supports us at all times despite our self-centeredness. All the countless...endless...myriad things...occurrences...and relationships that support our every moment are there regardless of...in spite of...and because of...our self-centeredness. This is the relationship of me and Amida that we each awaken to. This is the relationship that brings depth and meaning to life. This is the life of Nembutsu...unfolding and blossoming in moments of everyday life. Our practice is living daily life...and we can each enjoy the blossoming.
Highlights of the month are the Mother's Day Family Service on May 8th, Gotanye Family Service on May 15th, and the Memorial Day Services at the Evergreen cemetery and the temple on May 30th. Gotanye is our service to recognize the birth of our founder Shinran Shonin and to express appreciation for such a wonderful perspective of life that has come to touch each of us. Each of these services holds unique and special significance...how lucky we are to share them together. We will see you at the temple.
Gassho,
Rev. Dennis
Hanamatsuri brought out the musical talents of Erin, Quinn and Keegan. We were treated to piano, violin, and Taiko performances. They were also involved in the northwest district wide Dharma School lesson entitled, "Harmony within Diversity", by doing a Time to Share and also contributing to Rev. Dennis' Howa. The children's clothing company Oshkosh B'gosh challenged people to fold origami cranes and they would donate one piece of clothing for each submitted crane up to 50,000 items to aid in the tsunami relief effort in Japan. Our Dharma School folded 30 cranes and they were submitted to the company.
Mother's Day Service will be on May 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. IOBT's famous BBQ chicken, rice, salad, and dessert and we will have FREE Bingo with Cash Prizes!
Memorial Day Service will be held on May 30, 2011. Nokotsudo hours will be from 10 - 12 noon, and by appointment. Service at Evergreen Cemetery at 7 p.m. with service at the temple at 8 p.m.
After the Spring Ohigan service with our guest speakers, Rev. Kuwahara and Rev. Sanjo, Dyke Nagasaka and Tracy Nakamura took the guests to the shooting range and the guests got to shoot Dyke's and Tracy's valuable and "top of the line" guns and they were thrilled for this experience. Thank you guys!
Thank you to Jim Mizuta for spraying the weeds and cleaning up the Temple yard frequently.
April Temple Newsletter helpers: Jimmy and Kiku Hondo, Kazuko Kuramoto, Mary Nakamura, Joan Suyematsu, Isao and Mary Kameshige, Karen Hata, Suzie Nishihara, Hideo and Ruth Harada.
Designated Memorial Service Years for 2011. To schedule a family memorial service, please contact Reverend Fujimoto. 1 Year = 2010, 3 year = 2009, 7 year = 2005, 13 year = 1999, 17 year = 1995, 25 year = 1987, 33 year = 1979 and 50 year = 1962.
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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