October 2002Ministers Message by Reverend Kakuyei Tada
On Visit to Lan Su Yuan.
This summer, I had the opportunity to visit a newly opened Chinese garden known as the Lan Su Yuan Garden in downtown Portland, Oregon. It's a beautiful, authentic Chinese style garden. It occupies one block square in size and is fenced around. Suzhou is well known for a Chinese capital of gardens. The garden was designed by a noted landscape architect from Suzhou and it took three years to complete the project.
The garden is based on a Ming (1368-1651) style garden and modeled after famous Suzhou gardens. I had visited gardens in Suzhou twice. Suzhou is a charming city with many canals that is similar to Venice, Italy. For this reason, the city is also known as the Orient of Venice. Marco Polo visited this town. Suzhou has a long history of arts where poets and intellectuals were assembled in the pavilion and discussed poems, literature, religion and Buddhism. Suzhou is a sister city of Portland, and is similar in its natural surroundings.
As you go through the main hall, there is a pond known as Zither Lake. Around the lake there are 2 houses and 5 pavilions. There is a Teahouse where tea is served looking over a man made lake. Roches and white rocks around it imported from the Suzhou area are truly impressive. The Chinese garden is a creation of nature in spirit of peace and tranquility. Many materials are imported from Suzhou, China. By the way, the garden claims that it is home to hundreds of rare and unusual plants, including nearly 100 specimen trees, water plants, and bamboo. I was especially impressed with the beautiful orchids in the lake.
Japan has a long history of gardening. When this type of Chinese gardens came to Japan, it greatly influenced the Japanese gardens during the Muromachi period (1335-1573). The Japanese didn't copy the exact style, but rather created a unique way of expressing the feeling of nature and spirituality from a Buddhist perspective. It is a Buddhist expression of serenity and harmony. It was from the time Zen Buddhism was introduced from China. As a result, new temples were constructed mainly in Kyoto and Kamakura. These gardens were greatly influenced by Buddhism. Recreation of a miniature form of gardening was an expression of the Buddhist teaching of oneness with spirituality.
When you are in Portland, a visit to Lan Su Yuan is a "must". This garden is certainly a highly attractive place to visit. I would like to suggest you take the free guided tour. I am sure that your visit would be an enjoyable, meaningful and unforgettable one. I hope both the Japanese Garden in Washington Park and the Lan Su Yuan Garden serve as a bridge between America and the Far East for better understanding of the two cultures and heritage.
News Around the Temple by Ann NagakiIs everyone enjoying the beautiful weather we're having? At times we have to put on the next layer of clothing, but it's nice to enjoy the outdoors at this time of the year.
Dharma School had a break for the summer and has resume with a "Back to Dharma School Luncheon" with the teachers and advisors serving lunch for the whole congregation. It certainly was nice to see all the children back at Church - it felt like a "whole big family" back at Church. Thanks to teachers and advisors for serving lunch - it was appreciated by all.
Talk at Church is "BAZAAR, BAZAAR and BAZAAR" - it will be here before we know it. Co-Chairpersons Larry Matsumura and Les Ito have had a couple of meetings already. One of the biggest chores and money makers are the Kakimochi making. We need everyone's help, both young and old, on Sunday, October 6th starting at 7:00 a.m. Other working schedules will be listed on the worksheets. (No Sunday Service will be held). All the Bazaar proceeds will go towards the Temple treasurer so this is the time you may donate whatever you can - it will be appreciated very much. You know the slogan, "The More the Merrier"!
On September 11th, Reverend Tada held a "Special 9-11 Service" memorial service. Those attending rang the "Gong" for those who were killed at the Trade Center, Pentagon and United Flight 93. This was a special memorial also for Reverend Tada's mother who had passed away in Japan a year ago on 9-11. About 25 members attended this service. Thanks everyone for taking time for this remembrance.
A big "THANK YOU" to Mary Kameshige and her sister, Joan Yutani of Sun River, Oregon, for making new purple colored seat cushion covers (220 of them!). Mary Kameshige generously donated the material. They look so pretty! One doesn't realize the time of cutting and stitching all those cushions! Thanks again!
Eitaikyo Services will be held on October 27th at 11:00 a.m. Ontario Town ladies will be tobans.
October Fujinkai meeting will be held on October 13th at 1:00 p.m.
To our shut-ins, a cheery hello and hope you're having a good day.
October Monthly Memorial Service (Shotsuki Hoyo) October 27th at 11:00 a.m.Dharma School News by Mary Ann Shimojima
We had a very nice turn out for the first day of Dharma School on September 8th. The teachers served a nice lunch to everyone.
There won't be any church on October 6th as that is the day we make kakimochi for our bazaar, so the children can come and help. Then there won't be church on October 20th, as that is our bazaar, and the older children need to help with the games.
We will have our Halloween party on October 25th, starting at 6:30 p.m., so bring a friend and wear your costumes. We usually skip having Dharma School on the Sunday after our Halloween party as we have service that night, but we WILL have service on October 27th, as we have a guest speaker, Reverend Ron Takemoto.
October 2002 Bulletin
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