Minister's Message by Reverend Tada

My Experience with Shin Buddhism, by Stephen Humlebo

(note: Stephen Humlebo is a native of Sweden, and married with three children. He teaches philosophy at a Swedish college in Harnosand, in Northern Sweden. He presented Shin Buddhism to his class, and has discussed the teachings frequently with Dr. Alfred Bloom of Hawaii through the Internet).

Nine years ago, I had a stressful period in my life. Emotional ups and odwns, mingled with upheavals in my family life. Added to this was an unusual burden at work. This period began in January, and went on through May. As the Swedish summer came along, a spiritual summer began to glow inside me. It started by re-reading the Tannisho.

We were heading south on vacation, my wife and I, and in the back of the car I had brought with me the Tannisho and read for a couple of minutes while my wife drove the car, and suddenly something started to happen in my heart. I still remember exactly where we were driving. Being a Catholic, I suddenly realized true grace filling me and within half an hour, I was happier than I ever had been in my 44 years of living on earth. Three things were directly involved in this as I try to conceive of the bliss I experienced: the Birth, the Vow, and the Nembutsu.

Still today, those three things shine in my heart, thanks to this re-reading of the Tannisho. The Birth suddenly that day took the meaning of my entire life. To life in the confidence of Birth, to share in a sense the Birth - being rather than being-in-the-world was a profound change of perspective for me. Meeting problems meant something new from now on: what remains of problem if we are confident in birth? This was a different perspective and difficulties just gave way emotionally; they subsided so that I could smile at them all and let them take care of themselves. I was assured of Birth and that was enough for me. And then problems started to solve themselves. The second thing was the Vow. The weeks that followed this day in June nine years ago filled me with the reality of a promise made by Amida Buddha. This Vow was given to me specifically, that was obvious. This long and painful Spring had made me realize the need I had for the Other Power of grace and here it came in the form of a specific Vow, more certain than anything else. It involved no technique, no pondering day and night over the simple compassion directed immediately to me.

The third thing filling that summer nine years ago and since then forming my life of the heart: the Nembutsu. Sharing in the bliss of Birth and realizing the miracle of the Vow I had to express my hearts content by saying Namuamidabutsu over and over again. I also made poems (and still do) on this life, but they always came down to the Nembutsu. Whatever activity took my attention there is always this attraction seeking me not to say the Nembutsu, not expecting any result or modifying any state of mind. Instead a true response to teh vibrating life of Birth and Vow, in those simple syllables Namuamidabutsu.

How could one not receive this grace with open mind and heart! So, nine years later: I am still grateful for this Shin Buddhism path opening itself for me. And, however much I study sutras or teach philosophy and theology, those three forms of living grace still around in my heart and remains there when everything else fades away. Namuamidabutsu to all my faith friends all over the world.

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The bulletin staff had a month of rest - don't know where time went, but it went awfully fast and now we have to catch up on some of the news for the past two months.

On June 29th, the IOBT Choir celebrated their 25th anniversary with Jeanne Ozawa as the director. A delicious dinner was served at Matsy's. George Matsuura acted as the Chairperson. Lots of memories were brought back, especially when Mary Nakamura played a cassette recording of the Choir 25 years ago. "Uncle Hideo" told the history of Jeanne as a growing child, etc. Ann Nagaki made some remarks of the Choir and our director. Since rice is a favorite food of Jeanne - Ann created a special 5# bag of rice with musical notes all over and presented it to Jeanne. Also, on behalf of the Fujinkai, Ann presented Jeanne a gift certificate from JoAnn's Fabric as we wall know she loves to play with fabrics. A beautiful wall clock was presented on behalf of the Temple. Seiko Go presented Jeanne a money wreath from all of the Choir members. Jeanne also had a gift for all choir members - she made a lovely purple cushion with a monogram on the front. The Chairperson made lovely remarks about our director, Jeanne. Quote: Shining Light - Let it Shine - You are the Shining Light of our Temple.

Thanks goes out to all of you who helped and donated to make our Japan Nite-Obon Festival a success despite it being the "Hottest Day of the Year". Our Chairperson's Marc Suyematsu and Bob Mizuta did a fantastic job! The Temple appreciated all those who were just friends, non-members and relatives who helped to get our job done in preparation and clean up. It was a lot of togetherness, but that's okay; everyone got caught up on the latest news, listened to everyone's aches and pains, a joke or two and learned food hints too!

Have to mention and thank the Nyssa, Vale, Adrian and Ontario Town ladies for doing their toban duties for Obon Service. Thanks to Reverend Don Castro who made time to be our guest speaker.

It was a busy month of activities - no sooner did we get the Obon celebration done - we were right into our "Happy Bowls" for the Malheur County Fair. Can't thank everyone who helped enough, and thanks for the vegetable donations.

July Nursing home visitation was done by Kaye Yamaguchi and Mary Kuwahara with Reverend Tada. Those visited were: Kay Yasuda, Hiroko Hasebe, Yoshiko Okano, Ginger Sakano, and Toshiko Takahashi. Flowers were brought to each and donated by Kaye and Mary. Nori Oyama will visit Mrs. Naito fo Nampa - Caldwell. Thanks!

August 11 - 14th was IOBT's turn to do Meals on Wheels. Midge Teramura was in charge, and thanks to all of her helpers.

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We had a great trip to Salt Lake City for our Dharma School summer outing July 11 - 14th, 2003. There were 30 of us and everyone gets along so well together and new friendships are made.

We stayed at the Best Western Plaza which was within walking distance to three shopping malls, the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, and the TRAX which was right in front of our hotel. 14 of us went to a free jazz festival and saw "Hiroshima" which was a real treat!!! Then the next day we went to the Lagoon and everyone rode rides, went to the Lagoon-a-beach, saw shows, ate, and just plain had a great time. Then we went to watch the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple's Obon Odori. They had over 300 dancers that practiced every day for 3 weeks! They had 15 dances, but played the song only once. The audience couldn't join in until the last 3 dances. Sunday was a day to do whatever you wanted. 11 of us went to the Ogden Buddhist Temple for a taiko session and had a pizza lunch. It was a great session and even Ronny and Janet Koda, Mary Nakamura, and myself jonied in and we haven't ever done it before. Some went to the Obon service at the Buddhist Church, some to the cemetary, some went shopping, and some went to Wendover. We headed home on Monday, but were treated to Krispy Kremes from Karen Hata's cousin, Suzanne. It was a wonderful trip, the kids were great, the group was great, and I think everyone had a great time. (Notes and pictures by students will be posted next month).

Dharma school will be starting on September 7th. We will have service at 10:30 a.m. and the teachers will serve lunch to everyone. Hope to see you there!

The Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Dharma School will be hosting the Northwest Dharma School Teachers League workshop on September 20th, with Reverend Joren MacDonald as our guest speaker. She will also speak on Sunday for Ohigan service

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Sagie Nishihara & Yas Teramura fixed the outdoor cooler just in time for "Happy Bowls" storage. It was appreciated very much!

George Yanagawa cleaned and trimmed the Temple lawn like a fine manicure job during the Obon festival.

Jim Mizuta spent a couple of days trimming the trees around the parsonage area.

Alter Flower Donations - Mitsuko Murakami

August 23rd - Temple cleaners - Seiji and Shiz Hata, Karen Hata, Steve Nakamura, Mas & Sachi Sakoi, George and Sue Uyeki

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Mark Crotteau of Boise passed away July 26, 2003. He leaves a wife, Eta Katahira and triplets, Kevin Megan and Robin. Eva Katahira attended the Buddhist church in Chicago when Reverend Tada was there.