1. Art and Diseño

Vol.XXVIII No. 2
February 2015
Buddhist Church of Lodi
Newsletter
23 North Stockton St., Lodi, CA 95240-2214
(209) 368-5589 [email protected]
http://lodibuddhist.org/
Sunday, February 1, 2015
8:30 AM Chanting & Meditation (mindful hour)
9:30 AM Shostuki (monthly memorial service)
Sunday, February 8, 2015
8:30 AM Chanting & Meditation (mindful hour)
9:30 AM Family Sunday Service (DS/AD)
10:30 AM LBWA meeting
Sunday, February 15, 2015
8:30 AM Chanting & Meditation (mindful hour)
Shinran’s Monthly Memorial Service (Oasaji)
9:30 AM Family Sunday Service (DS/AD)
Nirvana Day/Dana Day Service
Saturday, February 21, 2015
1PM-4PM NC District Special Lecture
“Modern Society and The Teaching of The Pure
Land”
Lecturer: Rev. Prof. Chiko Naito
English Interpreter: Rev. Wondra Mutsumi
Fee: $5.00
Place: Florin Buddhist Church
7235 Pritchard Rd. Sacramento
*Please contact Rev. Yuki Sugahara to register.
Phone: 916-383-1831
E-mail: [email protected]
Sunday, February 22, 2015
8:30 AM Chanting & Meditation (mindful hour)
9:30 AM Family Sunday Service (DS/AD)
Sunday, March 1, 2015
No Service
*March Shotsuki will be held on Sunday, March 8th.
The newsletter is a monthly publication of the Buddhist
Church of Lodi, 23 N. Stockton Street, Lodi, CA 95240.
There is no subscription charge
for members and friends, but donations are welcome.
Vol.XXVIII No. 2
MESSAGE FROM REV KATSU
< Peace? Freedom? Equality? Wealthy?
One day, I went to San Francisco for a meeting at
10:30 AM. On that day, the traffic was very bad. I
thought three hours was enough to get to San
Francisco, but it wasn’t. When I got to the bay
bridge, it was already 9:50 AM. Hundreds of cars
were lined up at each tollbooth. All lanes were very
crowded. I also waited in a line. By chance, I
looked at the other lines. It seemed that the other
lines were moving much faster and smoother than
the line that I was waiting in. The line, which I was
in, was very slow.” Darn! I had chosen a wrong
line. I should be lined up in the other lines.” I
really envied the other drivers, but I had no chance
to move to the other lines.
When it was at 9:59 AM, there were a few more
cars in front of me to the tollbooth. I prepared
$6.00 in my hand to pay. At that moment, a
miraculous thing happened. The electric bulletin
board said, “The current time is 10:00 AM, the
charge for the bridge is $4.00”. It was unbelievable.
I got a $2.00 discount. I was so happy and felt so
sorry for the drivers who went through the toll
before 10:00 AM. Before 10:00 AM, I got irritated
and upset while I was watching the other lines.
After 10:00 AM, I was in a happy mood. My mind
had completely changed because of just the $2.00
difference. Even a small thing changes my mind
easily. My mind is always wavering. My mind is
not steady and reliable.
However, my mind is not the only thing, which is
wavering. TV and Internet tell us a lot of news,
which makes me feel that this world is also
wavering and is not steady.
Conflict, terrorism and war continuously occur in
the mid-east. Ebola was raging in West Africa.
There was a big demonstration in Hong Kong.
California had serious drought. And a few weeks
ago, terror attacked on a newspaper office in Paris,
France and 12 people were killed. More incidents
and tragedies have been happening one after
another in this world.
Human beings have had peace, freedom, wealth,
and equality as goals of their own life and ideals of
this world since the far past. We are still seeking
ways to achieve them. However, as a result of
seeking peace, human beings eventually start
fighting. Human beings also fight for obtaining
freedom and equality. Pursuing wealth becomes a
February 2015
cause of poverty and environmental destruction. It
is sad but I think human beings (we) have been
breaking their (our) goal and ideal by themselves
(ourselves). It is strange but seeking our goal and
ideal: Peace, Freedom, Equality, Wealth, may be a
cause of war and this world’s instability. I truly feel
that human beings need to reconsider what the goals
of our life and ideals of this world are.
The larger sutra teaches us the following:
“Wherever the Buddha travels, be it country,
province, town, or village, there is no place,
which does not benefit from his virtue. Peace
and harmony reign throughout the land. The sun
and moon shine brightly, the wind and rain are
prosperous and the people live in peace, so there
is no need to use soldiers and weapons. People
respect virtue, cultivate benevolence, and
diligently observe propriety and humility.”
Our mind, unfortunately, is not steady and reliable.
Because of that, the goals and ideals, which we set,
are weaving and changeable. What is steady and
reliable is Amida Buddha’s mind and wish. Amida
Buddhism tells us we should aspire for being born
into the Pure Land, attaining Enlightenment and
becoming Buddha. These must be our goals. We
should walk the path to the Pure Land and
becoming Buddha instead of seeking peace,
freedom, equality, and wealth. As a result of
walking the path of becoming Buddha, our human
goals are naturally fulfilled.
Our founder, Shinran Shonin is the person, who
walked the path to pure land and became Buddha.
There were so many wars during his time. A lot of
natural disasters also occurred. In these situations,
he centered “Namoamidabustu” in his life. Reciting
“Namoamidabutsu” was the only reliable path for
him. We are living in a different time from his
time, but I think we can learn how we should live
from how Shinran Shonin lived.
<2015 Resolutions>
The evaluation of 2014’s resolution
(E-excellent, G-good, S-so so, B-bad)
Lodi: Get 24 new members
WG: Get 8 new members
Give my dharma talk without paper
Practice playing “Ryuteki”
Practice playing golf
G
B
E
B
B
Vol.XXVIII No. 2
-The number of attendees (Lodi) Attendees
Attendees
Date
Date
st
th
Dec 21
26
Jan 4
87
Dec 31st
38
Jan 11th
37
Jan 1st
42
Jan 18th
32
2015 Memorial Service Schedule
2015 is the memorial year for those who passed
away in:
2014 1 year
1999 17 year
2013 3 year
1991 25 year
2009 7 year
1983 33 year
2003 13 year
1966 50 year
In Gassho,
Rev. Katsu: [email protected]
BUDDHIST CHURCH OF LODI
General Meeting Jan. 13th
Members present: Reverend Katsuya Kusunoki,
Gordon Nitta, Judy Waters, Hannah Egi, Steve
Ogata, Sach Watanabe, Bruce Sasaki, June
Shimozaki, Shirley Komatsu
President Gordon Nitta called meeting to order at
7:05 PM. Reverend Kusunoki led Gassho.
Minutes
The minutes of the December 9th, 2014 meeting
were approved as published in the church’s monthly
newsletter. (M/S/P) S Watanabe/Judy Waters
Treasurer’s Reports:
General – Bruce Sasaki
Bruce went over the December entries and pointed
out that the monies deposited into the general
account (Seminar sign up fees, Dharma School’s
share of the Sunday Services plate donations and
spaghetti dinner pre-sale monies) were sent to the
organizations to be deposited into their accounts.
Special – Steve Ogata
Steve reviewed his report. He transferred $10,000
to the General account, received funds from the
general account for spaghetti dinner, 85th
anniversary for deposit to the appropriate accounts.
He is transferring the CD in RaboBank to the BCA
custodial account. The reports were approved.
(M/S/P) J.Waters/S.Watanabe
February 2015
Minister’s Report – Reverend Kusunoki
December 10th through January 13th: 2 funeral
services, Shotsuki service, 1 Family Sunday
Service, DS mochitsuki, Joya-E, Gantan-E, 1
Chanting and Meditation service, Shinran’s monthly
memorial service (Oasaji), Propagation committee
meeting and the office clean up at BCL; conducted
Shotsuki service, Shinran’s monthly memorial
service (Oasaji), and Joya-E at the Walnut Grove
Buddhist Church; I participated in LBWA year end
luncheon, and Rev. Taitetsu Unno’s funeral service.
I was invited to the Vancouver Buddhist Temple’s
Hoonko service as a guest speaker.
Sensei Roy conducted Gantan-E, 1 dharma school
and adult study class at the Walnut Grove Buddhist
Church. Dharma School conducted Sunday service
and the propagation committee chaired Adult
Discussion at the Buddhist Church of Lodi during
my absence.
Reverend also presented his 2014 year summary
report, which is attached.
LBWA Report – June Shimozaki
The LBWA hosted a Thank You Luncheon for the
Toban Representatives in appreciation of their
dedication to the LBWA and their time. Ayano and
Reverend Katsu prepared a wonderful luncheon of
sukiyaki with the help of some members who did
the slicing and dicing. We will be having our New
Year’s Luncheon on January 31, 2015.
Invitations/registration letters have been mailed.
Please return your RSVP. The LBWA members
will be preparing a menu of Japanese dishes.
There will be a NCBWA meeting on January 20,
2015 in Sacramento. Our next meeting will be held
February 8th in the annex after church services.
Shinyukai Report – Reverend Kusunoki
The January luncheon will be held on Tuesday,
January 27. The menu will have sashimi donated
by Mark Shimozaki.
Dharma School Report – Jill Walters
Hannah Egi gave Jill’s report. Dharma School has
planted eight bulbs per planter box directly in front
of the church aside from the planter box with a tree,
which has an additional eight in the center of the
planter. The planter box by the bottlebrush tree has
approximately four rows of three bulbs planted; 66
bulbs total. We have about 15 left over. DS will be
Vol.XXVIII No. 2
making/decorating a temporary cardboard canned
goods donation box until a more permanent one is
made. Beth suggested making it the following DS
if we do not plant more bulbs or start the Kanji
project. In February we will discuss going over the
history of Gautama and using art projects to
enhance the lessons, particularly using polymer
clays and paints as well as coloring and cutting out
some Buddhas to go under the Bodhi tree. (The one
we will be putting in the display box this month).
Reverend Katsu will be offering a beginner’s
Buddhism class after several future services. I
offered to send invitations to some local colleges,
put up some flyers in key locations, put it in the free
Lodi circular, and help pass out invitations to
newcomers. Reverend Katsu has agreed. I am open
for additional suggestions and/or assistance to help
get the word out.
Propagation Committee Report – Rev. Kusunoki
Reverend reported meeting was held on January 4th.
Winter Seminar is scheduled for January 17th with
26 registered participants. He reported three oneday seminars are being planned for 2015. The
English study class held once a month will be
changed to twice a month and the Japanese class
will be held once a month before the Shinyukai
luncheons. The committee is working on a budget
for the 2015 year.
Building Maintenance – Sach Watanabe
Sach reported his niece, Sheri Watanabe, has
donated range hood and oven to replace these items
in the minister’s residence. The stovetop needs to
be replaced and he received estimate of $600 for a
ceramic top, which was approved by the Board.
(M/S/P) J.Waters/B.Sasaki)
He has two estimates to put in plantation shutters on
the windows throughout the house. The bid of
$3,200 from JP Windows will be accepted. It was
suggested frosted glass windows be put in the
bathrooms and vertical blinds be put on the back
patio door. Judy reported Fujinkai would pay the
total cost of the installation with funds from the
Fujinkai account and the sushi sale to be held after
the March Ohigan service. There is also one
window that needs replacing.
February 2015
Old Business:
1. Sexual misconduct procedure manual: The
necessary forms were sent and accepted by the
church
insurance
carrier.
Dharma
schoolteachers and other members dealing with
the children have been given church worker
application forms to be completed which will
be kept in the office.
2. National Convention in San Diego: Reverend
and Gordon will be attending.
3. Computer: Table needs to be purchased.
Steve will confer with Reverend to find
appropriate sized table for the computer.
4. 85th Anniversary:
Steve reported more
donations have come in since last report. Steve
has put together a photo album of the
anniversary luncheon. A sample album will be
displayed at the Sunday Family Service. If you
wish to purchase one, please contact the office.
Cost: $25.00
New Business:
1. Church Sodai/Riji List: This list, which is
primarily for members’ funeral notification
will be updated for members who do not
have e-mail addresses. Those with e-mail
addresses will be notified electronically.
Gordon will meet with Reverend to update
the list.
2. Reverend will begin English classes at Delta
on Monday and Wednesday mornings
beginning next week.
3. Ron Oye and Reverend have been contacted
by the Stockton Buddhist Church that they
have a display case they no longer use.
Reverend will get dimension to see if we can
use it.
4. Installation of 2015 officers for the church,
women’s’ association, Dharma School and
Shinyukai will be held on Sunday, January
18th.
5. Services: Spring Ohigan, Sunday, March
15th. The Fujinkai will have sushi sale
following the service.
6. Orei thank you note from Judy Waters. A
thank you note was received from Haru
Onishi. She thanked the board for the orei
that she returned with her appreciation for
the board thoughtfulness.
7. Bruce presented the 2014 scrip summary.
Vol.XXVIII No. 2
There being no further business, the meeting was
adjourned at 8:00 PM. Reverend Kusunoki led
Gassho.
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley Komatsu, recording secretary.
LBWA UPDATE – June Shimozaki
The LBWA Board members hosted a Thank You
Luncheon for the Toban Representatives in
appreciation of their years of dedication making
calls to inform the membership of upcoming
activities and requests for help. Ayano and
Reverend Katsu prepared a wonderful sukiyaki
dish.
LBC is updating some long, overdue upgrades with
the Minister’s residence. One of the projects is the
need for new window dressing. The LBWA will be
funding the purchase of new plantation shutters
with the funds, partially from our sushi sale to be
held on March 15th after the Ohigan Service.
The first NCWBA meeting under the Sacramento
toban will be on January 20, 2015.
Our New Year’s Luncheon will be held on January
31st in the annex. The LBWA ladies will be
preparing Japanese dishes for the luncheon. Have
you returned your RSVP to the office? We don’t
want you to miss out on this wonderful meal.
LBWA is implementing the resolutions made at the
World Federation Conferences. FBWA encourages
us to use the theme of the resolutions in a program
or discussion at our meetings. One of the
resolutions from Kyoto, Japan resolves that Dana
Day collection drive to continue with the aim for
contributing to social welfare projects and related
activities. The collection plate donations (Saisen)
for the February 15th service will be used for a
charitable project determined by our board. We
hope to see you at the service.
A request is made for help to clean up after the
Shotsuki Service refreshments are served and
concluded in the annex.
See you at the New Year Luncheon on January 31st.
Our next meeting will be held February 8 after
church services in the Annex.
February 2015
DHARMA SCHOOL – Jill Walter
Dharma School has planted eight bulbs of Daffodils
per planter box directly in front of church aside
from, the one planter box without a tree which has
an additional eight in the center of the planter. The
small planter box by the bottle brush tree has four
rows of three bulbs planted. Dharma school planted
sixty-eight bulbs total. Dharma School students will
be making and decorating a temporary cardboard,
canned goods donation box until a more permanent
one is made. In the month of February, Dharma
School plans to review the history of Gautama and
then use art projects to enhance the lessons. We
will create polymer clay sculptures of the historic
Buddha and color cut-outs of the historic Buddha to
go under our display Bodhi tree.
SCRIP UPDATE – Kelly Yamane
In March, Yume restaurant will be offering a 15%
bonus benefit. Enjoy a delicious lunch and/or dinner
out and participate in our easiest fundraiser ever!
In addition to the gift cards, Raley’s has a new
electronic scrip program and you don’t need a card
to participate! It is called Extra Credit and is part of
the Something Extra rewards program. To enroll,
please sign up for a Something Extra rewards
account at www.somethingextra.com. After
enrollment, you can visit Extra Credit and select
the church (listed as Buddhist Church of Lodi)
as a scrip beneficiary.
Thank you to all who are using their SaveMart
SHARES card. Every time you shop, your card is
scanned and the church receives a 3% benefit.
Please contact me if you would like a card – the
SHARES cards are free! Like Raley’s, SaveMart is
not able to provide reports by individual
contributions for their SHARES program. Through
September 2014, the church earned $817, as a result
of purchases with your SHARES card. If you
purchase SaveMart gift cards (2% benefit), we can
continue to track your individual contributions.
Thank you to all who are participating in the
program! If you have any questions, please contact
Kelly Yamane at 365-7124 or any of the scrip
supporters listed below.
Scrip orders will be due by 10 a.m. on the order
date.
Vol.XXVIII No. 2
January Scrip Supporters
Arleen Mataga
Ayano Kusunoki
Hannah Egi
Janet Morimoto
Joy Sasaki
Kelly Yamane
Lisa Okazaki
Liza Kanemura
Mieko Komatsu
Nagako Sumida
Nancy Burgess
Pam Kriter
Terry Oga
Calendar Dates:
Scrip orders due: 2/6 at 10 a.m. (Friday)
Scrip pick-up: 2/17 (Tuesday)
SHOTSUKI – Janet Morimoto
Thank you to all the following ladies and gentlemen
that graciously brought refreshments for the January
Shotsuki fellowship after the service:
Hisa Nakamura
Sumiko Mikami
Judy Waters
Janet and David Morimoto
Tad Matsumoto
Toshi Yoshioka
Shizuno Nitta
Ayano Kusunoki
It was all delicious!
For those Shotsuki families wishing to contribute
food following a service please contact the office to
let us know.
In gassho,
Janet Morimoto
SHIN BUDDHIST SERVICE BOOK – Lillian
Wada
It has been almost a year since our congregation has
been using the new Shin Buddhist Service Books at
our services. Our members have found this book to
be very helpful and easy to use. There are English
translations of Juseige, Sanbutsuge and other sutras.
Some of the Sutra Chantings are written in western
February 2015
music score. It includes instructions for Oshoko,
proper etiquette in the Hondo, quotes and many
other information.
The Shin Buddhist Service Book was published last
year by The Orange County Buddhist Church. As
you will remember, Rev. Katsu and Ayano donated
250 copies of this new service book to our Church
in commemoration of our Church’s 85th
Anniversary, which was held in November. We are
all very grateful to Rev. Katsu and Ayano for this
thoughtful gift, as many of our old service books
were in need of repairs. Rev. Katsu also purchased
15 copies of a red service book in Japanese from his
family temple for those who prefer the Japanese
version,
It is quite noticeable that members are finding the
new Shin Buddhist Service Book easier to use and
are chanting sutras and singing gathas louder. It is
Rev. Katsu’s hope that more people will come to
the Church, use the new service book, and listen to
the Buddha Dharma together. If you wish to
borrow or purchase the Shin Buddhist Service
Book, it is available in our library. Please check
with Rev. Katsu or the office.