WHEEL OF DHARMA - Buddhist Churches of America

WHEEL
OF DHARMA
Official Publication of the Buddhist Churches of America
1710 Octavia Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
VOLUME 39 MAY 2013 ISSUE 5
From the Desk of
Rev. Kodo Umezu
W
e are getting ready for a big convention to be held in the United States in 2019—the
World Buddhist Women’s Conference. Many suggestions are being made for the conference theme, and the committee is still accepting people’s input. One suggestion is “Awakening to Amida’s Unsurpassed Vow.”
Amida’s Vow is sometimes translated as the Primal Vow, the Original Vow, or the Buddha’s Vow.
Hongwanji means a “temple of Amida’s Vow.” Our organization is now known as the Buddhist
Churches of America, but the original name was the Buddhist Mission of North America and its head
temple was called Hokubei Hongwanji which is now known as the San Francisco Buddhist Church.
The national organization’s name was changed when our young Nisei (second generation Japanese
American) members formed a Buddhist group for Americans during World War II.
In Hawaii, every temple’s name includes “Hongwanji”; Moiliili Hongwanji, Kapaa Hongwanji,
Pearl City Hongwanji, etc. And almost everyone in Hawaii, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, knows the
term Hongwanji, because Hongwanji temples have played a very important role in the history of
Hawaii.
Our mother temple in Kyoto is called Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha. It promotes Shinran Shonin’s
teaching, which is centered around the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha. There are about 20,000 Jodo
Shinshu temples all together throughout Japan. Each temple is a place to listen to the Primal Vow.
Shinran Shonin said that we were born into this world to hear the Primal Vow. It is our job to find
out what the Buddha’s Vow is, and what it means to each of us. Let us attend the Gotan-ye Fujimatsuri
Service in May and find out the true meaning of this life by listening to the Primal Vow of the Buddha.
Happy Birthday, Shinran Shonin.
In Gassho
President’s
Message
Thank You Mom…from Cleveland
I
By Ron Murakami
BCA President
White River
Buddhist Temple
started this article in early April as I was listening to heavy rain drumming on our rooftop in
the early hours of the day. This was just a
week after we’d had a string of dry sunny days that
seemed to be announcing the arrival of spring in
Western Washington. I’m adding to this article
from Cleveland, just about when the article is due,
after attending the Eastern District Council
(EDC) meeting on April 20. While at the EDC we
couldn’t avoid talking about the weather. Washington D.C. reached a record 90-degree high on
April 10, the Chicago area had 8 inches of rain in
a 36-hour period just two days before the meeting,
parts of Minnesota had a foot of snow on the day
of the meeting, and we saw light snowfall in downtown Cleveland on the same day.
Susan Bottari, one of our BCA vice presidents,
joined me at the EDC meeting where we reviewed
ongoing BCA activities and were accorded time to
meet with delegates from each of the five temples
– Cleveland, Ekoji, Midwest, New York, and
Seabrook, as well as from the Twin Cities Buddhist Association Sangha – to learn about their
wellness and issues, and to answer their questions.
Much like our other BCA temples, the EDC temples are unique, but it was revealing to all of us
how our BCA temples face many similar issues.
One distinct challenge the Eastern District faces is
the distance between temples. The Midwest Buddhist Temple is about 800 miles from both the
New York Buddhist Church and the Seabrook
Buddhist Temple (New York and Seabrook are the
closest temples with 130 miles between them)
compared to a 790-mile driving distance from the
OVER THE RAINBOW The LGBT (Lesbian/Gay/
Bisexual/Transgender)
Community & Shin Buddhism
S
By Elaine Donlin, BCSF
o many paths, so many opportunities to
share the Buddha Dharma! I am very excited to be participating in the upcoming
CBE one-day seminar, Over the Rainbow: the
LGBT Community & Shin Buddhism,” to be
held 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday June 22,
at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley.
In my late teens, I left the Catholic faith
that I had been raised in primarily due to a
deliberate rejection of Church doctrine
around homosexuality. I sought out – and
gratefully found – a spiritual discipline
whereby the acceptance of self and others was
based on loving kindness, compassion and
equanimity. What deeply resonated with me
was that the Buddha didn’t tell us who to
love, he taught us how to love. This understanding was the great motivation for conContinued on Page 6
Buddhist Church of Marysville (northernmost of
the Northern California District) to Arizona Buddhist Temple (southernmost of the Southern District). Susan and I were very encouraged to hear
about the positive outlook expressed by each of the
representatives. In turn, the temples learned about
the potential for reaching out to their surrounding
communities that grew out of the discussions held
during the three days. We enjoyed meeting with
everyone and wished we had more time to spend
together. We thank EDC President, Dr. Erick
Ishii, for allowing us to attend the meeting and
providing time for us to visit with individual
groups. We also appreciate the large amount of
work Rev. Ron Miyamura put forth in helping
coordinate the weekend. On a side note, out of
Continued on Page 6
New
Romanized
Service Book
with English
Translation
“The Hongwanji school is a community of people joined together revering the teaching of Shinran Shonin
and saying the Nembutsu. We seek to
share with others the wisdom and
compassion of Amida Tathagata. By
doing so, we shall work toward the
realization of a society in which everyone is able to live a life of spiritual
fulfillment.” (excerpt from “The Essentials of Jodo Shinshu – My Path”
section) With this ideal in mind and
the intention to further enable many
others to encounter the Jodo Shinshu
teaching, our Hongwanji headquar-
ters in Kyoto has published a newly
created Romanized version of its
Nichijō Gongyō Seiten (“Daily Service
Book”) as one of the projects of the
long-term plans for the 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin. It is also in
response to inquiries and requests
from the English-speaking overseas
districts, regional districts, metropolitan cities in Japan, and also areas from
different parts of the world where
there are not any local temples.
From the outset of planning for
the 750th Memorial, one important
Continued on Page 6
PAGE 2 WHEEL OF DHARMA
DINUBA BUDDHIST CHURCH
Japanese immigrants settled in the Dinuba, Sultana, Cutler and Orosi areas starting in 1900 to 1910. In
1924, the Bukkyo Shuyo Kai was formed. This was the beginning of the Buddhist Church. Rev. Itsuzo Kyogoku came from Fresno and ministered to the needs of the members. In 1927, the members
acquired a garage building and converted it into a worship and social hall. The dedication ceremony and
enshrinement of the altar was held on November 20, 1927. This was then known as the Bukkyo Shuyo
Kai Hall.
In 1937, the first minister, Rev. Fusetsu Matsumoto came, and the Hall formally became an independent
church, officially relinquishing ties with the Fresno Buddhist Temple, and from then on was called the
Dinuba Buddhist Church. In 1957, the old American Legion Hall and grounds was purchased for the
future new church site. The 40th anniversary and Dedication Ceremony took place on November 8,
1964, and the present Dinuba Buddhist Church came into being. We are grateful to our Issei pioneers
who triumphed over personal hardships and discrimination and had the courage and foresight to establish our temple.
P.O. Box 546 (655 S. Alta Avenue), Dinuba, CA, 93618 Tel: (559) 591-3581
Note: This series introducing BCA temples correlates to the 2013 BCA Calendar.
Honpa Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii
101st Legislative
Assembly
From left to right: Fred Nonaka, Past President, Alan Kita, Ron
Murakami, Alton Miyamoto, President, Bishop Eric Matsumoto
By Alan Kita,
BCA Chief
Administrative Officer
T
he 101st Legislative Assembly (Giseikai) for the
Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii was held at the
Hawaii Betsuin on Feb. 7-8. The
Buddhist Churches of America
sends two observers to the annual
meeting and this year BCA President Ron Murakami and I had
this opportunity to attend. The
Giseikai is the equivalent of the
BCA National Council Meeting
which meets annually to elect officers, pass the budget, and address
other Hawaii Kyodan issues.
On our first day, Ron and his
wife, Karen, and I were greeted at
our hotel by Kyodan President,
Alton Miyamoto and his wife,
Lynette and immediate past president, Fred Nonaka and his wife,
Nancy. Their generous hospitality
was appreciated and helpful to
navigate the meetings.
We observed the biannual
meeting of the Kyodan’s board of
directors on the first day and this
was followed by a town hall type
discussion meeting in the evening
open to delegates from all 35
temples.
There are similarities in our
organizations but as we discussed
with Alton and Fred, it was clear
that there were a few differences
worth noting.
The delegates (lay and ministers) to the Giseikai vote by designated numbers – when voting
they raise little wooden signs with
their registration numbers. Delegates must be present to vote as
proxy voting is not allowed but
temple representatives may arrive
without pre-registering and still
be recognized.
The assessment used to support the central administration
expenses are distributed among
districts. Each island comprises
one district with the exception of
the island of O’ahu, which consists of two districts - one for the
temples in the city of Honolulu
and another of temples in the rest
of O’ahu. Each district determines
how to divide the assessment
among its member temples.
Each minister is paid from the
central office through centralized
pay rolling. This standardizes the
salary process and is applied uniformly. This also helps in assigning ministers to various tasks
within and outside of the temple.
A particularly meaningful part
of our experience was the Aloha
Luncheon and Living Treasures of
Hawai’i Presentation. The Living
Treasures of Hawai’i annually
recognizes individuals for their
contributions to the preservation
and perpetuation of the distinctive
cultural and artistic heritage of the
islands. The Honpa Hongwanji
Continued on Page 6
“Graduation”
By Rinban Hiroshi Abiko
Los Angeles Nishi Hongwanji
During the months of May
and June, we often hear about the
graduations at various educational
institutions. Just before breaking
out for summer season, in the
sunny and mild conditions of SoCal, just thinking about the graduation bring happy thoughts and
brighter prospects. For sure, loud
whooping up and noise making
will be seen and heard at many of
the campuses where the graduation is taking place.
I still remember the graduation ceremony I was in at Yamahana Shogakko in Sapporo, Japan.
Soot covered snow and ice had not
melted yet and the wooden floor
was icy cold. The auditorium was
so quiet that every squeak from
the floor amplified. We stood
straight up and sang “Hotaru no
Hikari” sung to the melody of
Auld Lang Syne. Of the song, I
particularly like the translation
done by Peter Able who teaches in
Japan. The song ‘The Light of
Fireflies’, goes like this:
‘Time piles up, reading by the
light of fireflies.
And snow by the window
Years have gone by without notice
Now the day has dawned on the
cedar door.
Whether staying or going, it is
the end.
Think of all the memories
On many edges of the heart,
And with anticipation and
nothing else,
Sing a solitary word.’
I recall my skiing buddy classmate wiping his eyes with his
sleeve at the end of the song. After
the ceremony, many graduating
classmates were in tears, and I
couldn’t understand the reason of
their tearful demeanor. My previous graduation was at a kindergarten in Tule Lake Relocation Center, and I recall that it was a fun
filled day with sweets and laughter.
Continued on Page 5
Shin Buddhist Music in America: a survey
By Scott A. Mitchell, IBS Faculty
Hello from Berkeley!
I am doing research on contemporary Shin
Buddhist music in America. In a very general
sense, I’m interested in the types of music being composed, performed, and played within
Shin communities, who’s making it, and why.
I hope gain a better sense of how music functions as part of Shin practice, and my longterm goal is to write a book on the subject.
Part of this research involves conducting a
survey of Shin Buddhists to better understand
how music fits into the broader life of Shin
Buddhist practice. You can help my research
by participating in this survey. The more people
who participate the better! In order for me to
paint an honest picture of American Shin Buddhist practice, I need survey results from across
the country, young and old, new members and
life-long Buddhists.
If you would be willing to participate in
this survey, please visit the link below. The
survey is completely anonymous and individual
results will not be shared. There is also a Japanese version of the survey. And if you would
prefer a paper copy, please contact me, and one
can be provided.
For more information on my project, visit
my website here: www.americangatha.com, or
contact me at scott@shin-ibs.edu or 510-8091449.
English
survey:
www.surveymonkey.
com/s/WOD2013E
Japanese survey: www.surveymonkey.
com/s/WOD2013J
MAY 2013
BCA NATIONAL
BOARD 2013
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Ron Murakami, President
Dr. Kent Matsuda, President-elect
Susan Bottari, Vice President
Ken Tanimoto, Vice President
Pauline Sakuma, Secretary
Treasurer, TBA
Rev. Kodo Umezu, Bishop
Rev. Marvin Harada, Executive
Assistant to the Bishop
Rev. Jerry Hirano, Chair,
Ministers Association
BAY - DISTRICT 1
Susan Bottari, Karen Suyama,
Jon Takagaki
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA - DISTRICT 2
Todd Fukuda, Ellen Tanimoto,
Gary Mukai
COAST - DISTRICT 3
Richard Uyematsu, Gary Omori,
Janice Doi
EASTERN - DISTRICT 4
Dr. Erick Ishii, Dr. Linda Engstrom,
Nancy T. Okada
MOUNTAIN STATES - DISTRICT 5
Kirk Yamashita, Dot Richeda,
Joni Sakaguchi/Gail Ida
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - DISTRICT 6
Tad Shibata, Cathy Fujimori,
Mary Ann Miyao
NORTHWEST - DISTRICT 7
Pauline K. Sakuma, Mark Achterman,
Paul Mori
SOUTHERN - DISTRICT 8
Barbara Fukuji, Richard Stambul,
James Okazaki
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE
Dr. Kent Matsuda (2014)
Tom Nishikawa (2014)
Ellen Tanimoto (2014)
Calvin Doi (2015)
Richard Endo (2015)
Steven Terusaki (2015)
Charlene Grinolds (2016)
Jeffery Matsuoka (2016)
Richard Stambul (2016)
We gratefully acknowledge
contributions to the
Wheel of Dharma
by the following donor(s):
Sacramento BWA ................................... $200
San Fernando Hongwanji Buddhist Temple BWA ....... $100
Oxnard BWA .......................................... $100
Wheel of Dharma
(USPS 017-700)
Official Publication of the Buddhist Churches of America
1710 Octavia Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel.: (415) 776-5600; Fax: (415) 771-6293
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Authors who submit articles for publication in the Wheel of Dharma (“WOD”)
thereby grant WOD a royalty-free non-exclusive paid up license, worldwide, in
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English Editor: Rev. Ron Kobata
Japanese Editor: Rev. Ryuta Furumoto
Print Production: Jeffrey Kimoto
MAY 2013 WHEEL OF DHARMA
PAGE 3
News and Highlights・May 2013
MAP Seminar 2013: Learning to Serve
East Meets West by Rev. Marvin Harada, CBE Co-Director
MAP seminars have been reorganized to four seminars per year; one for each season. We welcomed eight
newcomers to the Spring MAP seminar. Front row, left to right: Midori Nakagawa, Matthew May, Linda
Engstrom, Rosalie Town, Ellen Crane, George Thow, Keith Kato, Edythe Vassall, Merrily Stewart, and
Karen Mukai. Back row, left to right: Craig Honda, Tom Okamoto, Matthew Wise, Kory Quon, Kelvin
Mark, Rev. Marvin Harada, and Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara.
Recently I travelled to Cleveland, Ohio to attend the Eastern District Council meeting
and to help kick off the CBE sponsored Eastern Tour, in which a BCA Minister from
the west coast travels to speak at all of the Eastern District temples. This year, Reverend Jerry Hirano from the Salt Lake, Ogden, and Honeyville, Utah temples is the
featured speaker. It was a very interesting trip to meet with leaders of our Eastern
District temples, and to revisit the Cleveland, Ohio temple.
When you stop and think about it, there is so much potential to share the Nembutsu with other parts of this country. We only have five temples east of the Rockies.
Think about how much of the nation’s population lives on the east coast. We haven’t
even touched the surface of what Jodo Shinshu could be in the eastern part of the
United States. Sometimes living on the west coast, we forget about all the rest of the
country over there. Perhaps people on the east coast feel the same about this side of
the country.
When we look at our 60 BCA temples, we focus on the trend of decreasing and
aging membership. But when you look at the entire country, 60 temples is really
nothing. We have the potential to create new Sanghas, to build new temples, to grow
and reach out to countless others. We cannot let negativity influence our outlook.
There is unlimited potential. You could go to any major city on the east coast and
start something, and it would be the first and only Jodo Shinshu group in that city.
As I travelled back from Cleveland, I thought of the unlimited realm of possibilities open to us as we look to the east for areas of sharing the Nembutsu.
by Dr. Kelvin Mark, Buddhist Church of Sacramento
“My life is not only my life, but the lives of others’ sacrifices, kindness,
thoughtfulness, and patience….”
— Reverend Koshin Ogui, Former BCA Bishop
Because of the sacrifices, kindness, thoughtfulness, and patience of Socho Ogui and
my mentor Reverend Bob Oshita, I have the honor of reporting to you on the March
2013 Minister’s Assistant Program (MAP) Seminar.
During my first MAP Seminar, I experienced firsthand the rich diversity of our
minister’s assistants whose generational experiences and life stories inspire us to see
things more clearly; to see things as they are. Although diverse, our MAP team could
be described by a single word: gratitude. Their involvement in the MAP is a living
expression of their gratitude and willingness to serve others. As contemporary disciples of the Dharma, they express the deepest gratitude and respect to the head ministers of their respective temples and to our most essential teachers Shinran Shonin and
the Shakyamuni Buddha.
A special focus of our weekend centered on the Ojoyoshu, written by Genshin
(985 CE). Ojoyoshu is often translated as The Essentials for Birth in the Pure Land,
but might be subtitled “The Correct Practice of the Nembutsu.” We came away with a
clearer understanding that reciting the Nembutsu is more than just words. The Nembutsu is the expression of gratitude for the working of Amida’s Primal Vow and
counter to self-centered thinking. Such is the practice that we strive for in helping
others around us. When we stop and think about it, as Pure Land followers, everything that we do in our lives, everything that we do in this life, can be thought of as
Ojoyoshu; trying to correctly practice the Nembutsu.
Two especially meaningful points were presented during the seminar. First, we
were encouraged, “Don’t be a baka-head!” In other words, use common sense. Secondly, while it is important to learn how to chant properly, we should strive to understand why the sutras are meaningful in the context of our lives. Then we can see how
the teachings of the Buddha apply to our everyday experiences. If we don’t understand and apply the teachings to our lives, then chanting is just the recitation of meaningless words. Said another way, by grasping a deeper understanding of the Dharma,
we can hope to gain insight into its relevance with regard to our diverse national
Sangha. This will enable us to respond to our Sangha’s changing needs and promote
the growth of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in America.
These key points help us to better understand how the Dharma continues to
resonate with modern everyday life, and how the sutras are relevant and meaningful
to everything we see, think, say, and do. Times change. People’s wants and desires
change. Both are undeniable truths. The Ojoyoshu and our embrace of the Nembutsu
remind to use common sense, to set aside our biases, and to do our best to see things
truly, as they are. By seeking a deeper awareness of the Dharma and by learning to
nurture a genuine concern for others, we can learn how to put everyday life into the
context of the Buddha Dharma and share our appreciation with others. These are just
a few ways that the MAP contributes to the causes and conditions that can nurture the
growth of our Sangha and foster new generations of scholars and leaders who will
enable Buddhism to flourish in America. In Gassho.
CBE 2013 Tentative Calendar of Events
(at the Jodo Shinshu Center unless noted otherwise. Programming subject to change.)
June 22: Over the Rainbow: The LGBT* Community and Shin Buddhism Seminar
*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
July 5-7: Summer Pacific Seminar: Shinran & Ajatasatru
with Dr. Mark Blum and Prof. Keiko Toro (MAP credit for intermediate/advanced)
July 19-21: College YBA Retreat @ San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple
August 3-4: Jodo Shinshu Correspondence Course (JSCC) August Workshop
September 5-7: Minister’s Assistant Program (MAP) seminar for beginner/intermediate
September 27-28: Lay Leaders’ Training Session (tentative)
October 5: Japanese Seminar
October 11-13: College YBA Conference
October 18-20: Dharma School Teachers’ Continuing Education
November 1-2: Baby Boomers’ Seminar with Rev. Masao Kodani
November 5-8: International Hongwanji Overseas Propagation Exchange (IHOPE)
December 12-14: Minister’s Assistant Program (MAP) seminar for beginner/advanced
The LGBT* Community and Shin Buddhism
*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender
Saturday, June 22, 2013 • 9:30 am - 9 pm
8 am - 9:30 am Registration & Continental Breakfast
at the Jodo Shinshu Center
Featuring Guest Speakers, Panel Presentations, Small Group Discussions, Resources & More!
Registration is open to the public and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks!
Extended Registration Dates:
General Registration $60 by June 16 Early Registration $50 by May 15
Online registration at: http://www.bcasites.net/LGBT+Community+Seminar
For more information, email: admin@cbe-bca.org or call: 510.809.1460
Institute of Buddhist Studies and Center for Buddhist Education present:
SHINRAN & AJATASATRU
Understanding the Human Condition
Pacific Seminar 21st Century
July 5-7, 2013 at the Jodo Shinshu Center
Dr. Mark Blum UC Berkeley and Prof. Keiko Toro
Fukui, Japan
Extended Registration Dates:
Registration: $135 due by June 30 ~ BCA Member Rate: $120 until June 16
For more details and online registration, visit: www.BuddhistChurchesofAmerica.org Click on CBE
Thank You for your
DHARMA CAR DONATIONS!
The BCA CBE VEHICLE DONATION
PROGRAM is making a difference!
We appreciate all vehicles...running or not!
This program is administered by the Orange County Buddhist Church
(OCBC) and is available in the State of California only
• Free pick up and DMV paperwork
• Tax-deductible at vehicle’s selling price
• Supports BCA CBE’s Annual Program Fund
To donate vehicles, contact OCBC:
Phone (714) 827-9590
Fax: (714) 827-2860
Email: ocbc909@aol.com
Center for Buddhist Education 2140 Durant Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 www.BuddhistChurchesofAmerica.org E-mail: director@cbe-bca.org Phone: 510.809.1460
PAGE 4 WHEEL OF DHARMA
Looking back……..
By Rev. Orai Fujikawa
Salinas Buddhist Temple
A
lthough I was born and
raised in the Buddhist
Temple in the countryside
of Hiroshima many years ago, I
remember I didn’t pay much attention to Buddha-Dharma when
I was young as I was the third son
in the family. After high school I
entered a business college in Osaka
looking for import-export industry, so that I could go and work in
foreign countries. Then all of a
sudden, my father died just before
I graduated this college which
changed the course of my life.
I thought I should at least
study Buddha-Dharma which my
father used to practice. Entering
Ryukoku Daigaku in Kyoto, I encountered with a strange group of
people in the campus. They all
looked Japanese, but they were
different from us Japanese students in many ways such as behav-
ior, hairstyle, clothing and they
spoke funny Katakoto-Japanese.
But they all seemed to have enjoyed life in Kyoto. As a matter of
fact they were Nisei and Sansei.
Later I was very much impressed
or inspired to know that they had
come all the way from United
States to study Buddha-Dharma
in order to share with their neighbors and friends. They were such
people as Masao Kodani, Hiroshi
Abiko, George Shibata, William
Masuda, Thomas Okano and so
on.
Soon I decided to join them to
become a Kaikyoshi of BCA. Although I was just about ready for
Kaikyoshi status, I was told that
there was no vacancy in BCA and
I was assigned to Canada by
Hanayama Socho who used to
oversee both USA and Canada.
This is how I ended up serving in
Canada for over 40 years from
1968-2011.
Well, however, my original
dream came true in January 2012
as I was assigned to Salinas in
California after retiring from
Canada. So far I have been enjoying my work here by sharing my
past experiences. Dozo Yoroshiku
Onegaishimasu.
In gassho, Namoamidabutsu
Boy Scout Troop 611’s Newest Eagle Scouts
T
hree Boy Scouts were
honored by San Jose’s
Troop 611 for their years
of dedication, perseverance, and
community service as they attained the highest rank in scouting, that of Eagle Scout.
Justin Hashimoto, Marshall
Seid, and Andrew Wong were
recognized at an Eagle Scout
Court of Honor on April 6 at the
San Jose Buddhist Church, which
sponsors the Troop.
These scouts join the more
than 140 Eagles from Troop 611
since its founding in 1968.
JUSTIN TYLER HASHIMOTO
Justin Tyler Hashimoto, the
son of Elvia Tahara, is a senior at
Los Gatos High School in Los
Gatos, California. Justin began
his scouting adventure as a Tiger
Cub in Pack 611 in 2001.
Justin received his Metta Religious Award and the Arrow of
Light Award and has held the
following scout positions as a
member of Boy Scout Troop
611: Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader,
Troop Librarian, and Den Chief
(for three years).
For his Eagle Project, Justin
designed and built Asian style
benches for the Japanese American Citizen League (JACL) historic Issei Memorial Building.
He wanted to add aesthetics as
well as functionality to the existing Japanese style garden where
numerous community events are
held.
Justin anticipates attending
one of the UC’s, Santa Clara
University, or the University of
the Pacific where he plans to
major in Psychology.
MARSHALL YUKIO SEID
Graduation
Continued from Page 2
In Japan, the graduation has
been regarded as completing or
ending, and the accompanying
ceremonies are remembered with
happiness and at the same time
sadness.
Many Asian, particularly elder
ones, with above upbringing will
be surprised at the atmosphere of
American graduation ceremonies,
particularly here in California,
which are usually characterized by
laughter, exuberance and whooping it up by many in attendance.
I also remember having a dif-
From left to right: Rinban Kenshin Fujimoto, Marshall Seid, Andrew Wong,
Justin Hashimoto, and Rev. Gerald Sakamoto.
Marshall Yukio Seid is the
son of Ann Seid and Michael
Seid. He began his scouting career in Cub Scout Pack 611 in
2001 as a Tiger Cub where he
earned his Metta Religious
Award and Arrow of Light
Award.
As a Boy Scout in Troop
611, Marshall held the following
leadership
positions:
Patrol
Leader, Patrol Quartermaster,
Troop Scribe, Patrol Grubmaster, and Troop Historian. Marshall attended the National Jamboree in Virginia in 2010. In
addition to earning the rank of
Eagle Scout, Marshall earned a
Bronze Palm. Marshall’s Eagle Scout Project was to design and install a
tree cookie flooring for an outdoor wooden tipi at Bright Days
Preschool in Campbell. The
flooring inside the tipi and the
outside patio allows the preschoolers to be able to use this
wooden play structure year round
without the worry of becoming
muddy during the rainy sea-
ficult time trying to explain the
ethos at graduation ceremonies in
America to a retired educator from
Japan. In short, I explained to him
that in America, the graduation
ceremony is usually called a commencement being handed down
from the British tradition and its
literal meaning is “beginning”,
and at some well known academic
circles, commemoration is used to
announce the high degree of the
importance in time and place.
Conversing with the gentleman, I was reminded of the Buddhist interpretation of us human
beings as an accumulation of the
past karma. In karmic philosophy,
son. He selected this project to
benefit the preschool and to give
back to a very dear friend, Mrs.
Mary Smith, who is the Director
of Bright Days Preschool. In addition to his school and
scout activities, Marshall has held
the position of Head of Review
for the therealmacgenius.com, a
website based in Silicon Valley
focused on Mac related products
for the last 3 years. He has volunteered at, and now works as, a
counselor and photographer for
Via West in Cupertino, a program of Via Services, which
serves children and adults with
disabilities such as autism, Down
syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and other
cognitive or physical disabilities.
Marshall plans to attend either the University of California,
San Diego and major in Chemical Engineering or Cal Poly, San
Luis Obispo and major in Biomedical Engineering. He plans to
continue on to earn his MBA. ANDREW STEPHEN WONG
Andrew Stephen Wong, son
commemoration will be interior,
and commencement would be exterior. The former is a reflection
of past karma and awareness of a
sense of debt to fellow beings for
making it possible to bring the self
to that point in time. The latter is
ones resolve for the future. One is
our aspiration toward higher goals
one sets for oneself, while the
other is ones sincere sense of gratitude to innumerable benefactors
including parents, friends, teachers, and so forth.
In a span of one’s life, commencement and commemoration
occur constantly. There is no particular graduation for a real Bud-
of Edward and Denise Wong, is a
senior at Silver Creek High
School in San Jose, California.
Andrew began his scouting career
as a Tiger Cub with Pack 611 in
2001. In 2006, Andrew earned
his Arrow of Light award as part
of the Den 8 Eagles.
Inspired by one of his Den
Chiefs, Scott Nichols, Andrew is
most proud of having been able
to give back to Pack 611 by being
Den 8’s Chief for four years.
Nominated by his fellow
scouts of Boy Scout Troop 611,
Andrew is a member of the Order
of the Arrow. As part of Troop
611, he has held the positions of
Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol
Leader, Patrol Grubmaster,
Troop Quartermaster, Troop
Scribe, Troop Librarian, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and
Senior Patrol Leader. In 2010,
Andrew was fortunate enough to
attend the Boy Scout National
Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in
Virginia where he helped celebrate the Centennial Anniversary
of Boy Scouts of America.
For his Eagle Scout Project,
Andrew designed, planned, managed, and helped construct an
18’x30’ concrete and brick “SC”
logo for his high school on the
surface of the hill leading into the
school’s football field. Andrew
selected this project as a way to
give back to the school that had
given him and his family the opportunity of higher education.
He also hoped to motivate his
fellow students.
Andrew is looking forward to
attending a four-year university one of the UC’s or Cal Poly SLO
- and majoring in mechanical
engineering.
dhist. In other words, every moment is a graduation. Any day,
sunny or gloomy, fast or slow,
should not be wasted by a Buddhist for the reason that a real
Buddhist is a perpetual student of
what is true and real.
I look forward to seeing the
expressions on the faces of Nishi
Center graduates as they march up
to the front of altar in the Hondo
with their over-sized cap and
gown, then toward the end of ceremony, move the tassel from one
side to the other, full of hope and
good will.
In Gassho
MAY 2013
2013 IBS
Spring
Enrollment
The Institute of Buddhist Studies began
its 2013 Spring Semester with a total enrollment of 90 students in the various study program offered by IBS.
Of the total number of students 35 are
IBS students, 14 are in the common MA
program (degree jointly given by IBS and
Graduate Theological Union) of which one
student is ministerial, nine chaplaincy, and
one Theravada studies; five MBS students
who are ministerial, three Kyoshi Certificate
Program (ministerial), three Chaplaincy Certificate Program, and four exchange program
students (two from Ryukoku University,
Kyoto, and two from the Dharma Drum College, Taiwan.
There a total of seven auditors and six
students who are in one of the programs officered, currently inactive of which three are in
the common MA program, one in the MBS
program, and two in the Kyoshi Certificate
program.
With the affiliation program established
with the GTU, there are 42 GTU students
participating in the study of Buddhism at
IBS, of which four are in MA, 26 in M.Div.,
five in MTS., five others, and two PhD. programs. There are 12 online students, in which
two are MA, six are M.Div., one each in
MTS., D, Min., PH.D., and Th.D. programs.
“The IBS is currently playing a major role
in the study of Buddhism and Shin Buddhism
as it can be seen by the gradual growth of the
various programs offered. The school campus
being within the Jodo Shinshu Center has
greatly influenced our growth process. The
IBS ask for your continued understanding
and support of the mission of IBS,” stated Dr.
Richard Payne, Dean.
BCA Bookstore
News
By Gayle Noguchi
Now available: “My Jacaranda Tree and
Letters from America’s Internment Camps in
World War II” by Reiko Odate Matsumoto,
paperback $15.50.
“My Jacaranda Tree” is a fictional memoir
of the experiences of the author who was
twelve years old at the time she and her family
were interned from Hawaii during World
War II. The main character, a young girl
named Naomi, describes her life with letters
to her friends and family. Particularly appropriate for May’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, this book provides a vivid personalized account from which young people
can learn about the internment experiences of
Japanese Americans.
To order, go to www.bcabookstore.com
or 510-809-1435/sales@bcabookstore.com.
The BCA Bookstore is open Tues.-Sat., 10
a.m.-5 p.m. Like us on Facebook.
MAY 2013 WHEEL OF DHARMA
PAGE 5
YLT–A Parent’s Perspective
By Ko and Paige Yebisu
Fresno Betsuin
L
ast November, my wife
(Paige) and I received a “Save
a Date” e-mail from Keith
Sawada about a Young Leadership
Today Conference planned for the
end of March 2013. Keith informed
us that parents were invited and
there would be some workshops for
us to attend too. I have to admit that
Paige was more excited to attend
than I was because I knew that it was
a busy time at work for me, but hey,
if you know me, when isn’t it a busy
time for me.
We knew our eldest son, Michael, was planning on attending the
conference and we were hoping our
middle son, Scotty, would decide to
attend too. Paige and I were apprehensive about attending because we
didn’t want Michael to feel uncomfortable that his parents were around
and “cramp his style”. I discussed the
situation with Michael and he gave
us the “green light”. Talk about role
reversal. Even though Paige and I
pay for everything, we had to ask for
his permission! Go Figure!
The timing of the conference actually worked out well for our family,
as we took a mini-vacation in Southern California prior to arriving at the
conference on Friday, March 29nd.
Because of the “family thing”, Paige
and I were happy that Scotty decided
to attend the conference too. That
first night, we immediately attended
a Dharma service, which was led by a
group of Youth Minister Assistants
who, in past years, had participated
in a training program sponsored by
the Buddhist Churches of America
Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC).
This service was guided by Reverend
Peter Inokoji-Kim and Keith. Paige
and I had a special interest in this
service as the Chairman (Matt Miyake) is the son of one our close
friends. With this service and all the
other Dharma services we attended
during the weekend, we were impressed by the way the services were
conducted, which included the
chanting of the sutras in unison, the
Dharma messages about real-life situations, and the critiquing of the services by the other Youth Minister
Assistants and Reverend Peter. The
remainder of the Friday night consisted of a break for dinner and some
ice-breakers for the attendees.
Saturday began with another
Dharma Service, led by another
group of Youth Minister Assistants,
and then various workshops for the
attendees and the parents. The parents’ workshops began with a presentation by Keith and Reverend Peter
regarding the history and current
status of the YAC Program. Next,
was a session led by Reverend Peter
which included a personality test
that included a series of questions to
determine your personal characteristics. At the end of the test, our scores
were accumulated and the totals determined the professions that best
fits your personality. This was my
kind of test because as long as you
answered the questions honestly, you
could not fail!
After lunch, Bishop Kodo Umezu
spoke to the parents and the attendees about various topics. Our last
workshop was a very informative
presentation by Reverend Henry
Adams regarding the everyday use of
your home obutsudan. We then had
a final Dharma Service for the day
led by another group of Young Minister Assistants.
After the afternoon break, we
came back for the dinner. In the few
short hours of the break, it was amazing to see how the Social Hall was
transformed into a place that reminded us of a wedding reception.
We were treated to a delicious dinner
and then the highlight for the weekend for Paige and me, the TALENT
SHOW. The individual abilities of
all these young entertainers and
Reverend Peter were truly incredible
and judging by everyone’s reaction, a
great time for all. The night ended
with dance for the attendees while
the parents utilized the Hospitality
Room for discussion about many
topics regarding Buddhism and life
in general. Because we were on a
family vacation, our youngest son,
Jackson (13), was also with us. I
know his favorite part of the weekend was the dance. Although, he
could not participate, I know he enjoyed seeing all of the pretty ladies.
Hopefully, some of them have
younger sisters.
On Sunday, we attended the
BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF MARIN
PRESENTS
Great Compassion: The Miracle of
Life and Death
An all-day seminar with Rev. Mark Unno
Saturday, May 18, 9:30am-3pm
Donation $30, includes lunch
Rev. Mark Unno, an ordained Shin Buddhist
priest, is head of the Dept. of Religious Studies
and associate professor of Japanese Buddhism at
the University of Oregon in Eugene. He holds a
doctorate in classical Japanese Buddhism from
Stanford University, with an emphasis on Shin
Buddhism, Shingon and Zen.
He has also worked in the areas of comparative
religious thought, Buddhism and psychotherapy
and interreligious dialogue.
The Buddhist Temple of Marin is located at 390
Miller Avenue in Mill Valley, one block north of
Whole Foods. For more information or to
register, go to www.buddhisttempleofmarin.org.
Buddhist Temple of Marin
390 Miller Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 388-1173
www.buddhisttempleofmarin.org
Dharma Service for Orange County
Buddhist Church led by Reverend
Marvin Harada. Then, there was a
group picture, cleanup, the traditional……. very long goodbyes, and
then our trip home.
During the weekend, we were
fortunate to be able to spend some
time with Bishop Umezu, both formally during his presentation, and
casually in the Hospitality Room. He
is a very down-to-earth person with a
great sense of humor. Bishop Umezu
spoke of his vision to strengthen the
Buddhist Churches of America with
better teamwork. In my experience,
in any successful organization, there
are people with strong personalities,
and with strong personalities comes
conflict. However, if the ultimate
goals are the same, these conflicts can
be resolved. Paige and I only hope
that Bishop Umezu will have the
opportunity and support he will
need to accomplish his goals.
Paige and I were also able to
make new friends with the parents,
Ray and Lori Fukunaga, Carolyn
Horikawa, Gordon and Jennifer
Nitta, Ford and Terri Omori, Aaron
and Carolyn Sanwo, and Troy Watanabe. We immediately bonded due
to the common interests of our children, which is being involved as
Young Leaders, whose foundation is
the YAC Program.
In various discussions over the
weekend, one main topic that seems
to be common everywhere is how to
reach out to the age group from 22
years old to 35 years old. It seems
that once a person finishes college,
they do not attend church until they
start a family. It is my belief that
programs like the ones for these
Youth Leaders and YAC will help to
bridge this gap. I spoke about this
subject with Reverend Peter and the
concept I came away with was that it
is great to be a Youth Minister.
However, it is not for every person
and that is okay too. We just want as
many people as possible to be involved in some way.
When observing all of the events
and conversations that occurred over
the weekend, Paige and I realized the
YAC Leaders and attendees are like
one big FAMILY. Reverend Peter,
Keith and all of the other members
of the YAC Leadership should be
appreciated, commended, and supported for their passion and commitment to our young adults. As parents,
we cannot be with our children 24
hours a day. It is comforting to know
that other adults are “watching over”
our children too. We understand
that some of these adults do not have
biological children. However, because of the guidance and impact
these special people have on our
children’s lives, in essence, our children are their children too.
We also wanted to extend a special “Thank You” to Reverend Peter,
Keith, Charlene Grinolds and all of
the other adult volunteers for making the weekend so memorable for us
and everyone else too. Our special
“Thank You” also includes Linda
Okino and all the other Orange
County Buddhist Church parents for
their hard work in preparing all of
the delicious meals for the attendees
and parents and to Reverend Marvin
Harada, Reverend Akio Miyaji, and
Reverend Jon Turner for allowing us
to utilize their facilities and for being
such gracious hosts.
As we drove home, Paige and I
felt part of the YAC Program family
too. We look forward to continuing
our journey in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism with our family and friends. I
believe we have a good thing going
and as our Yebisu family motto states
“It is not where you start, but where
you finish!”
For me, I have come to the conclusion that all of this must be a really good thing. I cannot speak for
Paige, because everyone she has
touched knows what a special person
she is, but for me and those who
know me…….who in their wildest
dreams would have ever thought that
I would be writing an article for the
Wheel of Dharma!
In Gassho
Reflections on “Streams of Light”
By Rumiko & Hunter Arakawa
Fresno Betsuin
M
arch 23 and 24 was Spring Higan
weekend for the Fresno Betsuin.
This year the attendees for both
days were treated to the presence of Rev.
Kentaro Sugao of the South American kyodan
who talked about his film project and screened
the result of his year-long production,
“Streams of Light.”
So, why was the Fresno Betsuin and
Central California District afforded the privilege of Rev. Sugao’s presence and viewing of
his movie? I am sure this was the thought
process of the people in the audience that
weekend. We found out that Rev. Sugao’s
research for the film led him to Fresno, and
decision to include historic footage of the
temple. The final scene features the sunlight
streaming though the limbs and leaves of the
Bodhi Tree located on the grounds of the
Fresno Betsuin and seems so symbolic to the
title.
We were all amazed, of course, that a film
of any kind, and especially one that chronicles
the Buddhist Churches of America over one
hundred year history could be made in the
span of a year. We all know that even small
films of limited materials often take years
from conception to final product. We found
out that Rev. Sugao’s background lent itself
to this project and his associations with film
producers was essential ,along with the aid of
BCA ministers as immensely helpful. We also
became aware of the vast collection of archival
materials, including homemade footage and
videos that enliven the film that Rev. Sugao
personally and painstakingly researched.
This film itself was very impressive in the
breadth of coverage and hitting on certain
important historic events and personalities.
But given the scope of the project there may
some viewers who may be disappointed with
possible omissions of additional events and
people. Rev. Sugao acknowledged that these
kinds of omissions are bound to happen when
time and resources are limited.
No matter what coulda or shoulda been
in the “Streams of Light”, I believe we will all
Premiere
March 2
Directed
Kentaro
Produce
Ebisu Film
In cooperati
Buddhist Ch
America &
Institute of
Studies
www.streamsoflightmovie.com
feel that it is a great contribution to our
sangha’s education, and an important historic
record for younger generations and members
new to Jodo Shinshu in America.
All members of the BCA and Jodo-Shinshu followers should see the “Streams of Light”
to see the diversity of thoughts of the various
ministers and the oneness of their dedication.
We are all extremely grateful for the experience.
In Gasshou
PAGE 6 WHEEL OF DHARMA
Recognizing JSC
Debt Relief Donors
Starting with the January 2013 edition, we’ll begin recognizing donors for their Debt
Relief contributions to help pay off the bank mortgage for construction of the Jodo Shinshu
Center. When established by the National Council the remaining balance on the bank loan
was about $3,175,000. Even though the Debt Relief fundraising effort was designated for
only a 12 month effort, the bank mortgage has been reduced to about $1,550,000 thanks
largely to almost $1 million total donated for Debt Relief. Most importantly, paying down
the mortgage allowed us to avoid paying roughly $1,050,000 in potential interest on the loan
and reduced monthly payments on the bank loan from $19,900 to $10,200. This generous
response came during financially difficult times for many. Thank you and congratulations to
the thousands of donors who helped make this happen.
Reedley
Sadie Abe
Kathy and Clifford Hamada
Carole Hirakawa
Carolyn Ikemiya
Chizuko Iwasaki
Larry and Midori Iwasaki
Toshiko Kawagoe
Sue Kawamoto
Nancy Kimura
Michio Miyamoto
Yasuko Murase
Sammy and Grace Nakagawa
Ronald and Katherine Nishinaka
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Nobuhiro
Dale and Charlene Okamura
Rev. George/Mrs. Yasuko Shibata
Kenichi and Ayako Sunamoto
Johnnie Togioka
George and Amy Tsuji
Darryl and Janette Wong-Sing
Anonymous
Rev. George Shibata Retirement Golf Tournament
SACBC
Kenneth Bredlau
John Chew
Kimiyo Chew
Sachi Fudenna
Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hall
Dr. Walter Hashimoto
Daryl Hatano
Phil and Yvette Hornig
Haruo and Grace Kasai
Francis and Haruko Kawahara
Patricia Kawase-Taj
Masato and Hiroko Kimotsuki
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kimura
Shoge Kimura
Dr. and Mrs. Curtis Mark
H. Mary Misaki
Ronald Misaki
Stanley and Ruth Miyasato
Seiji and Emilie Nakamoto
Kenji and Kay Neyama
Paul and Yukimi Nomura
Noreen Osaki
Arthur and Jessie Sakai
Eastern District Council Meeting Attendees, From Left to Right, Seated: Dr. Erick
Ishii, Nancy Okada, Isabelle Bernard, Alexis Yamashita, Dr. Linda Engstrom, Ron
Murakami; Middle Row: Rev. Patti Nakai, Joanne Tohei, Rev. Marvin Harada;
Back Row: Rev. Jerry Hirano, Rev. Ron Miyamura, Rev. Kurt Rye, Roger
Suekama, Dr. Gordon Bermant, Jane Blechman, Craig Horton, Alan Green, Joe
Ahern, Brian Tsuchiya; Not Pictured: Carolyn Ahern, Susan Bottari, Gary Nakai.
President’s Message
Continued from Front Page
concerns previously expressed about
BCA spending, Susan and I personally paid for all our own expenses to
attend the EDC. We both thought it
was well worth the effort.
I’ve heard the expression that
life is a gift. If so, I hope it’s a gift
that everyone can appreciate and
Seiten
Continued from Front Page
ideal became a major pillar: to
provide opportunities that will
enable as many people as possible
to come in contact with Shinran’s
teaching. Therefore, the memorial was held on numerous occasions at various levels, ranging
from the national, district levels
to the overseas district, sub-district, and local temple levels, finally culminating with the
Goshōtō Hōonkō services that
were held for one week in January of this year at Honzan. The
same style of service, though with
slight variations in regard to locale, was conducted, thereby renewing and strengthening the
feeling of unity of our Shinshu
sangha.
In continuing with this concept, after careful thought and
deliberation, the Hongwanji International Center decided to use
the same basic layout and format
of the Japanese service book with
some slight variations and adjustments. In this way, both monto
(Nembutsu followers) overseas
have gratitude for being given such
a special opportunity. If you haven’t
recently thanked your parents for
your life, then Mother’s Day is certainly a good reminder to express
our gratitude. With Mother’s Day
in mind, I hope you take time to say
thank you to your mother, whether
or not she’s still living. Through the
passing of time I better understand
how much my parents, and particularly my mother, worried about me
and all four of us children in our
and in Japan may use the same
book, conduct the same style of
religious services, and follow the
same tradition. Our overall focus
for this service book is to transmit the Buddhist tradition, and
specifically our Jodo Shinshu
legacy.
The service book contains
The Essentials of Jodo Shinshu,
Three Treasures, Jodo Shinshu
Creed, Shōshin Nembutsuge
(hereafter, Shōshinge), Sambutsuge, Jūseige, Jūnirai, Bussetsu
Amida Kyō, several of Rennyo
Shonin’s Gobunshō Letters,
Shinshū Shūka, Ondokusan,
Ryōgemon, and other pertinent
information regarding the Jodo
Shinshu tradition. The book is
divided into two parts, with the
main portion opening from left
to right, as is done in the west.
However, one portion, the section for Shōshinge opens from
right to left, Asian style. Special
review and consideration was
given to the various English
translations of the Three Treasures and the Jodo Shinshu
Creed that were done by the
Buddhist Churches of America,
Hompa Hongwanji Mission of
Cindy Sakihara
Arlyne Shibata
Merry Shimamura
Judy Tokubo
Joy Tsurui
Yasushi and Yoshie Yamada
Fujio and Ellen Yamamoto
Mas Yamasaki
Shizuko Yamauchi
Miyako Yasuda
Yaeko Yasuhiro
Ken Matsubayashi and
Cathleen Yoshida
Sacramento
Sam Adachi
George Amemiya
Betty Amioka
Mr. and Mrs. Shoichi Araki
Yoshiko Baba
Michael Dishno
Lance Yokota and Kathy Fong
Tom Fujimoto
Carole Fukumoto
Max and Sumiye Hamamoto
Ruth Hayashi
Yoshiaki Hokama
Irene Hoshiko
Buster Ide
Edward Imai
Roy and Georgette Imura
Satsuki Ina
Harry and Mary Inouye
Eiko Irokawa
Minnie Iseri
Mr. and Mrs. Takuhei Iseri
Joey Ishihara
Kristina Ishihara
Ray Ishihara
Dr. Kenneth Furukawa and
Leilani Ito
Kenneth and Midori Ito
Robert and Norma Ito
Masami Iwasa
Teruko Kagiyama
Jean Kaneko
John and Mae Kaneko
Richard and Janet Kashiwada
George and Amiko Kashiwagi
Joe and AliceKataoka
Hachi Kawakami
Hodge and May Kawakami
Thomas Kawano
May Kim
Emiko Kimura
Machiko Kimura
Molly Kimura
Utako Kimura
Mitsuko Kitade
Isamu Kobata
Gayle Kono
Yoshio and Mieko Kono
Alma Koyasako
Mitsy Kumasaki
Teruyo Kunibe
Dorothy Kunisaki
Wayne and Lynn Kurahara
Cathy Lemelin
Emmie Makishima
Robert and Carolyn Manji
Kelvin Mark
Kimiko Masunaga
Chiyeko Masuoka
Greg and Mika Matayoshi
Edith Matsuoka
Peggy Miyata
family. It’s not fair to say my mom
was a worrier. However, she was
such a kind-hearted person that her
compassion seemed to extend to everyone she knew and the sufferings
of others caused her great pain. Despite how I look on my own life, I
know I caused my mother concern.
It wasn’t until my wife and I had
children of our own did I understand the worries parents face. Even
in the best of times we still may
worry; how much more so when our
own children encounter difficulties
in their lives.
We don’t choose to be given life
and life can seem difficult, but
hopefully you wouldn’t want to give
back such a gift. Perhaps our greatest challenge is deciding what to do
with it. Thank you, Mom, and
thank you to all those who have
treated me as part of your own family. Mothers seem to have unlimited
compassion for their children much
as we have heard about Buddha’s
compassion for all beings.
My wife, Karen, and I visited
several friends in the last month and
two of them are longtime family
friends who we often think of but
Hawaii, and Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada over
the years, and the Shin Buddhism
Translation Series Committee
was asked to edit, revise, and
standardize them.
One fundamental intention
for this service book was to make
it convenient and easy to use for
not only religious services, but
also as a study and educational
resource, so it includes the English translations that are all from
Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha’s
Shin Buddhism Translation Series. As much as possible, we
have positioned the translations
paragraph by paragraph or phrase
by phrase so that the content of
the sutras and scriptures can be
understood and properly appreciated by all. We feel that when
these translations are used in
conjunction with those that were
done in years past by kaikyoshi
ministers and other devout members of the overseas districts, it
will help to further enhance the
significance of the sutras.
This article will be published
in two parts and will conclude in
the next issue of the Wheel of
Dharma.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Mizutani
George Morita
John and Sumi Morita
Ken and Carolyn Murai
Irene Nabeta-Yee
Lorraine Nagae
Ikuo and Rachel Nagai
Masayuki and Carolyn Nagata
Fumiye Nakagaki
Carolyn Nakagawa
Kiyoshi MikeNakagawa
Grace Nakao
Barbara Nakatomi
Henry and Joan Nishikawa
June Nishikawa
Yutaka and Sakaye Nishikawa
Koji Nishimoto
George and Jane Nishimura
Tom and Judy Nishimura
Wilfred and Pauline Nishinaka
Eleanor Nobuye
Harry Noguchi
Kinya Noguchi
Herbert and Mieko Ogata
Art Ohara
Shige and Marie Okada
Jan Okimoto
Rev. Peter Inokoji-Kim and
Aileen Okimoto
Mitsuo and Miyoko Omoto
Rev. Bob and Patti Oshita
T.T. Ota
Shuny Sagara
Dr. and Mrs. Bob Sahara
Howard Sakai
Lilly Sakai
Heidi Sakazaki
Shoya and Ikuko Sakazaki
haven’t had an opportunity to see
for some time. Both are among the
steadiest people we know, always
maintaining good attitudes and
showing resolve to keep their physical ailments from affecting their
positive nature. Mrs. Iwai had fallen
several months ago and had broken
a vertebra in her neck. After four
months of care in a nursing home
she moved to an assisted care facility
in Seattle. Mrs. Maekawa also still
lives on her own but hasn’t been
able to get out much due to weakness in her knees. Both provide us
with much happiness by being positive and cheerful despite their health
concerns. We’ve missed seeing both
women at our temple but are encouraged by their nature and wish
them well.
In mid-April Karen and I were
able to attend a Hanamatsuri Service at the Enmanji Buddhist Temple in Sebastopol, California where
we enjoyed listening to their guest
speaker, Rev. Dr. William Masuda,
Minister Emeritus. I appreciated
the drive from Berkeley to Sebastopol, passing among rolling hills and
green fields into a more rural part of
Giseikai
Continued from Page 2
Mission of Hawaii established this program in 1976.
This year the Living Treasures of
Hawai’i honorees included: Michael Nakasone, bandmaster emeritus; Nola Nahulu, conductor and a leader in music
education; Oswald Stender, business
leader and advocate of community affairs; Gary Washburn, musician and
teacher; and Dennis Rauahi, social
worker and proponent of Hawaiian culture.
It is important to note that the Honpa
Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii plays an
important role in the state’s cultural heritage with their continued sponsorship
Rainbow
Continued from Front Page
tinuing my journey along this profoundly
meaningful religious path.
And so it was that I eventually found
my way to Jodo Shinshu. I am so proud
to be part of a tradition that truly values
inclusiveness and acceptance. The BCA
and its ministers have been in the fore-
MAY 2013
Gertrude Sato
Sachiko Sawada
Ted and Helen Sekikawa
Akio and Ruth Seo
Dave Shimada
Kay Kiyoshi Shimada
Kazuaki and Kazuye Shintaku
Makoto and Kikue Shirai
Kate Shirasago
Dr. Henry and Margo Sugiyama
Midori Sunahara
Masaaki Tademaru
Fusako Takahashi
Barbara Takai
Noboru and Marie Taketa
Barbara Tanaka
Haruko Tanaka
Jim and Tomi Tanaka
Kiyoko Tanaka
Shigeko Tanaka
Tadashi and Kazue Tanaka
Ty Tayama
Gary Traganza
James and Hiroko Tsuda
Ted and Geraldine Tsukiji
Marian Uchida
Herbert and Evelyn Umeda
Joe Urokogata
Fuyuko Uyemura
Emiko Watanabe
Chieko Yagi
Junichi Yamamoto
Katsumi Yamamoto
William Yamasaki
Jean Yoshizuka
the Bay Area. The Enmanji temple
itself is a treat to see with its colorfully painted walls and ceilings and
framed depictions of events in
Shakyamuni Buddha’s life. There’s
much history in the temple and
Rev. Masuda provided a captivating
talk describing his own upbringing
in San Francisco and the changing
nature of the neighborhood where
he was raised. We visited with
friends we first met during the 2002
National Council Meeting held in
Tacoma, Washington, and talked
with several new acquaintances.
While we shared time with many
people, I’d like to thank Dr. Kent
Matsuda, Ray Yamasaki, and Clare
Shimizu for introducing us to their
members, providing historical information about Enmanji, and
making sure we were well taken care
of. I also noticed several people who
wanted to say hello but whose shyness seemed to keep them from saying more than a quiet hello. Please
don’t hesitate to introduce yourself
to Karen and me. We enjoy having
the opportunity to meet and visit
with everyone.
In Gassho
and role in the Living Treasures presentation.
The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of
Hawaii and the Buddhist Churches of
America are looking for additional ways
to work together. The Hawaii Kyodan
has started a minister assistant program
similar to the BCA to fill in the need due
to a shortage of kaikyoshi ministers.
A more diverse population has been
coming to the temples and there is a need
to attract young people to the temples.
May the Honpa Hongwanji Mission
of Hawaii continue to prosper and play a
vital role in the islands’ communities.
The door is open for any BCA member
to visit one of the temples while visiting
the state of Hawai’i.
In Gassho
front of many cultural milestones, including performing the first gay Buddhist
wedding over 20 years ago. I truly believe
our tradition has much to offer all seekers
of boundless Wisdom and Compassion.
I extend an invitation to all who are
interested to join us on June 22nd for a
day of community, exploration and interconnectedness.
Namo Amida Butsu
フローリン仏教会
『聖人と今様』
菅原
祐軌
皆さんに
も好きな音
楽というも
のがあると
思います。
二〇一二年
は世界的に
有名な「ザ・
ビートルズ」
がデビュー
してから五
十周年とい
う事でしたが、今も彼らの曲や歌詞といったも
のは多くの人達の心を動かしています。音楽、
特に歌詞という「言葉」には何か人を動かす力
があるようです。中学生や高校生の時にはよく
古典の文を暗記させられたものですが、義務感
にかられて覚えた文章というのは忘れやすいも
のです。言うならば何の躍動感もない「死んだ
言葉」です。しかし、その当時に流行った歌の
歌詞というものは知らず知らずの間に覚えてい
たり、今でも口ずさんだりするものです。歌と
言う「生きた言葉」となって私に届いているか
ら、私達は心の底からその歌を愛し、歌詞に思
い入れするのではないでしょうか。
米国の仏教学会で浄
土真宗の教えが注目
されはじめる
今様はそんな時代にひろく詠まれたわけですが、
それはどこか昭和の戦後・高度経済成長期の日
本と重なる所があります。戦争で傷つき、高度
成長の波に押し流され・・・そんな日本人を勇
気づけてきたのは美空ひばりや坂本九といった
アーティスト達でした。特に坂本九の「上を向
いて歩こう／ SUKIYAKI
」は日本のみならず、ア
メリカでもヒットし、多くの人達に勇気を与え
てきました。それは「上を向いて歩こう」の歌
詞とメロディーが心に響くものであったからで
しょう。歌の持つ力というのは本当に非常に大
きなものがあります。
サンフランシスコベイエリアに心地よい春風
が吹き始めた４月半ば、お浄土からの至徳の風
も米国にそよいできたようだ。北カリフォルニ
アの名門大学二校で浄土真宗についての公開講
座が行われ、ＢＣＡ関係者だけでなく一般の聴
衆をひきつけた。
四月十七日カリフォルニア大学バークレー校
において「真宗寺院における坊守の研究」の発
表があった。発表者はジェシカ・スターリング
博士で現在バークレー校日本文化研究所に在籍
” で、「本願」を中心に
ion: Sharing Wisdom
話し、本願を「煩悩にまみれた自己を知らせて
くださるはたらき」と一般にもわかりやすく説
いた。親鸞聖人のお手紙にある「無明の酔い」
を引用され、「死ぬまで煩悩は無くならないが、
煩悩に酔い、惑わされた私を知らせてくれるこ
とがありがたい。」と自身の味わいを話した。
後の質疑応答では、その発言に対して「煩悩に
酔ったことを知らされた後はどうなるのか？」
との質問があった。総長は「酔っている者は自
分が酔っていると知らないから危ない。酔って
いると知らされた者はもうさめつつあるからちょっ
とはましな存在になる。」とウィットを交えた
答えをし、会場をわかせた。この講義にも５０
名近い参加があり、米国での浄土真宗への関心
の高まりを感じさせた。
浄土真宗本願寺派は米国で最も長い歴史のあ
る仏教団体ではあるが、一九六〇年以降、非日
系人種からの仏教の関心が高まってきた中で、
禅仏教やチベット仏教のかげに隠れた感があっ
た。しかしながら一九八〇年以降、ベトナムや
台湾など東アジア移民の増加によって阿弥陀仏
信仰が次第に認知されはじめ、二十一世紀の現
在では浄土教が以前にも増して注目されている。
「こういった背景を受けて米国で仏教学をリー
ドするスタンフォード大学や日本文化研究の先
駆的存在、カリフォルニア大学バークレー校が
浄土真宗に関する講座を行ったのはたいへん意
義深い。将来はいっそう浄土真宗の研究が進み、
一般にも浸透していく兆しがあるように思える。」
とある米国の仏教ウォッチャーが分析した。
今後のＣＢＥプログラム予定
５月２１日（火）降誕会、６時半、無料。法話：梅
津総長、法楽：三味線演奏、稀音家千鶴、青木タツ。
６月２２日（土）「虹のかなたに」レズビアン、ゲ
イ、バイセクシャル、トランスジェンダーの方のた
めの仏教セミナー＠浄土真宗センター
７月５日（金）から７日（日）夏の太平洋セミナー
「親鸞と阿闍世」講師、マーク・ブラム博士、都路
惠子師＠浄土真宗センター
１０月１８日（金）２０日（日）、ダルマスクール
教師連続研修、講師：増田キヨ（教育スペシャリス
ト、増田ウイリアム名誉開教使夫人）
オレンジカウンティー仏教会の坂本アラン師、
２０１３年１月２８日に正式に開教使に任用
トンプソン・ダイアナ師、
２０１３年５月１日からデンバー、山東三州仏教会に
教師ミニスターとして任用
マウンテンビュー仏教会駐在開教使の小山ディーン師、
２０１３年6月１日よりパロアルト仏教会に転任
サンディエゴ仏教会駐在開教使の向嶋裕史師、
２０１３年８月１日よりマウンテンビュー仏教会に転任
ロサンゼルス別院輪番、我孫子洋開教使、
２０１３年８月３１日をもって引退
新輪番はロサンゼルス別院駐在開教使、ブリオネス・
ウィリアム師で、２０１３年９月１日から任用
ガーデナ仏教会門徒の喜多アラン氏、
２０１３年４月１日より、CAO(Chief Administrative
officer)としてサンフランシスコ本部のスタッフに加わる
親鸞聖人は五百首を超える「和讃」を残され
ましたが、このご和讃は全て「今様」の七・五
調のスタイルで構成されています。「和讃」と
いうのは読んで字の如し「和語による讃歌」、
つまりは「経典や教えを和語（日本語）でほめ
たたえる讃歌」であります。作曲や作詞をされ
た経験のある方ならばご存知のことと思います
が、決められた文字数の中で言いたいことを伝
えるのは非常に難しいものです。「今様」とい
う七・五調の枠組みの中で五百首を超える素晴
らしいご和讃を残された聖人がどれほど苦労さ
れたのかは想像もつきませんが、それと当時に
ご和讃からは聖人の非凡なる芸術的才能を垣間
見るのであります。浄土真宗で言うご和讃とは
大抵の場合、『三帖和讃』と呼ばれる三つの和
讃『浄土和讃』『高僧和讃』『正像末和讃』の
ことを指しますが、『浄土和讃』『高僧和讃』
の成立が一二四八年頃、『正像末和讃』の成立
が一二五七年頃と約十年（構想も含めれば実質
十年以上と思われます）の歳月をかけて製作さ
れております。そこから察するに、聖人は流行
歌であった今様調の「和讃」こそが、大衆の人々
へとお念仏のみ教えを伝える大事な手段である
とお考えになったのではないか、「生きた言葉」
として人々の心に染みわたるとお考えになった
のではないかと思うわけです。
さて、その「生きた言葉」である和讃に読ま
れているのはお念仏のみ教えであります。その
お念仏のみ教えを聞いてくれよと聖人から願わ
れているのが私達です。五月二十一日は降誕会
（親鸞聖人のご生誕の日）でありますが、この
降誕会を機会に今一度親鸞聖人の残された「生
きた言葉」と触れ合い、お念仏の道を歩ませて
いただくこの身をよろこんでいきたいものです。
合掌
*
している。スターリング博士が「坊守」に興味
を持ったのは二〇〇〇年に英語講師として三重
県に滞在したことにだと言う。「最初は浄土真
宗を知らなかったので、お寺に僧侶の妻や子が
住んでいるのを見て違和感があったが、坊守さ
んが僧侶の布教活動を支えていることや地域の
人々に慕われていることなどを知ってたいへん
感銘を受けた。」と浄土真宗の家庭的なあり方
を肯定的に捉える。「坊守さんになりたいです
か？」との質問には「私はもう僧侶でない方と
結婚しているので坊守さんになれませんが、坊
守さん方をとても尊敬しています。」と笑顔で
答えた。講義には五十名以上の聴講があった。
スターリング博士の発表の様子（ＵＣバークレー）
翌日四月十八日にはスタンフォード大学で梅
津総長による講義があった。講題は “ Compass
写真提供、ウェッセルマン・クリス氏
私は開教使になる前はロックバンドでベース
を弾いていたのですが、どうも歌うのは苦手で、
最近は歌謡曲などのメロディーをベースで弾い
たりしますが、やはりそれを上手く歌える人に
は「伝える」という点では私は叶わないなと思
います。それほど「音」そのものよりも「言葉」
というものには力があるのでしょう。
人が歌を好むのは昔も今も変わりはないよう
です。平安時代末期をテーマにした昨年の大河
ドラマ「平清盛」が終了してしばらく経ちます
が、劇中でも歌を詠む場面が何度かありました。
歌を詠むという事が、当時の粋な感情の伝え方
であったのでしょう。中でも時の権力者、後白
河上皇（後の後白河法皇）は「今様（現代流行
歌の意）」という七・五調の歌を好まれたそう
で、あまりに「今様」を詠みすぎて喉を痛めた
という記録が残っておりますし、『梁塵秘抄
（りょうじんひしょう）』という今様の歌集を
残されました。よくよく考えてみますと、平安
時代（七九四～一一八五年頃）には電化製品や
車・電車等はありませんでした。今はどちらか
と言えば、洗濯機の回る音であったり、冷蔵庫
のモーターの音、車や電車の走る音等、機械的
な音が溢れていますが、当時は人の歩く音、馬
車の行き交う音、おしゃべりをする声、料理を
作る音等、より人間の生活している姿を想像し
やすい音が溢れていたのではないでしょうか。
そのような環境の中で今様というのは口ずさま
れ、世間に広がっていったのではないかと思わ
れます。
親鸞聖人は平安時代末期の一一七三年にお生
まれになりました。どうも煌びやかなイメージ
のある平安時代ですが、特に末期には保元の乱・
平治の乱、治承・寿永の乱と大きな内乱が起き、
貴族中心の政治体制から武士主導への政治体制
への変換の時期であった、さらには富裕層と貧
困層の格差は大きくなる一方だったと言います。
スタンフォード大学で話す梅津総長
2013年5月号
輪
法
2013年 5月号
発行所
米国仏教団
Buddhist Churches of America
1710 Octavia Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
電話(415)776-5600
FAX(415)771-6293
Email bcahq.office@gmail.com
二〇一三年度教化標語
「真実明に帰命せよ」
総長
ご門主、
引退を決意される
降誕会
親鸞聖人の誕生をお祝いする法要で、
「ごうたんえ」と読みます。親鸞聖
人は１１７３年、５月２１日(旧暦4
月1日)にお生まれになりました。親
鸞聖人だけでなく、お釈迦さまや各
宗派の祖師方、法然上人や弘法大師
のお誕生も「降誕」といいます。そ
れは、仏の世界から人間の世界に降
りてきてくださって、人間に仏界へ
通ずる道へ導いてくださっているよ
うなイメージの言葉です。「親鸞聖
人はお浄土からやってこられた」と
か親鸞聖人を阿弥陀如来が化現され
たお姿と、味わう念仏者も少なくあ
りません。各お寺でお勤めされる降
誕会にお参りして親鸞聖人の念仏の
教えを聞かせていただきましょう。
三月二十八日から三十日の三日間、浄土真宗
センター（バークレー）において開教使アシス
タントのトレーニングプログラム（通称ＭＡＰ）
が行われた。参加者は十四名で主にカリフォル
ニア州の寺院のアシスタントが集い、ニューヨー
ク仏教会、シアトル別院からも参加があった。
プログラムでは、めいめいが朝夕の正信偈の
調声やご法話の当番が割り当てられ、緊張しな
がらも役割をこなした。講義はブリッジ・ハリー
開教使（オークランド）による「正信偈」、ア
ダムス・ヘンリー開教使（オックスナード）が
インターネットを通じたビデオ通話で「法蔵菩
薩の願」、そしてＵＣＳＦで教鞭をとるペイティ
ング・デイビッド精神科医（サンフラ
ンシスコ、開教使アシスタント）によ
る「カウンセリング」などがあった。
フレスノ別院から参加した中川輪番夫
人、みどりさんは「主人やご門徒さん
などいろいろな方からの後押しがあり
ここに来させていただくことになりま
したが、他のお寺のアシスタントさん
たちと交流できて、たいへん勉強にな
りました。」と参加できた喜びを語っ
た。
～仏教一口メモ～
す。だから残念ですが、本
願寺とか本願という言葉に
あまり親しみがありません。
本願とは仏の願いという
意味です。私たちは願いを
かけられているのです。願
われているのです。なぜ仏
さまは願いを建てられたの
かということを聞かせてい
ただくのが私たちのこの世
に生まれてきた理由だと、親鸞聖人はおっしゃって
おられます。
五月は親鸞さまのお誕生をお祝いする月です。親鸞
さまは人間に生まれ、本願に値（あ）うことができ
て本当に良かった、ありがたかったと心から感謝し
てご一生をすごされました。そして、私たちにも同
じ喜びを味わって欲しいと願われています。
四月十六日から
十八日にかけて浄
土真宗センターで
開教使連続研修会
（通称ＭＣＥ）が
開催された。今回
のテーマは「観無
量寿経（観経）」
で昨年二月のＭＣ
Ｅでの「無量寿経」
に続く第二回目と
なり、十三名が教
学の研鑽を積んだ。
梅津総長は挨拶で
「観無量寿経の背
景となる阿闍世
（あじゃせ）の問
題は現代の我々が
抱えている問題と
なんら変わりがな
い。自己中心の見
方に起因する親子
の問題、責任の転嫁、迷いから占いにたよる姿、
自己の過大評価など。それを解決できるのが念
仏の教えです。皆、ともに学びましょう。」と
激励された。講義は教学を桑原浄信開教使（Ｃ
ＢＥ、
) 羽田信生師（毎田仏教センター）がつと
め、「観経」の伝統的解釈および、近現代的解
釈両面から経典の内容をうかがった。
お勤めの練習では「観経」にちなんで善導大
師の「往生礼讃」を唱えた。指導にあたった楠
開教使（ローダイ）は「礼讃は皆で唱えて息が
あったらとても美しいので、もっと練習を積ん
で、お経のコンサートをして教えを広めたい」
と抱負を語った。
現代の諸問題の講義では「仏教と暴力」を取
り上げ、「刑務所で仏教がどのように役立つか」
を話し合った。講義には加州ロンポックの刑務
所でチャプレンをつとめる藤川レイノルド師
（元ハワイ開教使）、受刑者のカウンセリング
をするパロアルト仏教会門徒、向山ウエス氏、
サクラメント別院門徒、イナバ・マイケル氏ら
から現状や意見を聞いた。
第三回は十一月の（ＩＨＯＰＥ「本願寺国際
伝道研鑽会」）と合同で、「阿弥陀経」をテー
マとした研修になる。
梅津廣道
今から六年後の二〇一九年には米国仏教団の婦人
会連盟が担当で世界大会が開催されることになって
います。そのため、今からもう準備を始めていると
ころです。そして、その大会の標語も募集を始めて
います。すでにいくつかの提案がありますが、その
中の一つが『超世の悲願に目覚める』です。もちろ
ん、まだ決まってはいませんが、この超世の悲願と
いうのは「本願」のことをいいます。
ハワイでは浄土真宗のお寺に全部○ ○ 本願寺ミッ
ションという名前がつけられています。そして本願
寺といえばハワイでは仏教徒でない人でも知ってい
ます。ところが、米国仏教団の中では本願寺という
名のついた仏教会はベニスなどほんの数ケ寺だけで
本願とは
多様化した社会での
寺院のあり方
大谷光真浄土真宗本願寺派第
二十四世門主が引退を表明され
た。本願寺で四月十五日に営ま
れた立教開宗記念法要で二〇一
四年六月五
日をもって
退任する意
向を表され
た。後継に
は大谷光淳
新門が就任
される。光
真門主は一
九七七年に
三十一歳で
就任し、以
後三十六年
間門主を勤
められてい
る。
米国仏教団
くの人々に開かれた寺院の
あり方を提案した。偏見
やとらわれで固められた氷
が阿弥陀仏のすべての者に
至り届く光によって溶かさ
れていくとのイメージから、
“ ＩＣＥ”というテーマが
選ばれている。ワークショッ
プでは「どのような行動が
新しくお寺に来た方に良い
印象を与えるか」また、「自分が善かれと思っ
四月二十六日
てした行動が相手によっては悪く捉えられるこ
から二十八日の
ともある」な
三日間、桑湾教
ど異なる背景
区の主催で二〇
を持つ者と効
一三年のダルマ
果的に交流を
スクール教師全
はかる方法が
国大会がカリフォ話し合われた。
ルニア州サンマ
テオ市のマリオッ分化会では
「多様化」を
トホテルで開催
キーワードに、
され、全米各寺
新しい仏教讃
より約一八〇名
歌の練習、世
のダルマスクー
界のお茶の試
ル教師が集い交
飲、曼荼羅を
流を深めた。開
模した絵を共
教使は十九名の
同で描くなど
参加があった。
が行われた。
今大会のテーマ
ディナーでは
は「ＩＣＥ Be ダルマスクー
ing Buddhist i ル教師勤続十
n a Diverse So 年、二十五年、
（多様化した社会で仏教徒であること）」
ciety
五十年の方々
で基調講演はブリッジ・ハリー開教使（オーク
が表彰された。
ランド）とオークランド市に所在するイースト
二〇一四年の
ベイメディテーションセンターの池田ムシン師
大会は沿岸教
で、人種、性別、年齢などにこだわらない、多
区の主催でマ
ウンテンビューで開催の予定。
ダルマスクールカンファレンス
2013年5月号
輪
法
四月十九日から五月二日にかけて、平野ジェリー
開教使（ソルトレイク）による東部教区布教が
行われた。東部教区にはシカゴ、クリーブラン
ド、ニューヨーク、ワシントンＤ．Ｃ．など米
国主要都市に寺院がある。写真は、四月二十日
にクリーブランド仏教会で開催された東部教区
代表者会議のときのもので、平野開教使が来寺
するのを機に同仏教会に集った。原田・マービ
ン開教使（ＣＢＥ）とＢＣＡ理事長、村上ロン
氏（ホワイトリバー）、副理事長ボッタリ・スー
ザン氏（サンマテオ）も会議に参加し、東部教
区の門徒と交流をはかった。平野開教使は同仏
教会で花祭り法要およびレクチャーで念仏の教
えを伝えた。以後、ニューヨーク仏教会やワシ
ントンＤ．Ｃ．の恵光寺などの寺院を訪れた。
ニューヨークでは、精神科医でソルトレイク仏
教会の開教使アシスタントをつとめる平野開教
使夫人、
カーメ
ラ博士
も同行
し、
「仏教
と心理
療法」
につい
て講義
をした。

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