WHEEL
OF DHARMA
Official Publication of the Buddhist Churches of America
VOLUME 36
MARCH 2010
Throngs of Shin Buddhists converge
in San Jose for 750th memorial
By Ralph Honda
750th Committee Correspondent
T
he 2010 BCA Ministers’
Association and
National Council
Meeting took place on Feb.
25-27 at the San Jose Fairmont
Hotel. Coast District hosted the
meeting. Prior to the National
Council Meeting, BCA
President Billy Saeki and
incoming president Everett
Watada held a presidents’ breakfast. At this breakfast, the two
presidents discussed the BCA
debt, declining BCA membership, and using the Internet to
inform the general public about
Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and
what is happening at our BCA
temples.
After the meeting was
convened, President Billy Saeki
informed the attendees that Lois
Yasui, one of the official Hawaii
Kyodan representatives, passed
away in her hotel room the
previous evening. A moment of
silence was observed in her
memory. Mr. Fred Nonaka, the
ISSUE 3
By The Numbers
Some of the impressive figures recorded at the
BCA 750th Shinran Shonin Memorial Observance:
1,400 Estimated attendance at the Sunday
Music Service.
(does not include walk-ins).
760 Banquet attendance
716 Paid registrations
480 O Bento for Sunday lunch
259 Computers that viewed weekend events
via ustream (507 total viewerships).
108 Choir (Adult and Junior) singers representing six temples.
71 Active and retired Kaikyoshi Ministers
participants.
11 Representatives from interfaith groups
invited to experience commemoration.
900 Days (three years) of planning, plus countfor its Shinran commemoration in 2011:
“Yononaka Annon Nare” May Peace and
Tranquility Prevail Throughout the World/
Opening Ceremonies
The resonating sound of the kansho signaled the beginning of the commemoration.
Kaikyoshi ministers entered the Imperial Ballroom with a processional. Each minister wore their Shiki-E or special event
robes. Socho Ogui was accompanied by
Bishop Ohrai Fujikawa of Canada and
Bishop Thomas Okano of Hawaii.
Ministers, both active and retired, asContinued on Page 5
past president of the Hawaii
Kyodan, took Ms. Yasui’s place
at the BCA National Council
Meeting along with Mr. Alton
Miyamoto, the current president of the Hawaii Kyodan and
the other official Hawaii
representative.
Socho Ogui announced that
Rev. Katsuryu Katsuya Kusunoki was assigned to the Buddhist
Church of Lodi. Rev. Shushi
Hidehito Sakamoto was
assigned to the Los Angeles
Betsuin. Rev. Henry Adams
completed his studies at the
Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin in Kyoto.
He will be returning to the BCA
in March, and be assigned to
the Oxnard Buddhist Temple.
Rinban Rev. Dr. Hoshu
Matsubayashi (Seattle), Rev.
Kanya Okamoto (Tri-State/
Denver), and Rev. Kenko
Charles Hasegawa (Stockton)
will be retiring this year. Socho
Ogui told the National Council
that the Hongwanji has agreed
to allow overseas Tokudo
candidates the opportunity to
have part of their training at the
Jodo Shinshu Center in
less hours, for the 750th Committee.
133,205 Dollars received to date from
donors for the Jodo Shinshu Center, the event’s
commemorative project
9,000 Dollars collected for the Zaidan fund.
18.3 Million dollars received to date for the
BCA Campaign the 21st Century.
President’s
Message
Over 800 registered guests, and estimated 600 more participants listened to the
Dharma, sang beautiful gathas, chanted
sutras, and commemorated the life of Shinran.
“This was an amazing weekend,” Socho
Koshin Ogui, Bishop of the BCA said “I
believe that this event has opened our
minds to what Shinran has taught through
the essence of Namu Amida Butsu.”
Peace and Tranquility was the theme
for the two-day event that was held in conjunction with the BCA National Council
Meeting. The theme was taken from the
words that the Hongwanji in Kyoto will use
2010 BCA National Council Meeting
By Dr. Kent Matsuda,
Enmanji Buddhist Temple
1,300 Program Booklets printed.
817 Attendance for the Saturday Symposium
C
ommemorating the life of Shinran
Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism could be described as
the event of a lifetime.
From the youngest Dharma School student to the young at heart, Shin Buddhist
and friends gathered for the Buddhist
Churches of America’s (BCA) Shinran Shonin 750th Memorial, Feb. 27 and 28 at the
Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, California.
Participants traveled to San Jose from
throughout California, the continental
United States and Canada, and from Hawaii. One participant traveled from as far
away as Kathmandu, Nepal, the birthplace
of Buddhism, of what was then part of India.
A congratulatory letter from President
Barrack Obama was sent to the BCA on its
milestone celebration.
The BCA designated the Jodo Shinshu
Center (JSC) in Berkeley, California, as its
commemorative project for the event.
“With so much anticipation and excitement, I could not sleep much before the big
event,” Judy Kono, 750th co-chairperson
explained to her committee in an email the
night before the festivities would begin.
Approximately 70 active and retired
Kaikyoshi ministers participated. Recognized Ministers’ Assistants (MAP) and
youth ministers also attended.
1710 Octavia Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
By Everett Watada
BCA President
Challenges and
Opportunities
and the Hongwanji Young
Buddhist International Cultural
Study Exchange programs will
be suspended during 2010-2011
due to the focus on the Shinran
Shonin Memorial Observances.
Rev. Hiroshi Abiko,
outgoing Gicho of the BCA
Ministers’ Association informed
The BCA Administration is a bridge between practitioner activities: religious, cultural
and social; and those of logistics: financial, operations and administration. The BCA administration recognizes the importance of finding the
right balance between these two groups of activities. Pertinent to this balance are some nearterm opportunities and challenges that, in many
ways, will define several important aspects of
Jodo Shinshu in the United States in the future.
The future of Jodo Shinshu in the United
States is bright for the following reasons:
• We have strong ministry leadership. The
ministers of the BCA are headed by Bishop Koshin Ogui in San Francisco. Bishop Ogui has
presented a persuasive vision for the practice of
Jodo Shinshu throughout the United States. We
are inspired by his vision, touched by his compassion, and compelled by his teachings and
strong leadership.
Under Bishop Ogui’s guidance, the BCA’s
ministers throughout the United States have
been well received in the communities where
they serve. Each minister actively participates in
Continued on Page 2
Continued on Page 6
Exec. Committee, from left to righ: Rich Endo, Treasurer, Mt. View; Erick Ishii, Auditor, Ekoji; Susan Bottari, Vice-President, San Mateo; Pauline Sakuma, Secretary, Seattle; Everett Watada, President, Tri-State;
Socho Koshin Ogui, Ron Murakami, President-elect, White River; Mick
Kubota, Vice-President, Vista. Photos by Tom Nishikawa.
Berkeley, California.
Rev. Michael Endo,
Executive Assistant to the
Bishop, reported that about 780
BCA members have registered
to attend the Hongwanji’s
Shinran Shonin 750th Memorial Service in May, 2011. The
Overseas District Representatives’ Seminar at the Hongwanji
PAGE 2 WHEEL OF DHARMA
“Shinran Shonin’s Wish for Us and the World:
From Inner Peace to Outer Peace”
By Kenneth Kenshin Tanaka
Professor,
Musashino University, Tokyo
Greetings
Socho Ogui, Mrs. Ogui,
ministers, ministers’
spouses, officers and
members of the Buddhist
temples and friends, it is
truly a great privilege and an
honor to serve as your
keynote speaker today at the
BCA’s 750th Memorial
Celebration of our founder,
Shinran Shonin. I have
entitled my talk, “Shinran
Shonin’s Wish for Us and
the World: From Inner
Peace to Outer Peace.”
As I begin, I would like
to dedicate this talk to the
countless people who helped
to found and maintain the
BCA. They include those
whose names have faded
into the annals of BCA
history but continue to
impact us today. For
example, the pioneers of the
San Jose temple have left the
following words.
Having received Buddhist
upbringing in Japan, we were
not so foolish as to abandon
the sacred religion, just
because we came to a
Christian country. We,
therefore, have come together
to light the torch of Buddhism
by completing this sacred
temple on this day, August
28th, 1902.
Such dream helped to
establish the San Jose
temple and other BCA
temples in the early years of
the 20th century to benefit
countless more people in the
ensuing 108 years, including
all of us here today.
For instance, we former
Mt. View YBA members
benefited immensely from
the San Jose Betsuin
gymnasium, which was the
site of our dances and
basketball games. We recall
with much pride in how in
that gym we trounced the
Watsonville YBA team, our
rival, in the post-season
championship game, when
they had beaten us twice
during the regular season.
Besides the pioneers of
the San Jose Betsuin, I
would like to make special
mention of the nearly 400
ministers and their spouses
who have served during the
111 years of the BCA. My
thoughts are especially with
the deceased ministers who
touched my life personally.
They are Reverends Giko
Abiko, Hogen Fujimoto,
Russell Hamada, Newton
Ishiura, Kyogo Miura,
Keisho Motoyama, Toshio
Murakami, Sensho Sasaki,
Arthur Takemoto, Kyoshiro
Tokunaga, Kenryu Tsuji,
Ken Yamaguchi and Chijun
Yakumo. I am sure that each
of you will have your set of
ministers who inspired your
lives.
I wish to make special
mention of the impact that
Bishop Tsuji had, who as
president of the IBS,
initiated the first summer
IBS session in 1969.
Participants included
Reverends Kanya Okamoto,
Ron Miyamura, Ron
Kobata, Gerry Sakamoto
and myself. Of the 9
participants, 7 of us
eventually became ordained
and served as BCA ministers.
Now, please allow me to
make a personal comment.
In giving this talk even
though I have lived in Japan
for the past 11 ½ years, I
shall do so as an insider, for
it was in the BCA that I
encountered the Dharma
and was nurtured through
its Dharma school and the
YBA, and served as faculty
at the IBS and as minister at
the Southern Alameda
Country Buddhist Church.
Our three children grew up
at the Berkeley Temple and
at SACBC.
11 1/2 years ago during
the closing service of the
Ministers’ meeting in L.A.,
my very last function of the
BCA before leaving for
Japan, emotions welled up
and I had to rush out the
room for I could no longer
control my tears. I realized
then how much the BCA
had meant to me. So, the
BCA has been the soul of
my religious life.
Speaking of soul, have
you heard the joke about
soul music and Buddhists?
“Why aren’t there any
Buddhist rhythm and blues
musicians? The answer:
“Because Buddhists got no
soul.” Well, “non-self,”
“non-ego,” which goes to
the heart of Buddhist
teaching. I hope I don’t
have to explain, for there is
nothing worse than explaining a joke, like the time I
told an American Buddhist
joke to my class of 220
Japanese students. “Why
couldn’t the Buddha
vacuum under the sofa?”
“It’s because he had no
attachments.” None of them
got it, so I began to explain.
But after a few seconds, I
realized that it was futile, so
I said, “class dismissed.
Shinran Shonin
Needless to say, we
Buddhists do have soul, soul
in the sense of a deep
spiritual awakening. Our
Shinran Shonin is a prime
example, for he so movingly
expressed it in the following
two well-known passages.
The first one represents the
“inner peace” that’s included in the title of my speech,
for it symbolizes our
personal spiritual ground-
Top photo: Dr. Tanaka meeting with Pope John Paul II. Below:
Early image of San Jose Buddhist Church.
ing.
Oh, how happy I am,
for my heart and mind are
firmly rooted in the
Buddha’s soil of universal
Vow, allowing my thoughts
and feelings to flow within
the inconceivable Dharma
Ocean!
(The True Teachings,
Practice and Realization or
Kyogyoshinsho)
This next one represents
the “outer” peace in the title
of my talk, for it symbolizes
how we should regard others
and the world.
I, Shinran, have never
recited the Nembutsu for the
memorial service of my
departed father and mother,
for all beings have been our
parents and brothers and
sisters in the course of
countless lives in many states
of existence. (A Record in
Lament of Divergences or
Tannisho)
When he says that he
had never recited the
Nembutsu for the memorial
service of his parents, it does
not mean, of course, that
Shinran did not honor his
parents but means that he
transcended the narrow
boundaries of family, clan,
ethnicity, race, nation and
even human. He was truly
universal.
In these two passages,
Shinran Shonin reveals to us
that inner peace and outer
peace are related. When
inner peace is realized, that
person would automatically
strive for outer peace. It’s
like the ripple in a pond that
emanates outward from the
center.
Now, of the two — inner and outer peace — we
Buddhists have a tendency
to emphasize inner peace
over outer peace. Our
Gomonshu, His Eminence
Koshin Otani, is well aware
of this shortcoming as he
has stated,
“Today, as the destruction of the global environment continues and the
nature of our family life
comes under critical review,
we realize that a religion
that stops at only solving
one’s own pain and anxiety
can no longer be called
authentic.”
I strongly felt this
interconnection of inner
and outer peace when I had
the privilege of attending
the “Day of Prayer”
convened in Rome by the
late Pope John Paul II in the
aftermath of 9/11. Hundreds of international
religious leaders attended,
and when I was given a
chance to exchange a few
words, we shook hands and
told him, “Having come to
Rome, I want to work
harder for peace.” The Pope
suffering from Parkinson’s
disease could barely talk, so
he responded by raising our
clasped hands high into the
air as if to say, “Go for it.” I
felt his genuine sincerity and
determination.
Prior to meeting him,
however, I had been critical
of the pope for his 1994
negative remarks about Buddhism, but his later attempts
to open dialogue with
Buddhists and most of all
his determination to work
for peace was impressive and
I decided that religions
needed to work together.
Dr. Hans Kung, well-known
for his work in inter-religious relations, stated,
“There will be no peace
among the nations (of the
world) without peace among
religions.”
NC Report
Continued from Front Page
the council delegates that the
Ministers’ Association
endorsed in principle the
procedure that ministerial
candidates will go through
from Minister’s Assistant to
Kaikyoshi Minister proposed
by the Ministerial Training
and Development Committee under the chairmanship
of Rev. Dr. William
Masuda.
Henry Shibata, BCA
Executive Director, reported
that the BCA calendars will
be sent out to the temples
earlier this year. Temple
representatives and BCA
committee chairs were
reminded to send in their
BCA directory information
to Janet Kameda. Only
$197,000 has been raised as
the BCA’s gift to the
Hongwanji to commemorate
Shinran Shonin’s 750th
Memorial Observance.
Aileen Uyemoto, Assistant to
the Executive Director at
BCA Headquarters, has
submitted her resignation
effective February 28, 2010.
Interviews are currently
being held for her replacement.
Dean Dr. Richard Payne,
Dean of the Institute of
Buddhist Studies (IBS), told
the delegates that Dr. Leroy
Morishita will become the
new chair of the board of
trustees. A Master of
Divinity Degree will be
offered at the IBS. This
involves three years of
graduate level ministerial
training. Enrollment at the
IBS is currently at 25 to 34
students with 13 students
indicating an interest in
becoming a minister. Dean
Payne noted that the BCA
allocation to the IBS has
been declining over the past
few years and that further
cuts in the allocation
amount will affect the IBS’
MARCH 2010
ability to continue providing
all of the classes that are
currently ongoing.
Charles Ozaki, President
of the Endowment Foundation Board informed the
delegates that the Endowment Foundation oversees
over $16 million in funds.
For 2009, the investments
made over 21.5%.
Kennon Nakamura,
outgoing chair of the Center
for Buddhist Education
(CBE) Governing Board,
announced that Seiko
Tamura will be the new
chair starting this year. The
CBE is engaging in a
fundraising drive to promote
the “CBE 500 Club.” If 500
people are willing to donate
$10 a month (or $120 a
year) to the CBE, the CBE
will make up their budget
shortfall of $50,000 for this
year. Robert Noguchi,
Campaign BCA Manager,
reported that six of the eight
BCA districts met their goals
for the $300,000 Challenge
that was initiated after the
June BCA National Board
Meeting. Due to the
generosity of BCA members,
over $300,000 was raised for
the Campaign.
Jeffrey Matsuoka from
the California Young Adult
Buddhist Association told
the delegates that the next
retreat for the group will be
in June, 2010 at the San
Francisco Zen Center.
Ron Murakami, Chair of
the BCA Ministerial Affairs
Committee announced that
his committee is continuing
to work on clarifying the
employment tax status and
housing allowance reporting
for BCA Ministers. The Supplemental Health Insurance
Premium Subsidy for retired
BCA Ministers and Spouses
will be increased to $30/
month from $25/month in
fiscal year 2010-2011.
Continued on Page 4
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MARCH 2010 WHEEL OF DHARMA
PAGE 3
Take Refuge in the Pure Music!
The delicate, wondrous sounds of jewel-trees in the jewel-forests
Are a naturally pure and harmonious music,
Unexcelled in subtlety and elegance,
So take refuge in Amida, the pure music!1
By Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto,
Berkeley Buddhist Temple
T
oday we have gathered
together to observe a most
important event—the 750th
Memorial Commemoration
of Shinran Shōnin, the founder of
Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism. For many
of us, this is the first and last time
that we will be able to take part in
such an event. Indeed, the scale of
today’s service and music program
and the deep sense of reverence that
fills this room speak eloquently of
how important and rare we find this
opportunity to express our gratitude to
Shinran Shōnin.
His Eminence Gomonshu Koshin
Ohtani has written a wonderful
collection of essays, entitled, The
Buddha’s Wish for the World, in honor
of this event. Among its insightful
and inspirational lessons is an essay
entitled, “Are you listening carefully
to that important voice within?,” in
which he says,
When we are filled with our own
worries, the voices of others can
barely enter into our ears. This is
because we are too preoccupied to
listen ... The voice of the Buddha is
the same as this. ... In order the hear
the voice of the Buddha calling you,
it is important you strain the ears
of the heart to catch the sounds that
you usually do not hear. By doing so,
you are able to hear the wish that the
Buddha places on you, and the world
opens up.2
Often we are so busy talking that
we are unable to listen to anyone or
anything. We become so enamored by
the sound of our own voices, or by the
brilliance of our words, that we fail to
hear the voices of others or the voice
of the Buddha. In other words, our
ears and hearts are not attuned to hear
the nembutsu, which is the Buddha’s
call for peace in our hearts and in the
world. Hence, the Gomonshu explains,
it is important for us to listen with the
ears of the heart.
Indeed, this is also true about the
world in which we live. Nowadays,
there are so many voices that
demand to be heard. We hear them
everywhere—all those talking heads
who are happy to tell us what is
best for us and everyone else. We
hear them in the halls of Congress,
in state assemblies, in churches and
temples, and in our own homes. Yet,
our insistence that our own voices
be heard above all others prevents
us from hearing what others have
to say. This ends up causing more
misunderstandings, more hard
feelings, and more and greater conflict
between people. In contrast, when we
allow the voices of others to enter our
ears we can begin to understand them
as fellow human beings. When we
listen to the voices of others, we may
find ourselves able to respect them,
and find common ground with them.
Today’s service and music
program have been preceded
by yesterday’s commemorative
symposium, which took up the theme,
“Peace and Tranquility.” That theme
was drawn from the words of Shinran
Shōnin, whose heartfelt wish was
that peace and tranquility may prevail
throughout the world. Many of you are
aware that the weekend events were
also preceded by the annual meetings
of the BCA Ministers Association
and the BCA National Council. I have
attended twenty-one such meetings
of both organizations and I must say
that this is the first year that both
meetings proceeded without the hard
feelings and rancor that we have come
to expect. Many of my ministerial
colleagues have shared my feelings of
surprise. People were actually listening
to each other! Even arguments were
carried out with a sense of respectful
disagreement! What was going on?
Why the harmony? Why the change?
What we all felt was that this
year everyone—ministers and temple
representatives—must have been filled
with some sense that we were getting
together to do something unusual
and important. The purpose of our
gathering in San Jose went beyond
hearing reports, amending bylaws or
passing budgets (as important as they
are). Rather, I think that everyone
sensed that we were here to remember
Shinran Shōnin and to hear his plea,
“ Hey you guys! How about a little
peace and tranquility for a change
this year.” We all heard his voice, and
harmony was the result, at least for
this year. (We’ll see what happens
next year!)
I believe that both Gomonshu
Ohtani and Shinran Shōnin are
Continued on Page 4
Buddhism and the Environment
The book “How Much is Enough?
Buddhism, Consumerism, and the Human Environment,” recently published
by Wisdom Publication, Boston, is a
compilation of papers presented at the
international symposium on “Buddhism and the Environment,” held at
the Alumni House, University of California, Berkeley, on Sept. 14, 2003.
The symposium was organized by Professor Mitsuya Dake and Professor David Matsumoto, members of the faculty
Donate by Credit Card (See website)
My Gift to Campaign BCA—The 21st Century
c/o Campaign BCA-The 21st Century,
2140 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
□ YES! I’m enclosing is my/our special gift of:
( ) $1,500, ( ) $3,000, ( ) $5,000*, ( ) $10,000,
( ) $_______ other amount to Campaign BCA - The 21st Century.
□ YES! I would like to pledge a total of:
( ) $1,500, ( ) $3,000, ( ) $5,000*, ( ) $10,000,
( ) $_______ other amount over a period of ________(1 to 5 years)
to Campaign BCA - The 21st Century.
Check enclosed, made payable to Campaign BCA - The 21st Century.
*A gift or pledge of $5,000 or more will permanently place your name on the donor wall,
located in the lobby of the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley.
Name Address
City
State
Zip
( )
_______________
Phone
Email
Temple
For more information, please contact your temple representative, your local minister, or
BCA Campaign Manager Robert Noguchi at the Jodo Shinshu Center at (510) 809-1453,
or e-mail info@bcacampaign.org.
of Ryukoku University, Kyoto, and the
Institute of Buddhist Studies, Berkeley,
respectively.
Dr. Richard K. Payne, Dean and
Yehan Numata Professor of Japanese
Buddhist Studies at the Institute of
Buddhist Studies in Berkeley, California and a member of the doctoral faculty of the Graduate Theological Union is
the editor of the publication.
“The emphasis that the symposium
Continued on Page 6
Six Districts Exceed $300K Challenge Goals!
C
ongratulations and many
thanks to the following BCA
Districts for exceeding their
goals from the $300,000 Challenge
by 2/28/2010:
Coast District for raising over
$44,275 by Nov 2009.
Bay District for raising over
$45,292 by Dec 2009.
Northern District for raising
over $49,770 by Feb 2010.
Northwest District for raising
over $24,216 by Feb 2010.
Mountain States District for raising over $15,472 by Feb 2010.
Eastern District for raising over
$9,440 by Feb 2010.
I also want to acknowledge Central District for raising $28,141 and
Southern District for raising
$66,320. These are all wonderful
achievements – thank you!
I enjoyed seeing many of you
over at the National Council meeting and Shinran Shonin 750th Memorial Observance in San Jose.
Thank you for stopping by the Campaign display.
Also, many thanks to Sady
Hayashida and Don Inaba of
Hayashida Architects for bringing
the model of the Jodo Shinshu Center.
In my Banquet speech, I inadvertently forgot to acknowledge the
over 60 certified Ministers Assistants throughout the BCA who give
up so much of their personal time to
volunteer at their local temples, and
come to the Jodo Shinshu Center for
weekend training sessions. My apologies for this oversight.
The Campaign Workshop was
held on Feb. 26 in the Fairmont Hotel and was attended by 20 people.
We gave an introduction on how to
speak to members about the campaign, answering questions and
clearing up misunderstandings, as
well as success stories from temple
and district leaders.
Many thanks to Dr. Kent Matsuda, Koichi Sayano, Joyce Iwasaki and
Naomi Nakano-Matsumoto for their
input and participation.
Gassho,
Robert Noguchi
robert@bcacampaign.org
(510) 809-1453
PAGE 4 WHEEL OF DHARMA
The DharmaRealm
Live Recording
J
oin Rev. Harry Bridge and
Scott Mitchell at the Jodo
Shinshu Center on Saturday,
April 10 for a live recording of the
DharmaRealm podcast. Doors
open at 1 p.m.
Following a short musical performance, we’ll be discussing,
among other things, Buddhist cosmology and imagined worlds. How
are Buddhist ideas of rebirth, Pure
Lands, and other worlds relevant to
our everyday practice? And how
can other imagined worlds in popculture help us understand Buddhism?
You can get a sneak-peek of this
topic in our March 19th episode
on Buddhism and science fiction.
The show starts at noon and is
free and open to the public. Our
public shows always include plenty
of time for discussion, so come
with your questions and we’ll do
our best to address them.
The DharmaRealm is a bimonthly podcast by Rev. Harry
Bridge of the Buddhist Church of
Oakland and Scott Mitchell of the
Institute of Buddhist Studies.
Listen on the web at www.
dharmarealm.com or download individual episodes from iTunes. Just
search for “DharmaRealm” in the
750th Symposium
Presentation:
Jacqueline
Kramer
Moderator’s
Comments
By Joyce Iwasaki
San Jose Betsuin
Rev. Harry Bridge (left) and Scott Mitchell recording DharmaRealm.
iTunes music store.
For more information on the
podcast or our live event, visit our
website, follow us on Twitter, or
become a fan on Facebook.
Website: http://www.dharmar-
ealm.com/
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/
theDharmaRealm
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/the-DharmaRealm/11946036774
NC Report
Continued from Page 2
Susan Bottari, Chair of the
BCA Insurance Committee
reported that the committee was
looking into having the BCA
provide health insurance for
ministers that would follow them
to every temple assignment. In
order for this to work, there would
need to be a single payroll source
for all ministers.
Richard Odagawa, Chair of the
Youth Advocacy Committee
(YAC), informed the delegates that
the 2010 YAC Summer Retreat
would be held in July 5-11, at the
Sacramento Betsuin. Rev. Patricia Usuki, Chair of
the Ministers’ Research and
Propagation Committee told the
delegates that the committee was
dissolving and that the book of
dharma messages that was being
produced was near completion.
Dr. Ryo Munekata, Chair of
the BCA Archives and Historic
Preservation Committee announced that the Japanese
American National Museum was
once again accepting materials for
the BCA Archives but that the
materials should go through the
committee first.
Ken Tanimoto, Chair of the
Evaluation and Planning Committee reported that the committee
would continue to look at the
possibility of moving BCA
headquarters to the JSC but that
Music
Continued from Page 3
urging us to strain the ears of our
hearts to catch the sounds that we
usually do not hear, so that we may
be able to hear the Buddha’s wish
of peace for all beings in the world.
And that wish will often take the
form of a voice, a verse, or a song.
That, I believe, is what Shinran
Shōnin teaches us in this beautiful
hymn. Amida Buddha is none other
than “pure music,” whose very Name
is like art itself, the spontaneous
self-expression of truth making
itself known in our lives. Pure and
harmonious, this music resonates
within our hearts and minds, giving
expression to our most deeply held
hopes and wishes.
We connect with the world
around us through a variety of
sensations—sights, sounds, smells,
this could affect BCA’s tax-exempt
status.
The National Council
delegates voted in three new
Directors-at-Large. They are Ken
Tanimoto (Watsonville), Charlene
Grinolds (White River), and Rick
Stambul (West LA). The delegates
voted to accept the changes to the
BCA Bylaws proposed by the
Bylaws/Legal Committee to delete
references to the Western Adult
Buddhist League and to eliminate
the words “and alternates” in the
BCA Bylaws.
Jackie Tono, President of
Longmont (Colorado) Buddhist
Temple spoke to the delegates
about Longmont’s desire to
become an independent BCA
temple. The National Council
delegates voted to approve
Longmont’s application for
independent temple status. The
delegates voted to approve the
BCA budget as presented by the
Budget and Finance Committee.
The BCA dues will be $87.70 per
BCA member, based on the
current BCA membership count.
The Saturday morning service
was conducted in its entirety by
BCA youth ministers’ assistants.
Miss Haley Sugimoto from
Mountain View Buddhist Temple
gave a poignant message about her
acceptance of her biological
mother’s decision to place her into
adoption.
Pieper Toyama, Head of the
tastes and touch. Here Shinran
Shōnin’s words allow us to think
about the importance of sound. It
can be said that our connection to
the world of sound is often direct,
emotional and very moving. A
simple melody can move us to tears.
A leader’s words can sometimes
move us to action. When we really
hear a sound, music or a voice,
something resonates within our
hearts in a way that we cannot ignore
and doubt. “I hear you.” When we
really hear something we cannot
help but take it in and let it take root
within us.
For that reason, Buddhism
often talks about “hearing.” The
way to enlightenment is described
as the path of hearing the Dharma.
Shinran Shōnin, moreover, urges us
to hear the Name of Amida Buddha,
“Namu Amida Butsu,” for as we
do so we are able to hear the origin
MARCH 2010
BCA Minister’s Association officers, from left to right: Rinban Bombu Oshita,
Northern; Rev. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, Eastern; Rev. Kenji Harada, Southern;
Rev. Jerry Hirano, Chairman; Rev. Kanya Okamoto, Mt. States; Socho Ogui;
Rev. Eishin Shibata, Central; Rev. Myokai Himaka, Bay; Rev. Kenshin Fujimoto, Coast; Rinban Hoshu Matsubayashi, NW.
Pacific Buddhist Academy in
Hawaii addressed the delegates on
Friday prior to lunch. He updated
the delegates on the program
quality, fundraising efforts, and
recognition building of the school.
At the Saturday banquet, he told
the attendees about the six steps in
becoming an effective leader, based
upon teaching principles. Rev.
Kenjitsu Nakagaki of the New
York Buddhist Church was
honored with his 25 year service
award. He donated his monetary
gift from the BCA to Rev. Umezu
and the CBE.
President Dr. Billy Saeki was
unable to attend the Saturday
National Council session due to
and fulfillment of the Primal Vow
and be without doubt. I take this to
mean that just about anything within
the world of sound—cries in the
wilderness, the sounds of the city,
or the voices and songs of persons
we meet in life—can sing to us, like
music, of life’s wish to become itself
and give itself to us so that we might
live. Or, as Shinran Shōnin states in
a note to the hymn above, “things
that work and move…all, without
exception, produce the sound of
dharma.”3
In particular, music can often
reveal something to us of our
own lives. At times, the lyrics and
melody of a song can make us
think longingly of those who have
gone before. An ancient chant can
reveal something of ourselves that
we had not known before. A sonata
can inspire us to venture out onto a
path long-avoided. Or, a lullaby can
the death of his father, Mr. Tom
Tetsuo Saeki. Mr. Saeki passed
away on Friday, February 26,
2010. A moment of silence was
observed in his memory. Presidentelect Everett Watada served as
chair of the meeting in Dr. Saeki’s
place and was installed as BCA
President after the close of the
National Council Meeting.
The National Council meeting
concluded with installation of the
Ministers Association cabinet, and
Executive Committee of the
National Board.
Next year, the BCA Ministers’
Association and National Council
Meeting will be held on February
23-27 in Visalia, California.
remind us of love that endures and
supports us always.
We have joined together today
to commemorate Shinran Shōnin by
chanting his Gatha of True Shinjin
and the Nembutsu and singing his
hymns of praise. For years, BCA
members have expressed their
faith through the gathas of Kimi
Hisatsune, Yumiko Hojo, Jane
Imamura, and Chizuko Iwanaga.
Today, carrying on their tradition,
Kent Matsuda, Russell Daisey, and
Dii Lewis have given us music that
allows us to sing of our gratitude
for the life and teachings of our
founder. We may also be moved by
the music of Rev. Harry Bridge, of
Copeland or Coltrane. Young people
may be inspired by the singing of
Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga,
or Lil Wayne. Music touches us;
it changes us; and music itself can
become the condition that enables us
J
acqueline Kramer definitely
brought her peaceful way of life
with her during her presentation
as one of the 750th Symposium presenters. As a practicing Theravadin
Buddhism for over 30 years and as the
Director of Hearth Foundation (www.
hearthfoundation.net), Ms. Kramer
shared with the audience how she applies Buddhist practices and thought
to pregnancy, birthing, mothering
and homemaking and how life became more joyful because of this.
Ms. Kramer is the author of Buddha Mom – The Path of Mindful Mothering and 10 Spiritual Practices for
Busy Parents. The response Ms. Kramer received from readers of her books,
she developed number of online lay
Buddhist practice classes which can be
accessed on the Hearth Foundation
website.
In 2008, Ms. Kramer received the
Outstanding Women in Buddhism
Award at the United Nations Day for
Women in Thailand for her work in
teaching Buddhist practices to mothers.
Ms. Kramer lives in Sonoma
County with her daughter and granddaughter.
May Peace
and
Tranquility
Prevail
Throughout
the World
to encounter the timeless wish of life
and realize the infinite potential of
our own lives.
In this sense, we can appreciate
Shinran Shōnin’s declaration that
music echoes from the Pure Land.
The wisdom and compassion of
Amida Buddha is at play within our
lives. It takes the form of Light and
Name, of sound and music. The
music of the Pure Land resounds
within our hearts and minds. We hear
the nembutsu as music and, as we do,
our lives also become works of art,
singing songs in praise of Amida, the
pure music.
Namu Amida Butsu
Hymns of the Pure Land, 39, CWS, 334.
1
Note that I have rendered “the music of purity” in
the CWS as “the pure music.”
Monshu Koshin Ohtani, The Buddha’s
2
Wish for the World (NY: American Buddhist
Study Center, 2009), 74-75.
Ibid.
3
MARCH 2010 750th Memorial
Continued from Front Page
sembled on the stage facing center
towards the image of Amida Buddha and scrolls of Namu Amida
Butsu and Shinran Shonin on each
side.
Mr. Ken Tanimoto of the Watsonville Buddhist Temple welcomed an audience of over 800
who gathered for the start of the
two-day commemoration.
Two large video screens projected a presentation delivered by
his eminence, Monshu Koshin
Otani, introducing the 750th Shinran Shonin Memorial Observance
in 2005, announcing Hongwanji’s
plans for the commemoration.
Socho Ogui led the chanting of
the sutra Sho Shin Ge (750th version). The sound of nearly 900
voices chanting was invigorating.
Following sutra chanting, representatives from BCA temples offered gassho in front of the Amida
Buddha. Longmont Buddhist
Temple, the newest BCA temple,
led the proceeding of 62 BCA temples. The San Francisco Buddhist
Church, the oldest BCA temple,
was the final temple announced to
offer gassho..
My Reflection, a very uplifting
song with a lively beat, written by
Mrs. Elaine Jones and sung by her
daughter Lizzie was shared. The
service concluded with everyone
standing and joining in the singing
of the song.
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Rev. Ken Tanaka
Following the opening service,
the keynote address was presented
by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Kenshin
Tanaka, professor of Buddhist
Studies and Musashino University
in Tokyo. Rev. Tanaka’s topic was
“Shinran Shonin’s Wish for Us and
the World: From Inner Peace to
Outer Peace.”
Born in 1947 in Yamaguchi, Japan, Rev. Tanaka and his family
moved to California when he was
eight-years-old. Tanaka-sensei was
introduced to Buddhism while attending the Mountain View Buddhist Temple. He participated in
the Dharma School and Young
Buddhist Association (YBA) programs.
Rev. Tanaka’s first professional
position was serving at the Institute
of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley. In
1995 he took a three-year leave of
absence to serve as resident minister
at the Southern Alameda County
Buddhist Church. In 1998 he was
appointed professor at Musashino
University in Tokyo. He has been
teaching in Japan for 11 years.
Rev. Tanaka reminisced on his
youth, who, as an 11-year-old, grew
up learning about Buddhism in
Dharma School and later playing
basketball at the YBA level.
“The BCA has been the soul of
my life,” Rev. Tanaka commented
in front of a captivating audience.
He dedicated his message to all
of the individuals who have put
their efforts into the success of
BCA, including the over 400 ministers and spouses who have served
the organization since its establishment in the U.S. over 111 years
ago.
With the BCA’s focus of having
Jodo Shinshu Buddhism becoming
a major religious tradition in mainstream America, Rev. Tanaka’s
message focused on “The Vision for
BCA and its Temples.”
Using the analogy of BCA being a Big Tent, the Nembutsu is
the center pole holding up the tent.
Tanaka-sensei went on to explain
the challenges BCA has to committing to expand the Big Tent. Such
challenges include the 111-year history on the U.S. mainland, and the
growth of Buddhism in America.
Also, the current status of Buddhism in Japan and how it transcends onto an American influence.
Rev. Tanaka ended his presentation with a simple saying, “May
we all attain perfect peace in mainstream America.”
“Rev. Tanaka gave an excellent
talk,” Dr. Ryo Munekata of the Los
Angeles Betsuin said. “His message
was very interesting and gave all of
us something to thing about.”
Tanaka-sensei’s message gave
this insightful thought when he
asked, “What would BCA be like,
WHEEL OF DHARMA
Dr. Ken Tanaka speaking at the 750th Memorial Observance in San Jose.
50 years from now, when it observes Shinran Shonin’s 800-year
memorial?
“I hope it becomes a stronger
organization – strong spiritually
and outreaching,” Dr. Munekata
said.
Symposium Speakers
A very dynamic lineup of speakers participated in the afternoon
symposium.
Rev. Dr. Tanaka led the Japanese-language session on the topic:
“Amerika Jodo Shinshu no Ayumi
to Tenbo to Sono Tgi – Amerika
Bukkyo Zentai wo Haikei ni.” Rev.
Tanaka’s presentation involved his
upcoming publication in Japanese
about Buddhism in America. Dr. James Dobbins, the James
H. Fairchild professor of religious
studies at Oberlin College in Ohio,
spoke on Shinran and Eshinni:
Husbands and Wives in Shin Buddhism. Professor Dobbins is a wellknow scholar of Japanese religions
with a particular emphasis in Japanese Pure Land, Jodo Shinshu and
women in medieval Japanese Buddhism.
Jacqueline Kramer, author of
the acclaimed book, Buddha Mom,
spoke on the topic “The Practice of
Buddhism in Everyday Family
Life.” Kramer, a practicing Theravada Buddhist for over 30 years, is
the founder and director of the
Hearth Foundation of Northern
California, which is dedicated to
supporting and inspiring mothering and homemaking as a spiritual
practice.
Rev. Harry Gyoko Bridge, resident minister of the Oakland Buddist Church, spoke and performed
on the topic of “The Meaning and
Potential of Music in Shin Buddhism.” With dreams of becoming
a professional musician, Rev.
Bridge encountered Buddhism
while in college found his way into
the Buddhist ministry.
Shinran Expo
Later in the afternoon, the symposium continued by offering attendees a chance to view and interact with a book signing, informative
displays and sutra chanting.
Rev. Tanaka, Professor Dobbins and Jacqueline Kramer were
available for a book signing. Many
delegates brought or purchased
copies of the speaker’s books and
had them autographed.
Sutra chanting was offered as
Jodo Shinshu’s expression of meditation. “Shoya Raisan-Ge,” a sutra
written by Shantao, one of the seven Pure Land Masters, was chanted. Chanting was led by Revs. Ryuta Furumoto (San Mateo), Kojo
Kakihara (L.A. Betsuin), Kiyonobu
Kuwahara (Jodo Shinshu Center),
Katsuryu Kusunoki (Lodi), Yushi
Mukojima (San Diego) and Shushi
Sakamoto (L.A. Betsuin).
“The significance for chanting
this sutra was because it was chant-
The History, Outlook and Significance of
American Shin Buddhism (Lectured in Japanese)
By Rev. Kazuaki Nakata,
Ekoji Buddhist Temple
1. History
In the early 1900s, there was a Chinese
Buddhist organization here in the United
States. It disappeared around the 1920-30s.
Our Buddhist Churches of America (BCA)
has the longest history as a Buddhist organization. As you know, BCA has been maintained as a Japanese American Buddhist Organization for over a century. I would like to
share two reasons for that.
• Example of Guadalupe Buddhist
Church – There were about 200 Japanese
immigrants around Guadalupe in the early
19th Century. They were planning to establish a “Religious Community Center for Japanese.” They did not know what kind of religion they wanted to have as their religious
body. They wrote two letters, one to LA Betsuin and the other to a Christian organization. LA Betsuin quickly responded to them.
The Guadalupe people decided to use their
Religious Community Center as a Shin Buddhist Temple in 1909.
• Racial Segregation
Japanese and other Asian immigrants encountered racial segregation (you may want
to study the “California Alien Land Law of
1913”, “Immigration Act of 1924” and “Executive Order 9066”). Under these circumstances, Japanese immigrants and their children often spent their time at their temple
for social and cultural gathering. So our Shin
Buddhist Temples have been maintained as
Japanese American cultural community center for a long time. However, personally I
think it is difficult to sustain our temples
only by Bazaar and sports programs, such as
Basketball Leagues.
There are 3 periods in the history of
American Shin Buddhism.
1) Japanese Shin Buddhism: 1899 –
1944. 2) Japanese American Shin Buddhism:
1944 – 1987. 3) American Shin Buddhism:
1987 – Present.
2. Outlook
American Shin Buddhism – BCA has
both advantages and disadvantages for their
survival as a religious organization.
Advantages: 1) Family-centered Buddhist
Community, 2) Shinran’s universal and tolerant teachings
Disadvantage: 1) Similarity between
Buddhism and Christianity, 2) Exclusive
Shin Buddhist doctrine, 3) Temple as a social cultural center for Japanese Americans.
There is no racial boundary for O-Nembutsu. Throughout Shin Buddhist Nembutsu teachings, we should cultivate spiritual
peace, not ethnical peace.
3. Significance
In olden days, Buddhism had always
been spread from a more culturally advanced
country to a less culturally advanced country
(China > Japan). In addition, people were interested in Buddhist arts and technology, not
the teaching or enlightenment. Nowadays
Buddhism is being accepted by people in
Western countries more for its teachings and
as a way to enlightenment.
Current Buddhist Trends
(The following topics provide the areas of
the current movement)
Denial of Buddhist Cosmology.
Rational understanding of Buddhism.
Importance of Sutra study.
Importance of Meditation.
Importance of Universalism.
Buddhist Social welfare.
PAGE 5
ed constantly by Shinran and Honen,” Rev. Mukojima said. “It is a
very popular sutra chanted by ministers in Japan.”
Fourteen original Life of Shinran oil painting panels were on display as part of the expo. The paintings were donated to the Buddhist
Church of San Francisco by Mr.
Koshiro Kametani of Osaka, Japan.
Winning selections from the
Dharma School Art Poster contest
were displayed. The artwork will be
included in the 2011 BCA calendar. Over 300 entries were submitted.
Haiku poetry/Tanka writings,
submitted by adults and children,
were also on display.
A DVD, along with photographs explaining the Howganji
Geido Founder’s Hall restoration
was presented.
The Seattle, San Jose and Fresno Betsuins, along with the Berkeley and New York temples displayed unique projects each are
active with in their respective communities.
IBS shared its website and how
it outreaches worldwide.
The BCA 21st Century Campaign promoted its fundraising efforts and explained programs that
have and are taking place at the
JSC.
The BCA Bookstore and Southern District’s Hongwanji Place has
brisk sales.
Kintetsu and JTB travel agencies were on hand to promote travel to Japan for the Hongwanji’s
Shinran commemoration in 2011.
All registered participants received a blue nylon carry-bag with
the Wisteria crest (Sagara Fujii)
and the words Buddhist Churches
of America Shinran Shonin 750th
Memorial imprinted. Also included
was the book The Buddha’s Wish
for the World written by his eminence, Monshu Koshin Ohtani.
Saturday Banquet
Over 760 patrons filled in the
Imperial Ballroom for the banquet
dinner.
The thunderous performance
of San Jose Taiko opened the fesContinued on Page 6
2010 Spring
Enrollment
The Institute of
Buddhist Studies, a
graduate Buddhist
seminary for Buddhist and Ministerial
Studies in Berkeley,
began its 2010 spring
semester with a total
enrollment of 69 students. Of the total, 21 students are enrolled
at IBS, of which 11 students are on the ministerial track.
Dr. Richard Payne, IBS Dean, stated
that the past few years the enrollment has
steadily increased due to the new IBS location with the Jodo Shinshu Center. Also,
the courses offered have created a greater interest in the study of Buddhism.
Payne added, “Of the 69 students, 48
are students from the Graduate Theological
Union. The interest in the study of Buddhism has grown, which creates a better understanding of Buddhism. The students are
all graduate students who are studying to be
ministers, teachers, or church supporters of
their tradition.”
PAGE 6 750th Memorial
Continued from Page 5
tivities. Established over 30 years
ago, San Jose Taiko began at the
San Jose Betsuin under the guidance from then resident minister,
Rev. Hiroshi Abiko.
Mike Inouye, NBC Bay Area
Traffic Reporter and member of
the Mountain View Buddhist
Temple, served as master of ceremonies, and was very entertaining.
Mr. Pieper Toyama, Head of
School at the Pacific Buddhist
Academy (PBA) in Honolulu, was
the banquet speaker. PBA is the
only Jodo Shinshu preparatory
high school in the United States.
Mr. Toyama gave a very stimulating talk on Action and Change.
Rev. Kenjitsu Nakagaki (New
York) was honored for his 25-years
of service to the BCA. In appreciation for his achievement, a handful
of ministers tossed Rev. Nakagaki
into the air, likened to a baseball
manager who had just won the Japan World Series. Rev. Nakagaki
then announced that he was donating his monetary envelope to
the JSC.
A very heart-warming tribute
was bestowed to individuals for
their many years of dedicated service to the Coast and Bay area region temples.
Mrs. Kimi Hisatsune, Mrs. Yumiko Hojo, Mrs. Jane Imamura
and Mrs. Chizuko Iwanaga (posthumously) were honored for their
efforts in compiling hymns for the
Dharma School Service book. The
achievements of the four ladies
have inspired BCA temples to express the Dharma through music,
including formation of temple
choirs for all ages.
Madame Michiya Hanayagi,
an Odori instructor, was honored
for her 54 year career providing
odori instruction to temples and
throughout the region.
In 1953, the Chidori Band was
formed as an off-shoot of Nisei
musical bands that were part of the
social landscape during camp days
of World War II. After returning
to the San Jose from camp, the
Chidori Band formed and continues perform at numerous temple
Bon odoris and community events.
The group was recognized for their
achievements of providing live entertainment at Bon Odori festivals.
Rev. Toshihide Numata, chairman of the Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, was honored for his work in
continuing the traditions created
by the legacy of his father for
spreading Buddhism. The book
“Teach of Buddha” is currently
published in 40 languages.
New book
Continued from Page 3
placed on the human environment
highlights the interdependence of
our human social reality with the
encompassing and supporting natural world. Seeing the interdependence of the social and natural, we
can experience more directly the
karmic relations between our actions and the human environment
around us, both social and natural,” said Payne.
He also stated that the symposium brought to the forefront the
concerns and efforts made by Bud-
WHEEL OF DHARMA
A gift of appreciation was presented to Dr. Billy Saeki, past BCA
president, for his two years of dedicated service to the organization.
The Koromo Award, presented
to new BCA ministers, and awarded by the Federation Buddhist
Women’s Association and Western
Adult Buddhist League were given.
Recipients included Rev. Peter Inokoji Kim (Sacramento), Revs.
Kusunoki and Sakamoto.
Incoming BCA President Everett Watada presented gifts to the
representatives from Hawaii and
Canada.
Socho Ogui introduced Rev.
Sonam Wangdi Bhutia, a new kaikyoshi minister from the nation of
Nepal. Rev. Bhutia was born in India and raised as a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Rev. Bhutia converted
to Jodo Shinshu and has established his temple in Kathmandu.
Sunday Closing Service
Buddhist of all ages filled the
Imperial Ballroom for Sunday’s
Closing and Music services.
Chairperson, Ms. Carol Harbin greeted the standing-room
only crowd of nearly 1,400 to the
final day of activities.
The service began with the
procession of ministers and was accompanied by music from the San
Jose Betsuin Ensemble
Dharma School students, representing the Coast District temples, presented osonae offerings to
the onaijin. Osonae were provided
by all of the participating BCA districts.
After a brief message by Socho
Ogui, the Sangha chanted
Shoshinge. Its resonating sound
filled the ballroom. It was followed
with the chanting of the Wasan,
and the scattering of petals. The
ceremonial petals were made by
Dharma School students. The
sangha then praised Shinran with
the singing of Ondokusan.
A congratulatory English message from the Monshu Koshin
Ohtani was shown on the large
video boards. The monshu stated
that the future of Jodo Shinshu
should focus on the youth and to
transmit Tathagata’s teachings
into the future.
The recessional of ministers
signaled the close of Shinran’s memorial service.
“I really enjoyed the closing
service, especially chanting the
Shoshinge,” Yas Gohata representing the San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple said. “I
was impressed with the choir and
look forward to the Music program.
“Take Refuge
in the Pure Music”
With the close of the memorial
service, the celebration of Shinran
Shonin’s legacy was just beginning.
“Take Refuge in the Pure Music” was the theme dedicated to
Shinran.
Chairperson
Lisa
Usuki
opened the festivities and introduced Socho Ogui, who delivered
a very inspiring message.
Socho Ogui’s emphasis of
making Shin Buddhism a major
religion in mainstream America
was the challenging focus of his
message to the standing-room only
crowd.
“Our National Treasure is the
Dharma,” Socho expressed. “Today’s vision is to make Shin Buddhism a major religious tradition
here in America.”
Socho Ogui went on to point
out that in order for the vision to
become reality including: the interpretation of Shin Buddhism,
going beyond our Japanese ethnicity, and taking an active role in
community as Buddhists.
In closing, Socho Ogui expressed deepest respect to outgoing
president Dr. Saeki for dedicating
his life to leading the BCA despite
the hardships of losing both his
parents during his term in office,
and to his wife Sandy for her outstanding support. In appreciation,
Socho recognized 750th co-chairs
Rev. Ron Kobata and Judy Kono
for their tireless efforts.
On behalf of the BCA, President Watada thanked everyone for
attending the event and praised the
750th Committee and Coast District for making the event possible.
A video montage showing
Sangha members from numerous
temples with background music
from Dharma School students
signing, “Circle, Triangle, Square,”
was shown.
“Shinran’s Family,” a song
written by Dr. Kent Matsuda of
the Enmanji Buddhist Temple,
and inspired by a sermon by Rev.
Carol Himaka, his resident minister, was sung.
Nationally acclaimed song
writer, composer and lyricist Russell Daisey performed his song
“Shinran Shonin: He Stood There
Watching.”
Daisey, a member of the New
York Buddhist Temple was inspired to write the song while reflecting on the statue of Shinran
Shonin that gazes out toward the
Hudson River from the temple’s
grounds.
The Shinran statue survived
the atomic bomb blast in Hiroshima. After finding its new home in
America, Shinran’s statue wit-
nessed the terrorist attacks on
Sept. 11, 2001. Daisey played his
very moving piece on the piano
and asked everyone to join in the
singing.
“I really liked the song and was
moved by it,” Darren Yamaguchi
of San Francisco said. There was a
common parallel with Shinran’s
statue and the two catastrophic
events.”
Area Dharma School students
read Peace Poems written and submitted by many youths.
Daisey concluded his performance by playing and singing
“Stand Up For Peace,” accompanied by the San Jose Junior Choir.
The audience stood and joined the
singing.
Dharma messages were provided by Rev. David Matsumoto
(English) and Rev. Kodo Umezu
(Japanese). Both talks focused on
the Nembutsu and how Shinran
explained to his followers of listening to the Dharma. And that Shinjin or faith is the understanding of
Amida Buddha.
“Kindness Lives On,” words
and music by Dii Lewis, a Bay
Area musician and member of the
Berkeley Buddhist Temple was
performed. Everyone rose to their
feet and would sing with this
blending of American and Japanese Jodo Shinshu Buddhists.
BCA temple choirs joined together to lead the singing of “Shinran Sama.” Approximately 80
singers led in the musical tribute to
Shinran.
The final musical piece shared
by everyone was “May Peace Prevail.” The song was commissioned
by the Hompa Hongwanji Mission
of Hawaii and sung by the BCA
Choir.
In closing chairperson Usuki
shared one final thought, “Peace
and Tranquility is the theme for
today’s music service. Return
home and share today’s event with
your Sangha.”
There was much excitement
and enthusiasm generated as the
weekend’s events drew to a close.
One could sense this with the response of participants.
“I felt a sense of transition with
this event,” Rev. Kobata expressed.
He added, “The growing diversity
of our BCA Sangha was reflected
in this program.”
“The 750th turned out great,”
Judy Kono commented. ‘It was
truly overwhelming.”
With a sense of transition and
gratification for an overwhelming
and successful event, what will be
in store for the BCA is 2061 when
it commemorates the 800th year
memorial of Shinran Shonin?
dhism and Shin Buddhism. “Shin
Buddhism has an important contribution to make to the environmental crisis, and to other pressing
concerns of our times,” he concluded.
Papers and authors published
in the book are: “Buddhist Environmentalism and Contemporary
Japan,” Duncan Ryuken Williams,
Director for the Center of Japanese Studies at the University of
California, Berkeley; “ How Much
is Enough?: Buddhist Perspective
on Consumerism,” Stephanie
Kaza, professor of environmental
studies at University of Vermont;
“Pure Land Buddhism and Its
Perspective on the Environment,”
Mitsuya Dake, Director of the
Buddhism and the Environment
Research Unit of the Center for
Humanities, Science, and Religion
at Ryukoku University, Kyoto;
“Gary Snyder’s Ecosocial Buddhism,” David Barnhill, Director
of Environmental Studies at the
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh;
“Buddhist Economics to Save
the Earth,” Shinichi Inoue, former
President of the Japanese Miyazaki
Bank; “The Noble Eightfold Path
as a Prescription for Sustainable
Living,”Tetsunori Koizumi, Pro-
fessor Emeritus, Ryukoku University;
“The Debate on Taking Life
and Eating Meat in the Edo-Period Jodo Shin Tradition,” Ikuo Nakamura, member of the faculty at
Gakushuin University, Tokyo;
”Buddhist
Environmentalism,”
Malcolm David Eckel, Boston
University; and “The Early Buddhist Tradition and Ecological
Ethics,” Lambert Schmithausen,
Emeritus, University of Hamburg.
The book is available at the
Wisdom Press, Boston and the
BCA Bookstore at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley.
MARCH 2010
President’s
Message
Continued from Front Page
their local chapter activities and traditions, and as well, ensures patient
and compassionate delivery of Buddhist traditions and messages. We
should all look forward to the further realization of Bishop Ogui’s vision.
• The Jodo Shinshu Center is
committed to the teachings of Shinran Shonin. Recognizing that in order for Buddhism to continue to
grow as a major faith in the United
States, one must recognize that tradition also has a responsibility of
finding its place in the changing
needs and lives of practitioners.
The Jodo Shinshu Center is
comprised of many prominent religious and educational institutions,
including the Institute of Buddhist
Studies and Center for Buddhist
Education. These wonderful institutions are helping to guide Buddhist traditions into the future. We
should look forward to future student bodies and the many new programs and opportunities offered
through the Jodo Shinshu Center.
Challenges that the BCA administration is preparing for:
• We must strengthen the financial health of the BCA. The
BCA organization is solely focused
on reducing the substantial debt incurred in order to make the Jodo
Shinshu Center possible. We are
actively searching for creative ways
to enhance our financial position,
while also continuing existing financing efforts, including the BCA
21st Century Campaign. The BCA
21st Century Campaign is entering
its sixth year with an objective to
raise $30,000,000. Success of campaign activities will go a long way
towards the continuity and growth
in the many annual activities and
traditions that we have made a part
of our lives.
• We must continue to focus on
growing membership. We believe
that by promoting successful programs and innovating and introducing new programs that connect
with members’ interests will help to
reestablish membership strength.
Our goal is to optimize the number
and impact of BCA committees,
programs and offerings. To this
end, we request your help and feedback regarding any committees,
programs or offerings that you feel
are beneficial or could be improved.
I am excited to see the opportunities for Jodo Shinshu coming to
fruition, and simultaneously, encouraged by our preparation to address the challenges that lie ahead.
Our administration is here to facilitate the practice of Jodo Shinshu by
our members. We want to ensure
that programs and offerings continue to meet your needs. Please continue to actively participate in your
communities. Your messages and
support will be received at the national organization.
Let me close with a special
thank you and appreciation to everyone that attended and helped
prepare for the Shinran Shonin
750th Memorial commemorative,
which took place in San Jose on
Feb. 27 and 28. The event was an
enormous success and significantly
more people attended than were expected.
め
今月の法話
み
げんじつ
せかい
め
み
こころ
せかい
れは目に見える現実の世界はもとより、目に見えない心の世界まで
みとお
こころ
ふゆ
見通す心のはたらきです。
けいき
よ
あと
つぎ
はる
き
はる
つぎ
なつ
冬の次には春が来て、春の次には夏が
ふ け い き
く
へんか
みとお
くる、景気が良い後には不景気が来るという変化があることを見通
「 知恵
と
すで
そな
智慧 」
あ
がつ
いま す
既 に３月 がやってきました。
ひろ
今住ん
にっけいじん しゃかい
で い る ロ ス は 広 く、 日系人 社会 に は
いろいろ
だんたい
さくら
はな
ち
じせつ
色々 な団体 があり、桜 の花 が散 る時節
いま
しんねん
あいさつ
も 未 だ 新年 の 挨拶 を す る よ う で す。
なんか
なつ
ふゆ
に
き
き
南加 には夏 と冬 の二季 しかないと聞 く
ひ が ん え
まい
のですが、やはり「彼岸会 」のお参 り
つと
ひつぜん
はるいちばん
おも
を 勤 め ま す と 必然 に 春一番 と 思 い ま
みなさま
なか
ねんぶつ もう
皆様 は御健勝 の中 、お念仏 申 し
す。
はる
ごけんしょう
にんたい
い
あ
し、それに備 え忍耐 をして行 く。
むか
まえ
うたが
すなお
まえ
い
当 たり前 と云 われることです
あ
まえ
おも
ぼんぷ
が、当たり前を疑いなく、素直に当たり前と思えることが凡夫には
なかなかできません。
せいめいりょく
つよ
ちち
さいご
生 命 力 の強 かった父 が、最後 に「よくなっていくよ～」とつぶや
い
あに
つた
ごほんがん
いて往った、と、兄が伝えてくれました。
りんじゅう
ちち
うたが
御本願を疑いなくして
おも
臨 終する父が「すごいな～」と思います。
だれ
ことば
め
み
じ
ひ
ことば
誰かのお言葉に、「目に見えぬお慈悲が
あらわ
言葉に現れて
こえ
だぶつと
ことば
声でしられる」とあります。
て
ねん ぶつしゃ
き
せいかつ た い ど
まな
まいにち
じっせん
ち
え
このお言葉は仏 様の智慧
に照らされた念仏者の生活態度であります。
ぶっぽう
なむあみ
ほとけさま
い
せいかつ
なか
毎日の生活の中に、
だいいち
みち
かくしん
仏法に聞き、学び、それを実践して行くのが第一の道だと確信しま
す。
て、この春を迎えておられましょうか？
さいきん
いろいろ
ちょうさ
てら
じっさい
う
そうだん
そうごう
がっしょう
最近の色々な調査や、お寺で実際に受ける相談などを総合してみ
いま
よ
なか
なや
せいかつ く
合掌
はんざい
べついんりんばん
ますと、今の世の中をむしばむ悩みとして、生活苦、犯罪、それに
か ぞ く ぶんれつ
もんだい
みっ
もんだい
家族分裂の問題の三つがあげられます。
ね
う
げんいん
と、一 つの大 きな根 から生 まれています。
こうさつ
こんぽんてき
かいけつ
しじゅう と
ふか
その原因 をより深 く
もと
てら
考察し、根本的な解決を求めなければなりません。
なや
森繁久彌さんの葬儀で法話
お寺は、色々
本願寺の新聞が報道
く
だいいち
せいかつ く
もんだい
れいせい
ぜんご
ねん
かんが
例えば第一の生活苦の問題ですが、これは冷静に前後を考え、い
い
はか
い
せい
こころ
お
かのうせい
すく
わゆる「入るを計って出ずるを制す」の心がけで起こる可能性が少
おも
こんにち
なくなると思 うのです。
ひ
ふ け い き つづ
今日 では、いくら不景気 続 きだからと
いちいん
いえ
う
ちょきん
だ
さんか
それなのに、なぜ借 金をするのでしょうか？
とん
ち
こころ
ズバリ
まど
云って、「貪」と「痴 」が心を惑 わすからです。
まんぞく
し
こころ
ぜんご
う貪りの心です。
きじ
かんが
ほんのうてき
こうどう
お
や
たて
しゅうにゅう
ある欲 求が起こりますと矢も楯もたまらず、収 入
ろかさです。
あ
しゃっきん
ぶっきょう
額の当てもないのに借 金をする。
とん
ち
おし
さんどく
ぼんのう
ふか
かんが
え
こ
たいど
よっきゅう
ふせ
おさ
じ せ い しん
みっ
知恵で防ぐことができます。
いか
にんげん
りせい
め
どく
じん
じぶん
てき
三つ目の毒は「瞋」で自分に適せな
にく
たいはん
はんざい
どく
げんいん
い も の に 怒 り、 憎 む こ と で、 大半 の 犯罪 は こ の 毒 が 原因 で す。
げんざい
せいかつ
らく
す
よ
なか
ひじょう
あま
現在の生活はあまりにも楽になり過ぎて、世の中が非常に甘くなる
どうじ
はんめん
くる
ふか
と同時に、その反面、苦しみも深くなっています。
とく
さくねん
がつ
し
そうぎ
がつ
ごう
けいさい
しょうかい
ひっとう
だいとかい
とくちょう
ひこう
な
はいゆう
あおやま そうぎじょ
そうぎ
がつ はつか
いとな
そうぎ
どうし
ちばけん
あびこし
しん えいじ
ばば しょうどうじゅうしょく つと
しゃしん
我孫子市・真栄寺の馬場 昭 道 住職が務めた（写真）。
がつ
な
えいが かんとく
まつばやししゅう え
そうぎ
えん
8月 に亡 くなった映画 監督 ・松林宗 恵 さんの葬儀 が縁 となり、
せしゅ
もり しげ たつる
いらい
う
ばば
じゅうしょく
ふだん いそが
施主の森繁 建さんから依頼を受けた馬場 住職は「普段 忙しくされ
げいのうじん
せいじか
かいそうしゃ
ほうわ
き
ている芸能人 や政治家 などの会葬者 に、法話 を聞 いてほしい」と
ごんぎょう
まえ
ほうわ
おこな
ていあん
たつる
しょうだく
勤行の前に法話を行うことを提案。建さんも承諾した。
どうじつ
げいのう かんけいしゃ
せいじか
かいそうしゃ
にん
こ
ばば
同日 は芸能 関係者 や政治家 など会葬者 は1000人 を超 えた。馬場
じゅうしょく ほうみょう
じ がん いんしゃく じょう かい
ゆ らい
げん そう えこう
くえいっしょ
住職 は法名 「慈 願 院釈 浄 海 」の由 来 や還 相 回向 、倶会一処 など
ぶっきょう
しんらんしょうにん
おし
ほうわ
仏教や親鸞 聖人のみ教えについて法話した。
こ
まつばやし かんとく
どうじ
ごうたんえ
まいとし
こうえん
いらい
あいだがら
故・松林 監督とは同寺の降誕会で毎年、講演を依頼していた間柄。
ばば
じゅうしょく
かぞく
いっしょうけんめい き
馬場 住職 は「ご家族 が一生懸命 聞 いていただき、うれしかった。
まつばやしかんとく
ふかしぎ
ぶつえん
ふか
松林 監督からいただいた不可思議な仏縁を深めていただきたい」と
はな
だんじょ
もりしげひさや
東京都港区 の青山 葬儀所 で営 まれたが、この葬儀 の導師 を千葉県
はいりょ
忍耐して自己の態度の欲 求を抑える自制心、つまり、人間の理性、
ち
し
ほんがんじ しんぽう
とうきょうとみなとく
仏 教で教える「三毒の煩悩」の
まよ
二つ、「貪 」と「痴 」の迷 いは、あと・さきを深 く考 える配慮 と、
じ
とくべつ
9 6 歳 で 亡 く な っ た 俳優 の 森繁久彌 さ ん の 葬儀 が 1 1 月 20日 、
ほ
「ち」は前後の考えをせず本能的に行動するお
よっきゅう
にんたい
きねん ぎょうじ
記事が『本願寺新報』12月20号に掲載されていたので紹介する。
「とん」とは、
ほ
満足することを知 らず、「もっと欲しい」、「あれも欲 しい」とい
ふた
もりしげひさや
さい
しゃっきん
がく
しゅうねん
参加された森繁久彌氏が昨年11月になくなられた。その氏の葬儀の
ひつよう
まして、家族の一員として、家を売ったり、貯金を出す必要はない
むさぼ
かいきょう
しょく
かぞく
い
おこな
1974年にサンフランシスコで行われた開 教75周年の記念行事に特別
いって、その日の食をいただけないことはまずないでしょう。
でしょう。
洋
いろいろ
な悩みと始終取っ組んでいます。
たと
ひろし
げんいん
れのケースによって違いはありますが、その原因をさぐってみます
おお
び こ
これらの問題 は、それぞ
ちが
ひと
あ
安孫子
ロサンゼルス別院輪番
ほんがんじしんぽう
きじ
しゃしんいんよう
話している。（『本願寺新報』 より記事と写真引用）
ろうしょう
特 にロスを筆頭 にする大都会 の特 徴 は、非行 で、男女 ・老 少 を
と
か ていない
お
もんだい
問わず、家庭内でも起きています。
かいけつ
とく
のみでは解決できません。
わか
せいかつ
ち
え
か ていない
もんだい
ふくざつ
げんいん
特に家庭内での問題は複雑で、原因が
にんげん かんけい
なかなか解りません。
りせい
この問題は理性や生活の知恵
しんみつ
人間関係は、それが親密ですので、かえっ
しんり
しょう
て心理のからまりや、しこりを生じやすいからです。
たとえば、
しごと
いっ さいくち
うわやく
にく
おおごえ
ど
な
仕事の上役がいくら憎らしくても、大声で怒鳴ったり、一切口をき
にんたい
かないことはできません。
たい
す。
ふうふ
こころ
そこに忍耐という心がはたらくからで
おやこ
かんけい
ち
こころ
つな
そ れ に 対 し て、 夫婦 や 親子 の 関係 は、 血 と 心 の 繋 が り、
ぶっしつてき かんけい
うえ
まいにち おな
いえ
く
物質的関係、その上、毎日同じ家で暮らしていますので、うまくい
しんみつ
あいだがら
ぎゃく
なに
きますと、これほど親密でハッピーな間 柄はありませんが、逆に何
しょう
ぞく
かわい
あま
にく
かのくいちがいが生 じますと、俗 にいう「可愛 さ余 って、憎 さが
ひゃくばい
百 倍」ということにもなりかねません。
ため
にんげん
ち
え
たよ
ほとけ
そういうことにならない為 には、人間 の知恵 のみに頼 らず、仏 の
ち
え
ひつよう
智慧が必要になってくるのです。
どんなものかといいますと、そ
わ
こんげつごう
きょうだん
そうかい
しんらんしょうにん
かいき
きじ
けいさい
お詫び：今月号は 教団 の総会と 親鸞聖人 750回忌の記事を掲載するため
はっこう
ほうりんかんしゃろく
らいげつごう
けいさい
に発行がおくれました。「法輪感謝録」は来月号に掲載します。
2010年度教化標語
世の中安穏なれ
3月号
2010年
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
E-メール住所 bcahq@pacbell.net
ま
ま
さ
にがつ
しんらん しょうにん なな
きねんぎょうじ
べいこくぶっきょうだん
だいほうよう
待 ち に 待 っ た 米国仏教団 の 親鸞 聖人 七
きょうだんそうかい
ひゃくごじっ かいき
まつ
百五十 回忌 の 大法要 と 記念行事 が 去 る 二月
せいだい
ど
もよお
にち
しょうじょうがく
ごご
ほうよう
き
末 の 教団総会 に あ わ せ て サ ン ノ ゼ の フ ェ ア
にがつ にじゅうろくにち
モントホテルで盛大に催された。
にじゅうしちにち
よる
し
き みょう
と
もとかいきょうし げんざい む さし
じょし
たいこ
あと
きねんばんさんかい
しょくじ
まく
ひら
ぶっきょうこうこう
り記念晩餐会の幕が開かれた。
こうちょう
食事の後は、ハワイの仏 教 高校の
とうやま
べついん
当山 パ イ パ ー 校長 の メ ッ セ ー ジ 、 そ
くすのきかつやし
し
ぜんべいぶっぷ
ぜんせかい
ほんやく
つづ
ふじん
こうけん
ぶっきょう
ぶっきょう せい
ちどり
おんがくえんそう
しゃかい
ひさつね
ふじん
こうけん
ひょうしょう
なかがき けんじつ
そうねんかい
べついん
ぶっ
し て サ ク ラ メ ン ト 別院 の ピ ー タ ー ・
きょうかい
イノコウジーキム師、ローダイ仏
さかもとひでひとし
教会 の 楠活也師 、 ロ サ ン ゼ ル ス 別院
つづ
つう
ふじん
ほうじょう
つう
きんぞく にじゅう ごねん
ころもだいぞうてい
の 坂本秀士師 に 全米仏婦 と 壮年会 か
かいきょうし
ら の 衣代贈呈 、 続 い て 、 中垣 顕実
こ
し どう
ちづ
ふじん
ながねんぶっきょう おんがく
開教使 の 勤続 二十 五年 の 表彰 、 そ れ
いまむら
か ら 長年仏教 音楽 を 通 じ て 貢献 し た
こ いわなが
今村 ジ ェ ー ン 夫人 、 北条 ユ ミ 夫人 、
ぼんおど
故 岩永 千鶴 子 夫人 、 久恒 キ ミ 夫人 、
おう えん
はなやぎ みちや ししょう
盆踊 り の 指 導 を 通 じ て 社会 に 貢献 し
にっけいしゃかい
て い る 花柳 道弥 師匠 、 音楽演奏 で
ぶっきょう きょうてん
日系社会 の 応 援 を 続 け て い る 千鳥 バ
そな
ン ド 、 仏 教 経 典 の 翻訳 や 『 仏 教 聖
てん
典 』 を ホ テ ル に 備 え 全世界 に 仏教 を
ひろ
ぬまた
じ ぎょう
としひでし
つづ
ぶっきょう でんどう きょうかい
きょうだん
とく べつひょうしょう
ど
はじ
つと
きんようび
あさ
すぎもと
広 め る 事 業 を 続 け て い る 仏教 伝道 協会 の 度が 始 まる 。 金曜日 の 朝 は ユー ス ミ ニ スタ ー ア シ スタ ン
う
さいご
さん か
かんめい ぶか
ほうわ
きょうだんかんぶ
わただ
沼田 智秀師 が そ れ ぞ れ 教団 よ り 特 別表彰 を トに よる お勤めが あり マウン テン ビ ュー の 杉本 さん によ
もと
ぶっきょう
こうそう
げんざい
かいちょう
あたら
かいきょうしかい
しんかんぶ
ひらの
受 け た 。 ま た 最後 に は ネ パ ー ル よ り 参 加 し る 感銘 深 い 法話 が あ っ た 。 ま た 、 教団幹部 （ 和多田 エ ベ
ほんがんじ
しょちょう
おし
せかい
し
ひと
ひとびと
ひかり
あいさつ
かけつ
えいご
とうらい
しゅ
きょうだん
しがつついたち
よかん
いっぱん
へいわ
ひろう
なみだ
こど も
さそ
きふ
かいいん
そうかい
そうかい
ぼしゅう
さんぶつ
こと し
しん かいけい ねん
しゅうにんしき おこな
そうかい
就任式も行われた。
さんとうさんしゅうぶっきょうかい
しぶ
総会のハイライトの一つは、
いま
ひと
ぶっ
今 まで 山東三州仏教会 の 支部 の
きょうかい
どくりつ
べいこくぶっきょうだん
一つであったロングモント仏
ろくじゅういちばんめ
ぶっきょうかい
教会 が 独立 し 米国仏教団 の
しめん
しゃしん
にしかわ
六十一番目 の 仏教会 と な ったこ
とであった。
し
ていきょう
う
（この紙面の写真はすべて 西川
まち
トム氏の提供によるもの）
なかがきけんじつせんせい
中垣先生ありがとう
し
おおさか
さくねんけっこん
ほんざん
おな
いま
きょうだん
なか
いちばん あぶら
いちばん かがや
きょうだん
ふじん
の
とも
ひょうしょう
う
きょういく
とき
み
そうかい
し、本山ならびに教団よりの表彰を受けた。
きょういく
どうあ
はくしゅ
にほん
いっせい
はじ
しゅっせき
き
ねつい
わか
と熱い拍手がおくられた。
あつ
し
は、会場から一斉にどよめき
かいじょう
中垣師の胴上げを始めたとき
なかがきし
開教使 が ス テ ー ジ に あ が り
かいきょうし
を 応援 し て い る ほ か の 若 い
おうえん
を も っ て 活躍 し て し て い る 師
かつやく
て 、 ア メ リ カ で の 伝 道 に 熱意
でんどう
寄付 し ま し た 。 日 本 か ら 来
きふ
ま す 」 と い っ て 、 謝恩金 を そ の ま ま 教育 セ ン タ ー へ
しゃおんきん
師は、「教団からのチェックは 教育のために寄付し
きふ
先生は昨年結婚したヘザー夫人と共にこの総会に出席
せんせい
開教 二十五年 の 中 で 一番 輝 い て い る よ う に 見 え る 。
かいきょう にじゅうごねん
て い る 。 先生 は 今 が 一番 脂 の 乗 っ て い る 時 で あ り 、
せんせい
れ故郷の大阪と同じだと言いながら、所狭しと活躍し
こきょう
大阪出身 の中垣顕実先生は ニュ ーヨ ーク の 街を 生 ま
おおさかしゅっしん
ひと
リ ー 議長 ） と あ わ せ て の
ぎちょう
た 元 チ ベ ッ ト 仏教 の 高僧 で 現在 は カ ト マ ン レ ッ ト 会長 ） も 新 し く な り 開教使会 の 新幹部 （ 平野 ジ ェ
しんらんしょうにん
ズ 本願寺 の 所長 で あ る ソ ナ ム 師 の 挨拶 が あ
と
さんしゅう
り 、 親鸞聖人 の 教 え が 世界 の 人々 の 光 と
かん
あたら
しんじだい
ぜんいん
もん しゅ
えんきんかくち
せんよんひゃくめい
な っ て い る と い う こ と が 参集 の 人 た ち に
よくにちようび
よって感じ取られた。
つづ
あつ
翌日曜日 に は 遠近各地 よ り 千四百名 あ ま
ひ
り が 集 ま り 、 ご 門 主 の 英語 の メ ッ セ ー ジ に
つと
引 き 続 き 、 全員 が 新 し い メ ロ デ ィ ー に よ る
おんがく
お 勤 め を し 、 新時代 の 到来 を 予感 さ せ た 。
ほうよう
ずが
あいさつ
法要 の あ と は 、 音楽 を 主 と し た プ ロ グ ラ ム
かいちょう
たんか
そうちょう
はいく
が あ り 、 総長 や 会長 の 挨拶 、 一般 か ら 募集
し た 俳句 や 短歌 ま た 図画 な ど が 披露 さ れ
あと
しんらんしょうにん
た。この後、ニューヨークのラ ッセ ル・デ
し
しゅうりょう
ふつかかん
まつもとかいきょうし
うた
ごうどうせいかたい
えんそう
イ ジ ー 氏 に よ る 「 親鸞聖人 と 平和 」 を テ ー
とくべつ
ろうどく
し
かくち
マ と し た 特別 ピ ア ノ 演奏 が あ り 涙 を 誘 っ て
ディーアイ
い た 。 ま た 、 各地 の 合同聖歌隊 に よ る 讃仏
か
し
歌 、 ＤＩ ル イ ス 氏 に よ る 歌 、 子供 た ち に よ
へいわ
ほうわ
る 平和 の 詩 の 朗読 、 松本開教使 な ど に よ っ
にちえい
せいこうり
ぶっきょうかい
ふじん
じっこう いいん かい
こばた
て 日英 の 法話 な ど が あ り 、 二日間 の プ ロ グ
とどこお
たいかい
ラムが滞りなく成功裏に終了した。
きょうだん
こうの
教団 で は 、 こ の 大会 の 実行 委員 会 （ 小畑
し
あらわ
きねんじぎょう
かいきょうし
ロ ン 師 、 河野 ジ ュ デ ィ ー 夫人 ） の メ ン バ ー
えんがんきょうく
さい
や 沿岸教区 の 開教使 、 仏教会 や 会員 、 こ の
ほうよう
しゃい
法要 に 際 し て 記念事業 の た め に 寄付 し た
かたがた
方々に謝意を表している。
いちど かいさい
総会無 事終了
ねん
かいさい
年 に 一度 開催 さ れ る 教団 の 総会 が サ ン ノ
にがつまつ
よさん
ゼ で 二月末 に 開催 さ れ た 。 こ の 総会 で 今年
の 予算 が 可決 さ れ 、 四月一日 か ら 新 会計 年
喜びのログモントのメンバー。右から二番目が
ジャッキー・トノ会長、三番目がオダウ師。
二月 二十六日 （ 土 ） の 午後 よ り 法要 、 記
ねん ぎょうじ
はかせ
たなか
きちょうほうわ
おんがくほうよう
念 行事 。 二十七日 （ 日 ） は 『 清浄楽 を 帰 命
おこな
せ よ 』 と い う テ ー マ で の 音楽法要 な ど が 執
の だいがくきょうじゅ
り 行 わ れ た 。 基調法話 は 元開教使 現在 武 蔵
こうし
野 大学教授 の 田中 ケ ン 師 、 そ の あ と ゲ ス ト
ぶんかかい
講師 の ド ビ ン 博士 や ク レ ー マ ー 女史 に よ る
分科会 な ど が あ り 、 夜 は サ ン ノ ゼ 太鼓 に よ
写真右 大法要の様子
晩餐会のプログラムで歌うサンノゼジュニア聖歌隊の子どもたち

2007 - Buddhist Churches of America

WHEEL OF DHARMA - Buddhist Churches of America

WHEEL OF DHARMA - Buddhist Churches of America