THE WEST COVINA BUDDHIST TEMPLE

GATEWAYApril 2015 - - Vol. L No. 4

More than 250 people had a blast at our Hawaiian themed Oldies Five-0. Each attendee was presented with a mini-bento box as a “mahalo“ for helping us celebrate our 50th milestone. The Real Principle of ‘America’ Rev. Nobuko Miyoshi President Barack Obama delivered manifests hopes and aspirations that cements our reputation as a beacon a speech in Selma, Alabama, on Satur- this country was founded on. It is the of opportunity. Young people behind day, March 7 for the 50th anniversary sincerest dream that everyone in this the Iron Curtain would see Selma and of “Bloody Sunday,” the famed civil country lives equally, and receives the eventually tear down a wall. Young rights march from Selma to Montgom- same opportunities for a better life. people in Soweto would hear Bobby ery which resulted in a violent police This is the wellspring of ‘America’ in Kennedy talk about ripples of hope and action against non-violent protesters on his speech. He honored the men and eventually banish the scourge of apart- the Edmund Pettus Bridge. women in Selma of fifty years ago heid. Young people in Burma went to Bill, my husband, strongly recom- who took that step to make the idea of prison rather than submit to military mended that I should listen to his America true and real. rule. From the streets of Tunis to the speech, not just read the script. So I did and realized that he was right. The “………It is the idea held by gen- Please see AMERICA, con’t on page 5 President’s speech was passionate and erations of citizens who believed that sincere. I was deeply moved by his America is a constant work in progress; Temple Event Highlights: words, even though I am not an Ameri- who believed that loving this country •April 5 Shotsuki Service can nor was I even born at that time. requires more than singing its praises •April 12 Hanamatsuri President Obama often used the or avoiding uncomfortable truths. It •April 12 LABTF Hanamatsuri term ‘America’ in his speech, but the requires the occasional disruption, the ‘America’ he referred to was not a willingness to speak out for what is •May 8 WCBT geographical place or the ‘United States right and shake up the status quo. Golf Tournament of America’ in 2015. It is the place that That is what makes us unique, and •Please See Temple News Page 2 April 2015 THE GATEWAY

DHARMA SCHOOL NEWS Dharma Seeds Retreat 3 The Dharma school children have Anthony Gutierrez been busy getting ready for Hana- matsuri. The teachers have read the The 3rd Dharma Seeds Retreat was came to an understanding of the name story of the birth of Prince Siddhar- held at the Betsuin in Los Angeles and Amida Buddha, The Buddha of Im- tha explaining the significance of our speaker for this event was Rev. measurable Life and Light. I think it is Queen Maya’s dream of the white Tatsuru Kigoshi from Japan. Although amazing how an answer to a question he mostly spoke Japanese during the elephant, Lumbini’s Garden, and the we may have can appear to us at any sessions, his stories of his experiences time, we just have to Listen. little prince’s edifying words as lotus kept us all hooked waiting to hear the Rev. Kigoshi spoke of several people blossoms appeared in his footsteps. next translation. like, Rev. Manshi Kiyozawa, Rev. As part of the celebration of One story that caught my attention Haya Akegarasu, Rev. Kaneko, a pious Prince Siddhartha’s birth, the chil- was of Rev. Daiei Kaneko, a student of Shinshu Follower (Myōkōnin) Saichi dren have been preparing a surprise Rev. Manshi Kiyozawa. He and a group Asahara and others, one which was for the little prince on his special of others, some from India, were travel- D.T. Suzuki a famous Zen Master. He day. They have been working hard on ing to a volcano in Japan. Rev. Kaneko told us that D.T. Suzuki was a professor this project and hope that the Sangha was a little unsure about what Amida at Otani University for 20 years. While will enjoy what they’ve created! meant at the time. So they had finally he was there he was translating Jodo The teachers will continue to ex- reached the top of the volcano, as he Shinshu teachings and began to have plain the concept of the Middle Way and another began to look into the a great understanding of them, he has volcano the person from India was say- and will introduce the idea of the even said that he may have led people ing “amita, amita, amita!” He would down the wrong path. Buddha’s awakening under the Bodhi come to understand that “Amida is that All of these people shared a com- tree. These are difficult ideas for which has no Limitations.” The A in mon ground, they all lived the true little ones (and big grownups, too!), Amita means no or without, and mita essence of Jodo Shinshu which he so we hope that our parents will help means measure or limits. We sometime quoted from Rev. Ryojin Soga as “The us to reinforce these concepts. hear the Amitayus (Buddha of Infinite true essence of Shinshu is to be giv- Looking forward to seeing all of Compassion) or Amitabha (Buddha of ing the opportunity to move toward you at our Hanamatsuri! Infinite Light). Anyhow, at that time he Please see DHARMA SEEDS, con't on pg. 5 Gassho, Claire Hansen  
 
 
 

 ,#
''-%

  *$ 0
0

 ' -+,*0
$%%+
(%!
%-  1  2
#*$+
(-*+  
)&
+#(,"-'
+,*,

#(/
0(-*
+-))(*,
!(*
 +,
(.$'
- #$+,
 &)%
0
 (&$'" 
,
+)('+(*

.
0(-*
(&)'0
(*
!&$%0
'&
('
('
(!
(-*
, +$"'+
)%
('
,#
"(%!
(-*+
'
* ("'$,$('
$'
(-*
"(%!
)*("*& *( +
!*(&
%%
% . %+
(!
+)('+(*+#$)
/$%%  
-+
,(
!-' ,#
,(-*'& ',
-,
/$%%
"(
,(/*
,#
!$''$'"
(!
, &)%
)*("*&+ '
,$.$,$ + (-
'
%+(
.(%-', *
('
,#
0
(!
,#
,(-*'& ',
,
,#
"(%! (-*+  

 

!
 

  
 


     April 2015 Page 3 THE GATEWAY

TEMPLE NEWS

WCBT Hanamatsuri West Covina’s Hanamatsuri GATEWAY Staff Service will be held on Sunday, Layout & Editing: Rev. Nobuko Miyoshi, April 12, at 10:00 AM. Everyone is Hisako Koga, Claudia Haraguchi, invited to arrive early with flowers Richard Kagawa to decorate the Hanamido. There Contributors: Rev. Fred Brenion, Claire Hansen, Merry Jitosho, Michael Jito- will be a special performance by sho, Joanie Martinez the Dharma school children and Circulation: Joy Kitaura light refreshments will be served West Covina Buddhist Temple Mission State- after the service. We invite you to ment: come and join us to celebrate the In the spirit of universal brotherhood, Buddha’s birthday! West Covina Buddhist Temple provides the opportunity for all to listen to and share the Teachings of the Buddha in LABTF Hanamatsuri Michael J., Rev. Fred, and Rev. Miyoshi presided order that we may awaken to our true at the WCBT’s Ohigan Service on March 15. The Federation Hanamatsuri selves, living our lives fully and dynami- Service and will be held on the April 12 Mother’s Day Service cally. beginning at 1:00 PM at the Koyasan A Mother’s Day family service The Temple’s mailing address is: Buddhist Temple in LA. Everyone will be held on May 10, at 10:00 West Covina Buddhist Temple is encouraged to attend the LABTF P. O. Box 1616 AM. A special tribute to all mothers West Covina, CA 91793 service after WCBT Hanamatsuri will be presented so please attend (626) 689-1040 Service. this special service. Website: www.livingdharma.org Facebook: facebook.com/westcovinabuddhist- The Study Class Tanjo-e & Hatsumairi temple The Study Class will meet on The Tanjo-e and Hatsumairi E-Mail: [email protected] April 28 at 10:00 AM. Discussions (new baby) Service will be held on will be based on selected topics that May 17 at 10:00 AM. There will be vary from week to week. The class a special ceremony to acknowledge normally meets on the second and new additions to our Sangha. Please fourth Tuesday of every month. For contact Rev. Miyoshi if you or your more information, please contact family member has had a new baby Rev. Miyoshi at (626) 689-1040. in the last year.

APRIL

Kevin Kawawata, Tyler Koji Isaksen, Susan Oshima, Lauren Miyake, Randy Maekawa, Nancy Maekawa, Jacob Above: WCBT hosted dinner for Rev. and Mrs. Kigoshi on March 21. Kato, Adriana Kochi, Kellie Right: Merry Jitosho presented a nenju to Rev. and Mrs. Kigoshi. Rev. Kigoshi was the minister Komoda, Kristen Hiranaka, at Berkeley Higashi Honganji when she attended Tammy Lespron, Yaeko Davis, the temple. Their friendship has continued for over forty years. Shakyamuni Buddha Page 4 April 2015 THE GATEWAY OLDIES FIVE-0!

Clockwise from top left: Dancers swing their hips to the Hukilau at Oldies Five- 0; Fearless Oldies Leader Joanie Martinez poses under palm tree with Fearless Spiritual Leader Rev. Miyoshi; Many Sangha members worked hard at the reception table, sold drink and raffle tick- ets, tended bar and slaved tirelessly in the kitchen to create the delicious mini bentos.

First, second and third place winners of our 50-50 raffle pose with Rev. Miyoshi. April 2015 Page 5 THE GATEWAY

AMERICA, con't from pg. 1 If, when I attain Buddhahood, the in- DHARMA SEEDS, con't from pg. 2 Maidan in Ukraine, this generation of numerable Buddhas throughout the worlds Buddhahood through the Nem- young people can draw strength from in the ten quarters do not all praise and say butsu.” We just have to listen to the this place, where the powerless could my Name, may I not attain the supreme teaching of the people who have come change the world’s greatest superpow- enlightenment. before us to reach Buddhahood. Rev. er, and push their leaders to expand the Kigoshi gave an example from the say- boundaries of freedom. Apparently, this sounds mythical ing on all the US Dollar Bill and also They saw that idea made real in and, therefore, it is difficult for us to on Coins, “In God we Trust” instead Selma, Alabama. They saw it made real relate to it. However, Rev. Ryōjin Soga it should be “In me God Trusts” or in America….” states that Shinran Shonin found the “In me Amida Trusts.” Instead we are wellspring of the history of Nembutsu resistant to just letting go and taking The history of Selma is the history of in this vow. This is the vow about the easy path, we want to trust our own people who truly relied on the found- people who encounter the Primal selves, our own human wisdom over ing spirit of America, inspired by it and Vow through Nembutsu. Once we are the Buddha’s Wisdom. No matter what expressed the idea through their action. deeply moved by the aspiration of the we choose Amida is always there and President Obama also mentioned that Primal Vow, we cannot help but live trusts in us and the decision we make. through their life, the principle of this in accordance with it. ‘Praise and say Although there is a lot more than country has reached many more people my Name’ is a symbol of our action just my little memory of things, the beyond time and place. It is they who how we live our lives reflected by the above is what stood out to me, just Lis- prove the principle of this country has Vow. And this way of our life becomes ten. The last thing I wanted to add was a universal truth. an opportunity for many more people a few of the names mentioned were At the same time, he honestly to encounter the aspiration of the part of the Dobo Kai movement and the admitted that progress has been made, Vow and give them strength to move goal of this movement is to “Get us into but their work is not finished yet. It forward. What this vow reveals to us the same mode of Listening to the Bud- was amazing that he stressed that is the moment of birth of those who ex- dhadharma always.” American needs to be self-critical, and press the aspiration of the Primal Vow. Thank you for taking the time to face their imperfections because that is The true principle of America in read this. the way for them to continuously keep President Obama’s speech truly reflects （「 諸仏称名」 ７頁からの続き） marching and remake this nation to the content of Nembutsu which has 現は未だ道半ばであると告白していま more closely align with ideals of this been carried on by countless numbers す。そしてその道への歩みは、現実の country. of people and handed down through このアメリカという国がその願いから The real principle of the America the history of Buddhism. 未だ遠く離れているという事実を痛み President Obama addressed truly Well…do I think President Obama is th をもって受け止めることによってのみ reminded me of the 17 Vow of Buddhist? I do not think he ever claims Dharmākara Bodhisattva. This vow is so, but that does not matter. What 続いていく、と。 called “Vow of Praise of Amida’s Name matters is, through him and his speech, オバマ大統領の演説はアメリカ人では by All the Buddhas (shobutsu shōmyō no I was able to encounter the teachings ない私の心にも深く響きました。それは gan),” and states as follows; which have been actively alive in this 親鸞聖人が出遇われた本願の世界が、大 country. 統領が深く信頼するアメリカの願いとい う形となって私に到り届いたということ ではないか、と感じています。 BUDDHISM QUIZ 1. Which of the following statements is not true: Shinran’s understanding of Pure Land Buddhism was that

a. Amida was a mythical Buddha who promised salvation to anyone who repeated his name. b. it was a path that showed that awakening was available to anyone who is struggling to survive but who does not have the time or opportunities to study and train in monasteries. c. it is a teaching which brings about a true understanding of a life of suffering and the ignorance that creates it. d. Amida was a symbol of the Dharma itself.

2. Shinran Shonen was born in: a. 1173 in the village of Hino. b. 1573 in the city of Kyoto.

c. 973 in the city of Osaka. d. 1373 on Mt. Hiei. Answers: a, a a, Answers: Page 6 April 2015 THE GATEWAY

Quote of the Month Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens -Jimi Hendrix April 2015 Page 7 THE GATEWAY アメリカの理念が真実であるということ を証明しているのです。」 お寺ニュース 諸仏称名の願 花まつり法要 見義信香 セルマの歴史は、アメリカの原点を真 理として深く頷き、その願いによって一 本年の花まつり法要は4月１２日（日）午前 アメリカで黒人の地位向上のきっかけ 歩を踏み出した人々の歴史である、と大 10時よりお勤めいたします。この花まつりで となった「セルマ大行進」から50年目を 統領は受け止めました。そしてその願い は、毎年皆様にご持参頂いたお花で花御 迎えた３月７日、オバマ大統領が舞台と はそれによって動かされた人々の姿を通 堂を飾り、お釈迦様のご誕生をお祝いいた なったアラバマ州セルマを訪れ演説を行 して、アメリカという国を超えて世界に します。また同日午後1時より、高野山米国 いました。 広がっていくのです。それこそがアメリ 別院にて仏教連合会合同の花まつりがお 私は夫に強く勧められてインターネッ カの理念が普遍的なメッセージをもって 勤めされます。ご家族お誘い合わせの上、 トを通してその演説を聞きました。大統 いることの証明であります。 ぜひご参詣下さい。 領の演説は熱と真摯さに溢れ、心を揺さ 大統領のこの演説を聞いた時、私の中 法話会では４月２日（木）午後7時半の祥 ぶるようなエネルギーを感じました。 で大統領の言葉と法蔵菩薩の第十七願が 月法 要 の あ とに 花 御 堂 を 供 え、お 釈 迦 様 の 大統領は「America」という言葉を何 重なって響いてきました。「諸仏称名の 誕生をお祝いします。花御堂に飾るお花を 度も口にします。しかしそれは地理的な 願」と呼ばれるこの誓願はこのように誓 少しおもちいただければ幸いです。 場所としてのアメリカではなく、また今 われています。 皆さまのご参詣をお待ちしております。 のアメリカという国の現状をそのまま肯 定した言葉でもないように思えました。 「たとい我、仏を得んに、十方世界 彼が語る「アメリカ」とは建国の願いが の無量の諸仏、ことごとく咨嗟して、 WCBT 基金募集ゴルフ大会 形をとって顕れる場であります。あらゆ 我が名を称ぜずんば、正覚を取らじ。」 お寺の第 19 回基金募集ゴルフ大会が、 る人々が平等の権利と機会を与えられ、 5 月 8 日 （金）、 インダストリー ・ ヒルズ ・ この国に生まれたことを心から喜べる、 これは一読すると、たくさんの仏たち ゴルフクラブにて開催されます。 午前 11 それがアメリカの原点でありましょう。 がワッショイワッショイと阿弥陀仏をも 時より受付開始、 午後 1 時よりショットガン ちあげて、褒め称えているという神話的 スタートとなります。 「アメリカは常に前進し続けます。 なイメージをもつかもしれません。けれ 参加費はお一人 160 ドルで、 夕食費な その歩みは人々の愛国心によって突き ども、曽我量深氏はこの願に念仏の歴史 どが含まれております。 ただ今参加者と 動かされる歩みです。愛国心とはただ の源流を見ました。第十七願は、本願に ティースポンサー、 そしてブックレットの広 無批判にこの国の状況を讃美すること 念仏という形を通して触れた人が、その 告を募集しております。 大会の収益はお ではありません。この国の理念と願い 願いに深く頷き、出遇った感動によって 寺の青少年教化活動や寺院維持費に使 にしっかりと立ったときに見えてくる その身を動かされていく。そして自らの 用させて頂きます。 皆様のご協力を賜りま 矛盾、間違いに「違う！」と声をあげ 身を通して願いを表現していく人々の姿 すよう、 よろしくお願い申し上げます。 詳 ることなのです。 が、さらに周りの人々の歩みを後押しし しくは、 見義信香開教使までお問い合わ これが他の国に並ぶことのないアメ ていく。そのようなはたらきを私たちに せ下さい。 リカの特徴なのです。鉄のカーテンの向 伝えてくれているのではないでしょう こう側にいた若者はセルマの人々を見て か。それは、まさに本願の表現者の誕 母の日家族礼拝 その壁を打ち崩したではありませんか。 生の瞬間であります。そして、その誕 5 月 10 日 （日） 午前 10 時より、 母の ソウェトの若者に希望の声が届いた時、 生は時を超え、場所を超えて広がって 日家族礼拝をお勤めいたします。 例年の それはアパルトヘイトを撤廃する力とな いくということでありましょう。本願 ように、 メンバーの方による母の日のメッ りました。ビルマの若者は軍の支配に身 が真実であるということは、そうした セージがございます。 どうぞ皆様ご一緒に を任せるより、誇りをもって投獄される 表現者の誕生が証明していくのです。そ お参り下さい。 ことを選びました。ウクライナの若者が れはまさに50年前にセルマで一歩を踏み その精神に触れた時、力をもたない人々 出した人々の姿であり、その姿を通して が大きな権力に立ち向かい自由を勝ち取 また新たに自由と平等に生きたいと願う 4 月祥月法要 る強さとなりました。 人が誕生し続けていったセルマの歴史と 日本語花まつり 彼らはセルマの信念、願いが真実で 重なります。 あるということを証明しているのです。 大統領はまた、アメリカの願いの実 4 月 2 日（木）午後 7 時半 （「諸仏称名」５ 頁 に 続く） East San Gabriel Valley NON-PROFIT ORG. Japanese Community Center, Inc. U.S. POSTAGE West Covina Buddhist Temple PAID 1203 W. Puente Avenue, West Covina, CA 91790 Permit No. 38 P.O. Box 1616, West Covina, CA 91793 Covina, CA 91722

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED DATED MATERIAL

THE WEST COVINA BUDDHIST TEMPLE

AprilGATEWAY 2015 - - Vol.L No.4 April ２０１５年４月行 事 予 定 2 7:30 pm Howakai Shotsuki/Hanamatsuri ２日 午後７時半 法話会祥月／花まつり 5 8:30 am Board Meeting 5 10:00 am Shotsuki Service ５日 午前８時半 理事会 12 10:00 am Hanamatsuri Service ５日 午前１０時 祥月法要 12 1:00 pm LABTF Hanamatsuri Service １２日 午前１０時 花まつり法要 @Koyasan Buddhist Temple 19 10:00 am Sunday Service １２日 午後１時 仏連花まつり 26 10:00 am Sunday Service 於高野山米国別院 28 10:00 am Study Class １９日 午前１０時 日曜礼拝 28 7:00 pm Lecture Series 1 May ２６日 午前１０時 日曜礼拝 2 9:30 am NAD Local Retreat ５月行事予定 3 8:30 am Board Meeting ２日 午前９時半 南加リトリート 3 10:00 am Shotsuki Service 5 7:00 pm Lecture Series 2 ３日 午前 8 時半 理事会 7 7:30 pm Howakai Japanese Service ３日 午前 10 時 祥月法要 8 11:00 am WCBT Golf Tournament 7 日 午後 7 時半 法話会 10 10:00 am Mother’s Day Family Service ８日 午前 11 時 ゴルフトーナメント 12 10:00 am Study Class

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 死んで往ける道は Main Article 1 Oldies Pics 4 D.S.News 2 Acknowledgments 6 そのまま Dharma Seeds Report 2 Japanese Page 7 生きてゆく道です Temple News 3 東 昇