busshin october 2011 BUDDHIST CHURCH OF OAKLAND

BUSSHIN september 2011 Volume 54 Number 9

What Should You Call Me? Reflections on Language by Reverend Harry Gyokyo Bridge anguage is a fundamental as a “fellow traveler/fellow prac- remember why I am a minister Lpart of human existence. ticer” (ondobo/ondogyo). This – not to be revered by others, not We often take it for granted, but reminds us that in Jodo Shinshu to be known as a teacher, but to language is always with us, color- we are all equal in the eyes of help engage in the spread of the ing our perceptions of the world Amida Buddha. Buddha . and ourselves. says But is “sensei” any better? This In gassho, a lot about this, whether in the is a traditional term of respect in Rev. Harry Gyokyo Bridge doctrine of the Two Truths, the Japanese society, used not only for doctrine of “Mind- ministers but also for doctors and Only,” or even Shinran’s under- teachers. In Chinese, it actually IN THIS ISSUE standing of Nembutsu alone as just means “mister.” So there is “true and real.” nothing intrinsically “ministerial” These are very difficult ex- about it. It is actually an expres- Minister’s Message 1 amples, and I won’t take them sion of respect, so in a way it is up here. Instead, I would like to similar to “reverend.” Sometimes, Temple Tidbits 2 look at an interesting set of terms we might like it better simply be- that carry a lot of linguistic bag- cause it is in Japanese. Youth Exchange Trip to 2 gage: “reverend” and “sensei.” In I personally am comfortable In Memoriam 2 the BCA we use both, but both with both terms. I understand are potentially problematic. Usu- that we have been using these Golf Tournament 2 ally, “reverend” is used simply as words for a long time, and people a title – it’s what you call the min- are comfortable with them. But it Roof Renovations Campaign 3 ister. But if we think about what is also good sometimes to think it really means – that this person about what words really mean, Words From the Prez 3 should be revered or respected, or and ask questions about whether Momiji Kai News 4 even that this person is reverent or not they accurately express or respectful – we might question what we are trying to say. Maybe Dharma School News 5 its use. Although traditionally there is a better term that minis- the minister in BCA temples was ters could be referred to as. One Newsroom OBWA 5 viewed in this way, does it really idea I had was “Dharma Messen- fit Shinran’s vision? He didn’t see ger” – this is a loose translation A Cordial Welcome to All 6 himself as better than others, stat- of the Japanese term “kaikyoshi.” Shotsuki Memorial Service 7 ing in the Tannisho for example Whether or not it sounds good is that “I do not have even a single another question! For myself, re- Calendar disciple.” Instead, he saw himself flecting on these terms helps me busshin october 2011 TEMPLE TID-BITS In Memoriam BCO Directories with the games and prizes. Don’t The Buddhist Church of Attention BCO members: be a scared-y cat! Oakland extends its deepest please pick up your BCO 2011 condolences to the family of DIRECTORIES in the church Spare Change office before Monday, October Did you know that Buddhism is the following members: all about CHANGE? Contribute 10th. Directories will be mailed Masako Sakaki your spare change to support the to members on that Monday. Be August 1, 2011 sure to check your name, ad- Center for Buddhist Education, dress and telephone numbers for a project of the BCO Dharma Harvey Masao Kido accuracy. Call the office (510) School. Look for the big bottle in August 14, 2011 832-5988 to report changes or the church office. Thank you for Chet Kantor corrections. The church gives your dana. (Husband of Christine Kan- many thanks to Maya Lawrence Youth Exchange Trip tor (Katayama)) and Linda Minamoto for prepar- July, 2011 ing this year’s directory. to Japan By Paul Noguchi May the family members find Welcome and Farewell t the end of July, BCA comfort and solace in the Nem- Please welcome Glen Yama- Aheld the Young Buddhist butsu, Namu amida butsu. moto as a new member of our International Cultural Study church! We bid a fond farewell to Exchange (YBICSE). Ten BCA members Chiyo & Ben Nakaya members got the opportunity to Golf Tournament who have moved to live in Or- travel to Japan for ten days, and ’d like to invite you to our egon with their family. experience what it’s like to attend Iannual BCO Golf Tourna- Wedding Congratulations morning service, obon odori, stay ment on Oct. 3, Monday at the Congratulations to Maya & with a host family and be a part Sequoyah Country Club. If you Gary Lawrence upon the mar- of a YBA conference overseas at don’t golf, but would still like to riage of their daughter Kate to Hongwanji-ha in Kyoto! participate, please volunteer to Anton Martinez. The happy We were able get a behind the help or donate to the tourney. Of couple resides in Sacramento stage tour of Hongwanji-ha, see the proceeds, 25% will go toward with their dog Eddie. Mt. Hiei, and even meet fellow the Japan tsunami and earthquake Buddhists from Canada and through the BCA. Halloween Party South America. You can volunteer by being Boo! Sunday, October 30th is We had a lot of fun with our hole-in-one witnesses, help with BCO’s annual Halloween Party. host families as well being able to the raffle, or the registration desk. Please join our monsters, prin- go to a Karaoke lounge, bowling, You can also join us for dinner. So cesses, animals and mysterious and even an obutsudon factory. contact the church office or me big characters for a fun afternoon I really enjoyed myself and if you are interested in playing, of games, treats, and a visit to the someday hope to return to donating or volunteering. Haunted House if you dare! We Japan. This was a great trip and Keiju Terada need volunteers to serve lunch I recommend it to other inter- Tournament Committee and help Valerie and Tak Otsuka ested students! Cell: 832-754-9072  busshin october 2011 Roof Renovation Campaign Status By Steve terusaki we can reduce the remaining Shimoda, June $116,023 of our campaign goal. Shinmoto, Shelley, Scott, Kendall We want to acknowledge and & Kyle thank the donors to the Obon Takayama, Ellen Memorial Lantern Tag program Tanisawa, Ted & Susan and our new Campaign donors Terusaki, Steve & Kathy for the month of August who are Tsujimoto, Daisy listed below. A special thank you Uota, I. to all. Yamaguchi, Kisao Obon Memorial Lantern Tag Yamamoto, Nancy Donors: Yokomizo, Cliff, Donna, Joyce & Endo, Michael Deni Fujimoto, Gloria Yokomizo, Tom Fukuman, Thomas, N. Yokoyama, George H. Furuta, Setsuko Yoshida, Fusae Gray, Lori New Campaign Donors: Hashimoto Karen Ryugo, James Hayashida, JoAnne hank you to the many in- Hiromoto, Mary Words From the Prez Tdividuals who contributed Hiromoto, Mary & Shibata, By Jon Takagaki to the 2011 Obon Memorial Lan- Alice s the summer comes to a tern Tag program. This year the Hirota M/M Akira Aclose, I find myself reflect- program generated $2,150 in do- Hisaoka, Tadao & Patti ing on the recent past, as well as nations to the Roof Campaign. A Isono, Tomi what may be is store in the com- special thank you goes to Bukkyo Kano, Judy ing months. It felt like an appro- Dendo Kyokai America (BDK) Kido, Rosalie priate time to share some of these and Brian Nagata in particular Koda, Tama reflections with you. for the generous donation of red Koizumi, Jane, Alan, Karen, Time Flies When You’re Hav- and white lanterns that graced Gabrielle & Caeli ing Fun! the odori area. In addition to the Kuritsubo, Ruby It truly seems only yesterday Obon Memorial tag program, the Lawrence, Gary & Maya that I participated in the Board Campaign received an additional Naito, Shig & Namie officer installation service. Linda $300 in donations and payments Negoro, George & Dora reminded me the service was in on pledges. The total monies Neishi Alice February! I just wanted to say received for the Campaign now Neishi, Hideso & Dan that I am sincerely enjoying my total $283,977. We are at 71% Nomura, Ron & June role as BCO President. I’m still of our goal of $400,000. To the Otsuka, Makoto, Mary & Family learning the ropes” and continue many that have made their dona- Sakaki, Judy to ask for forgiveness when I tion, a heartfelt thank you; for Sakaue, Ron don’t address an item in a timely those who haven’t yet made a Sasaki, Digger & Agnes manner or just plain make a donation, please consider doing Shibata, Alice & Family Continued on next page so in last quarter of 2011 so that Shimamoto, Mark & Tomita  busshin october 2011 Words from the Prez Continued from previous page mistake. I wish to thank the Wednesday of the month. These temple, cultural, and community Board and temple members for evening sessions, intended for events. So, on one hand, there is your patience and support. adults, begin at 7:00 pm. Follow- a degree of “relief” that we don’t It’s been gratifying for me to ing a short service and medita- have to plan, prepare, coordinate, meet temple members and fami- tion, Reverend Bridge intro- and execute for another year. lies, many of whom have been duces a discussion topic and the On the other hand, the bazaar part of the BCO community attendees engage in an informal, and Obon festival, are uplifting ex- for many years, for generations open exchange of thoughts, ques- periences for me. This may come in some instances. From these tions, and ideas. The discussion across sounding a little strange members and families, I have had typically finishes up between but I feel great joy and inspira- the unique opportunity to learn 8:30 – 9:00 pm. In September, tion from seeing the temple com- about BCO’s history and hear fas- the monthly evening service is on munity come together to share in cinating stories about our mem- Wednesday, September 14; the these traditions. When I see the bers. I’ve gained an appreciation next one will be on October 12. dedication and commitment to and respect for the generations I encourage each of you to excellence from all our volunteers, that came before us who shaped consider attending these evening I feel privileged to be part of this not only the culture and direction services and discussions. These community. I wish to extend my of our temple, but also who had evening services provide an ad- deepest gratitude to all those who significant influence in the com- ditional venue and/or alternative help during Bazaar, Obon, and munities in which we live today. to the Sunday Family Dharma with all temple activities! Return from Summer Break Service and an opportunity to I look forward to meeting and Generally, late August and early broaden one’s understanding talking with you over the coming September signify the return to of the Dharma in a relaxed and weeks and months. Thanks for school for our children. And, informal setting. I find the con- your continued support! similarly, here at our temple, we versations thought-provoking resume sharing the teachings of and stimulating. Please look for Momiji Kai News the Buddha during Sunday ser- announcements in the Busshin By Nancy Yamamoto vices and Dharma School. or refer to the BCO website for fter a busy Bazaar and I wish to welcome everyone additional information. AObon season, we are more back from the summer break. Nikkoland Bazaar and Obon or less into a more leisurely at- The Dharma School administra- A temple member recently mosphere. So, now we are mak- tors and teachers have been hard asked me if I’m glad that our an- ing plans to take a relaxing ferry ride into San Francisco to eat at work in planning for the up- nual Nikkoland Bazaar and Obon and explore the atmosphere of coming school year and I know festival, are over. I hesitated a bit the area in and around the Ferry families and students will share in before responding because I have Building on Thursday, Septem- mixed feelings. Yes, I’m very my excitement as the new school ber 15, 2011. The time and loca- year unfolds. aware that these events require tion to meet will be announced Monthly Evening Services our members and friends of the at a later time. Jean Nakazono, Earlier this year, Reverend temple to dedicate their time Miyo Shigemoto and Fusae Yo- Bridge instituted monthly eve- and effort to ensure the contin- shida will be spearheading this ning services on the second ued success of these significant outing. Hope everyone will be

 busshin october 2011 able to attend. once again listen to the Dharma attend Dharma Service as much Our next general meeting will stories of Rev. Bridge and of as possible, always sitting in Row be on Thursday September 1, course, all enjoyed the Welcome 5 on the right hand side. Thank 2011. Will see you all then. Back to Dharma School hot dog you Masako for your dedica- A very generous donation has luncheon. It was a great day to tion to your students and to the been received from the Endo’s get reacquainted with friends, Dharma. Your gentle spirit will namely, Clifford, Norman, parents and teachers since the be greatly missed. Donald and Michael in mem- ory of parents, Chieko and Roy. summer break. If any one would like to assist Our sincere thank you for your The Annual Dharma School or teach in the classroom, please thoughtfulness. Teacher’s Seminar and meeting contact Maya Lawrence or one was held on August 28. The focus of the teachers. Your assistance of this seminar was awareness of would be greatly welcomed and Newsroom OBWA bullying/harassment and what appreciated. by Gayle Noguchi can one do about it. A Video Dharma School would like to e hope you’ve had an en- Program devoted to awareness of gratefully acknowledge the fol- Wjoyable summer! Thank school bullying called LETS GET lowing donors: you to everyone who assisted REAL was shown with discussion Mr. & Mrs. Steve Chung with the Obon preparations and following. It proved to be a very – Collin’s Birthday pastry shop. We really appreciate interesting topic. Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Aisawa your support! It is with great sadness that we – Samantha’s Graduation Save the date: the Bay District BWA Conference will be held in report that Mrs. Masako Sakaki Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Aisawa conjunction with the Bay District passed away on August 1, 2011. – Hannah’s Birthday Family Conference on Saturday, Our condolences go to the Sakaki Because of your kindness, the November 5th at the Southern Al- Family. Masako had been a Dhar- Dharma School is able to con- ameda County Buddhist Church. ma School teacher at the Oakland tinue its programs. Registration information will be Church and taught First, Second available soon. and Third grades. Masako and A very happy Please join us for our OBWA her husband Ted created a simple birthday to Miya meeting on Sunday, October 2nd Obutsudan, which the students Li, Paul Noguchi, at 9 a.m. Hope to see you! could make with kamaboko James Toyofuku, boards. I’m sure there are many Brittany Nakamura Dharma School former Dharma School students and Cameron Owoc, who were News... who still have their homemade born in the month of October. By Janet Umezu Obutsudan. The pattern created Birthday Sunday will be cele- ummer seemed to come and by Masako & Ted is still used brated on October 2. We hope to Sgo. The first Family Dharma in the classroom today. Masako see you. Service for the 2011-2012 year, retired in June, 2003 after teach- Lastly, please save the date as well as a celebration for the ing Dharma School for 43 years. – October 30, 2011 for our An- August and September birthdays, Although in ill health for the past nual Halloween Party. was September 11. It was good to year and a half, Masako tried to  busshin october 2011

A Cordial Welcome to All!!

The Buddhist Church of Oakland Dharma School is starting up for the 2011-2012 year, and we extend our most cordial welcome to you.

Our first service will be September 11, at 10:00 am. We have welcome coffee/juice and coffee cake/ bagels available at 9:15 am before the service. It’s a time when folks can chat with other members and catch up on news.

Our service, officiated by Rev. Harry Bridge, starts at 10:00. Rev. Bridge is a young and energetic minister who tailors his Dharma Talks to the Dharma School children. At 10:30, the Dharma School students go to their classes. For the first Sunday, we spend a few minutes in a “welcome back activity” for all the Dharma School families before the students go to class.

We provide classes for preschool (ages 3 to 5), but toddlers are welcome to play in the preschool room. Our classes are broken into kindergarten/first, second/third, fourth/fifth, middle school and High School classes. Classes are dismissed usually around 11:30 am.

For our first Sunday, the Dharma School is also providing lunch – hot dogs!

The Dharma School is devoted to providing a relaxed, enjoyable introduction to Shin Buddhism, its teachings and its practices. Our teachers dedicate their time to developing lessons, crafts, and experiences that we hope build a foundation for a Buddhist life. Some activities that are in addition to learning the teachings of the Buddha include:

• Our annual Halloween Party, haunted house and lunch • Community Excursion – this year we hope to sponsor a visit to the California Academy of Sciences • Mochi Tsuki – the whole church gather to make mochi in December • Family Activity in the Spring – this year we are making sushi! • Hanamatsuri Play • Our Bazaar with two days of games and food open to the community on Father’s Day • Church Picnic in July • Obon dancing in August

We would love to see you and hope you are able to join us. Please call me if you have any questions.

Gassho,

Maya Lawrence Superintendent Buddhist Church of Oakland Dharma School [email protected] 925-283-2841

 busshin october 2011 October Shotsuki Memorial Service Service: Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 10:45 a.m. Sermon by Reverend Harry Gyokyo Bridge Family and friends are invited to attend this monthly memorial service for those listed below. If any errors appear in the list below, please notify the church office at (510) 832-5988 at your earliest conve- nience. For next month’s Shotsuki Service, please check the Busshin calendar. Mrs. Maya Aikawa Mrs. Teiko Kido Mrs. Sueno Oki Mr. Charles S. Ajari Mr. Takashi Kimoto Mrs. Fujie Oniki Mrs. Kane Aochi Ms. Setsuko Kimura Mr. Ted Hitoshige Sakaki Mr. Shigeru Asakura Mrs. Shige Kisanuki Mr. Kumamashichi Sakamoto Mrs. Kane Baba Mr. Kokichi Kiya Mrs. Kikue Sameshima Mr. Takashi Baba Mr. Tameji Kobori Mrs. Hisa Sasaki Mrs. Ichi Chiyoda Mrs. Yoshiye Kume Mrs. Tomiye Satake Mr. Hachiro Endo Mr. Karoku Kuramoto Mr. Hidemi Seiji Mr. Heitaro Fujii Mrs. Tamayo Kuramoto Mrs. Tomiye Seta Mrs. Kikuno Fujii Mr. Yoshimitsu Kuramoto Mrs. Yasumatsu Shigaya Mr. Fred Fujii: 17th year Mrs. Tama Kuritsubo Mr. Harvey Shinomoto Mr. Rikizo Fujinami Mrs. Tamae Kurotori Mr. George S. Takahashi Mrs. Marie Miyako Fujino Mr. Shoroku Kuwahara Mrs. Tame Takahashi Mr. William Furuta: 25th year Mrs. Sachi Masuyama Mr. Shinobu Tani Mr. Miyao Harada Mr. Gary Matsumoto Mr. Masayuki Terada Mr. Sunao Harada Mrs. Misty Minamihara Mr. Loren Teramura Mr. Katsuji Harano: 7th year Mrs. Tomiko Minamoto Mr. Eiya Ugai Mrs. Seki Hayashi Miss Yuki Minamoto Mrs. Misao Watanabe Mrs. Saki Hirao Mr. Tomijiro Miyagawa Mr. Wataru Watanabe: 13th year Mr. Horizo Horimoto Rimban Shoki Mohri: 1st year Mrs. Ruth Miyoko Wong Mrs. Kiyoko Idehara Mrs. Kazue Mori Mrs. Dai Yamabe Mr. Jukiji Igaki Mr. Gene Tatsuo Moriki Baby Yamamoto Mr. Tomenosuke Inouchi Mrs. Taki Nagafuji Mrs. Miyuki Lois Yamamoto Mrs. Fusayo Inouye Mr. Kohachi Nakao Mrs. Tatsuyo Yamamoto Mr. Shokichi Isono Mrs. Satsuki Nakao Mrs. Chizuko Yamanaka Mr. Seitaro Iwamoto Rev. Juko Nakashima Mrs. Michi Yamane Mr. Jitsugo Iwata Mrs. Tsuneno Nakatani Mr. Kuhachiro Yamaoka Mrs. Yuki Kamano Mr. Torataro Nakayama Mrs. Tsuya Yamashita Mrs. Tatsumi Kanada Mr. Yaichi Nakazono Mr. Choshiro Yokoyama: Mr. Seiso Kanesaki: 17th year Mr. Alan Neishi: 7th year 50th year Mr. Shonosuke Kato Mr. Tsunekichi Niizawa Mrs. Yoshino Yokoyama Mrs. Hatsu Kawabe Mrs. Toshiko Ninomiya Mrs. Ino Yoshida Mr. Tokichi Kawamoto Mr. Sam Hoyo Noma Mrs. Misa Yoshida Mr. Shuichi Kawoka Mr. Seizo Nomura Mr. Yozo Yoshida Mr. Ichiro Kayatani Mrs. Tamayo Norimoto Mrs. Grace Yoshioka Mr. John Kido Mrs. Miyeko Okamoto Mr. Shosaburo Yoshioka Mr. Meiji Kido Mrs. Sei Okawa  October 2011

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

9:00 a.m. Nippongo Gakuen

2 3 4 5 6 7 9:00 a.m. 8 9:00 a.m. BCO Golf Nippongo Gakuen Tournament OBWA Meeting 2:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. Ikebana 10:00 a.m. Line Dance OBWA 7:00 p.m. Momiji Kai 1:00-4:00 p.m. Family Dharma 1:00-4:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Nominating Board Meeting Bingo Prep Hiroshima Kenjinkai Service 6:30 p.m. Bingo Karaoke Committee Adult Gakuen 10:45 a.m. BCA FBWA Busshin Articles Shotsuki Service Delegates meeting in Due San Jose 10:00 a.m. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Family Dharma 10:00 a.m. Service Wanto Shodo Kai 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Adult Gakuen 10:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 7:30 p.m. BCO OBWA Eshinni, Line Dance Nippongo EBYAL Nominating 7:00 p.m. Kakushinni, Gakuen 7:30 p.m. Committee Concord Lady Yoshiko Karaoke Howakai Ohtani Memorial Service

10:00 a.m. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Family Dharma Service, Keirokai 1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Keirokai Luncheon Line Dance Momiji Kai 9:00 a.m. Oakland Dharma Service 6:00 p.m. Nippongo 7:30 p.m. Fukuoka Sister & 6:30 p.m. Ashland Howakai Gakuen Karaoke City Mtg Discussion Adult Gakuen

Busshin Collated by the Dharma School

23 24 25 26 27 28 9:00 a.m. 29 10:00 a.m. Nippongo Wanto Shodo Kai Gakuen 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Family Dharma Line Dance EBYAL Jr YBA Service Halloween 7:30 p.m. Construction and Karaoke Sleepover

30 31

10:00 a.m. Family Dharma Service Halloween Party November 2011

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 8:30 a.m. 5 BD Family Con- ference & BD 10:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Women’s League Momiji Kai 7:00 p.m. Hiroshima Board Conference Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. Meeting: Issei (SACBC) Adult Gakuen Kai Kan 9:00 a.m. Busshin Articles Nippongo Due Gakuen

9:00 a.m. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 OBWA Meeting 6:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Adult Gakuen Line Dance 9:00 a.m. Family Dharma 7:30 p.m. Dharma Service Board Election Nippongo Service 7:30 p.m. EBYAL & 7:00 p.m. Ballots Due Gakuen Karaoke Discussion Concord 10:45 a.m. Howakai Shotsuki Service

10:00 a.m.13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Eitaikyo Service 10:00 a.m. Otoki B Wanto Shodo Kai 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Adult Gakuen 2:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Oakland 9:00 a.m. Kagoshima Line Dance Fukuoka Sister 7:00 p.m. Nippongo Kenjinkai: City Mtg BD Council: Gakuen Issei Kai Kan 7:30 p.m. Karaoke Alameda Busshin Collated by the OBWA 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Dharma School Line Dance Thanksgiving: No Nippongo Excursion Office Closed 7:30 p.m. Office Closed Gakuen 6:00 p.m. Karaoke Ashland Howakai

27 28 29 30 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Wanto Shodo Kai Family Dharma Service 1:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Line Dance Youth Club/ 10:45 a.m. EBYAL Adult Study 7:30 p.m. Karaoke