The Newsletter of Ekoji Buddhist Temple alavinka Fairfax Station, Virginia - Established 1981

Vol. XXXII, No. 10 October 2013

84,000 Thoughts - What is Jodo Shinshu? By: Rev. Kurt Rye

When the speaker for Ekoji’s fall seminar canceled, the Pure Land Schools. The Pure Land School is part due to scheduling conflicts, I was asked to facilitate. of the Mahayana Buddhist movement. Mahayana As I reflected on what subject I would discuss, I real- Buddhism, unlike Theravada Buddhism, redirects the ized the majority of questions I am asked concern Jodo focus from the practices that Sakyamuni performed Shinshu Buddhism and how it relates to other schools to reach enlightenment; instead it is a spiritual model of Buddhism. This is understandable since Jodo Shin- that focuses on the essence of enlightenment itself and shu Buddhism is not as well known outside of its own incorporates many different non-monastic practices to community, especially when compared to other Bud- reach this end. dhist schools such as Zen or Tibetan. Honen Shonin (1133-1212), a Tendai monk, had For those of us who self-identify difficulty finding spiritual gratifica- as Buddhist, we know our connection tion in the traditional monastic Ten- to the Dharma is a very personal one. dai School in which he had studied The Buddha said there are as many for many years. At this time Honen ways to understand the Dharma as and other Japanese monks of this era there are people in the world. vitalized the concept of one practice. Buddhism is divided into many Instead of spending years to master schools all with different interpreta- many different spiritual practices, in- tion of the sutras, rituals, and prac- dividuals could instead focus on one tices. What are the differences in the practice which made it more realistic various Buddhist schools? All schools for the average person to master. Ho- have a common core of Buddhist ide- nen solely focused on the Pure Land als such as the Four Noble Truths and practice of Nembutsu recitation. the Eightfold Path. Moreover, the different schools Jodo Shinshu’s founder Shinran Shonin (1173- tend to focus on a particular Sutra that becomes the 1262) was also a Tendai monk who left the Tendai focal point of doctrinal thought for each school; for School and monastery and began his study with Ho- example, in the Tendai and Nichren Schools, the Lo- nen. Shinran was one of many disciples of Honen. tus Sutra is the primal doctrine. In Jodo Shinshu, the Shinran agreed with Honen’s concept of one practice, Three Pure Land Sutras are the main Sutras revered the Nembutsu, and dedicated the rest of his life to the and studied. study and propagation of the Pure Land teachings. Jodo Shinshu is one of the schools referred to as Continued on page 5.

In this issue:

Sangha News and Events Page 2 EBL Conference Recap Page 5 BCA Voices Page 3 Nen Daiko’s Birth and Growth Page 6 Ekoji President’s Message Page 4 Dana List Page 8 October 2013 KALAVINKA Page 2 Sangha News and Events October and Future Events 10:02 p.m., 4 lbs. 8 oz., 48 cm long. Logan, the par- • Oct. 6, 2013: Hondo Clean Up, Suzuki Farms ents, and the grandparents are doing fine. Veggie Sale, Monthly Memorial Service Mrs. June Honda welcomes get well notes and • October 20, 2013: Town Hall Meeting, After cards. Please forward them in care of Ekoji, 6500 Adult Service, Sangha Hall (Light Refreshments) Lakehaven Lane, Fairfax Station, VA 22039. • October 28, 2013: Ekoji Monthly Board Meeting In-kind Donations and Thanks • November 17, 2013, 12:30 pm: Annual Sangha Thank you to the following for in-kind donations: Meeting • Joy Aso, o-nenjus for Burke Festival Outreach Buddhism 101 Booth Buddhism 101 will be held Oct. 6 to Nov. 10 (no class The following individuals donated their time and on Oct. 27) at 10:00 am, facilitated by Ekoji’s Director skills to help out the temple: of Adult Education, Mark LaWall. • Burke Festival: Ed Sams, Jane Blechman, Bob Buddhism 101 is an introductory-level six-week Shimokaji, Sam Silva, Art Politano, Taylor Hull, class for adults who would like to learn more about Heidi Forrest, Yen Vu, Delana Oliver, Rob Fike, the Dharma. The first sessions cover basics such as the Erni & Lexi Diez-Fujitt, Coyote Stedman, Frank Life of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Four Noble Truths Blechman, Rev. Rye, Nen Daiko, Joy Aso, and and the Eightfold Path, the Three Treasures, the Marks Emily Ihara. of Existence, and Karma. Later classes begin to ex- • O-Tsukimi Event: Jane Blechman, Ken Nakamu- plore Jodo Shinshu (or ra, Michael Galvin, Emlen Hamilton, Erni Diez- Shin Buddhism), the Fujitt, Andrew Barton, Ed Sams, Daniel Cota, Buddhism of Ekoji Rev. Rye, Erick Ishii, Rachel Harris, and Heidi Buddhist Temple. Forrest Crafting at Ekoji • Office Manager: Jane Blechman Ekoji’s crafting group • Fall O-higan Dharma Talk: Erick Ishii meets the first Sun- • Fall O-higan Pot Luck Luncheon: Michael Gal- day of the month after vin, Audrey Sato, Ekoji Young Buddhist Assn. service for about two (YBA), Lauren Ohata hours in the Tsuji Cen- • Fall O-higan Seminar: Bob Shimokaji and La- ter. No experience is verne Iimori necessary. • Facilities Management: Emlen Hamilton and Bob Our next meeting is October 6, 2013, 12:30 p.m. Shimokaji to 2:30 p.m. We will make ribbon fish. They make nice • Three Treasures Garden: Bob Shimokaji mobiles, party favors, or ornaments. For information, • Pay Officer: Gail Kondo or if you have any questions, please contact Joy Aso, • Howakai (Off-site Dharma Talk): Rockville, MD: at smudgie@comcast.net or 301-977-5788, and leave Rev. Rye and Bob Shimokaji your name, telephone number, and email address. • Wisteria Lane: Heidi Forrest Sangha Member Thoughts • Kalavinka Editor: Andrea Walter Gabe and Dr. Kara • Onaijin Prep and Clean Up: Laverne Iimori, Erick Motonaga Ishida, the Ishii and Rob Fike daughter of long-time • Hondo Monthly Clean Up: Gail and Norm Kondo, members Bert and Michael Galvin and Ed Sams Nancy Motonaga, are • Dharma Talk Taping: Michael Galvin the proud parents of • Children’s Dharma School: Maya Horio, Super- a son, Logan Shigeki intendent Ishida, born on Sep- tember 14, 2013, at

Mark your calendars! Ekoki Annual Sangha Meeting is Nov. 17! October 2013 KALAVINKA Page 3 BCA Voices - Happiness and Buddhism By Rev. Fumaiki Usuki The ministers of the Buddhist Churches of America to lie around and wait for time to do its job. have important lessons to share with us. Through this In Good Housekeeping magazine (August 2013), column, we would like to share many of those lessons Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at UC with the readers of the Kalavinka. The following ar- Riverside who specializes in the study of happiness, ticle is by Rev. Fumiaki Usuki and it appeared in a re- was interviewed about her book, The Myths of Hap- cent edition of the West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple’s piness: newsletter, West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Bul- “Question: Is there anything you do that gets in letin. the way of your happiness? “I just want to be happy” is a well-intended and SL: Human beings are remarkably good at getting recurrent wish to be free of constant everyday strug- used to positive changes—a trait known as hedonic gles and live life peacefully and predictably. Yet, as adaptation. After we get married or get a promotion, we well know, we are often frustrated by this concept. we’re thrilled— for a while. Then we either revert What makes you happy is specific to you, and your back to our previous level of happiness or, worse, we sense of happiness can be very different from that of feel let down. Understanding that this is an ordinary others. Happiness in the moment is what fulfills our human reaction can help you get through those turning desires in that particular moment, but our needs will points. be surely different tomorrow. Further complicating the Question: Anything you see folks doing that de- matter is the misunderstanding about what Buddhism tract from their happiness? teaches regarding “suffering,” and the assumption that SL: Believing that although they’re not happy happiness is opposite of suffering. There are many now, they will be happy when the right mate or job perspectives on the issue of happiness. I will outline or whatever comes along. This type of thinking leads a few items that have recently crossed my path on this to outsized expectations about how much a positive elusive subject. event can impact your happiness—it almost never The other day a young man came to the temple to makes you as happy for as long as you think it will. look around. He wasn’t looking for anything in par- That might lead you to believe there’s something ticular, but since he was walking his dog and came wrong with you or your life—and prompt you to make across our temple, his curiosity got the better of him. poor decisions, like quitting a good job.” He was raised in another religion as a child but was Here are some approaches to life from the LA somehow drawn to Buddhism. He even had a Dharma Times “Mind and Body” section (December 22, 2012) Wheel tattooed on his back. Though currently a yoga titled, “In Pursuit of Happiness”: practitioner, he was unhappy with the process and felt You are What you Think that the exercise was rather empty for him. We talked Of course, hard work isn’t everything. While striv- casually about Buddhism for a while and he went on ing helps us get ahead in life, it may not be enough to his way, perhaps still unfulfilled. improve our happiness. Want to shift your mood into Shortly before this encounter, I had been reading an a better place? Then stop working so hard to achieve airline magazine and had come across an article about it, says June Gruber, an assistant professor of psychol- retirement, lifestyle changes, and new ways seniors ogy at Yale University and director at the Yale Positive are living in retirement communities. The title was Emotion and Psychopathology Lab. “Redefining the Golden Years.” It discussed couples On a slow day, we process about 12,000 thoughts, who projected neither need nor desire for traditional but during especially contemplative days, that number 24/7 home care. The reason given was that retirees to- can soar to 50,000 to 60,000, according to the National day have more money than did their predecessors, and Science Foundation. they are more connected to technology and therefore The problem, for our happiness, is that we tend capable of managing their own medications, finances, to cling to negative thoughts, Gruber says. Instead of estates, and recreation—in essence, their “happiness.” wrestling with those thoughts, she suggests learning to Their active life includes finding creative ways to accept them. “From the mindfulness and Buddhist tra- spend each day while still being connected to the wid- ditions, [it] refers to simply being aware and present er community and society. They certainly don’t want Continued on page 4. October 2013 KALAVINKA Page 4 Ekoji President’s Message October 2013 By: Fujie Ohata Greetings Ekoji Sangha! Welcome to Ekoji’s Octo- refreshments will be served. Additionally on Novem- ber 2013 issue of the Kalavinka. I am sure that all of ber 17, 12:30 pm, following the Pet Memorial service, you had a busy September with the start of school and the Ekoji Annual Sangha meeting will be held in the other new, fresh beginnings. October brings out the Sangha Hall. Elections for board members and ap- orange pumpkins, apple cider, cooler days, and crisp, proval of the 2014 budget are on the agenda. A deli- cool nights. cious lunch will be provided and a raffle for prizes. We Please save two important dates on your personal hope to see all of you there. calendar, October 20 and November 17. A town hall Lastly, it takes many volunteers to keep the tem- meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 20, after ple programs, buildings and grounds available to all adult service in the Sangha Hall. The purpose of this members and visitors. We salute those volunteers for meeting is to get input from the Sangha members re- their untiring service to the temple. Please review the garding the future program of activities at our temple. monthly special thanks column and when you see Rev. Kurt Rye, Ekoji’s Resident Minister, will pres- these individuals at temple, thank them for their ser- ent his vision for Ekoji. Sangha members and Dharma vice. Gassho, Fujie school parents are cordially invited to attend. Light BCA Voices Continued from page 3. of your negative thoughts and approaching them with Perhaps the Buddhist definition of happiness a nonjudgmental attitude,” Gruber says. would be more helpful – Happiness (In Pali, Sukha, “This type of approach fosters resilience to stress, the opposite of Dukkha): To Buddhists happiness is decreased negative and hurtful emotions, and in- a byproduct of right living, and never an end in it- creased general well being.” … The key, says Gru- self. The sense of happiness and unhappiness are both ber, is to try to resist the urge to fight or judge your transcended in the course of mind-development (Bha- thoughts or yourself. vana). Happiness should not be confused with spiritu- There is a lot of advice available as to how we al states of consciousness such as Samadhi, or Prajna. can attempt to find happiness. We have countless The Webster dictionary defines happiness as a choices to help us enjoy life, which we think translate condition derived from opportune circumstances to into happiness. Yet no matter how affluent we may be, fulfill our wishes, greed, and ego. It is conditional and such conditions also create new situations that become temporary. challenging and stressful. The truth is that states of joy Happy: 1. Favored by circumstances; lucky; fortu- induced by distractions are temporary and superficial nate 2. Having, showing, or causing a feeling of great and do not constitute the elimination of the real issue pleasure, contentment, joy, etc., joyous; glad; pleased. of suffering. It is like a revolving door. We can see In other words, happiness is not a goal and if you where we want to go but when the door is going faster expend all your time and effort pursuing it as an end in than we wish and we can’t get out at the right moment, itself, you will continue to feel frustration and disap- we end up exiting on the same side we entered. How pointment, also known as dukkha, suffering. Perhaps angry we can become at that moment. More suffering. it is not the circumstances of our lives that need adjust- No matter how much money we have, how much ing, but our way of looking at them. We can choose to more educated we are, or how healthy we may be, our see the benefit of what is already there and realize a minds and emotions challenge us more than ever. We deeper joy that is always available to us, or go on suf- believe we have fulfilled all the criteria that society fering as we cling to the delusion of this thing called dictates for success, yet we fail to conquer our own happiness. Gassho, Rev. Fumiaki Usuki minds. This world of ours is still a burning house. www.ekoji.org October 2013 KALAVINKA Page 5 84,000 Thoughts Continued from page 1. Shinran did not intend to start a new school of years for the institution we know as the Hongwanji, Pure Land Buddhism, yet others, after his death, used our head temple in Kyoto, to develop. his collected writings (known as the Kyogyoshinsho) Ekoji was founded in 1981 and continues to share containing his in-depth analysis of Pure Land Bud- the Buddha Dharma as envisioned by Shinran Shonin dhism and formalized what would became Jodo Shin- over 700 years ago. It is Shin’s Buddhist legacy to shu. In addition to his writings, a mausoleum was es- continue to develop in order for the Shin teachings tablishment in Kyoto that further focused attention and to remain relevant and a guide for those living in the helped to establish Jodo Shinshu as a new school of 21st century. Let us be grateful for the causes and Buddhism. With the institutional support of his fam- conditions that allowed Rev. Tsuji to bring the Shin ily and the work of Tendai monks using the Kyogyo- teachings to Virginia for our current Sangha as well as shinsho as a guide, the Jodo Shinshu School slowly future generations. Namo Amida Butsu became established. It would take several hundred

Recap of Eastern Buddhist League Conference 2013 By: Erick K. Ishii

During the 2013 Labor Day weekend, August 31 to of many influential scholars of the time, such as Dr. September 2, Sangha members from the Buddhist Paul Carus, Edward Hegeler, Shaku Soen, and D. T. Temple of Chicago, Cleveland Buddhhist Temple, Suzuki. The surprising thing to note was that much of Ekoji Buddhist Temple, Hampton Buddhist Temple, the initial spreading of the Buddha Dharma in Ameri- Higashi Honganji North America District, Manitoba ca occurred in La Salle, IL. Buddhist Temple, Midwest Buddhist Temple, New The guest speakers for the conference were, Mr. York Buddhist Church, Seabrook Buddhist Temple, Blouke Carus, Dr. Gail Chin, Rev. Paul Imahara, and Toronto Buddhist Church and others gathered at the Rev. Wayne Yokoyama. All are noted experts in their Best Western Plus Timber Creek Inn and Suites and respective disciplines and their presentations made Convention Center in Sandwich, Illinois (Approxi- the historical information come to life. Together mately 54 miles West Southwest of downtown Chica- with their panel discussion, everyone that attended go) for the Eastern Buddhist League (EBL) 2013 con- received a greater appreciation of the difficulties en- ference. The theme for this year’s EBL conference was countered in introducing the Buddha Dharma during “Coming to America – Sharing Forward – The Legacy the late 19th century in America. of Inclusion.” It was a time to meet old friends, make During the afternoon break of the second day, new friends, and learn different views about the Bud- many at the conference participated in an excursion dha Dharma. to pass by the house D. T. Suzuki resided in when in Before the conference started, a group of the at- La Salle, IL; the group then continued to the cemetery tendees had the opportunity to visit the sites of the where Paul Carus was buried and the Hegeler Carus area. One of the gems in this quaint community is Mansion. The Hegeler Carus Mansion is one of the the Farnsworth House, built by Ludwig Mies van der Midwest’s great Second Empire structures and was Rohe in 1951 and located near Plano, Illinois. It is one constructed for Edward C. Hegeler, a partner in the of the most famous examples of modernist, domestic nearby Matthiessen Hegeler Zinc Company. The de- architecture and was considered unprecedented in its signer of the mansion was William W. Boyington, a day. With the remaining time the group walked around noted Chicago architect. (An interesting side note: the the town of Sandwich, IL. mansion’s gymnasium and its apparatus is considered The EBL conference began with an opening ser- to be a unique surviving example of a late 19th-centu- vice that exposed those that attended to the subtle dif- ry physical culture facility and D.T. Suzuki used this ferences in the service liturgy between Nishi Hong- facility to exercise/meditate.) Currently, this mansion wanji and Higashi Honganji. is owned and operated by the Hegeler Carus Mansion The theme of this conference showcased the work Continued on page 6. October 2013 KALAVINKA Page 6

EBL Conference 2013 Continued from page 5.

Foundation and is open to the public. The significance spent 11 years in La Salle working with Carus on this of this mansion is that af- project. ter Matthiessen Hegeler’s The closing service daughter took over the dai- was conducted by the Bud- ly responsibility of the Zinc dhist Churches of America Company, this is where he Minister’s Assistant Pro- launched the Open Court gram members from the Publishing Company to Eastern District present at provide a forum for the the EBL conference. discussion of philosophy, This conference was science, and religion, and chaired by Gary T. Nakai hired the German scholar and the Resident Minister Paul Carus to serve as man- Rev. Patti Nakai from the aging editor. Buddhist Temple of Chi- Carus invited editorial cago. For those that are in- contributions from highly-esteemed scholars and held terested, the EBL 2013 photos are displayed on the the historical meeting of East and West immediately website, www.budtempchi.org. after the 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition, bring- The next Eastern District Conference, EBL 2014, ing together eminent eastern religious scholars. This will be hosted by the Seabrook Buddhist Temple in led to Open Court’s publishing program emphasiz- Seabrook, NJ. I hope that you will be able to partici- ing classics of eastern religious thought. D. T. Suzuki pate. In Gassho, Erick K. Ishii

Reminiscing about Nen Daiko’s Birth and Growth By: Maya Nakamura

This is the first of a three-part series by Nen Daiko start a taiko group at Ekoji. Rev. Tsuji, Ekoji's resident outlining the group's historical ties to Ekoji and its minister at the time, supported the proposal and named role today, and how the group embodies the practice us "Nen Daiko," with the Japanese character for "Nen" of Buddhist taiko. being derived from the same character as in "Nembut- Did you know that Nen Daiko--Ekoji's taiko group- su." Members from our sister groups Soh Daiko (affil- -was founded before our current Dharma School stu- iated with New York Buddhist Temple) and Hoh Dai- dents were born...before our ko (Seabrook Buddhist beautiful hondo was con- Temple's taiko group) structed...and even before invited us to New York Ekoji's move from the Cary and New Jersey to learn Building in Springfield? basic taiko form and a Then-Ekoji member Beth couple of practice piec- Fujishige founded the group es; they also showed in 1994, having realized that us how to make drums there were no organized out of old tires and used activities for Ekoji sangha whisky barrels. In this members outside of the way, Beth provided children's Dharma School. Nen Daiko's organiza- Beth grew up in California, tional start; Rev. Tsuji where community taiko groups often were affiliated provided our Buddhist foundation; and Soh Daiko and with Buddhist temples, and she saw an opportunity to Continued on page 7. October 2013 KALAVINKA Page 7

Nen Daiko’s Birth and Growth Continued from page 6.

Hoh Daiko initiated our taiko education. our primary performance venue, where we played in Nen Daiko initially included only Ekoji members white shorts and bright teal t-shirts with a wisteria and emphasized the basic philosophies of Jodo Shin- and “Nen Daiko” emblazoned in large proud letters. shu Buddhism and its connection to taiko and kumi- We were fortunate to have an Ekoji member, Roger daiko (ensemble playing of taiko). The group was an Ratlif, who had the requisite skills to make our initial intergenerational project that allowed entire families drum shells; group members helped to sand the shells to participate and provided sangha members with a and delicately bounced on the cowhide drum heads to reason to come to the temple outside of services. The stretch the skins to the appropriate thickness. group’s entire funding came from members of the Nen Daiko gradually started to develop original temple. The board at the time approved a matching music pieces, largely led by former Nen Daiko Execu- grant program, and matched every dollar raised up to tive Director Ruth Vines and Greg Nakamura (both of $600. Nen Daiko raised funds through a family partic- whom had extensive musical experience and training). ipant fee of $25 and Although we started by initiating the first as a temple extracur- Obon bento fundrais- ricular activity, the er. Whereas Ekoji’s growth in our perfor- previous Obon festi- mance capability by vals offered only hot the late 1990’s helped dogs and drinks, Nen spur an increase in Daiko’s fundraiser outside performance included chicken requests, and Nen teriyaki, watermelon, Daiko’s focus began Japanese potato sal- to shift to perfor- ad, jello, Mrs. Tsuji’s mance preparation. takuan (Japanese rad- Through our public ish), and rice—pre- performances, Nen viewing the bento Daiko became the fundraisers that would become usual fare at subse- public face of Ekoji, raising awareness throughout the quent Ekoji Obon festivals. metro area that there was a Buddhist temple in Vir- Musical talent was not viewed as a prerequisite ginia. The members of the group today are of different for joining the group. Our repertoire for the first sev- faiths and enter the group through a regimented train- eral years consisted of the two practice pieces Soh ing program, but the spirit of the original group can Daiko had taught us, and our practice sessions largely still be felt through our common respect for the art of focused on perfecting those two pieces and practicing taiko, the teachings of Buddhist taiko, and the joy and our basic hitting form. Obon—held in those days in exuberance of expressing ourselves through the beat the parking lot next to the Cary Building—constituted of the drum.

Ekoji’s Booth at the Burke Festival 2013 Ekoji Dana List - September 2013 Kalavinka Ajit and Samanthie Silva Lisa and Greg Nakamura Amy WaiCheung-Hebert Mark Lawall Managing Editor: Andrea A. Walter Andrew Barden Mark Nagy Assistant Editors: Rev. Kurt Rye, Ken Nakamura, Art Politano Michelle Amano Fujie Ohata Atsumi Ueki Michelle Moody/Jenyl Wyre Audrey Sato Ngoc-Yen Vu Advertising: Sangha members and community BDK America Norm and Gail Kondo businesses can publish advertisements in Christine Felber Paul Q. Piper Kalavinka. Please contact us for information! Cornerstone Property Paula Lucas Coyote Stedman Rachael Harris Kalavinka is published by the Curt Rothrock Reiko Matsumota Ekoji Buddhist Temple, 6500 Lake Haven Lane, Dale Shirasago Richard and Margaret Fairfax Station, VA 22039, (703) 239-0500 Dennis Asato Myer www.ekoji.org Emily Ihara Rob Fike Erni Fugitt Ron and Fujie Ohata Join us at Ekoji! Heidi Forrest Shigeko Walton Hidesuke Takai Susan Grimes Adult Service: Sundays at 11 a.m. Jane Blechman Taylor Hull Meditation: Thursdays at 8 p.m. Rev. and Mrs. Honda Terri Hamill Yoga: Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Ken and Nori Nakamura Thomas Griffin Children’s Dharma School (Sept. through June): Kenichi Kuwabara William and Ella Maneely 10 a.m. family service and 11 a.m. classes Lani Pham/Phillip Karen Y. Kado Laura Clapsaddle Yuko and Toshiaki Keicho Laverne Iimori Consult the Ekoji website for the complete event calendar at www.ekoji.org.

EKOJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE 6500 Lake Haven Lane Fairfax Station, VA 22039

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