September 2017 The ECHO Volume 56 Number 8 Volume 56 Number 8
August Highlights MOUNTAIN VIEW BUDDHIST TEMPLE
8/27 Sun, 10:00 am - Sunday Service only Perspectives from High School Senior Graduates - Lunch after service We recognize and celebrate our high school Senior graduates by printing their Dharma Talks. * * * In this issue, CONGRATULATIONS and BEST WISHES to Cayla, Erin, Hayley & Jordyn ! September Highlights Golden Chain and Impermanence The Golden Chain teaches us By Cayla Kita out through our mutual friends. 9/3 Sun to “be kind and gentle to every When I would ask my “toxic - No Services living thing and protect all who are ginning of my senior year, two of friends” about their weekends, weaker than ourselves.” Growing my closest friends decided to they would lie to me because they 9/10 Sun, 10:00 am up, I always kept the Golden Chain move on and become friends with thought I did not know anything. - Shotsuki Hoyo for in mind, and as naive as it is, I as- the more popular crowd at Yet they would still come and hang August & September sumed that everyone followed this school. Not only did they stop out with me because they wanted - Sunday Service belief. The Golden Chain shaped treating me like a good friend, to be popular and be “friends” with - Dharma School starts - Welcome Back Lunch me to be more aware of my ac- they also thought it would be eas- everyone. I was extremely hurt by tions because I cared that my ac- ier to lie to me about hanging out their actions because I had been 11:00 am Japanese tions would “result in not only my with new people and continue to good friends with them for over 6 Language Service happiness and unhappiness, but pretend to be friends with me. years. It made me wonder if I had also the happiness or unhappiness With social media, it was inevita- 9/17 Sun, 10:00 am in others as well.” But at the be- ble for me to see their fun nights (Continued on page 4) - Fall Ohigan Service - Guest Speaker: Rev. Alan Sakamoto
9/24 Sun, 10:00 am “We Didn’t Realize We Were Making Memories, - Sangha Day Picnic at We Just Knew We Were Having Fun” Cuesta Park - Sunday Sevice at Park Good morning, everyone. As By Jordyn Sato hear that the resident minister at - NO SERVICE at stated before, my name is Jordyn the time Reverend Dean Koyama Temple and I graduated from Homestead for the Tri-City activities.” Little wasn’t there to see me utterly fail. High School at the beginning of this did I know that this would not be This also meant that there was no Highlights In This Issue month. Unlike the majority of my one of the last Sundays I would formal Dharma Talk. Instead, one Dharma School classmates, I didn’t spend at this Temple. One of the of the Koyama sons created and Senior Talks 1, 4 - 9 join the Temple until about the 4th things I noticed immediately was hosted a “Who Wants to be a grade. The first time I came to this how welcoming the Sangha was. I Millionaire” spin-off that asked Girl Scouts in Japan 10 - 11 Temple for service was when I was nervous when I first arrived at questions about Buddhism. I don't stayed over at the Hamasaki’s for a the Temple as I wouldn’t know recall any of the questions, proba- Dharma School 12 sleepover following a Tri-City Vol- anyone. However, people wel- bly because I didn't understand Sangha Day Picnic 14 leyball clinic. When I first came comed me with open arms as well them, but I do remember the con- here, my first thought was, “Hey as attempt to teach me how to Tax Deduction 16 I’ve been here before, I come here oshoko properly. I was glad to (Continued on page 5)
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Page 2 The ECHO M o u n t a i n V i ew B u d d h i s t Te m p l e september 2017 september 2017
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Page 3 Volume 56 Number 8
Religious Planning — August & September 2017
.August 27, 2017, Sunday, 10:00 am — Sunday Service Lunch following service
September 10, 2017, Sunday, 10:00 a.m. — Shotsuki Hoyo for August & September Sunday Service and Dharma School resume Dharma School Cabinet and YBA Cabinet Installations Dharma School hosts Welcome Back Luncheon
11:00 am Japanese Language Service
September 11, 2017, Monday, 7:00 - 8:30 pm — Monthly Study Class Rev. Mukojima’s monthly study class and continuing through June. Class is based on the Tannisho written by Yuien, who was Shinran's disciple.
September 17, 2017, Sunday, 10:00 a.m. — Fall Ohigan Service Fall Ohigan: Higan, meaning Other Shore, is a service conducted in the fall on or about the vernal equinox. The practice of the Six Paramita is emphasized on this occasion. Guest Speaker: Rev. Alan Sakamoto
September 24, 2017, Sunday, 10:00 am — Sangha Day Picnic at Cuesta Park No services at the Temple
Shotsuki Hoyo Service O-asaji (Morning Chanting) - 8:30 am Study Class - 7:00 pm
Adult Discussion - 11:00 am Dharma School - 11:00 am
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Page 4 The ECHO
Golden Chain and Impermanence (cont’d) (Continued from page 1) social life at school. Thank you mated stories at the dinner table. Mukojima Sensei for your inspira- Mitchell, thanks for always making done anything wrong to make tional Dharma Talks and guidance. me laugh, even when I’m upset. I them want to leave me. I was so Also, to all of my Dharma School know I don’t express this to you shocked that they had no empathy Teachers and YBA advisers, thank as much as I should, but I’m going for me and had no guilt when lying you for your dedication and deal- to miss you so much in college. to my face. I finally realized that ing with my bad habit of being And to my grandparents, thank not everyone believes in the im- “fashionably late.” I also want to you for passing down our family’s portance of being kind to one thank all of my Dharma school culture to me and for always sup- another, even though these friends friends for creating a safe space porting me with everything. CAYLA seemed to be nice when we first for me every Sunday. I truly ap- Grandma, I know that you’re not met. But I knew that I could not preciate all of you guys for accept- thrilled that I will be so far away KITA stay depressed by what is the past. ing me for who I am and how we from home, but I will definitely call Los Alto Buddhism helped me understand can connect with our shared val- and FaceTime you. that life is impermanent and things ues. I also want to thank the High School Buddhist teachings have are constantly changing. I learned entire Sangha because without 2017 taught me many important values to appreciate the good times we everyone’s help, Temple events that I will be taking with me to had in the past, but I knew that I like the annual Obon Festival college, especially the teachings of no longer wanted to be friends could not exist. All of your hard Bound for the Golden Chain and imperma- with them in the future. My past work and commitment has in- Purdue University nence. I look forward to the new experience with these fake friends spired me to become more self- lessons and experiences that I will was definitely a low point in my life less and to help out wherever I have in college, especially since Majoring in and, as much as, I initially wanted can. moving to the Midwest will be way Interior Design to get back at them, I never want And last, but not least, I want out of my comfort zone. I am so to hurt people the way they do. to thank my family. Mom, thank fortunate to have grown up with This experience helped me be- you for patiently listening to my the Buddhist Temple community come a stronger person and it problems and always supporting that provided me with both life- taught me to adapt quickly to me no matter what. I don’t know long friendships and guidance to be change in order to become a hap- what I would do without you and the best version of myself. pier person. being away from you this fall will Thank you! And for that, I am so grateful be really difficult. Thank you Dad for the Temple community, which for all of the important life lessons helped me through my difficult that you share through your ani-
GOLDEN CHAIN
I am a link in the Buddha's Golden Chain of love that stretches around the world. I must keep my link bright and strong.
I will try to be kind and gentle to every living thing and protect all who are weaker than myself.
I will try to think pure and beautiful thoughts, say pure and beautiful words, and to do pure and beautiful deeds, knowing that my actions will result in not only my happiness or unhappiness, but also the happiness and unhappiness of others as well.
May every link in the Buddha's Golden Chain of love be bright and strong and may we all attain perfect peace.
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Page 5 Volume 56 Number 8
“We Didn’t Realize We Were Making Memories, We Just Knew We Were Having Fun” (cont’d)
(Continued from page 1) passionate and understanding, all my time at the Temple. My past the while having fun. My senior Dharma School teachers for teach- testant was some spiky haired kid class quote was, “We didn’t real- ing me there are different ways to named Evan Tsukahara. I remem- ize we were making memories, interpret Buddhism and that there ber coming home to my parents we just knew we were having is no one “right” way. Also to my where they asked me questions fun.” This quote is from Winnie friends for all that they have done about what was it like, who was the Pooh, a story about a stuffed to make my experience at the there, and if I enjoyed myself. I bear. Despite the childish source, Temple a fun and positive one. JORDYN came a few more times with the I think this perfectly exemplifies Finally, I want to thank my family. SATO Hamasaki’s and one day I came what my time at the Temple has My grandparents who are here home and asked my dad, “Why been like. I’ve learned so much from San Francisco and my uncle, don’t we go to church?” My dad from the Sangha and I will be for- aunt, and cousin from San Mateo Homestead responded, being the thoughtful ever grateful. A special thank you who are all here today. Thank you High School and intelligent person he is, with “I to the YBA advisors for their for coming and for all of your sup- 2017 don’t know.” It was the following guidance and support throughout port. My brothers for teaching me year that we joined the Temple. It the years. Without them, I to be okay with being an absolute was different having to get up in wouldn’t have the confidence or goofball and my parents for giving Bound for the morning on a Sunday, when I leadership skills I have today. me all their love and support and normally didn’t do anything, and Also, thank you to Sensei for dealing with me in general. I am Cal Poly Pomona going to a service I didn’t quite being a great role model and for excited to be attending Cal Poly fully understand. However, I am giving me my Cadette Padma Pomona in the fall and study com- glad that I came to Temple to award. I know when you were puter science. I will also attend Majoring in learn about Buddhism, and on a first assigned here, one of your the Kellogg’s Honors College, Computer Science deeper level, about myself. The first jobs was to do the interviews which is the same Kellogg as the Temple has given me a safe envi- for the Padma Award and I think cereal brand. I will take everything ronment to learn about my morals it was just as stressful for you as I’ve learned from Temple with me and to meet people within my age for me. Especially when your and apply it in my daily life. range outside of a stereotypical friend comes out and say, by the With that, I would like to classroom setting. For example, way, everything that we studied close once again with the senior YBA. YBA has to be one of the before this, none of it matters class quote, if everyone could highlights of my high school ca- because the panel didn’t ask about please join me in Gassho. reer. YBA has given me opportu- it. In addition, I know they aren’t nities to go outside of my comfort here as they are visiting Japan, but “We didn’t realize we were zone and to learn from my mis- thank you to the Girl Scout lead- making memories, we just knew takes. Whether it be monthly ers for their guidance and teach- we were having fun.” meetings, conferences, or volley- ing me lessons I will take with me ball mixers, I have always learned the rest of my life. I would also more about myself and how I can like to thank the Sangha for their improve myself to be more com- guidance and support throughout
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Page 6 The ECHO
My Future Self and My Future Endeavors Hello, good morning every- end up worse. body. By Erin Hamasaki But coming to Temple things were things that have influ- I would like to wish all the changed that for me. Cue the enced my future self and my fu- Mothers in here a Happy Mother’s Japanese folktale. So I am sure that ture endeavors. So that is what I day! Thank you Mr. Morimoto for many of you are familiar with the am going to discuss today. And the introduction. I’m not com- story, Momotaro or Peach Boy, believe it or not, I will be doing it pletely comfortable nor confident but I will tell it for those of you via Japanese folktale. when it comes to public speaking, who are not. but I can definitely tell you that So, I am attending Chapman ERIN Many hundreds of years ago coming to Temple has helped me University, which is a private uni- there lived an honest old wood- HAMASAKI with that. I have had my fair share versity in Orange County. I am cutter and his wife. One fine of standing up here and funny currently undeclared, but am morning the old man went off to enough, I am also doing the looking into their Digital Arts the hills with his billhook, to Dharma Talk next week, so please major. And I know what some of Fremont gather sticks, while his wife went look forward to it. you are thinking. Arts is definitely High School down to the river to wash the a difficult industry to pursue. The 2017 You might remember that I dirty clothes. When she came to opportunities are scarce and com- gave a Dharma Talk back in Octo- the river, she saw a peach floating petition is extremely high. Not to ber, where I discussed my experi- down the stream; so she picked it mention that it is not the most Bound for ence attending the BCA Youth up, and carried it home with her, ideal industry to work in regard- Chapman University Advocacy Retreat and I also used thinking to give it to her husband ing earning a stable income in our the Japanese folktale, Tsuru No to eat when he should come in. economy. Although art is one of Ongaeshi or the Grateful Crane, to my passions, choosing to pursue it The old man soon came Undeclared, but may express my gratitude for the Tem- is a huge risk that I am considering down from the hills, and the good Major in ple and its impact on my life. Af- taking because it sets a path for wife set the peach before him, Digital Arts and ter I talked, I received a lot of what I can pursue for the rest of when, just as she was inviting him Minor in Japanese compliments for which I am grate- my life. I have questioned myself in to eat it, the fruit split in two, ful, but I also received this specific so many times, and have com- and a little baby was born into the comment quite a few times: pared and contrasted the pros world. So the old couple took the “Wow, that would’ve been a great and cons. Is it okay for me to ask baby, and brought it up as their Senior talk!” and I just remember my parents to support my educa- own; and, because it had been thinking to myself, “Shoot, well tion to earn a degree that might born in a peach, they called it Mo- now what I am supposed to talk not get me a job? Will I be able motaro, or Little Peachling. about?”. Obviously, I can’t give the to support myself once I gradu- same Dharma talk twice. So I Momotaro grew up to be ate? Am I good enough to make thought long and hard about what strong and brave, and at last one it in the industry? exactly it is that I should talk about day, he said to his old foster par- that I still have yet to mention. So Growing up, I was not a risk ents: "I am going to the ogres' I did this big brainstorm and to be taker. I would always be curled up island to carry off the riches that honest, there are quite a few and protected by my comfort they have stored up there. Please things that I am grateful for here at zone, which I did not dare step make me some dumplings for my the Temple that are still unrecog- out of. I considered the cons journey." nized. However, all of these things over the pros, and didn’t think So the old folks made the are events or ideas that has led me that the possibility that things dumplings for him, and Momotaro, to become my current self up until might end up well was worth this moment. None of these risking the possibility that it could (Continued on page 7)
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Page 7 Volume 56 Number 8
My Future Self and My Future Endeavors (cont’d)
(Continued from page 6) with the monkey, the pheasant, some of my fears and risk the and the dog following after him. possibility that it might just be- after taking an affectionate leave of come worse. Some these things When they got to the ogres' them, cheerfully set out on his include, public speaking, holding a island, the pheasant flew over the travels. cabinet position, hosting large castle gate, and the monkey clam- fundraisers, fundraising a trip to As he was journeying on, he bered over the castle wall, while Japan, and even attending YAC and met a monkey, who gibbered at Momotaro, leading the dog, earning my Youth Ministers certifi- him, and said: "Where are you off forced in the gate, and got into cation. All of which have resulted to, Momotaro?" the castle. Then they did battle in positive results. Being a mem- with the ogres, and put them to "I'm going to the ogres' island, ber of Temple organizations such flight, and took their king pris- to carry off their treasure," an- as YBA and Girl Scouts have also oner. So all the ogres did homage swered Momotaro. allowed me to meet so many new to Momotaro, and brought out friends and an overwhelming
"What are you carrying at the treasures which they had laid amount of support that has al- H your girdle?" up. There were caps and coats lowed me to achieve all of these that made their wearers invisible,
"I'm carrying the very best things. a jewels which governed the ebb
dumplings in all Japan." m
and flow of the tide, coral, musk, The monkey, pheasant and E
"If you'll give me one, I will go emeralds, amber, and tortoise dog, are all of you and more who r
with you," said the monkey. shell, besides gold and silver. All have supported me along the way. a
i n So Momotaro gave one of his these were laid before Momotaro All of my teachers, mentors, sa
by the conquered ogres. peers, and friends have provided dumplings to the monkey, who me with an amazing amount of received it and followed him. So Momotaro went home ki support that has helped me to When he had gone a little further, laden with riches, and maintained develop the courage to take this he heard a pheasant calling: his foster parents in peace and risk. "Where are you off to, Master plenty for the remainder of their Momotaro?" lives. I know that my results and success are only a matter of my Momotaro answered as be- So, how does this all relate own efforts and the time that I fore; and the pheasant, having back to me? This represents me invest into it. However, I defi- begged and obtained a dumpling, in that, I am Momotaro, the foster nitely cannot keep all the credit to entered his service, and followed parents are the Temple, and the myself because the Temple and all him. monkey, pheasant, and dog are of your support has been a large those who have supported me A little while after this, they factor regarding my future deci- along the way. met a dog, who cried: "Whither sions and what I have decided to away, Master Momotaro?" The Temple is the ultimate pursue. I want to thank all of you "I'm going off to the ogres' reason why I have decided to take for all the years of encouragement island, to carry off their treasure." this risk. Being a member of the and support that I have received Temple for so long has helped me from the Temple. "If you will give me one of overcome some of my fears and Thank you. those nice dumplings of yours, I even gain the confidence that I will go with you," said the dog. need to finally step out of my "With all my heart," said Mo- comfort zone. Being a member of motaro. So he went on his way, the Temple has forced me to face
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Page 8 The ECHO
Beautiful Means to Live with a Pure Heart of Gratitude
“Without Buddhism, we By Hayley Arima sponded to that. But I think I was might fail to discover a meaning in able to somewhat redeem myself our life that goes beyond the ma- Oshita from Sacramento taught later when I was in first grade, and terial, external things that we all me: “Namo Amida Butsu is when during one Sunday Service, Rever- seek after, but through the ‘thank you’ just isn’t enough.” end Koyama asked the Sangha, Dharma, we have the opportunity “What does it mean to be beauti- That’s something I personally to discover a meaning of life that ful?” To which I replied, “It means like about Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. will remain with us for the rest of to have a pure heart.” Looking It tells us that what we have might our lives...and even beyond.” back, Reverend Koyama probably HAYLEY already be enough, that some- meant it as a rhetorical question, To be honest, I’ve been times our expression of “thank ARIMA but I still raised my hand to an- dreading this senior talk. I didn’t you” can even be inadequate, and swer, and at least I didn’t tell him just start dreading it when I got so we turn to Nembutsu. Other anything about Jesus that time. the email from Mr. Morimoto religions might tell people to pray Mission San Jose saying that we had to plan senior and put faith in an all-powerful Reflecting back on my reply, I High School talks, but I’ve actually been dread- being to grant them their desires. think my first grade self might have 2017 ing it every single year when I sit in Though when I was a toddler, I been onto something, but now the pews and listen to seniors didn't really understand this dis- that I’m older I want to revisit my speak to the Sangha. Somehow, tinction between other religions idea of what it means to be beauti- Bound for this senior talk feels a lot different and Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. I ful. I think Jodo Shinshu Buddhism Santa Clara from a normal Dharma talk that I actually went to a Christian pre- teaches us that to be beautiful University might have been asked to prepare school a few blocks from my means to live with a pure heart of before as a YMA, because every house. On weekdays, I went to gratitude. Over the years, I have
year as I'm listening to the seniors preschool and learned about Je- interacted with many people here In the College of Arts give their talks I just think, “I have sus, and on Sunday, I went to at the Temple who have shown and Sciences, no idea what I want to say when Dharma School and learned about me their hearts of gratitude, and Undeclared it’s my turn.” I think a starting Buddha. (The reason I ended up that has helped me to cultivate my point, though, is to say thank you at a Christian preschool is that it’s own. to Reverend Mukojima, the the only preschool where I didn’t One of the most apparent Sangha, my Dharma School Teach- cry everyday when my dad ways that we can see others’ ers, Mrs. Higa from Fuji Club, my dropped me off in the morning.) hearts of gratitude here at MVBT YBA advisors, the Oasaji group, At the time, my dad told my is during Obon season. It always my taiko teachers, my friends and mom, “But what if she gets con- amazes me how each year, so peers, and my sister, mom, and fused because of going to both many people come together to dad. Thank you for all your guid- preschool and Dharma School?” make the festival a success. There ance and support throughout the But my mom wasn’t worried be- are so many things happening all at years. But here is where I always cause she believes that ultimately, once during the preparation for got stuck. every religion should teach kind- Obon weekend, and no matter However, when I really got ness, no matter the different spe- how tired people get, I don’t hear down to writing this senior talk, I cific beliefs, and I agree with that much complaining throughout the came to realize why I get stuck, sentiment. Though, I might have week of preparation. Sometimes, I why I just don’t know what to say. gotten a bit confused, since my find that for most people, with age It’s because “thank you” is not parents have told me that when I comes a greater capacity to hold enough to adequately express how was in preschool, I told Reverend back complaints, despite the back- happy I am to have been raised at Koyama that “Jesus and Buddha breaking work of Obon prep. It’s the Mountain View Buddhist Tem- are best friends.” I don’t recall ple. And this leads me to what telling him this, and I can’t even (Continued on page 9) retired minister Reverend Bob imagine how he might have re-
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Page 9 Volume 56 Number 8
Beautiful Means to Live with a Pure Heart of Gratitude (cont’d)
(Continued from page 8) thing to help theirs grow as well. Reverend Harada’s book Discover- ing Buddhism in Everyday Life. Of course, I also look to my humbling to see so many people “Rather than trying to explain friends’ and peers’ hearts of grati- together work tirelessly, all for the what is Namo Amida Butsu, I think tude. I am so happy to have benefit of the Temple, and it espe- it is better to find its meaning by grown up alongside this group of cially amazes me that age does not seeing it manifest in people’s lives. about a dozen classmates; they stop anyone from contributing to At the temple, we have met nu- make it easy to wake up early on the effort. merous people who live with this
Sunday for the 30-minute drive Hayley deep and profound truth as an Arima However, I don’t only look to from Fremont to Mountain View, integral part of their being. We my elders to see pure hearts of and for that I’m grateful. To my see how the Nembutsu illuminates gratitude. Being a sempai for Na- fellow seniors, we’ve always heard their lives. We see how much kayoshi Gakko (the Japanese cul- about “living a life of gratitude” all listening to the Dharma means to tural summer camp held here at throughout our lives growing up them. We sense their warmth, MVBT every summer) has been a at this Temple. So, let’s remem- their sincerity, their honesty, their rewarding experience for me ber all the hearts of gratitude that depth. And when we least expect these past three years. I know I’m we’ve met at MVBT when we go it, we find that Namo Amida Butsu the one who’s supposed to be the off to college, and let’s keep striv- flows from our mouths, and we role model for the kids, but the ing to grow and cultivate our own know what it means.” irony of this is that oftentimes, I hearts as we enter the adult find that the kids teach me more world. Though we may be parting than I could ever teach them. My with our Temple friends and fam- heart grows more and more ily, we can always take the Nem- whenever they tell me silly jokes butsu with us wherever we go. or give me little origami gifts, and I This is paraphrased from only hope that I have done some-
Home Craft Booth at Bzaaar We would like to thank the "uchiwa" (round fan). They will In Gassho, Sangha for all the generous dona- be restored and sold in the Home Jeanne Ohara & Toshiko SENIOR tions that we received in the Craft Booth at the 2018 Ba- Uyehara Home Craft Booth. zaar. Please drop them off at the 2017 Home Craft HOME Temple office, and mark them for WANTED for 2018 Ba- Co-Chairpersons Home Craft. CRAFT zaar: Old, torn or discolored
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Page 10 The ECHO
MVBT Girl Scouts in Japan The following two articles appeared in the Hongwanji Journal in the June 20, 2017 issue. The two articles are about five girl scouts from MVBT Troop #60736 who visited the Nishi Hongwanji to interact with girl scouts of Cho'onji Girl Scouts and Shiga Prefecture Girl Scouts Troop #44.
Five American Girl Scouts Visit Japan to Find Their Roots Five members of the Moun- and temple, they decided to visit Troop 44 and together made tain View Buddhist Temple Girl Japan before graduating from high handicrafts as they cultivated their Scouts (California, USA) visited school and had been planning the friendship. Following lunch, they Hongwanji on June 10 and inter- trip for four years. Participating in cleaned the Hongwanji courtyard acted with members of the the Temple bazaar and hosting using bamboo brooms Cho'onji Girl Scouts (Ritto, Shiga) dances, the girls saved up for the and observed the confirmation and Shiga Prefecture Girl Scouts trip and also arranged their own ceremony in the Founder’s Hall Troop 44. itinerary, making their long- during which their chaperon, cherished dream come true. Tricia Uyeda (49) received her The girls between the ages 15 Dharma name. to 18 have been the core mem- Guided by Hongwanji staff, bers of the MVBT Girl Scouts they visited the Shoin and Hi- MVBT scout, Maddie Matsu- since the group was established. unkaku before gathering at the moto (17) commented, Considering Japan and Hongwanji Hongwanji International Center, (Continued on page 11) as the roots of their community where they met with members of
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Page 11 Volume 56 Number 8
Five American Girl Scouts Visit Japan to Find Their Roots (cont’d)
(Continued from page 10)
"Hongwanji isn’t just big. It’s mag- nificent. The solemn atmosphere of the confirmation ceremony was impressive." Tomoyo Hatsuoka (high school freshman) of Troop 44 shared, "I was nervous talk- ing to the foreign girls, but I am glad we were able to talk a lot. Hearing that they had been plan- ning this trip for the past four years, I was very happy." With this as a beginning, the girls hope to build a lasting friendship.
During their 12-day trip, the girls also met with scouts in Hi- roshima, and also took part in NPO volunteer activities in Tokyo delivering meals to welfare facili- ties and individuals needing special support.
Visitation to Hongwanji from the US
Erin Hamasaki (17)
A nikkei yonsei (4th generation Japanese American), visited Hongwanji with fellow Girl Scout members. Through Buddhist youth activities at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple where she has been attending as a child, she now serves as a youth minister’s assistant.
After four years of planning and their motto being “To Japan, our roots!”, Hamasaki fondly recalls there being times when they almost gave up on the trip. “It was really exciting to be able to come to Japan and meet so many people!” shared Hamasaki. Learning Japanese through their interest in animation and other Japanese pop culture, the girls’ chaperones were surprised by the girls’ translation ability.
Hamasaki spends her Sundays preparing for the weekly service, occasionally leading the chanting
Mountain View Buddhist Temple 575 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 964-9426 www.mvbuddhisttemple.org
Page 12 The ECHO
Dharma School News Dharma Hope everyone had a fun and Thank-you’s go out to Julie HELP MVBT DHARMA relaxing summer. Uyekubo, who coordinated the SCHOOL, REMAIN Obon booth volunteers, and STRONG! The Dharma School School Dharma School worked the Debby Inenaga, who was in board needs an Assistant Superin- Grab Bag, Duck Pond, and Shoot- charge of the Dharma School tendent for the coming 2017 - ing Gallery booths for Obon. Obon display. 2018 year. If no one fills this posi- These booths remained one of the tion, Dharma School will have no favorite attractions of the festival. Following Obon, Janell Tao Superintendent a year from now. Thanks to Janell Tao and Cheryl and Cindy Hiroshige coordinated Please don’t let that happen! Con- Shay for coordinating the Grab the Obon Clean-up dinner. Great tact dssuperintendent Bag and Duck Pond booths. And, job! And, thank you to all the @mvbuddhisttemple.org if you can thanks to Ashley Uyehara for Dharma School parents who help or for more information. being one of the coordinators of helped with the dinner and class- the Shooting Gallery. room prep for the annual floor cleaning. In Gassho, A big round of applause for all Curt Fukuda the families that helped out in the Dharma School Superintendent Obon booths! They were a great
success.
Mountain View Buddhist Temple Library Your child(ren) are grown even want (have their Kindle)? library after service, or contact and the picture books you lovingly Marie at [email protected] Books that take up space on read to them are just so numerous and let’s talk! your shelves, your storage, the they get in the way of your inte- MVBT Library: (ahem) "back" room; collecting Thank you, rior design plans. What to do dust, neglected, unused, unread. Jeanne Ohara and (what to do) with that collection Here's an idea: donate them to Marie Ochi-Jacobs Please Donate of CHILDREN's books they don't the MVBT library!!! Stop by the Books for Pre-school to Age 13
Mountain View Buddhist Temple 575 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 964-9426 www.mvbuddhisttemple.org
Page 13 Volume 56 Number 8
YBA Activities
YBA BEACH TRIP VOLLEYBALL MIXER Religious Chair: In July, YBA went on their YBA will be attending the Vicky Shinkawa annual summer trip to New Brigh- annual Central Coast Volleyball Historian: ton Beach. We said goodbye to Mixer over Labor Day weekend. Rossten Nakamura the seniors and welcomed the We hope the members have fun incoming freshman. and make new friends! Congratulations to this year’s cabinet! OBON 2017 - 2018 YBA CABINET YBA YBA was happy to participate YBA held elections for the YBA MEETING in this year’s Obon Festival and 2017-2018 school year cabinet at The first YBA meeting for the NEWS Bazaar. Spam Musubi and Chili the June meeting. They will be 2017-2018 school year will be on Over Rice/Fritos was a huge suc- installed at the Sunday Service on Sunday, September 10 after cess and we would like to thank all September 10. Dharma School in the YBA Hall the YBA members and parents Board Room. President: who came out for their help and Maddie Matsumoto support. A special thank you to DONATIONS Mrs. Betty Hamasaki, Mrs. Vice President: The YBA would like to ac- Debbie Sato, and Mrs. Pauline Evan Tsukahara knowledge donations from the Shinkawa for organizing the following: Treasurer: kitchen this year. Mitchell Kita Ms. Jean Shimoguchi
YAC RETREAT Recording Secretary: Mr. & Mrs. Dan Nitta Wendy Sakuma YBA is proud to have had mem- Mr. & Mrs. Randy Sato bers Mitchell Kita and Vicky Corresponding Secretary: Mr. & Mrs. John Arima Shinkawa attend the Youth Ad- Caitlyn Higa vocacy Committee (YAC) pro- Coast District Representative: gram this past summer. We hope In Gassho, Stacey Kawabata they learned more about Bud- Jordyn Sato dhism and had fun! Activities Chair: 2016-2017 YBA President Lauren Hamasaki
150 Club News Toban & Echo Schedule
No MVBT Boardd of Directors Toban Echo Article Echo meetings were held in July and Deadline Print Date August. The 150 Club winners will be drawn at the September SEPT Zones 3 & 4 N / A N / A MVBT Board meeting on OCT Zones 5 & 6 Sept 15 (Fri) Sept 20 (Wed) Wednesday, September 13. You NOV Zones 7 & 8 Oct 13 (Fri) Oct 18 (Wed) have a chance to win two draw- ings in a row. A third if you are Please note the revised article deadline, printing dates and email submission picked for September, too. process. This will provide time to layout and production. Thank you.
Email all articles to [email protected]
Mountain View Buddhist Temple 575 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 964-9426 www.mvbuddhisttemple.org
Page 14 The ECHO
SANGHA DAY PICNIC
Sunday, September 24 Cuesta Park, Mountain View
All Temple members and friends and their families are invited. Please join us for a day of camaraderie, great food and fun games.
10:00 am ...... Sunday Service 11:00 am ...... Children's Races 12:00 noon ...... Barbecue Lunch 1:30 pm ...... Bingo 2:30 pm ...... Raffle 3:00 pm ...... Clean up
A representative of your zone or affiliated organization will be calling you for a head count and for a potluck contribution of either a salad, rice or dessert.
If you wish to attend but have not been contacted by September 17, please email or call Allan Jacobs at [email protected] or 650-799-1301.
BWA Actiities Our Temple had another Representative Meeting on Sep- NEXT MEETING successful Obon Bazaar. Thank tember 28, 2017. Saturday. September 16, 2017 at you BWA ladies and those that 9:00 am in YBA Hall.
helped us with the sushi making and udon preparation. We extend JOIN BWA our gratitude for your dedication, Anyone interested in joining long hours, and hard work. our BWA, contact Reiko Mura- Buddhist kami at 408-257-0687 or email: BWA will prepare and serve [email protected]. Women’s udon dinner for the Coast District
Association
Mountain View Buddhist Temple 575 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 964-9426 www.mvbuddhisttemple.org
Page 15 Volume 56 Number 8
Seniors Activity Group — Resumes August 31
On Thursday, August 31, we Chuck Uyeda. More informa- start your day, with a light exer- will resume the Senior Activities tion will be provided. cise. and Craft meetings. Please mark We try to have activities for every- this date on your calendar. Hope SENIOR CRAFT one to enjoy. If you can think of you all had a safe and healthy sum- We want to thank Jeanne Ohara anything else to add to our pro- mer break. for her great contribution to our gram, please contact any of our Senior Activities and Craft in the committee members: Allan Nara, UPCOMING EVENTS past. She was a real backbone to Chuck Uyeda, Rich Endo, Thursday, September 7: We will our group with keeping the craft Carolyn Sakae, Kimi Nishi- be making manju for the Midori so organized and in place. We mura, Miyo Takegami or Aiko Kai to be held on Saturday, Sep- also want to thank Toshiko Uye- Sugimoto-Miyamoto. tember 9. We will start manju hara who has been working Senior making at 8:30 am. Thank you alongside Jeanne. We are hopeful The scheduled hours for our again for your continued support. Toshiko will take over and con- craft session is from 9:00 am to 12 This is our major fund raising tinue to support our senior group noon, every Thursday. Light re- Activities event, so we appreciate any help and lead our senior group with freshment of coffee, tea and des- you can offer. new ideas alongside with Debbie serts are always provided. Every- & Kitani. Jeanne, continue to share one is welcome to join us to share Wednesday & Thursday, Sep- your ideas on Thursday, when not new ideas and to make new tember 20 - 21: Our September Crafts traveling, and share ideas. Again, friends. Reno Trip. We are still taking arigato Jeanne for your support. sign ups. Temple members and COOKBOOKS AVAILABLE non-Temple are welcome to sign SENIOR ACTIVITIES Only $18 up. Please sign up by calling 9;00 am to 12:00 noon. Debbie The Senior Cook Book is still avail- Chuck Uyeda. Kitani has been very helpful with able at the Temple office or from Thursday, October 19: We are the Senior Craft Class every planning a day trip to Angel Island/ Thursday morning, showing the Tiburon. We will have a bus pick ladies many new ideas in knitting us up on the Temple grounds at and different crafts. Please sup- 1030 am. We will have a special port Debbie with any ideas in craft guide, Doug McConnell of the for our upcoming Boutique in Bay Backroad, Mac & Mutley and December. Open Road TV guiding us through 9:15 am to 10:00 am. Line danc- Angel Island and Tiburon and in- ing with Naomi Ariyama in- form us on the history of the is- structing with Reiko Tsuchida land's immigration station. En- and Toshiko Uyehara assisting. trance and lunch will also be in- any of the committee members. cluded in the tour price. Price is 10:00 am to 10:45 am. Join In Gassho, $125, tip included with our Senior Kinji Ushiba with the "Sing Along Aiko Sugimoto-Miyamoto Activities subsidizing some of the Group." cost.. We will need a minimum 10:45 am to 11:15 am. Follow- count, so if interested, please in- ing the Sing Along, a chair exercise form any of the committee mem- as you sing along, lead by Julie bers. Please sign up by calling Ushiba. What better way to
Mountain View Buddhist Temple 575 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 964-9426 www.mvbuddhisttemple.org
Page 16 The ECHO
Another Way to Donate to the Mountain View Buddhist Temple
Donate Your IRA Minimum Distribution Directly to the Temple and Avoid Taxes
If you are 70 ½ years or older, you can take advantage of a simple way to benefit the Mountain View Buddhist Temple and receive tax benefits in return.
Benefits of an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution • Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $100,000 from your IRA to Mountain View Buddhist Temple • Satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year • Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions • Make a gift that is not subject to the 50% deduction limits on charitable gifts • Help further the work and mission of Mountain View Buddhist Temple
How an IRA Charitable Rollover Gift Works 1. Contact your IRA plan administrator to make a gift from your IRA to the Temple (Your IRA administrator must make the distribution directly to the Temple). 2. Your IRA funds will be directly transferred to Mountain View Buddhist Temple to help continue our important work. 3. Please note that IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions do not qualify for a charitable deduction. 4. Please contact us if you wish for your gift to be used for a specific purpose.
Contact Us If you have any questions about an IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, please contact us at [email protected]. We would be happy to assist you and answer any questions you might have.
The above inf ormation is not intended as legal or tax advice. Pleas e contact your attorney or tax advisor for further details on making an IRA Qualified Chari table Distri bution.
Mountain View Buddhist Temple 575 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 964-9426 www.mvbuddhisttemple.org
Page 17 Volume 56 Number 8
August & September Shotsuki Hoyo (Monthly Memorial Service) The Shotsuki (Monthly Memorial) Services are conducted and sponsored by the Temple in memory of the past members and their family members who have passed away during a given month. It is not meant to be a substi- August & tute for families to observe their Family Memorial Service for their loved ones. The August and September Shotsuki loved ones are: September
Monthly Kent Abe Shigeo Kashima Albert Okuno George Abey Itsume Kawamoto Kin’ichi Okuno Jean Abey Shina Kinaga Toshiko Okuno Memorial Thomas Arakaki Sumiye Kito Chiyo Ozawa Masataro Fujii Albert Kobayashi Haruno Saito Helen Fukuma Toshio Kochi Harry Sakae Service Masao Fukumoto John Kondo Warren Sakae Dorothy Furuichi Kazuo Kurashige Kitao Sakai Sunday Masuo Hamada Chiyomi Masuda Miyuki Sakano Hiroshi Haruta Helen Matsuba James Satake September 10, Mary Haruta Haru Matsuzaki Shimano Satake 2017 Ronald Higaki Kazuo Mayeda George M. Sato Akira Hiroshige Yoshino Miyamoto Koma Shinke 10:00 a.m. Matsujiro Hiroshige Keiko Mizuhara Hisayo Shinta Minoru Hiroshige Kiyoko Muranaka Nancy Irene Smith Takeshi Hori Kakuemon Nagasaki Susan Haruta Stokes Minoru Horino John Nagatoishi Hiroshi Sugimoto Edith Hoshi Toshio Nakagawa Sam Sugimoto Aya Ichinaga Edward Nakano Dora Suzuki Misaye Ikebe Janice Nakashima George Takaki George Ikemiya Magoji Nakashima June Tokunaga Akira Inamori Alice Nishimura Jack Tsuchida Atsushi Inouye Tomisaburo Oda Nobuko Tsuchida Gregory Inamori Frank Ogata Yukiye Watanabe Kiyoye Inouye Iyano Ogawa Tom Yamaji Asa Ishimaru Chieko Okamoto Akio Yamamoto Satoshi Ishimaru Mineko Okamoto Yumi Yokoo George Izumi Alfred Okubo Totaro Yoshida Kimiko Kashima Tsuyo Okumura
If a name has been inadvertently left off or you would like to add a family member to the Mountain View Buddhist Temple list of Shotsuki names, please contact Rev. Mukojima.
E-mail [email protected]
Phone (Temple office) (650) 964-9426
Mountain View Buddhist Temple 575 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 964-9426 www.mvbuddhisttemple.org
Page 18 The ECHO
Thank You to All of the 2017 “Obon Sponsors” The Mountain View Buddhist Temple thanks all of our Donors, who donated cash and merchandise, to the 2017 Obon Festival and Bazaar. With your support, we make a better place. Thank You Anonymous (4) Glenn & Lorrie Kitasoe In Memory of Ichitaro & Tsuyo John Arao & Lois Nishimura Kumako Ramen Okumura and John, Jane, Jerry John & Chau Arima Kimi Kunimoto Okumura CAW Architects, Inc. Taye Kurashige Edna Ozawa on behalf of Russell & Phyllis Chan William Le RAYCO Painting Jody Chikasuye & Walter Low Logitech Ed & Julie Ryu Cusimano Family Colonial Sterling & Joanne Makishima Carolyn Sakae Mortuary John & Edith Matsumoto In Memory of Chiz Sakae the MVBT Matthew & Irina Cusimano Lolly Mayeda Allen & Linda Sasaki Sherri Cusimano In Memory of Shizuko Grace Doug & Phyllis Sawamura
Bob & Ida Fujii Mayeda Steven Sawamura Harold & Kathy Fujii Toshihiro Michihira James Shidawara and In Memory of Mrs. Kikue Fujii Minato Japanese Restaurant Jean Shimoguchi Richard & Eileen Fujikawa Tom Miyamoto & Aiko Sugimoto- Takahashi Automotive Mitsue Fukuda Miyamoto Miyo Takegami June Furuichi Monarch Truck Center In Memory of David Takegami Shirley Furuichi Tracey Mukoyama Junichi & Jeanne Takimoto the Obon Craig & Betty Hamasaki Ron & Carolyn Murata Herbert & Shizuko Tamada Carol Harbin Tad & Bernice Nakagawa Osamu & Setsuye Tamaki Festival & Shizue Hiroshige Gail Nakamura Steve & Karen Tashiro Tad Horino Aki & Toki Nakano Lillian Terada Bazaar Ben Horita Russ & Judy Nakano Dennis & Rumbo Tsukagawa Haruye Hoshi In Memory of Tamaye Nakano In Memory of Kitaro & Ito House of Bagels, Blossom Valley Iwao & Kyoko Nakao Tsukagawa and George & Committee Shopping Center Julie Nakatani & Ikebana Students Florence Tsukagawa Roy Idehara Sally Nakayama Ed Tsumura Steven & Judy Inamori Allan Nara Chuck & Sumi Uyeda Mel & Audrey Inouye Nikaku Japan Arts Taneyo Yamaji Brent Izutsu Susan Nishimoto Sadao & Yemi Yamamoto Marie Ochi & Allan Jacobs Kimi Nishimura Bob & Miyo Yamanaga David Kariya In Memory of Hank Nishimura Edna Yoshino Hiroji Kariya Mariko Nomura The Yoshinaka Family Mary Kato Harry & Jeanne Ohara Edna Yukawa Keith & Debbie Kitani Tom Lee & Joyce Okumura-Lee June Yusa Donate to the Upcoming Services
Fall Ohigan, Eitaikyo, Eshinni-ko, Kakushinni-ko Service & Lady Ohtani Memorial Service ———————-
Use the MVBT online donation "DONATE NOW," or send a check to the Temple office
Mountain View Buddhist Temple 575 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 964-9426 www.mvbuddhisttemple.org
Page 19 Volume 56 Number 8 M o u n t a i n V i ew B u d d h i s t Te m p l e october 2017 october 2017
Mountain View Buddhist Temple 575 N. Shoreline Blvd Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 964-9426 www.mvbuddhisttemple.org
EchoGET Available ECHO ONLINE by Email Highlights in This Issue Upcoming Events
What Happens Senior Talks 1, 4 - 9 Find a color PDF version October 15, 2017, Sunday Get the Echo as a PDF online at: Bishops’ & MVBT ABA Memorial Service attachment in an email Girl Scouts in Japan 10 - 11 October 29, 2017, Sunday Get a color version www.mvbuddhisttemple.org Dharma School 12 Nembutsu Family Convention @ Salinas Same information as US mail November 19, 2017, Sunday Toversion request the color Echo via Sangha Day Picnic 14 email, send your name and Save the Temple the cost of Eitaikyo Service email address to assembly, supplies and post- November 26, 2017, Sunday Tax Deduction 16 age Eshinni-ko, Kakushinni-ko & [email protected]
Lady Ohtani Memorial Service How to Do It In Gassho, Send an email to The Echo Staff [email protected] containing your name and
email address
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