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Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada (JSBTC) Update from the Office of the Bishop 11786 Fentiman Pl. Richmond, B.C. V7E 6M6 Web: www.livingdharmacentre.ca
Sep '09 | Oct '09 | Nov '09 | Dec '09 | Jan '10 | Feb '10 | Mar '10 | Apr '10 | May '10 | Jun '10 | July '10 | Aug '10
It seems that the beautiful summer season has finally come from coast to coast in Canada and so does Obon season in July and August, which has established itself as one of the summer features in the Buddhist community.
I understand that Obon gives us three important opportunities for reflection; reflection of the past, reflection of the present, and reflection of the future. First of all, we visit the gravesite of our loved ones to remember and pay tribute to them; cherishing the fond memories of our parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who had supported and maintained our life through their love and care.
Secondly we go to the temple to cherish Buddha-Dharma to meet the Buddha as well as to find ourselves, realizing how fortunate we are living this precious life today.
Thirdly we enjoy the company of the family, relatives, and friends by sharing the meals together. And being recharged spiritually and physically we dance Bon Odori with hope and joy for the future.
May this tradition be maintained for a long time to come, so that it will be one of the main features of our Canadian society. May I also remind each and everyone that all the loved ones are living within your life in the meditation of the Nembutsu.
Human life is difficult to live. But how wonderful it is to realize the fact we are made possible to live now. And it is beautiful to carry on this human life.
In Gassho, Namoamidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa
ようやく広いカナダ全体に夏がやってきたようです。同時に7月8月は各地でお盆法要が勤まります。 お盆の行事は私たちに三つの大切なことを教えてくれます。 まずお墓参りをして、今は亡き方々、父母、祖父母、叔父、叔母、友を懐かしく思い浮かべ数々のご恩に感謝いたしましょう。 それからお寺参りをして、今生かされていることを慶び、これからこの人生をいかに生きるか、またいかに死すべきか、仏法にたずねてみましょう。 そして家族、親戚、友人とお斎を頂き日ごろのご無沙汰を語り合い、心身ともに歓喜して大いに踊りましょう。
先輩は次のように述べておられます。 生きることは難しい。しかし生かされていることは、ありがたい。 そして生きてゆくことは美しい。 なもあみだぶつ 釈 往来 Coming events August 7 Noon Obon Service with Nanaimo Buddhist Fellowship 8 2pm Obon Service at Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria, BC September 23-24 JSBTC MA Meeting/Seminar in Vancouver, BC 25-26 BC District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Steveston, BC Shinmon-sama will be officiating. October 16 JSBTC Board Meeting at HQ 30-31 Alberta District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Calgary, AB
May each and everyone enjoy good health and spirits in the light of compassion of Amida Buddha as we soon welcome summer season. As I was reading a book, I came across an interesting dialogue between a Chinese Buddhist Master Dokutan and a visitor Enjo.
According to the Pure Land sutra, Bodhisattva Dharmakara spent five long kalpas in contemplation before becoming Amida Buddha ten kalpas ago. Shinran Shonin praised Amida Buddha in the Jodo Wasan.
Amida has passed through ten kalpas now Since realizing Buddhahood. Dharma-body’s wheel of light is without bound, Shining on the blind and ignorant of the world.
We must continue to listen to the causes and conditions of the Vows of Amida Buddha. 2010 is the year we commemorate Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial in Canada. It is a great opportunity for us to deepen the understanding of our tradition as well as to promote it to the public.
In Gassho, Namoamidabutsu,
Orai Fujikawa 仏教伝道協会発行の本の中に次のようなおもしろい問答がありました。 京都山城の円恕（えんじょ）という坊さんが、座禅と念仏の黄檗宗万福寺の独湛和上を訪ねたとき、和上が「お前さんどこから来た」と聞きます。 「山城から参りました」「何宗の者だ」「浄土のものでございます」 そこで独湛は「阿弥陀様の年はいくつだ」と聞きます。「私と同い年です」と答えました。 「それではお前はいくつだ」「阿弥陀様と同い年」 「それでは阿弥陀様はどこにいるか」円恕は左手のこぶしをグッと目の前に挙げました。
浄土教のお経には、「法蔵菩薩が五劫という長い間考えたのち、さらに途方もない長い時間をかけて修行し、阿弥陀如来となり、今現在お浄土で説法をしておられる」とあります。 その辺のところを、親鸞聖人は浄土和讃のなかで、
ミダ成仏のこのかたは、今に十劫を経たまえり 法身の光輪きわもなく 世の盲冥をてらすなり
と讃じておられます。本願の因縁生起をよく聴聞することの大切さを知らされます。今年はカナダ開教区で宗祖の７50回大遠忌をお勤めします。このご縁に遇って念仏の味わいを 深めていただきたいものです。 合掌。
Coming events June 12-13 Manitoba District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin September 23-24 JSBTC MA Meeting/Seminar in Vancouver, B.C. 25-26 BC District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Steveston Shinmon-sama will be here from Kyoto, Japan. 新門さまが京都からお出でくださり、お勤めくださいます。 October 16 JSBTC Board Meeting at HQ 30-31 Alberta District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Calgary
A few months ago I started packing my books and other belongings at the residence in order to prepare to move out for my retirement. And then came the surprise news that the Bishop elect, Rev. Shigenori Makino, suddenly changed his mind and decided to retire instead of accepting the position as the Bishop of JSBTC. The Ministerial Association, the Board of Directors, myself, as well as our mother temple were all thrown into great confusion. Our mother temple, Hongwanji, has shown great concern over the future of our Kyodan (district). However, with the careful consideration, deliberation, recommendation and cooperation by all the concerned parties over the weekend of our National Annual General Meeting hosted in Steveston, B.C. it seems that we have slowly come out of our predicament, although there are many challenges that still lay before us. As a Bishop, I would like to thank all the fellow ministers, temple leaders, and delegates for working together to set the sail on the ocean of AN-NON (peace and tranquility). I believe this is the beauty of our tradition in which each and everyone seems to have different opinions, yet we come together to be united at the end. As a result, my retirement will be postponed a little bit, but as far as my missionary work is concerned, like Shinran Shonin who lived such a long life of 90 years, there will be no real retirement. Let us commemorate Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial Service in his honor here in Canada over the course of this year and let us all go to Kyoto in May 2011. And also may we work together for the 2015 World Buddhist Women's Convention to be hosted in Toronto so that we may welcome Friends of Dharma from overseas in 2015. In Gassho, Namoamidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa
いよいよ四月の終わりで二期八年の総長職を終えて、引退すべく荷物の準備をはじめたころ、次期総長に決まっていました牧野先生が突然三月辞職、引退を表明され、開教使会、理事会、私自身も全く困惑いたしました。京都の本山にも大変心配をしていただきました。 しかしながら、関係者の皆様の慎重な熟慮、提案、そしてご協力により四月末、ステブストン仏教会で行われたカナダ教団総会において、まだ数々の問題はあるにしても、暫定的な解決を見ましたことはありがたいことであります。 開教使の皆様、教団役員、仏教会の代表の皆様のお蔭で、安穏に船出が出来ましたことを感謝申し上げます。それぞれ意見は違っていても最後に一つにまとまることが出来ましたのも、これまでの伝統の賜物でありましょう。結果的には私も少しばかり引退を延期することになりましたが、親鸞聖人の生涯を考えますと、念仏の伝道には本当の引退はないはずです。 皆様と今年は各地で宗祖７５０回大遠忌をお勤めしましょう。そして２０１１年には京都へお参りし、さらに２０１５年には世界仏教婦人大会で法の友をトロントへお迎えしましょう。 合掌。南無阿弥陀仏。 The newly elected 2010 JSBTC Board of Directors are; Dave Ohori (BC), Jim Hisanaga(MB), Tom Allen (ON), Ray Nakano (ON), Larry Ryan (BC), Tatsuya Aoki (BC), Noriko Ikuta (BC), and Orai Fujikawa(BC) Coming events May 11-13 World Jodo Shinshu Coordinating Council in Honolulu 22-24 Family Retreat at Manning Park, B.C. 29-30 Eastern District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Toronto June 12-13 Manitoba District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin September 23-24 JSBTC MA Meeting/Seminar in Vancouver, B.C. 25-26 BC District’s 750th Memorila of Shinran Shonin in Steveston October 30-31 Alberta District’s 750th Memorila of Shinran Shonin in Calgary
During my recent visit to the eastern provinces, I had a chance to join a young couple and their friends to celebrate Passover which is a Jewish tradition. The host had prepared a special meal on the occasion as well as a twenty-page document for everyone around the dinner table. Before and during the meal, the host would chair and ask all the people there to take turns to read the history and background of Passover. Of course, there was no Rabbi present, but as a Buddhist minister, I was impressed by the way they conducted themselves with pride to continue their tradition at home. Even if it is practiced once or twice a year, they voluntarily continue to keep their religion at home, which is a wonderful idea. I know the Sunday Dharma School is very important for the future of the temple, but if the parents don't care to practice their religion at home, the children don’t learn much of their spiritual tradition. A friend of mine who is a Buddhist minister in California always talks about the religious education for parents. He insists that the parents play very important role to educate their children which is very true. I recall one pioneer gentleman in B.C. who had five children. What he did at home was he used to get up early in the morning and conducted a daily service to which his children woke up hearing the chanting and recitation of the nembutsu. This is something we have to seriously think and practice when it comes to Jodo Shinshu missionary in this country as most of us inherit the family shrine from our parents and grandparents. In gassho, namoamidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa 三月から四月にかけて東部仏教会を訪問してまいりました。トロント仏教会では春のお彼岸、そして敬老会、またオタワ法友会、モントリオール仏教会、ハミルトン仏教会も巡回しましたが、 ちょうどパスオーバー、イースターもかさなり、ある若いカップルとパスオーバーを一緒にすごしました。朝から主役のお方が、食事の準備をし、それからお客の人数に合わせて書類を用意します。夕方みんなそろって特別な夕食を食べながら、パスオーバーの歴史とか背景などを交代で読んでいきます。一寸お経のよなところもありますが、みんなで読み終えて食事が終わるのです。もちろんユダヤ教の先生はおりませんが、自発的に自分の宗教の伝統を守っているのです。 仏教の開教使として大いに啓発されました。お寺での日曜学校は将来の仏教会のために大切なことですが、親が家庭で宗教を実践しなかったら、なかなか子供たちに徹底しないと思います。 私が親しくしている米国教団の開教使は、常に親たちの教育に力を入れています。その方が近道になるというわけです。これから浄土真宗をこのカナダに伝えてゆく場合、お家にある仏壇をいつもきれいにして大いに活用して行くことを真剣に考えなくてはなりません。皆様どう思われますか？ 合掌。なもあみだぶつ。
Coming Events; Apr 17-18 Visitation to Nanaimo and Victoria Fellowships 22-25 JSBTC Ministerial Association and Annual General Meeting in Steveston May 8 Fraser Valley Temple’s 55th Anniversary 22-24 Family Retreat at Manning Park 12-14 World Jodo Shinshu Coordinating Council in Hawaii 29-30 Eastern District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Toronto Jun 13 Manitoba District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Winnipeg Sept 25-26 BC District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Steveston Oct 30-31 Alberta District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Calgary
Last week, I had a unique opportunity to represent JSBTC to participate in the 1910 Rogers Pass Snow Slide Commemoration in Revelstoke B.C. On March 4th 1910 sudden snow slide killed 58 men working at CPR and 32 young men among them were Japanese. I understand the funeral services were conducted by Rev. Senju Sasaki in Vancouver. I was impressed by the crowd of more than 500 in downtown starting 7pm. Despite the cold weather outdoor, people gathered to pay tribute as well as to promote the awareness of the danger of avalanche. More than 11,000 paper cranes folded by the Japanese, Americans as well as Canadians were hung near the podium where we had ceremony with Christian prayer, Buddhist chanting and speeches by the Mayor, Consul of Japan, Canadian Avalanche Association, Canadian Pacific, Park Canada, Revelstoke Museum and Archives, Revelstoke Railway Museum, and the descendants of the victims from Canada and Japan. 100 years is such a long time ago, yet this town has been battling with snow all the way and a lot of people have been perished. By observing this memorial service, I was reminded of the importance of our tradition of Monthly Memorial Service that we have been observing in the temples across Canada. We should continue to promote our tradition and also perhaps we can include the victims of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the ministers who had served for the temple or local hero such as Terry Fox to recognize their contribution for the society. In Gassho, Namoamidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa １９１０年３月４日ロジャースパスで雪崩のため５８名が犠牲になりました。そのうち３２人が日本から出稼ぎに来た若い人たちでした。去る３月４日、レベルストーク市で１００周年記念が催され、キリスト教と仏教との合同法要に参加いたしました。会場は戸外で寒い夜でしたが５００人以上の市民、また国立公園、市長、博物館、鉄道などの関係者が大勢集まったのには感心しました。また日本から遺族の方、そして報道が行き渡っていたらしく、日本、アメリカ、カナダ各地より１，１０００の折り鶴が会場に吊り下げられ、照明も行き届いて法要が無事終わり、心和む慰霊式となりました。特に多くの若いスキー客たちが参加して、仏教徒の参加を歓迎していただきました。そのとき思ったのですが、カナダ各地のお寺で一番大きなお参りはなんと言っても祥月法要です。この伝統を基盤として、さらに発展する方法があるのではないでしょうか。なんといっても私たちはだれでも生と死を逃れることが出来ないのですから。合掌。 ＊ Although it was a sudden news that he will leave at the end of March, on behalf of JSBTC I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Rev. Shigenori Makino for his guidance and leadership demonstrated during his service in Canada. May he enjoy peaceful retirement with his family in Hawaii.
Coming Events: Mar 21 Spring Higan/ Keirokai at Toronto Buddhist Church 27/28 Ottawa Fellowship and Montreal Buddhist Temple Apr 4 Hamilton Buddhist Temple: Hanamatsuri 10 Fraser Valley Buddhist Temple: Hanamatsuri 11 Vancouver Buddhist Temple: Hanamatsuri 17/18 Nanaimo/Victoria Hanamatsuri 22- 25 JSBTC AGM in Steveston May 8 Fraser Valley Buddhist Temple’s 55th Anniversary Service 11-14 World Jodo Shinshu Coordinating Council in Hawaii
Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial in Canada; May 29/30 Eastern District in Toronto June 13 Manitoba District in Winnipeg Sep 25/26 BC District; In conjunction with BC Convention in Steveston October 30/31 Alberta District; In conjunction with Alberta Convention in Calgary
Winter Olympics is just around the corner and the Vancouverites are very anxious about snow as they enjoy balmy weather and see flowers coming up. May you all enjoy good health and spirits in the light of compassion of Amida Buddha.
Our mother temple Hongwanji will start commemorating the 750th Memorial Service of Shinran Shonin (1173-1263) in April 2011 in Kyoto, which will last until January 16, 2012. And our national organization plans to commemorate in four different locations and dates; May 29-30 in Toronto, September 12 in Manitoba, September 25-26 in BC and November 13-14 in Alberta. These are excellent opportunities to promote our tradition Jodo Shinshu in this country.
About 800 years of history of Jodo Shinshu have nurtured innumerable Nembutsu followers and some of them are called Myoukounin, outstanding and exemplary people who have cherished the teaching of Nembutsu.
I would like to introduce one of them whose name is Shouma of Sanuki (present day Shikoku Island). Although he couldn't read or write, nor count the money very well, he had a good habit of attending the temple regularly to listen to the Buddha-Dharma. He even memorized the Gobunsho, the letters of messages written by Rennyo Shonin.
His buddies once tried to embarrass him in public by asking him to read a paragraph from the Larger Sutra. Without hesitation he accepted the Sutra humbly and told everyone, "This Sutra tells me that Amida Buddha never fails to save Shouma as I am.”
And once he went before the shrine of Amida Buddha and lay down side ways on the mat as he was tired. Some people around him accused him of his bad manners in front of the sacred shrine. His reply was, "We are all here before Amida Buddha, our Oyasama, Parent of all parents. So let us make ourselves at home.”
In gassho, Namoamidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa
みなさまご承知のように来年２０１１年４月９日から２０１２年１月１６日まで宗祖親鸞聖人の７５０回大遠忌法要が京都で勤まります。その前に今年カナダ開教区では東部、マニトバ、アルバタ、BC州各地で法要をお勤め致すことになりましたので、是非ともご縁にあって頂きたいものです。 浄土真宗のお念仏を慶んで生涯を終えた方々はたくさんありますが、そのなかで妙好人といわれた庄松（しょうま）さんの話を紹介します。 彼は読み書きそろばんもろくに出来ない人でありましたが、お寺参りは誰にも負けない人であり、御文章を何度も聞いているうちに暗記していたそうです。 あるとき意地の悪い友が、庄松さんに恥をかかせようと考えて、お経の本を持ってきて、「これを読んでみてください」と言ったところ、庄松さんはうやうやしくお経本をいただいて、「これには庄松をそのまま救うと書いてあります」と 答えたそうです。 またある時、疲れていたのでしょう，本堂の阿弥陀様の前で、ごろりと横になったので、周りの人が行儀が悪いとたしなめたところ、「親の前じゃ、遠慮はいらん。楽にさせてもらおう」と言ったそうです。ナモアミダブツ。合掌。 Coming events: Feb 27-28 BCA 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in San Jose, Cal. Mar 4 Rogers Pass Snow Slide Commemoration in Revelstoke, BC 5 Visit to Kamloops Buddhist Temple 14 VBT Higan Service 20 BCJSBCF meeting in Hope, BC Apr 17-18 Hanamatsuri Services in Nanaimo/Victoria 22-25 JSBTC MA, Board, AGM in Steveston, BC
The time and tide waits for no one. The year 2010 is not new anymore and progresses on and on.
Towards the end of the last year I came across a term, "perpetual procrastinator" in the newspaper, which was new to me. According to the dictionary, procrastination means ‘postponement’ or ‘delay’. In the month of December many people go shopping to send gifts to their family members, relatives and friends. But some people hesitate to buy things because they think the price may come down next week, Boxing Day, end of the year or after New Year’s Day. They are perpetually losing the chance to buy.
I guess there are two kinds of people; the first group of people would buy things, because they want things right away, at whatever the cost may be. And the second group of people would wait and see until the price comes down or the commodity, such as computers gets improved the following year. They may postpone the purchase perpetually.
This term reminds me of the teachings by Rennyo Shonin who was the 8th Head Priest of Hongwanji and considered the second founder of Hongwanji tradition. He said, "You have to learn Buddha-Dharma when you are young and sharp.” As you get older, you get hard of hearing and understanding. When it comes to religious education, the younger the age is the better. Also he said, “As for Buddha-Dharma, there will be no tomorrow. You have to make time to learn Buddha-Dharma.”
In the Buddhist community I often see people finding excuses for not coming to the temple; too busy, too young, too far, too old, not interesting and so on. I wonder when people can really learn the truth of impermanence which is the most urgent question of life, so that they can live in peace right Here and Now, hopefully for many years to come.
In gassho, Namoamidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa
Special Request: As I was preparing this update, the News came through of the magnitude 7 Earthquake in Haiti. In wake of this devastating tragedy may I urge all of the temples in the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada contact your local Red Cross and raise Earthquake Relief Funds to aid those affected by the Earthquake in Haiti. Thank you for your cooperation.
In Gassho, Namoamidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa 昨年の暮れでした。新聞の記事の中に｢永遠に買えない人｣というのが目に留まりました。あるものを買いたいと思うのですが、ちょっと値段が高い、ひょっとしたら明日にでも、いやボクシングデーには、もしかすれば新しい年のセールのときには、もっと安くなるかもしれないなどと考えているうちに、結局伸ばし伸ばしになって、何も買わないでいる人がいるそうです。 本願寺の八代目の門主でありました、蓮如上人が申しておられます。｢仏法は若いときに聞け。年をとると歩行もおぼつかなくなり、耳も遠くなる｣ また、｢仏法には、明日はなき候｣とも言われています。 私たちは、「まだ若い、大丈夫、お寺参りをする年ではない。忙しくてお寺参りなど出来ない」などと後生の一大事を聞かせていただくことを、後回し、後回しにしてはいないでしょうか？ 浦島太郎ではありませんが、いつの間にかアッという間に年をとり、あわてても後の祭りです。早めに信心をいただき、毎日慈光のなかで、生きてよし、死んでよしと いう人生を送りたいものです。合掌。
Coming events Jan 23-24 Visit to Kelowna Temple Feb 27-28 BCA 750th Memorial Service of Shinran Shonin in San Jose Mar 14 Spring Higan Service at Vancouver Temple Apr 22-25 JSBTC MA and AGM in Steveston, B.C. May 11-14 World Jodo Shinshu Coordinating Council in Hawaii 27-28 Eastern District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Toronto Sep 12 Manitoba District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Winnipeg 15-16 MA Meeting and Seminar in Winnipeg 24-26 BC Buddhist Convention in Steveston 26 BC District’s 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Steveston Nov 13-14 Alberta Buddhist Convention and 750th Memorial of Shinran Shonin in Calgary
Welcoming a New Year 2010, I am sending my Season's Greetings to you and your family wishing a very healthy and peaceful year. Along with my greetings, I would like to share the following Haiku poem with you. 今ここに 抱かれてあり ナモアミダ IMA KOKONI IDAKARETE ARI NAMOAMIDA Here I am, being embraced by Namoamida. One of the very unique interpretations by Shinran Shonin in the history of the Pure Land Schools is GEN SHO SHOJO JU, which is the teaching that a person who receives Shinjin enters the stage of the truly settled in this present life. Although you stay physically as an ordinary human being and not quite enlightened yet, you can feel and enjoy the enormous power of virtue coming to you from Amida Buddha as you hear his Vow and recite his Name namoamidabutsu. I would like to quote a few poems called Wasan wrote by Shinran Shonin from Hymns of the Pure Land Masters; The ocean of birth-and-deah, of painful existence, has no bound; Only the ship of Amida’s universal Vow Can we, who have long been drowning, Unfailingly be brought across it.
The unhindered light filling the ten quarters Shines on the beings in the darkness of ignorance And unfailingly brings to attainment of nirvana The person who realizes the one thought-moment of joy.
My eyes being hindered by blind passions, I cannot perceive the light that grasps me; Yet the great compassion, without tiring, Illumines me always.
Have a good and safe holiday season. In gassho, Orai Fujikawa 今ここに 抱かれてあり ナモアミダ ２０１０年の新年を迎えるに当たり、俳句を添えてご挨拶申し上げます。 浄土真宗が他の浄土教と違う点が色々ありますが、その中で特に大切な教えが現生正定じゅでありましょう。私たちは肉体を持っている限りは、煩悩がつきまとい、凡夫でありますが、如来の本願を聞かせていただき、その名号を称えさせていただく身になるとき、お浄土への往生が定まるという教えであります。 そのことを宗祖聖人は「高僧和讃」のなかに讃嘆しておられます。ここに三首を引用いたします。 生死の苦海ほとりなし 久しく沈めるわれらをば 弥陀弘誓の船のみぞ 乗せて必ず渡しける
尽十方の無碍光は 無明の闇をてらしつつ 一念歓喜するひとを かならず滅度にいたらしむ
煩悩にまなこさへられて 摂取の光明みざれども 大悲ものうきことなくて 常にわが身を照らすなり 合掌。南無阿弥陀仏。 I wish to join with many friends to congratulate Mr. Cy Saimoto, Vancouver, BC for his recent honor with Order of Japan. Also I wish to congratulate Rev. & Mrs. T. Aoki for the birth of their third daughter.
COMING EVENTS Jan 16-17 Hoonko at Steveston Temple 24 Hoonko at Kelowna Temple Feb 27-28 BCA 750th Memorial Service of Shinran Shonin in San Jose, CA Apr 22-25 JSBTC AGM in Steveston
May this update find you in good health and spirits in the light of compassion of Amida Buddha as we are experiencing wintery weather across the country.
"Gunman's motives unclear in mass shooting" that was one of the top news in this morning’s paper and it reminded me of a sign posted at the entrance of a home in downtown Toronto. Back in 1980 when I was serving the Toronto Temple on Bathurst St, I remember seeing many signs reading 'Be Aware of Dog’ in front of the homes in the neighborhood. But one of the homes had a unique sign saying 'Be Aware of Human Being', which gave me such a strong impression that I can’t forget even today.
The gunman in the recent shooting in the US said he was opposed to the US-Iraq War. Having a Palestinian background he was a US citizen and US army psychiatrist who had just been promoted to major. He killed 13 soldiers and wounded 30 at the army base in Texas.
In the Tannisho, “Notes Lamenting the Divergence”, Shinran Shonin states in chapter 13; It clearly states the working of the causes and conditions of the past karma may make you commit any evil. We all think we are good, ordinary, and harmless citizens, but at the same time we know that we are selfish, greedy, hateful, envious, explosive and dangerous and may do anything at any time depending on the circumstance.
Let us walk step by step carefully with namoamidabutsu. In gassho, orai fujikawa 皆様、家の玄関口に「犬にご注意」というサインを見かけられたことがあるでしょう。ところが以前東部駐在のころ、トロントの町のある家の入り口に「人間にご注意」という張り紙を見つけたことを思い起こします。びっくりするような言葉であり、大変なメッセージで今でも忘れられません。特にごく最近アメリカのテキサス州での米兵による信じられないような虐殺事件のニュースを耳にした時、本当に人間はいつ、どこで、どんなことをするか分からない、恐ろしい生き物であることを今更ながら思い知らされます。 親鸞聖人の教えを良く聞いていますと、人間は欲も多く、怒り腹立ち、妬む心も多い、煩悩具足の凡夫であり、宿業の縁あれば人殺しもやりかねない、地獄ばかり造っている自分に気付かされます。そういうものがまさか自分の力で仏になろうと考えるだけでも傲慢な思いであることが頷かれます。 煩悩具足が知らされるとき、素直に本願の忝（かたじけ）なさがうなずかれ、お念仏を唱えざるを得ない自分が発見されることであります。 合掌。
Coming events: Dec 12-13 Visit to Manitoba Buddhist Temple Jan 16-17 Steveston Buddhist Temple Hoonko 24 Kelowna Temple’s Hoonko Feb 27-28 BCA 750th Memorial Service of Shinran Shonin in San Jose, CA Mar 14 Vancouver Temple’s Higan Service Apr 22-25 JSBTC AGM in Steveston
May each and everyone across Canada enjoy beautiful autumnal season as we see the leaves changing colours.
I believe there is Freedom of Religion and there are three kinds of freedom; The first is the freedom of not having religion, the second is the freedom to choose religion, and the third is the freedom to come out of religion.
We often talk about the importance of having religion, but just because you practice your own faith, you can’t force your faith to your friends and neighbors. Otherwise you may create antagonism and conflicts. It seems that there are a lot of people today who haven’t contacted any faith and do without it. And of course you have freedom to change your faith and choose a new one in the course of life. I know some of the Buddhist friends who did change their faith at the relocation centre during the war because the Christian people helped them in school. Interesting fact is many of those people continue to come to the Buddhist Temple as ‘Christians’, even though they had been baptized in their youth.
I often hear the conflict between individuals and some organized religions. The individuals are hesitant to join organized religions for fear that it would be very difficult for a person to leave it once he/she becomes a member. In some extreme cases I have even heard of threats and violence taking place when an individual expresses desires to part with an organization. Also, another deterrent seems to be the large amount of duties and responsibilities placed upon new members, soon becoming a burden for those individuals, leading to burn out syndrome.
Keeping the above points in mind, I hope our Jodo Shinshu tradition in Canada is in accord with the freedom of Religion while we continue our mission to share the Nembutsu.
In gassho, namoamidabutsu Orai Fujikawa 仲秋の候紅葉もきれいな時期、皆様いかがですか？ 今月は信教の自由について考えてみましょう。三種類の自由があると思います。 まず、宗教は個人の問題であり、無宗教であってもよろしいこと。世の中には宗教に無縁なお方もたくさんあります。そういう方に自分の宗教を押し付けてはいけません。 二番目は、人生の途中で宗教を変える自由もあります。仏教から他宗へ、また他宗から仏教へ変わる自由です。戦争中に収容所で仏教からキリスト教に変わった人を何人か知っていますが、面白い事にその人たちは洗礼は受けていながら今でも仏教会にお参りして下さっています。 三番目はいったんある宗教に入信すると、なかなか出ることが難しく、暴力とか恐喝が行われる場合があります。それは本当の宗教とは言えないでしょう。 カナダの浄土真宗がこれからも健全な宗教として伝道されますよう念じます。 合掌。釈往来 COMING EVENTS Oct 30-31 JSBTC Board Meeting in Richmond Nov 4 Fraser Valley Buddhist Temple Monthly Memorial Service 14-15 Vancouver Buddhist Temple’s 105th Anniversary Alberta Buddhist Convention in Lethbridge, Alta Dec 12-13 Visitation to Manitoba Buddhist Temple
As we are going to welcome Fall, the season of harvest, may this Update find you all in good health and spirits in the constant light of compassion of Amida Buddha.
We ministers held our semi annual seminar/meeting in Steveston on September 16-17 and the Hongwanji, our mother temple, kindly dispatched Prof.Toshikazu Arai of Soai University in Osaka for our seminar. I was very happy to see him again in Canada as both of us used to study Hindustani and Indian culture in the same class 49 years ago in Osaka. Those days we didn't have much time to talk to each other, but according to him, after graduation he had worked for a shipbuilding company for a while, studied archeology in India and further studied Indian history in Hawaii before encountering with the teaching of Jodo Shinshu at the age of 35 years old. Since then he has concentrated his effort on the study of Shinran Shonin to become a professor.
A very inspiring story that he told us is that he had been totally without direction in his life until he was 35 years old when he finally came across Namoamidabutsu and now he looks very happy and pleasant. I really congratulated him for the transformation through the working of the Primal Vow of Amida Buddha.
May each one of us truly encounter the Primal Vow in the course of our lives and live the life of spiritual liberation.
In gassho, namoamidabutsu Orai Fujikawa
COMING EVENTS Nov 7 Visitation to Fraser Valley Buddhist Temple 14-15 VBC 105th Anniversary/Alberta Buddhist Convention Dec12-13 Visitation to Manitoba Buddhist Temple
Jodo Shinshu Day in Canada As we commemorate lOSth Jodo Shinshu Day, first of all I wish to join with each and everyone across Canada in paying tribute of sincere respect and appreciation to the pioneers for their enthusiasm and insight to light the torch of Nembutsu in this country. Although in recent years we have witnessed the decline of membership, what each one of us cannot forget as Jodo Shinshu Buddhists is to continue to cherish the teaching of Nembutsu ourselves in order to truly share it with our family, neighbours and friends, so that this Jodo Shinshu teaching will eventually flourish in the hearts and minds of the people. Keeping this in mind, my recommendations for this Jodo Shinshu Day are as follows:
This Jodo Shinshu Day message will be the last one for me as Socho as I will be stepping down from the office next spring. May I take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for your support for the last eight years. I hope you can continue to give good support to the incoming Bishop Shigenori Makino.
In gassho, namoamidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa
Ryoichi Yoshida 1960 Kimie Shibata 2months old Dec 29 1927 Hayato Maruno 1941 Kazuyo Koyama 1960 Hiroshi Tanino 1918-1929 Itsuko Hamanishi Oct 1930 – May 1931 Yoshiharu Teranishi Baby Oct 1938
The above are the markers that I found at the Nanaimo Cemetery. I have just come back from Vancouver Island Obon Services at old cemeteries such as Cumberland, Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Chemainus, Duncan, and Ross Bay in Victoria. As you see there are old gravestones in memory of many young people in the early pioneer days. It was probably because they used to live in the remote area far away from the hospitals and also because the parents were too busy to look after young ones.
Whenever I visit those cemeteries, I am reminded of the hardships and challenges that those pioneers had to meet in the new country, as well as their outstanding perseverance supported by the Nembutsu, the calling from Amida Buddha.
Shinran Shonin states in his main work of Kyogyoshinsho;
“The great practice is to say the Name of Amida Buddha of unhindered light. This practice, embodying all good acts and possessing all roots of virtue, is perfect and most rapid in bringing them to fullness. It is the treasure ocean of virtues that is suchness or true reality. For this reason, it is called great practice.”
Also he explains the meaning of ‘great’ because it can be practiced by each and everyone, including the ignorant, the sinners, and the weak like ourselves. It is not just for the intellectual elite.
Let us continue to say the Name and meet whatever the challenge may be.
In gassho, namo amidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa
先週末、三日間バンクーバー島のお盆墓参りに行ってきました。カンバーランドから始まり、ポートアルバーニ、ナナイモ、チメイナス、ダンカン、そして最後はヴィクトリアの六ヶ所を回りました。戦前のお墓で目立つことは、幼児や若い子供さん、そして働き盛りの人が多く亡くなっていることです。田舎で病院が遠かったか、親が忙しくて手が回らなかったのでしょう。 そういう墓を見るたびに、先輩開拓者達は､ 心身ともに大変なご苦労をされた事が想像されます。しかしながら常にアミダ様の呼び声でありますお念仏に励まされて、いくたの困難を乗り越えて下さいました。
宗祖はその著、『教行信証』の中に、「大行とは無碍光如来の名を称えることなり」と言い、その名号には善根功徳が具わっているとたたえられています。 称名が大行であるのは、私たちのような、愚かな者、罪深い者、そして弱き者でも行ずる事ができる、つまり易行であるからであると説かれています。
私たちも、この名号を称えつつ、この人生を強く明るく生き抜きたいものです。 合掌。
COMING EVENTS Aug 22-23 Visitation to Kamloops and Vernon Temples 29-30 Calgary Obon Service Sep 4-6 Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii’s 120th Anniversary 12 Interfaith Gathering, Pre-Parliament of World Religions, Surrey, B.C. 15-17 JSBTC MA Seminar/Meeting in Steveston, B.C. 25-27 BC Buddhist Convention in Kamloops, B.C. Oct 11-12 Visitation to Manitoba Temple 13-15 Overseas Ministers and Temple Members’ Seminar in Kyoto Oct 31 JSBTC Board of Directors’ Meeting in Richmond, B.C. Nov 14-15 VBC 105th Anniversary/ Alberta Buddhist Convention in Lethbridge 2010 Apr 23-25 JSBTC AGM in Steveston, B.C.
May this Update find you all, the Dharma Friends, in good health and spirits while enjoying good summer within the embrace of Compassionate Light of Amida Buddha.
As it is the Obon season in our communities, I am sure you will visit gravesites and pay tribute to the ancestors as well as Amida Buddha for his spiritual guidance.
I believe the Obon gives us a great opportunity to learn and be reminded of many things. Amongst the many, I think there are two fundamentals we are made aware of; they are ‘Reunion’ and ‘Giving’.
At the time of Obon, the family and relatives get together and visit gravesite and then attend the Obon Service at the temple to listen to the Dharma and also meet many old friends as well as make new acquaintances. It is not only the reunion of the living people, but also the reunion with the loved ones through the meditation of Nembutsu.
Like Moggallana, who gave offerings to the Sangha, as instructed from Shakyamuni Buddha, ‘Giving’ is the fundamental practice in Buddhism, symbolizing Non-ego and Great Joy. Yes, ‘Giving’ is a great joy. Our parents and grandparents worked hard with a lot of perseverance and patience in order to give us our present existence.
After Obon is over, it is the time to reflect on what we can do now to respond to our ancestors as well as Amida Buddha.
In gassho, namoamidabutsu, Orai Fujikawa
暑中お見舞い申し上げます。
トンボに乗ってはるばると お浄土からのお客さま 一年ぶりのお客さま。 夏たけなわ､ 各地でお盆法要が勤められています。
お盆は､ 倶会一処の楽しみと布施の喜びを教えられるよいご縁であります。家族､ 親戚が集い､ 先祖のお墓参り、念仏に亡き人々の声を聞き、そしてお寺参りをして久し振りに新旧の友に出会い語り合い､ 一緒に踊る楽しみ。 日ごろ我利我利根性の自分を反省し、無我行としての布施､ 自分の持っているものを縁ある人々と分け合う喜びを教えられるよい機会です。それは生活に則した宗教行事であります。
このお盆の伝統がこれからも続いて参りますことを念じます。合掌。
Bon Voyage to Rev. Grant and nine young people, Anthony Chor, Kyle Ohori, Kyle Ikuta, Jorden Nishi, Nathan Ikuta, Mackenzie Hanna, Crystal Anzai, Amy Okada, and Lori Okada to Hongwanji, Kyoto.
COMING EVENTS Aug 7-9 Vancouver Island Obon Cemetery Services 7 Fri 1:00pm Cumberland Cemetery 3:30pm Port Alberni Cemetery 6:00pm Nanaimo Fellowship Obon Service 8 Sat 9:30am Nanaimo Cemetery 11:00 Chemainus Cemetery 2:00 Duncan Cemetery 9 Sun 2:00pm Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria Aug 22-23 Visitation to Kamloops and Vernon Temples 29-30 Calgary Obon Service Sep 4-6 Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii’s 120th Anniversary 12 Interfaith Conference; Parliament of World Religions, in Surrey BC 15-17 JSBTC MA Meeting/Seminar in Richmond 25-27 BC Buddhist Convention in Kamloops Oct 11-12 Visit to Manitoba Buddhist Temple 13-15 Overseas Ministers and Members’ Seminar in Kyoto (Rev. James Martin and three members in Calgary) 31 JSBTC Board Meeting in Richmond Nov 14-15 VBC 105th Anniversary/ Alberta Buddhist Convention 2010 Apr 23-25 JSBTC AGM in Richmond
Please plan to join the JSBTC Tour Group to attend 750th Memorial Service of Shinran Shonin on May 15, 2011 and World Buddhist Women’s Conference May 16-17 in Kyoto.
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