Stamp out Waste – Recycling Postage Stamps & Foreign Coins (17-Jan-2012)

Stamps:  The JSBTCWF collects stamps for “Save the Children”.  Money raised helps provide a better life and brighter future for children from impoverished countries.  Please leave ¼” to ½” of envelope around the stamp. This charity sells the stamps to dealers and don’t worry, stamp duplicates are not a problem.

Every year, the Calgary congregation have helped to recycle stamps to save them from going to waste.  Let’s keep it up!  A jar is available at the back of the temple to drop off used stamps.

Foreign Coins:  Do you have any foreign coins that you won’t be using?  The JSBTC WF also collects foreign coins to fundraise for Oxfam.

 

Pre-Tokudo Orientation

(11-Jan-2012) A Pre-Tokudo Orientation Program was held at the Vancouver Buddhist Temple from January 5th ~ 8th.

 

At present, there are four individuals across Canada who are preparing to receive their Tokudo Ordination in 2012; they are, Prof. Jeff Wilson associated with the Toronto Buddhist Temple, Mr. Ken Madden associated with the Calgary Buddhist Temple, Ms. Joanne Yuasa associated with the Vancouver Buddhist Temple and Ms. Christina Yanko, the JSBTC Ministerial Candidate. In addition, Mr. Dennis Madokoro from Toronto Buddhist Temple and Ms. Jessica Main with the Vancouver Buddhist Temple will be joining this orientation program. Both Dennis and Jessica are on different parts of their spiritual journey and they were asked to join the orientation program to assist in their development.

 

       

Thanks to the concerted effort by a number of people, the weekend went very well.

 

Season's Greetings from the Bishop

(24-Dec-2011) Season’s Greetings to you all.

 

I hope this email finds all of you being able to spend some quiet time with family and friends. It is hard to believe that 2011 is almost coming to an end. May I thank all of you for your dedication and commitment to the Jodo Shinshu movement here in Canada. I have completed the latest Socho’s Update and am attaching it to this e-mail. Please use it at your descretion. As you will notice in the Update, we have received news that Rev. Orai Fujikawa has received his posting as the minister with the Salinas Buddhist Temple in California. Sensei’s work visa was approved last week and he and Mrs. Fujikawa will be moving to the States in January. Also please note the item regarding the IHOPE program. It will be up to each minister and temple to register for this program, but I would like to ask the temples in your understanding to allow the ministers to attend this program and to assist with their travelling expenses.

 

As the year comes to an end, may I wish all of you a very Peaceful Holiday Season and all the best in the coming year.

 

In Gassho,

Grant Ikuta, Bishop

Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada

 

Tannisho & Beginner's Mind Talks - Opportunities not to be missed!

(10-Dec-2011) The Tannisho is one of the most widely read works in Japanese Buddhism, known not only as a religious but literary classic. Compiled several decades after his death by a disciple named Yui-en, this work consists of 18 sections.

Reading the Tannisho is perhaps the most meaningful way for today's Shin Buddhists to touch the thought of Shinran Shonin, who founded the tradition in 13th century Japan.

Please join Ikuta Sensei in reading and discussing this Shin Buddhist classic on Thursdays, January 12 & 26, 7:30 – 8:30 at the Calgary Buddhist Temple.  

Special guest speaker, relationship counsellor and sex therapist, Mary-Jean Malyszka

February 9 - Opening into Beginner’s Mind

To view a situation with fresh eyes is to discover possibilities previously unseen.  Beginner’s mind allows for opinions, beliefs, and preconceptions to be put aside and a fresh creative intelligence to emerge.   We will play with ways to bring the experience of beginner’s mind into our daily lives.

February 16 - Rediscovering Relationships with Beginner’s Mind

Relationships can become predictable....it is likely we’ve all experienced that at one point or another.  While beneficial in many ways, this predictability can also narrow the range of ways of relating and lead to living within automatic assumptions.  By starting from a place of “I don’t know”, it is possible to see ourselves and those around us with a new awareness.  This new awareness can enliven and deepen both new and lifelong relationships to others as well as our relationship with our self.   Come ready to open your heart through beginner’s mind....Valentine chocolates included!

Toshi Koshi Time

(06-Dec-2011) Ring in the New Year with a family party at the temple. Traditional long noodles for long life followed by a short service and Kansho (big bell) ringing. Sangha are invited to participate in the ringing as the 108 imperfections are read off. For families with young children please come early to assist with the noodle making!

•  5:00 pm – Noodle preparation

•  6:00- 7:00 pm – eating for long life

•  7:30- 8:30 pm – Service and Kansho ringing

•  8:30 pm - ? – socialize with the Sangha

Mindful Retreat - Start the New Year in a sane frame of mind!

(06-Dec-2011) Had enough of the silly season with too much partying, eating and socializing?

If not, carry on, but if you are in need of a retreat to recharge and refresh, consider joining us for a short day of meditation, reflection and silence at the temple on Saturday, January 14.

Beginning at 9:00 am, there will be alternating periods of sitting (chair, bench or cushion) and walking meditation, a midday meal (vegetarian), cleaning meditation, exercise on gratitude awareness (all in silence) with departure at 4:00 pm.

Cost is $20/ person - Payment can be made via a donation envelope. Please print Retreat along with your name on the outside and drop in the donation box at the back of the temple by January 7, 2012. Participants limited to 15

To register please send a name and email address to:  calgarybuddhisttemple@gmail.com

 

New Year's Eve

(27-Oct-2011)  Fun for the whole family!  Get on your party hats and join us for Toshi Koshi Soba!

Join in making (and eating of course!) a traditional Japanese New Year’s noodle dish followed by a short service, bell ringing (108 times), a party and home by 10:00 pm so you can get up in time for the New Year’s Day service @ 2:00 pm!

It doesn’t get any better than this!

 

Night of Buddhist Chanting

(26-Sept-2011)  The Interfaith Network of Calgary is a group of different faiths seeking to understand and share in each others traditions. As a means to come together the IFNC will host a series of sessions beginning with a night of Buddhist chanting at the Calgary Buddhist Temple.

Everyone is invited to join us for an hour of informal chanting, commentary and insight into the ways and reasons for continuing this ancient tradition. The session will be on Thursday, Oct 6 at 7:30 pm.

 

Shamatha Meditation

(25-Sept-2011)  A Tibetan Buddhist group uses the space of the Temple and are inviting us to attend "A special meditation course will be offered on Fridays, October 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 7:00 pm -8:30 pm at the Calgary Buddhist Temple.  Shamatha Meditation training (Calm Abiding Meditation) will be conducted by Kusho Lobsang Dhamchoe, spiritual director of Gaden Samtenling Tibetan Meditation Society in Edmonton since 2000.

Kusho Lobsang Dhamchoe studied Buddhist philosophies for more than 30 years at Namgyal Monastery in India which is the Principle Monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Cost for the 4 sessions is $75."

 

Ministers and JSBTC Board Working Together

(23-Sept-2011)  Ministers from across Canada and the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada (JSBTC) Board members met last week, September 17-19, at the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta. We combined the semi-annual minister meeting on Thursday with the interim board meeting on Saturday. In between, we had a team-building workshop with everyone.

 

The meetings were terrific which should increase our productivity in the coming months. This was due to an excellent team-building workshop facilitated by Trudy Gahlinger, a Calgary Buddhist Temple member who led us through the team-building. And to the open-ness of all the ministers and the board members and the BTSA members who catered to our needs during a very busy week for them.

 

In order to work together we have to trust, respect, encourage and challenge each other. That is what we accomplished last week. A couple of the initiatives that are going to be happening are that we are working on a strategic plan that will help improve the ministers’ training requirements and retirement issues as well as setting up a teleconference line that the different committees and affiliated organizations (Ministers Association and Women’s Federation) can use to have teleconference meetings. And much more.

 

Thank you to MA Chair Rev. James, President Dave, Trudy, members of the BTSA and everyone who made this a memorable week and made us proud to be members of your board. We all hope we can continue to build on our progress. -David Major, JSBTC Secretary

 

JSBTC Day in Calgary - October 23, 2011

(21-Sept-2011) With school back into session, we are reminded that Fall is here and that the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada (JSBTC) Day is before us.

 

The JSBTC Day, held annually in October, marks the founding of this national organization that brings all Jodo Shinshu followers together in one group so we can draw on each other’s strength and wisdom. This organization was founded in October, 1974. It is the official organization by which the mother temple, the Nishi Hongwanji, supports the efforts of Jodo Shinshu followers in Canada.

 

JSBTC Day also gives us the opportunity to commemorate and express our gratitude to the pioneers and past members who were active in the propagation of Buddhism in Canada.

 

The selection of the service date to commemorate this occasion is flexible and will be announced separately for each temple. The donations received at the temples from this special JSBTC Day go toward the education of present and future ministers and other initiatives of the National Board. Indeed, without the support from contributors there would be a financial challenge for the Board to undertake programs.

 

Please note that, to be environmentally friendly, JSBTC Day Konshi envelopes have not been printed. Donations can be brought to the temple or cheques payable to JSBTC can be sent to: Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada 11786 Fentiman Place, Richmond, B.C. V7E 6M6

 

I am sure you will learn more about the significance of JSBTC Day by listening to your minister. We look forward to your attendance and support on this very special Day.

 

In Gassho,

Dave Ohori, President

 

Bishop Grant's message regarding JSBTC Day

 

Numata Chair - Inaugural Leslie S. Kawamura Memorial Lecture

(09-Sept-2011) The Numata Chair in Buddhist Studies presents The Inaugural Leslie S. Kawamura Memorial Lecture with Dr. Jonathan Silk, Leiden University, on "Toward a Meaningful Academic Study of Buddhism". Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 7:30pm Husky Oil Great Hall, Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary. POSTER

 

Omatsuri Festival Follow-up

(Sept-2011) The CJCA and the Calgary Buddhist church hosted the first outdoor Omatsuri festival in August 27th at Bridgeland-Riverside community Centre. It was organized in very traditional Japanese way that included demonstrations of marshal arts such as karate, kendo and Aikido as well as cultural performances of Taiko, Koto and Bon-odori. We also had Kintaro and Momotaro play performances

for children as well.

 

The fried noodle, Dharma dogs, squids, frozen fruits and drinks were all sold out by the end of the day. Handcrafted Japanese items, children's games and gifts, some of them were shipped directly from Japan were very popular among visitors. Many young people enjoyed sumo-wrestling matches in inflated costumes. People also enjoyed the Kimono fashion contest on the stage. We

finished the day with dancing traditional bon-odori. It was a beautiful summer day.

 

This was the first outdoor omatsuri here in Calgary and the responses were just overwhelming. We had, in our rough estimation, over 1200 people, many of them wearing Kimono, taking part in it. The organizers thank all of you who participated in it. You made a day!!

 

Summer "OBON" Festival

(17-June-2011) This Festival is a joint effort by the Calgary Buddhist Temple, the Canadian Japanese Community Association (CJCA), and the National Japanese Community Association (NJCA) to be held on Saturday, August 27 from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Bridgeland-Riverview Community Centre (917 Centre Avenue NE). Admission is FREE! Traditional foods, crafts, cultural displays, kid's activities, karaoke, sumo wrestling, martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, and more including "Bon Odori" (Dancing) for everyone to enjoy! 

 

Please note that Bon Odori is for EVERYONE!  You do not need previous experience; instructors will lead and guide the dance. All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun!  Bon Odori will be held between 1:30 & 3:00pm.

 

Schedule (as of Aug 20/11): 

11:00  am    Play “Peach Boy”  Momotaro

11:30  am    Calgary Aikikai 

12:00  pm   Hiro’s Judo Club 

12:30  pm   Introduction of Consulate General 

12:45  pm   Obon Odori / Kaede dance group 

01:30  pm   Calgary Kendo Club 

02:00  pm   Koto performance  

02:15  pm   Play “Goldon Boy”  Kintaro       

02:30  pm   CJCA   Renshikan Karate Club  

03:00  pm   Midnight Taiko Group 

03:30  pm   Onon Odori with Midnight Taiko Group

If you would like to volunteer and assist with this event, please contact Sensei James.

 

Family Picnic held June 19, 2011

(19-June-2011) Held at Edworthy Park in Calgary. "What a great picnic....so neat to see families and friends gather and enjoy food, games, sunshine, rain and dogs, Thanks to everyone who worked to make it work!" say Sensei James.  Pictures from the event courtesy of K. Madden (clicking on a picture below will enlarge and open the image in a new window)

 

       

 

Chanting - Back by Popular Demand

(27-May-2011) Just a short 'heads-up' to let everyone know that after the last 4 week series of chanting sessions proved so popular, we will again be meeting on Wednesday evenings in June to chant some more!  To wit: there will be another 4 session of Chanting Shoshinge and 'select' gathas starting June 1 - 22, Wednesday nights @ 7:30. As usual it will be fun and easy on the vocal chords!

 

Casino Fund-raiser - Aug 19 & 20, 2011 - Volunteers Needed!

(27-May-2011) We have been assigned our casino dates, they are:

 

Friday August 19 and Saturday August 20, 2011 at: Cash Casino – 4040 Blackfoot Trail

 

I am looking for volunteers for the 4 shifts, (2 shifts each day for 2 days)

The day shift runs from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm

The night shift is from 6:00 pm to 2:30 am

The positions we are required to fill in each shift are:

General or Alternate General Manager

Banker

2 Cashiers

2 Chip Runners

6 Count Room Staff (Night Shift only)

Please contact me if you can volunteer for any of these positions.

 

I hope that you can find a way to make time in your busy lives to help out the Temple with this very important fundraiser. This is the 3^rd casino I have coordinated, and I can happily report that the volunteer spirit within this community has always been so strong, that it has been a pleasure and a point of pride to be associated with it. 

 

Lastly, I encourage the young adults to consider volunteering. You are the ones that can suffer the late nights with no ill effects the following day, and just think of the countless hours that your parents have spent fundraising for your activities!

 

Thank you

Jean Masuda

Calgary Buddhist Temple Casino Coordinator

Email:  jmasuda@shaw.ca

 

Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Family Retreat 2011

(15-Apr-2011) May 21 to 23, 2011 at Manning Park, BC.  Open to everyone for fun, activities, lectures and workshops to promote fellowship within and between the various groups, families and ages attending.  This is a weekend of community sharing and learning.  Proudly sponsored by The Living Dharma Centre and hosted by the Vancouver Buddhist Temple.

Brochure for more information.

 

Laughter Yoga is Returning

(13-Apr-2011) With all the trouble in the world don’t you need a good laugh?  Wednesday evenings, May 4th – 25th (7:30-9:00) come out for a hoot and good old belly laugh! Fif and Hamish of Laughter Yoga Canada (http://www.laughteryoga-canada.org/) will once again lead us in discovering the positive effects of laughter. Improved state of mind and physical benefits are just two good reasons to take part. No experience necessary (although if you have laughed before it may help) and this is not Yoga that requires any level of fitness.

All 4 sessions $30 or $10/session

 

Japanese Film and Disaster Fund Raising Event

(23-Mar-2011) On Sunday, March 27, 2011 from 2-4 PM. Come and and show your support as well as watch Departures, an award winning film by Yojiro Takira, at the Central Library John Dutton Theatre.

 

Contributors: Calgary Buddhist Temple, Kinosmith Films, the Central Library and the Calgary Japanese Community Association.

 

All donations will go to the Japanese Disaster Fund via the Red Cross who will be onsite.

 

 

 

Beginning at the Beginning: Research on the Oldest Surviving Buddhist Manuscripts

(21-Mar-2011) Presented by the Numata Chair in Buddhist Studies at the University of Calgary, a free public lecture by Dr. Collett Cox, University of Washington, on Monday, April 4, 2011 7:30pm at the Calgary Buddhist Temple.  Poster

 

Global Calgary

(13-Mar-2011) Global News Hour about initiative at the Temple to raise funds and show metta to the people of Japan. 

 

Rev. Dr. Leslie Kawamura

(12-Mar-2011) It is with great sadness to announce the passing of KAWAMURA, Leslie Sumio August 7, 1935 - March 10, 2011 The Rev. Dr. Leslie Sumio Kawamura passed away in Calgary on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at the age of 75 years with his family present.

 

Ethical Investing

(16-Feb-2011) Our Board member, Rod Burylo, spoke at the Temple on Jan 19th about the best way to bring attention to your investments - 'Ethical Investing'. This is an example of 'Engaged Buddhism' in our real world.

Here is a vBlog entry from Chris Burylo on this topic - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpCjAhn_trA. Watch for further talks by Rod!

 

Inter-Faith Network of Calgary

(12-Jan-2011) "Ways We Worship" - you are invited to attend our JANUARY 2011 meeting at a Sunni Muslim venue. Friday, January 21 at 6:45pm. The venue is Al Madinah Islamic Centre,   5700 Falsbridge Dr NE.  (Directions: Go East on Mcknight Blvd to Falconridge Blvd NE (also 52nd Ave NE) Turn left/north. Take right exit to Falsbridge Dr. NE)

 

 

 

Ethical Investing - "Where Does The Money Go?"

(Updated 06-Jan-2011) You are invited to a presentation by Global Exempt Market Solutions! "Where Does The Money Go?" is a discussion on the topic of investing, ethics and social responsibility. At the Temple on Wednesday, Jan 19, 2011: 6:30pm refreshments; 7:00pm keynote presentation; and 8:00pm Q&A. Featuring Rod Burylo, international speaker, business author and Advisor of the Year Award winner.

 

 

Trudy Carries the Sangha with Her

(15-Dec-2010) Hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro raises $6,505.15! A big thank you to Trudy and everyone who donated to this 2010 fundraiser.