Placer Buddhist Church 3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663
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3月
113th
Year
THE PBC
BULLETIN
BCA THEME:
まことの人生を歩もう
LIVE A REAL LIFE
MAKOTO NO JINSEI WO AYUMOU
A Dharma Message
by Sensei Keith Kato
Sensei Keith Kato’s Tokudo Experience
This article is about my Tokudo experience in Kyoto, Japan. After many months of study and preparation for
Tokudo, which included 3 training sessions at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, 12 Americans and 1
Canadian finally flew to Japan on October 31st, Halloween Day. In order to overcome my anxiety, I kept saying
to myself…you are fortunate to be one of the chosen few, so relax and enjoy this experience of a lifetime. We
were so happy to land in Osaka after a 12-hour flight from San Francisco to the Kansai Airport. Our journey
began on a precarious note. As our group went through immigration, Robert Gabunco from Canada was stopped
and questioned about why he was here in Japan. The authorities inspected his luggage. To add insult to injury,
after Robert came out of the secured area, another plain-clothes security person questioned him again as to
what his business was in Japan. The only thing we could think of as to why this happened was Robert was
wearing a Navy hat which, I guess, made him look suspicious to the airport authorities.
We then drove in 2 vans from Osaka to Kyoto for 1½ hours. Because I get carsick easily, the drive was torture.
We finally arrived at the Hongwanji International Center…our first stop to allow us to get acclimated to life in
Japan. Thank goodness it was nighttime so that no one could see me hunched over in the bushes puking my
guts out…what a warm welcome to Japan. The international center is a 4-story building with no elevators. Within
the first hour there, 1 lady in our group badly sprained her ankle because of a misstep on the stairways. We did
not know if she could continue on for Tokudo, but thank goodness she was able to get around after a few days.
For those of us who roomed on the 3rd and 4th floors, it was a workout having to go up and down the stairs several
times a day. After a few days of this and eating vegetarian meals, I had already lost a few pounds.
On November 4th, we were transported to the compound called the Nishiyama Training Center, which would be
our home for the next 11 days. My Team Betsuin mates had warned me that the training would be tough. Little
did I know what boot camp was Hongwanji-style. After the registration, orientation, and settling into our dormlike rooms, we sat through the first of 16 lectures to be given during our stay. Each lecture took approximately
2-3 hours and on several days there were 2 lectures, 1 in the morning after breakfast and 1 in the afternoon after
lunch. The lectures covered among other things…basic ritual and etiquette, chanting, significance of Tokudo,
religion, funeral service, and teaching of Buddhism/Jodo Shinshu. Because of the physical and mental stress,
there were several afternoon sessions where I thought I would pass out in the afternoon because of the rigorous
schedule. Drinking the Japanese brand coffee “Boss” saved me on many afternoons.
A typical day began at 5:00 AM when I would get up to clean myself and dress. At 5:50 AM until 6:10 AM, our
group was responsible for cleaning up and getting ready the Taimensho Hall or “audience” hall (which also
doubled as our classroom) and the adjacent bathrooms and hallways. After that, we met for 20 minutes as a
group with our advisor and translator (Reverend Kuwahara from Berkeley) to go over the current day’s activities
and, with one of the Nishiyama Senseis, to go over any previous day’s issues and situations that may have
caused any problems. The training center has very high standards of conduct in which the Nishiyama senseis
were watching us with eagle eyes to make sure everyone was doing the tasks the Hongwanji way. Examples
included 1) being reminded to have our slippers situated the correct way in the hallway when not being used in
order to pay proper respect to the slippers which supported us during the day and 2) making sure we were
properly dressed at all times during all waking moments. Every day we attended morning services at 7:00 AM,
evening services at 4:30 PM, and bedtime services at 7:30 PM. Each group, of which there were 6 groups in
total, was responsible for conducting several services. Our group was responsible for conducting 3 services.
`
(continued)
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Whenever we sat in the hondo, we were required to sit with our backs straight. The service would typically last
1 hour because the Nishiyama senseis were critiquing the group conducting the service. This meant stopping
every time someone made a mistake during the chanting. To our shock, the senseis were screaming at the
individuals, with many of the participants 60 and older. Despite being taken aback and really feeling sorry for
these people, we were told that this was the Hongwanji way. After the third day, I was taking Aleve for the
duration of my stay in order to relieve my backache. During breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we were required to
set up our cafeteria-like table with all the dishes laid out for everyone in our group before we ate. We could not
eat until approximately all 80 of us were there, properly dressed, and accounted for. Unfortunately, I held up a
lunch session because I had forgotten my wagesa in the cafeteria. The wagesa is what we wear around the
neck. It was a very humbling experience. We ate in silence during the 10 minutes given to us for each meal. I
suspect the quiet allowed us to appreciate the food we ate and clear our cluttered minds. We had to dress in
the proper attire depending on what function we attended. On top of all of this, we had to make sure the robes
not worn or accessories not used were properly folded and placed in our “personal robe” boxes. Nishiyama
senseis made daily inspections of our boxes and if your box did not meet their standards, you were identified by
group number/box number during the mealtime and asked to redo your box. Towards the end of each day, we
had a hot Japanese bath and went to sleep at 10:30 PM. I never fully appreciated a Japanese-style bath until
the Tokudo training.
During our free time in the evenings after the bedtime services, we studied for and took the 7-part exam called
kadai. As I had mentioned in a prior Dharma talk, the kadai included:
-
memorizing and correctly pronouncing in Japanese the various hymns by Shinran Shonin, our founder
-
correctly pronouncing in Japanese the Gobunsho which are letters from Rennyo Shonin
-
knowing the altar adornments on the onaijin and the proper forms of oshoko (or incense offering)
-
correctly folding the robe and gojo-gesa
Also, we were required to take 2 written tests…one BEFORE we started the lectures so that the training center
could see what we knew going in and one AFTER we completed all the lectures so that the training center could
see how we progressed. I am happy to report that all 13 of us successfully passed the kadai and 2 written tests.
However during this ordeal, 1 person in our group unfortunately suffered a mental meltdown but, to her credit,
she persevered and eventually passed.
After completing the kadai, we then participated in the Tokudo Ordination Ceremony conducted by Otani Kojunsama, the newly-installed 25th monshu at the Goeido (Founder’s Hall) in the spectacular Nishi Hongwanji
complex. For me, this was the highlight of our trip. The tokudo group went through 4 rehearsals for the Tokudo
Ordination so that we would be mindful in doing it correctly and, more importantly, not embarrass the Nishiyama
Training Center. To our collective relief, the ceremony concluded without any hitch. However, we froze due to
the chilly night air. Next morning, we were treated to a delicious breakfast in the inner chambers of the Nishi
Hongwanji, where Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the first ruler to control all of Japan during the late 1500’s, greeted special
guests. The food was served in black and red lacquered dishes and plates as part of the exquisite place-setting
valued at $1,000. After the breakfast, we paid a visit to Meichodo Hall at the Otani Mausoleum which is the final
resting place for Shinran Shonin’s ashes. Erected along both sides of the Meichodo Hall are the gravesites of
successive Hongwanji monshu’s and their wives. We were all profoundly moved as we stood on the sacred
grounds of our founder, Shinran Shonin.
After going through all this and reflecting back, there were four things I had taken away from my Tokudo
experience:
1) as one wise person told me, what you get out of an experience is dependent upon how much effort you
put into it…therefore, the more difficult the effort, the more-rewarding the achievement
2) have a greater appreciation of the Nishi Hongwanji and Shin Buddhism and the roles they play in the
Buddha-Dharma of A) Wisdom or Impermanence…as it relates to the teaching of enjoying every moment
of our ever-fleeting lives, and B) Compassion or Interdependence…as it relates to people who have, and
things which have, always supported us throughout our lives
3) have a deeper awareness of just how wonderful our way of life is in America…so to all of you, please do
not take your lifestyles for granted, and
4) to not have any fear and be open-minded in experiencing things outside our comfort zone so that we may
not have any regrets later in life
In closing, let us always be aware that life is so impermanent and constantly changing. Three months have
passed and my Tokudo experience now seems like a dream. I could not have done all this on my own efforts.
I realize that I have always been dependent upon so many people who have encouraged me and helped me,
not just for Tokudo, but throughout my life’s journey. Though words are grossly inadequate at this time…from
my Dharma heart to all of those people and organizations who have supported me during my Tokudo journey, I
share my deepest gratitude by saying “thank you so very much.”
In gassho…
Dharma School News
Special thanks to the following:
 Rev. Patti Oshita, Sensei Keith Kato, and Sensei Tadao Koyama for their relevant Dharma
messages during the month of January
 Sensei Keith had the double duty of installing the PBC officers, and Sensei Tadao had to
conduct his first Pet Memorial Service
 All the Dharma School families and Taiko families for assisting with the New Year's dinner and
for the memorial service for Richard Ayala
 Donald and Joanie Hamasaki for the box of tea, candies, and cookies for the Coffee Klatch
 Rev. Peter Inokoji-Kim and his wife, Aileen Okimoto, for their $200 donation to Dharma School.
Both are still taking their time unpacking and adjusting to retirement. Every day, they are
enjoying the beauty of Orcas Island. So far they have had only two cold snaps this winter. Both
wish all of us at PBC the very best.
FYI – the Dharma School sent $108 to the BCA, which was collected from the "Loose Change" bottle.
Looking ahead to March:
 March 1st
March Monthly Memorial Service with Sensei Grace Hatano
 March 8th
Regular Dharma Service with Rev. Patti Oshita
 March 15th
Spring Equinox (Ohigan) with Sensei Kelvin Mark
 March 22
Regular Dharma Service with Rev. Patti Oshita
 March 29th
Regular Dharma Service with Rev. Yuki Sugahara
nd
Ohigan
Twice each year during the Spring and Fall Equinox,
Shin Buddhists observe
Ohigan. Since the weather is mild, not too hot or too cold, it is a time to listen to the Dharma messages and
reflect and be grateful. Although Ohigan is a Japanese word meaning “to go across to the other shore,” it is
based on the Sanskrit word Paramita meaning the "other shore." The Six Paramitas are said to be the
gateway to entering Nirvana or enlightenment. During this time, our thoughts should turn to harmony in
Nature. Nature is pointing out the Middle Path of the Buddha.
As Shin Buddhists, we should have complete trust in Amida Buddha's Primal Vow to take us safely across to
the "other shore." When we awaken to Amida Buddha's Wisdom and Compassion, we express our
thankfulness in the words, Namo Amida Butsu. Observing Ohigan is another opportunity to have a firm basis
in the Buddha-Dharma.
Placer Buddhist Women’s Association
News
The PBWA news focuses on future events and activities, while also highlighting significant past events.
President Isabel Meyer called the February 1, 2015 PBWA meeting to order at 11:05 AM. Michi Mitani led us in
gassho.
Membership
 PBWA is pleased to welcome four new members: Diane Nishimoto of Carmichael; Keiko Yoshikawa of
Roseville; and Carolyn DeShaye and Carol Nishimoto, both of Sacramento.
 Reminder: 2015 PBWA membership dues were due by February 28th, but we will gladly continue to accept
them. Please send to PBWA, c/o Yvonne Yoshikawa or Amy Takemoto. Dues are $5 for those turning 80
and above in 2015 and $10 for those under 80.
Activities
 Mochi sales. PBWA’s share of net receipts from mochi sales in December 2014 totaled $1,430.15. This
amount was donated to PBC’s Building Fund.
 New Year’s Party. With many people pitching in to help, PBWA prepared 282 bento boxes for the January
18th party, including 17 that were delivered to PBC members as part of the Tomodachi Bento effort. As usual,
the food in the bentos was delicious, plentiful (the boxes contained 17 different items), and beautiful. Special
thanks to the following for their donations:
Bob Kozaiku, Dorothy Markowitz, Walt Matsuoka, Haruye Yamamoto: Taro root
Haruye Yamamoto: Oranges
Shizuko Nakamura: Kombu
Grace Yoshikawa: Tsukemono
Masayuki Mihara: Mandarin oranges
 Senior Program. The next Senior Program will feature Bingo on March 5th from 10-12. Please join us!
 Relay for Life (April 11-12). PBWA members, along with PBC members, will participate in the 2015 Relay
for Life of Loomis Basin, April 11th and 12th. To be held at Loomis Grammar School, this organized, overnight
community fundraising walk benefits the American Cancer Society. See details elsewhere in this bulletin.
 PBC Golf Tournament. PBWA will contribute $200 towards the PBC golf tournament on May 2nd.
PBWA will sponsor one tee for $100 and donate $100 to be applied to the cost of the program.
Next PBWA Meeting:
March 1st, 11:00 am (after service)
March Toban:
Rocklin/Roseville
2015 PBWA Toban Schedule
Lincoln/Penryn:
January, May, October
Loomis:
February, June/July, November
Rocklin/Roseville:
March, August, December
Auburn/Newcastle:
April, September
Member Spotlight –
By Joyce Parks
As one of PBC’s most senior
members, Tsugie “Rose” Takemoto
is still going strong at age 99. Until a couple years
ago when she sustained injuries from a fall, Rose
was an institution at Main Drug Store in Loomis
where she assisted her son Gordon and his wife
JoAnn in their long-time pharmacy business. Every
morning, Rose could be seen sweeping the sidewalk
in front of the store and greeting customers
throughout the day as they walked in. Although she
spends most of her time at her home these days with
daughter Irene and son-in-law Gary Okusako, Rose
remains as vibrant and engaged as ever with family,
community, and church. In her spare time, Rose
enjoys visits from friends and family; reading;
watching TV; and doing word searches/puzzles from
the newspaper.
With help from her dedicated
caregiver Tina, she is able to live independently in
her own home.
Rose was born on January 18, 1916 to the family of
Fusakichi Dairiki of Penryn, owners of the Dairiki and
Company grocery store. The family resided in the
back of the grocery store and Rose worked in the
family business while attending school.
Rose
attended Penryn Grammar School and graduated
from Placer High School in Auburn in June, 1934.
Sadly, on November 17, 1981, at the age of 67,
Hiroshi Takemoto passed away suddenly. After 41
wonderful years together Rose was determined to
persevere. Fortunately, their son Gordon had
already completed his degree as a pharmacist at
UOP and took over the family business, with Rose
remaining as involved as ever.
On July 30, 1940 Rose married Hiroshi Takemoto
and moved to Sacramento where she worked at the
Main Hotel, owned by her parents. On October 4,
1941, Rose and Hiroshi’s first child Jean, was born.
A year later, the family was forced to relocate to Tule
Lake. On July 16, 1944, after relocating to Rohwer,
Arkansas, they had their second child, Gordon. With
two children in tow, the family went to Jerome,
Arkansas, and finally to Amache, Colorado, where
they remained for the duration of the internment.
Today, Main Drug is viewed by many as the heart
and soul of Loomis – the hub of a community with
small town character but with a big heart. Rose, in
partnership with her son and daughter-in-law, is
committed to maintaining that role and ensuring that
her husband’s dream lives on. In 1986 Rose was
honored by the Loomis community as “Mother of the
Year” in their Mother’s Day Parade.
Once the government allowed families to be
released from the internment camps, the Takemoto
family returned to Penryn in 1945, and Hiroshi “Doc”
Takemoto opened up Main Drug Store in Loomis at
the southwest corner of Taylor Road and Horseshoe
Bar Road. Rose worked side-by-side with her
husband even after their third child, Irene, was born
on February 11, 1951. Together, they established a
successful business by working long hours and
supporting the community in various ways. Like so
many Japanese–American families returning home
after the war, there were difficulties to overcome in
re-establishing a livelihood in Placer County.
When asked recently about her secret to longevity,
it came as no surprise that Rose answered: “hard
work, positive outlook, and loving support from
family, friends, and community.”
2015 PBC annual membership dues are now due $150/single; $300/couple
If you haven’t already done so, please send your payment to:
Placer Buddhist Church,
3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663
2015 New Year’s Party
Thanks to a large team of volunteer workers who donated countless hours to the
PBC, this year’s New Year’s Party was another big success. Roughly 250 members and guests attended
the event which followed the PBC’s monthly Board Meeting and installation of new officers.
Behind the scenes, volunteers worked tirelessly for days to plan, cook, and assemble the traditional
Japanese food served in bento boxes; set-up tables; and decorate the room. This year, each bento box
featured 17 individual food items, all prepared from scratch and beautifully presented. Volunteers also
delivered bento boxes as part of Tomodachi Bento.
The festivities began with a welcome by PBC’s current president, Richard Kawahata. He introduced Ms.
Kuniko Mizuiri, who began the entertainment portion of the program with her performance of the “Ginbu,”
an ancient Japanese dance set to music. Traditionally, the Ginbu is performed only on special occasions
such as New Year’s or Shogatsu.
(continued)
(2015 New Year’s Party continued)
After giving the Shokuzen no Gassho, Sensei Koichi Mizushima, Minister’s Assistant from the Sacramento
Betsuin introduced his very talented 10-year-old daughter Ellie who delighted the audience by singing a
number of modern duets with her father. She also sang several solos in both English and Japanese.
Accompanying them was Sensei’s father, Mr. Henry Mizushima, who sang backup and played
instrumentals.
After members and guests enjoyed the delicious food and festivities, President Richard Kawahata
personally thanked all those who so generously gave of their time not only to this event but to PBC
throughout the year, and concluded by giving special recognition to the following individuals:
 Sensei Keith Kato and his wife Shirley. Sensei Kato is a Minister’s Assistant from the Sacramento
Betsuin.
 New Year’s Party Co-Chairmen: Ron Kawahata and Ed Nakamoto
 PBWA Tri-Presidents: Isabel Meyer, Fusae Miyamoto, and Shizuko Strom
 New PBC Members: Rodney Imai, Tori Mulvaney, Karen Takayama, Jane McNally, Annette
O’Donnell, and John Yoshikawa
 Dharma School Superintendent: Michi Mitani
 Dharma School Teachers: Bob Meyer, Isabel Meyer, and Kathy Itow
 Staff Gardener: Richard Kawahata
 Building Maintenance Team: Nob Nimura, Ron Kawahata, and Gustavo Ibanez
 Public Address System Coordinator: Eddie Nishikawa
 Church Organist: Sumiko Tenma
 PBWA Kitchen Stewardesses: Haruye Yamamoto and Martha Kubo
 Calligraphy Decorations: Tom Hirota
 Flower Arrangement Coordinator: Fusae Miyamoto
 Naijin: Shizuko Strom
 Donation of Mandarin Oranges: Masayuki Mihara
Scholarships for
2015 High School Graduates
Placer Buddhist Church has two scholarships available for students graduating from high school for the
2015 year. The scholarships are:
1) Placer Buddhist Church Scholarship
2) Reiko & Hisatoshi Tamaribuchi Memorial Scholarship
The scholarships are for students who will be attending an accredited four-year university or community
college. Church members should encourage their children to apply for the scholarships. Please contact
Rich Kawahata at (916) 316-4069 for application information.
Taiko Drumbeat
Meet Kenji Takahashi-Rial
Kenji
Takahashi-Rial first got
involved in Taiko approximately 10 years ago,
when he was only 7 years old. He is an
enthusiastic musician who enjoys creating
songs with his friends and performing with
them. In addition to being a Placer Ume Taiko
member, he also plays at Sacramento Taiko
Dan.
Kenji’s most memorable performance was
playing in Sacramento Taiko Dan’s 25th
Anniversary Concert and playing an odaiko solo
with Grandmaster Seichi Tanaka. This was
especially memorable because Grandmaster
Tanaka was the one who brought Taiko from
Japan to America and is a celebrity in the Taiko
community
In addition to Taiko, Kenji also played
saxophone for four years, from ages 10-14.
Kenji is the son of Susan Takahashi and David
Rial and has an older sister, Sachi. Currently in
the 12th grade at Mira Loma High School, Kenji
established a Taiko Club at that school.
Apart from Taiko, Kenji enjoys going to the gym and
likes playing Super Smash Bros. video game.
After high school, Kenji hopes to get into a good
college, major in computer science, and continue
playing Taiko. After college, he’s excited to see what
opportunities will be there for him. One thing is certain
-- a bright future awaits this well-rounded young man.
***********************************************
Relay for Life 2015
The Loomis Basin Relay for Life will be held April 11th and 12th at the Loomis
Grammar School at the corner of Taylor and King Roads. This will be the fifth year that the PBC has participated
in the Relay for Life. This 24-hour event helps communities celebrate the lives of people who have battled
cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.
The PBWA for the past 4 years has supported and organized the decoration of the luminarias. On the evening
of April 12th, the lighted luminaria bags (each bearing the name of someone who has battled cancer) will be
placed along the track. Some celebrate cancer survivors, while others help us honor and remember those
gone too soon. The decoration of the luminaria bags is tentatively scheduled for March 15th after Dharma
School. The suggested donation to the American Cancer Society is $10.
This year the PBC team will also work with survivors and caregivers. They will assist in the education of
survivors and caregivers about the Society's cancer prevention, detection, and support services.
For further information please contact Helene Nakamura at 916-412-9637. You can also register on line
at www.relayforlife.org/loomisbasinca or you may register in person on the day of the Relay. Be sure to sign
up for the PBC team. There is no charge for registration.
Mark Your Calendar and Save the Date
April 2015
March 2015
1
5
Monthly Memorial Service
Pancake Breakfast
PBWA Meeting
Senior Program - Bingo
8
Dharma School
15
Spring Ohigan Service
22
Dharma School
29
Pre-Hanamatsuri Cleanup
Dharma School
PBWA Meeting
Our church is 113 years old.
Thank you for being a part of
this Temple and for keeping
the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist
Religion in your heart.
2
Trip to Daffodil Hill and
Jackson Rancheria
5
April Monthly Memorial Service
Hanamatsuri Service
PBWA Mini Food Bazaar
Relay for Life
11-12
12
Dharma School
19
Dharma School
26
Dharma School
Reno Howakai